People who grew up with extremely frugal parents often display these 7 behaviors as adults

Growing up with super frugal parents can leave a lasting impact, and it often shows in how we act as adults.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Frugality isn’t a bad thing. It teaches us the value of money and the importance of saving. But for some, the penny-pinching ways of their childhood can manifest in their adult behaviors.

And it’s interesting to note, folks who’ve grown up with extremely frugal parents seem to share some common habits.

Here are seven behaviors you might recognize if you were raised by parents who pinched every penny. And don’t worry – we’ll keep things light and conversational, just like catching up over a cup of coffee.

1) They have a knack for saving

If there’s one thing that frugal parents excel in, it’s saving money. They know every trick in the book to keep every cent they can. And guess what? This habit often rubs off on their children.

Growing up with frugal parents means you’ve probably been witness to countless instances of money-saving strategies. Whether it was clipping coupons, haggling at yard sales, or turning off lights in unused rooms, these habits tend to stick.

So it’s no surprise that as adults, those raised by penny-pinching parents often have an uncanny ability to save money. They know how to stretch a dollar and get the most out of what they have.

But remember, this isn’t about being stingy. It’s about understanding the value of money and making smart decisions about how to use it.

2) They’re a whiz at budgeting

If you grew up like I did, with parents who tracked every penny spent, you’ll know all about budgeting.

I remember my mom sitting at the kitchen table every Sunday night with a stack of receipts, a pen, and a notebook. She meticulously logged each purchase and balanced it against our family’s budget. It seemed like such a chore back then, but as an adult, I now realize the value of her diligence.

As adults, many of us who had extremely frugal parents find ourselves following in their footsteps. We’re not just good at budgeting—we’re experts. We know how to allocate our income to cover necessities, savings, and even a little fun.

We’ve learned that having a budget isn’t restrictive. Instead, it gives us the freedom to enjoy our money without worrying about overspending. And we have our frugal parents to thank for that valuable lesson.

3) They tend to avoid debt

It’s no secret that debt can be a significant burden. High interest rates and the constant worry of repayment can add unnecessary stress to our lives. However, those raised by frugal parents often have a different approach when it comes to owing money.

Avoiding debt, where possible, gives you financial freedom and security. It’s a behavior that often stems from having frugal parents and can set you up for success later in life.

4) They appreciate the value of things

Growing up with frugal parents often means learning to make do with what you have and to appreciate the value of things. This isn’t just about knowing the monetary worth. It’s about understanding the time, effort, and resources that go into making a product or providing a service.

As children, we might have rolled our eyes when our parents insisted on repairing a broken item instead of buying a new one. But as adults, we see the wisdom in their ways.

We’re more likely to take care of our belongings, to maintain them properly, and to use them until they’re truly worn out. This attitude not only saves money but also contributes to a more sustainable way of living.

5) They can feel guilty about spending

While frugality can teach us valuable lessons about money management, it can sometimes leave us with a lingering sense of guilt when we do decide to spend on non-essentials.

I remember the first time I bought a designer handbag. I’d saved for months, and I was thrilled with my purchase. But a part of me couldn’t shake off the feeling of guilt. I kept thinking about what my parents would say, or how many groceries that money could have bought.

Even now, making significant purchases often comes with a side of guilt, even when they’re well within my budget. It’s a behavior that many of us who grew up with extremely frugal parents might relate to.

It’s not always easy to shake off the lessons from our past, but it’s important to remember that it’s okay to treat ourselves once in a while.

6) They are resourceful

Resourcefulness is a common trait among those who grew up with extremely frugal parents. When money is tight, creativity often needs to step in. Whether it’s repurposing old items, DIY repairs, or finding innovative ways to stretch a meal, frugality breeds resourcefulness.

As adults, this resourcefulness can be an incredible asset. It can help us navigate tough financial situations, solve problems in unique ways and make the most out of what we have. It’s a behavior that stems from necessity but can become a lifelong habit that serves us well in all aspects of life.

7) They understand the difference between needs and wants

Possibly the most crucial lesson we learn from frugal parents is the difference between needs and wants. It’s an understanding that goes beyond mere definitions. It’s about recognizing that while our wants can give us momentary happiness, our needs are what sustain us.

This understanding often guides our decisions as adults. We tend to prioritize our needs over our wants, ensuring we have our bases covered before indulging in luxuries.

This behavior is not about denying ourselves pleasures, but about making informed decisions that contribute to our long-term financial health and stability.

Final thoughts: It’s a lifelong impact

The behaviors we exhibit in adulthood are often a reflection of our upbringing. Having frugal parents can certainly instill lasting impressions that shape our approach to money management.

A quote from the famous American author, Mark Twain, comes to mind: “The lack of money is the root of all evil.” This could be a mantra for folks who grew up with frugal parents. They’ve seen how fiscal discipline can prevent financial stresses and provide a sense of security.

But ultimately, it’s not just about saving pennies and avoiding debt. It’s about understanding the value of money, being resourceful, and making informed decisions. It’s about distinguishing between wants and needs.

Growing up with extremely frugal parents might have its quirks, but it can also equip us with valuable skills and habits that serve us well throughout our lives.

So next time you find yourself feeling guilty about a splurge or fixing something instead of throwing it away, remember this: these behaviors are not just habits. They are lessons learned from a childhood of frugality. And they might just be your ticket to financial security and independence.