Is it possible to be too cheap? I really put it to the test with this hotel experience. I reserved a hotel room at the cheapest place in Bismarck and nothing turned out as planned. The story is in the video, but here are some advantages to being cheap.
- Saving Money – I had to put this one in there. This time, being cheap almost cost me a lot, but I ended up spending three nights in Bismarck for $50/night. Also it, only cost me half the mileage. This saved the Dakotas UMC roughly $400.
- Practiced Dependence – I have a tendency to not want to depend on anyone for anything. It’s fine if people depend on me, but I find it unnerving. That’s not healthy…especially as a Christian. When I’m cheap and car pool or share a room, I am choosing to depend on someone else. This is humbling for me and shows respect for the value of others.
- I Look Green – I tend to walk or ride my bike often around town instead of driving. I keep the thermostat low in the winter and high in the summer. I don’t buy much so I produce little garbage. You might think I’m an environmental fanatic, but I’m actually just cheap.
- Learned Contentment – There’s a lot of pressure to always want more or new. I can walk through a store and only pick up the items on my list. I can go onto Amazon and not buy anything. I can put up with what I have even if it’s worn or dated. I think this is being content.
As long as cheapness is not tied to greed, I think it is mostly positive. If you want to cure greed, I encourage you to tithe to a church.