I prefer the label of "thrifty" or "efficient" to cheap. Cheap has a qualitative judgement to it. Also, it is conservative in the true sense of the word. My kids chide me because I carry my own insulated drinking glass wherever I go and ask to use it for sodas and coffee drinks. they think it is all about me saving 10 cents, but I just like the fact that I save one use of a styrofoam, plastic, or paper cup (10 cents off is a bonus, I'll admit). On the other hand, on ertain purchases, I'll pay more for an item where the quality of the item purchased at the higher price is actually a savings over the duration of the use of the item, in other words, it is sometimes cost effective to pay for the higher priced item cause it saves you money in the long run. A truly cheap person just bases decisions on price.

Why do I have to waste my time outwitting morons?