Isn’t it frustrating when wealthy people throw around the word “cheap”? Especially when they’re joking—but not really joking. Here’s a story for you: I was hanging out with my golf buddy, Greg. He’s a decent guy but comes off a bit much sometimes with his $20 million fortune.
So, Greg and I were catching up, and he asked if I wanted to grab coffee. I declined since coffee upsets my stomach and I was waiting for a colleague anyway. Greg’s response? “Of course not, you’re so cheap!” He said it in jest, but we all know every joke has a hint of truth, and being called cheap is no laughing matter to me.
Take our golfing days, for instance. Greg goes for those $20 Titleist Pro V balls, while I stick with the $8 Pinnacles. Sure, they’re not top shelf, but hey, I’m not aiming for the pro league, and honestly, neither is Greg. Despite that, I’m the one who usually scores better. So, who’s really making the smarter purchase here?
And when it comes to vacations, Greg loves flaunting his trips to Bora Bora, flying private and staying at luxurious resorts. Meanwhile, I’m chilling on a staycation, which might not sound as glamorous, but we make the best of what we have and still have a blast.
What really gets to me is how Greg jokes about my spending habits. To him, splurging on a $5 latte is nothing, but for me, it’s not just about the money—it literally makes me sick. Growing up, my family only drank water at restaurants, avoiding overpriced drinks. They instilled in me the value of money and the importance of health over indulgence.
I also don’t get people who line up at Starbucks twice a day. Time is money, and you won’t catch me wasting either. And those over 30 spending $15 on a vodka tonic? You could buy a whole bottle for $20 and make drinks at home. I’d rather invest in things like good shoes that prevent injuries, reliable electronics, or delicious, rare fruits—now those are worth my money.
People spend differently, and that’s okay. But calling someone cheap because they don’t value what you do is just plain ignorant. Maybe next time Greg calls me cheap, I’ll challenge him to a $100 bet per hole on the golf course—turn his joke around and maybe make a few bucks in the process.
The bottom line is, manage your money wisely. Don’t let anyone’s comments make you doubt your financial choices, especially if they’re not walking in your shoes.
