People Who Were Raised by Extremely Frugal Parents Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say

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People Who Were Raised by Extremely Frugal Parents Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade.
People grow up with a range of financial means, and parents may have different ways of managing money. Some families are frugal. We asked one psychologist for her two cents on the term, and she shares that it's not a synonym for "cheap.""Frugal and cheap are not at all the same thing," clarifies , a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "Frugal means to be careful with your money. People who are frugal avoid wasteful spending and make thoughtful choices. They don't always buy the cheapest thing—they consider the value and longevity of the item."She defines "cheapness" as something that suggests "corner-cutting, stinginess and not spending when maybe you need to."Understanding how a upbringing affects you in adulthood can provide valuable insights into your relationship with money, yourself and others."We can reflect and decide whether we wish to continue the legacy inherited or chart a new path," Dr. Deborah Vinall, Psy.D., LMFT, the chief psychological officer with Recovered.org, tells Parade.So, if you think this applies to you (or maybe you're curious if it does), we have 12 who were raised by extremely frugal parents below. Plus, how to make sure you spend your money based on your own values.Related:
12 Common Traits of Adults Raised by 'Extremely Frugal' Parents, Psychologists Reveal
1. They're responsible
A frugal upbringing can pay dividends in the long term when these kids grow into responsible adults."People raised by frugal parents... tend to plan ahead—not just with money but in other areas of life as well, because they were taught that resources should be managed intentionally, including time, energy, expertise and income," Dr. MacBride says. "Frugal parents often raise careful decision-makers who weigh options thoughtfully rather than rushing into choices."
2. They don't take financial risks
This one can be a pro or a con, depending on how risk-averse a person is."Playing the lotto, entering raffles, even investment portfolios can feel irresponsible to those raised to value saving money," Dr. Vinall shares. "This may limit them in pursuing goals, such as taking loans for higher education or starting a business."
3. They're solid negotiators
Adults with frugal parents may become savvy self-advocates and people valued during contract negotiations in the workplace."Children of frugal parents may become good at making arguments and become good negotiators because they may need to justify their purchases and discern between wants and needs," reports Dr. Kim Arrington, Psy.D., a psychologist with Hackensack University Medical Center.
4. They have delayed gratification skills
A one-click buy encourages instant gratification. However, people raised in thrifty homes may not even give themselves the option."Frugal households model and teach putting off immediate pleasures in favor of long-term goals, like not buying the coffee at the chain coffee shop and splurging on a great coffee maker at home," Dr. MacBride explains. "As adults, these individuals are often able to resist impulse purchases and focus on bigger priorities."
5. They feel guilty for spending on themselves
The dark side of conscious spending is that it can go too far and cause shame spirals for treating yourself, even to something you want, had the money for and will use."Self-indulgence feels immoral when you're raised with a strict code of frugality," Dr. Vinall warns. "At extremes, it may also be internalized as a message about one's own value, so that they don't feel worthy of spending money on themselves."
6. They're rich in resourcefulness
Thrifty parents can raise thrifty, economical kids."Growing up in a frugal home means the family taught how and went to stretch a budget— repurpose something or creatively solve a problem before spending money," Dr. MacBride shares. "This trait also teaches kids to think flexibly and stretch their imagination, which translates into all kinds of areas later on."Bonus: It also makes these adults Mother Nature's golden children."Learning to reuse, repair and repurpose counters attitudes of disposability," Dr. Vinall points out.Related:
7. They value safety
Dr. MacBride reports that frugality can foster a sense of safety because there's enough in safety for emergencies, reducing financial stress and helping families avoid debt."Children raised in these households may grow up to be adults motivated by needing to feel secure, which shows up in their savings habits," she says.
8. Financial decisions make them anxious
When the desire for financial security becomes excessive, it can become mentally destabilizing."They may experience anxiety when making financial decisions," Dr. Vinall says. "Strict frugality sends a message that saving is moral and spending is wrong or risky, which leads to stress."
9. They're grateful
The intention behind frugal parents' purchasing choices can teach children to become adults who consider gratitude a golden virtue."Children who are taught to be thoughtful about spending can develop the ability to be grateful, not just for the money, but other good things in life, too," Dr. MacBride shares. "They are less likely to take things for granted and more attuned to the difference between needs and wants."
10. They're givers
Adults who grew up in frugal families often internalize the adage that it's "better to give than to receive.""Children of frugal parents learn that giving to others can feel rewarding, because if you can save more, you can give more," Dr. Arrington notes.
11. They're content with what they have
Dr. Vinall says that adults who grew up with parents who put thought into their finances are often less consumed by a need for "stuff."Growing up without being indulged in every desire reduces entitlement and materialism while cultivating contentment with less," Dr. Vinall shares. "This contentment allows for greater inner peace."
12. They prioritize relationships
Since these adults are less materialistic, they often invest more in connection with others."In my experience, parents who are frugal often demonstrate through their behavior that relationships with others and experiences take priority over having material things," Dr. Arrington reports.Related:
3 Values-Based Financial Tips
If you grew up with extremely frugal parents, yet you feel like maybe you're still lacking in the financial literacy department, our psychologists share some good values-based financial tips. So whether you are avoidant with your bank account or you want your spending to reflect your values, we have some good advice for you below
1. Develop financial self-awareness
Money is complicated and emotional."Many people feel anxiety or shame about money and cope by ignoring their bank accounts or avoiding budgeting altogether," Dr. MacBride says. "Yet, avoidance fuels anxiety—it doesn't reduce it."She suggests having routine check-ins about money—even taking 15 minutes to review your spending or check your account balance can provide golden nuggets of perspective."Over time, this builds a sense of agency," she explains. "Money becomes something you manage—not something that manages you."
2. Identify your financial values
Dr. Vinall explains that financial values are an extension of our core values. "We spend on what matters most to us," she states. "This might include stability, hospitality, generosity, adventure or other ideals."To find your financial North Star, Dr. MacBride suggests asking yourself, "What do I want my money to say about me?'
3. Develop a values-based spending plan
Now that you've established your financial values, you can create a spending plan that aligns with them. Dr. MacBride says this process can feel way more rewarding than budgeting. "Traditional budgeting can feel like a punishment, especially if it triggers scarcity fears," she shares. "When you align your spending with your personal values, family, health, creativity or adventure, money becomes a tool for meaning."She suggests reviewing last month's expenses and noting where your money did and didn't align with your values. Then, start to make tweaks. Maybe you forego buying the discounted sweater that's following you on social media and instead put it aside for a bucket-list-worthy end-of-year vacation that plays into your love of adventure."Small adjustments here can create big emotional shifts, making your relationship with money feel less like a fight and more like a partnership," she says.Up Next:Sources:
Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners
Dr. Deborah Vinall, Psy.D., LMFT, the chief psychological officer with Recovered.org
Dr. Kim Arrington, Psy.D., a psychologist with Hackensack University Medical Center
People Who Were Raised by Extremely Frugal Parents Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Aug 10, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
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