Podcast Summary: Are These "Poor People Habits" Frugal or Cheap?

Podcast: George Kamel
Host: George Kamel (Ramsey Network)
Episode Date: November 12, 2025
Episode Title: Are These "Poor People Habits" Frugal or Cheap?

Episode Overview

In this episode, George Kamel explores the blurry line between being frugal and just plain cheap. Reacting to a USA Today article titled "Turn off those lights: These poor people habits never die," he humorously dissects a list of so-called "poor people habits," categorizing each as either a smart, frugal choice or an excessively cheap move. His signature blend of financial know-how, pop culture wit, and relatable snark keeps the discussion lively and real.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Turning Off Lights When Leaving a Room

• Summary: Turning off lights is a much-touted cost-saving habit but actually saves only a few cents a day with modern LEDs.
• George’s Verdict: Cheap
  • “Leaving it on for 20 hours would cost you about 3 cents… This is cheap. I don’t think it’s worth saving $0.03 now.” (01:06)
  • Adds it’s more about basic decency and avoiding laziness than actually saving money.

2. Picking Up Coins Off the Ground

• Summary: The habit is fading, especially among younger folks, partly due to inflation and less use of cash.
• George’s Verdict: Cheap
  • “I don’t think it’s cheap, but I don’t think it’s frugal either… I’ll go cheap. Final answer.” (03:25)
  • Jokes about loose change inevitably ending up in a junk drawer.

3. Ordering Water When Dining Out

• Summary: Restaurant drinks are massively marked up; ordering water is a standard, money-smart move.
• George’s Verdict: Frugal
  • “100%. This one is frugalicious. And by the way, I do this when I feel like it. Mostly because I feel better than everyone for being healthier.” (05:11)

4. Arguing With Yourself Over Every Non-Essential Purchase

• Summary: Some people agonize over minor purchases, which they admit is mentally taxing.
• George’s Verdict: Cheap
  • “If you’re constantly toiling over the price of things, I think that would put you in the cheap category.” (07:21)
  • Suggests budgeting for larger purchases to avoid guilt and overthinking.

5. Squeezing Out Every Last Drop (Toothpaste, Soap, etc.)

• Summary: Trying to extract every possible bit of household products.
• George’s Verdict: Cheap
  • “When the shampoo or conditioner is running down, I always add water... I would just get a new bottle... So this one definitely falls on the you squeak when you walk category.” (09:14)
  • Mocks “centrifugal force to liberate the last of the ketchup.”

6. Checking the Clearance Racks First

• Summary: Thrifty shopping by targeting discounts and clearance sections.
• George’s Verdict: Frugal
  • “If I am in a TJ Maxx, a Marshalls, or a Ross dress for less... you can find some good deals... this one... is a good frugal hack.” (11:18)

7. Collecting Hotel Soaps and Fast Food Napkins

• Summary: Taking home hotel toiletries and extra napkins – sometimes justified, sometimes unhygienic or unnecessary.
• George’s Verdict: Frugal
  • “I think cheap is a strong word for, like, taking something that is free that can be utilized later on. So... this one will be marked as Frugasaurus.” (13:22)
  • Fast food napkins are “largely garbage” though hotel amenities can be useful.

8. Saving Leftover Nuts and Bolts from Furniture Kits

• Summary: Keeping spare parts in case they’re needed later.
• George’s Verdict: Frugal
  • “This is me in a nutshell... But does it make you cheap? I don’t think it makes you cheap. Cause it’s not like... it’s more just thoughtful.” (14:57)

9. Reusing Containers for Storage

• Summary: Reusing glass jars, plastic tubs, or even washing plastic bags for future use.
• George’s Verdict: Cheap
  • “Reusing like sour cream tubs, that’s 100% cheap. So sorry, cheapos. This one is definitely one giant cheap for mankind.” (17:16)
  • Prefers glass containers and sees limits to reusing plastics.

10. Shopping at Thrift Stores and Yard Sales

• Summary: Buying secondhand for cost savings and sustainability.
• George’s Verdict: Frugal
  • “This one is neither cheap or frugal, but I think if you wanted it to lean one way, it’d go frugal. So this one is frugal Flex.” (18:50)

11. Comparing Prices Per Unit

• Summary: Analyzing the cost per ounce/lb/liter to find the actual best deal, not just the sticker price.
• George’s Verdict: Frugal
  • “Comparing them can be a great way to save money... This is just smart. If I had to put it in a category, it would be Live, Laugh Frugal.” (20:09)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Using a washable family cloth instead of buying toilet paper. Time to seek professional help.” (00:13, opening humor)
• “Picking up coins... it just ends up in a junk drawer. When are you gonna go to the Coin Star and finally empty that coin jar?” (03:14)
• “Arguing with yourself? Yeah, I mean I think both cheap and frugal people would pause before making a big purchase. But if you’re constantly toiling ... that’s cheap.” (07:21)
• “If you need something to cleanse and to clean and to be like antimicrobial, I would just get a new bottle.” (09:52)
• “You might need this one day for this $7 thing I got on Amazon… in case the bolt falls out? This is me.” (14:58)
• “Reusing like sour cream tubs, that’s 100% cheap... one giant cheap for mankind.” (17:16)
• “Just pause and ask yourself these three questions and slowly put down the flowbeat.” (22:57, closing humor)

Key Takeaways & "Three-Question Test"

How to Tell Frugal from Cheap:

1. Is cost the only thing you're considering? (Frugal values quality/utility; Cheap always picks the lowest price.)
2. Does it take away from other people? (Frugal saves money without shortchanging others; Cheap sacrifices others’ comfort/social etiquette.)
3. Does it lower your quality of life? (Frugal makes smart tradeoffs; Cheap sacrifices health/composure for minimal savings.)

“Frugal people aren’t afraid to spend money if they’re getting legitimate value.” (24:01)

Episode Flow & Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Opening & Theme Introduction | 00:05 | | Turning Off Lights | 01:06 | | Picking Up Coins | 03:14 | | Ordering Water | 05:11 | | Arguing Over Purchases | 07:21 | | Squeezing All the Toothpaste/Soap | 09:14 | | Checking Clearance Racks | 11:18 | | Collecting Hotel Soap & Fast Food Napkins | 13:22 | | Keeping Leftover Nuts & Bolts | 14:57 | | (Sponsored Segments Skipped) | — | | Reusing Containers | 17:16 | | Shopping Thrift Stores/Yard Sales | 18:50 | | Comparing Prices Per Unit | 20:09 | | Frugal vs Cheap: Three-Question Test & Closing Advice | 22:30–24:01 |

Final Thoughts

George delivers practical financial wisdom wrapped in humor and pop-culture savvy. He champions intentionality and value-driven decisions, helping listeners avoid needless scrimping that’s cheap at the expense of quality or dignity. Listeners walk away with a clear sense of which “poor people habits” make smart sense—and which might be taking things a bit too far.