Thrifty or Cheap? What's in a Name?

If you look up the definition of "thrifty" in a dictionary, it'll state something along the lines of "wisely economical" or "diligent in using resources." Yet the lexicon definition of "cheap" is typically "stingy" or "miserly." I, for one, take discourtesy at the distinction. When I was a child in scouting, being thrifty was a primary virtue. It looks as though thrifty children are considered levelheaded, but when they turn up, they're considered cheap and stingy.
While I prefer to believe of myself as thrifty, others comprehend me as cheap. I be given to believe of those folks as foolish and extravagant. I, for one, don't believe that I need the up-to-the-minute electronics the minute they hit the market. You won't happen me paying a insurance premium terms on eBay for an X-Box 360 when I cognize that I'll be able to get one at a fraction of the cost in a few months' time.
Speaking of eBay, it can be a great topographic point to happen bargains. When it come ups to auto parts, for example, I always check eBay first. Why pass the money at a car dealership or auto parts shop when you can happen it for less on eBay?
The cell phones I've purchased are functional and link me to the individual I desire to speak to. Okay, to be honest, I've never actually purchased a cell phone. I wait for a company to offer me a free phone as a fillip for sign language up to their service. A friend of mine paid $300 for a phone exactly like the 1 I'm using now that I got for free. Not to rub it in, but he's bought two other phones since then, while my freebie is still working like a charm.
When everyone began to switch over from movie to digital cameras, I thought long and hard. When I looked at the numbers, it quickly became evident that digital photographic cameras more than paid for themselves by economy on the cost of film, movie developing and printing. However, I didn't run out and by a $1,000 digital photographic camera right away. Knowing that the terms of new engineering come ups down in a matter of months, I patiently waited until I could happen a digital photographic camera at a terms with which I was comfortable.
Whether I'm in the market for camcorders, clothing, jewelry, electronics, or gifts, I watch my pennies. Over time, those pennies turn into dollars. As an adult, I prefer to go on to believe of myself in virtuous terms - as person who's thrifty, not cheap.