Growing Up With Frugal Parents: Stories From Children Who Saw Saving Go Too Far

There is nothing wrong with being careful with money. Many people today, especially older adults, understand the value of watching every dollar. A bit of thoughtful budgeting can bring peace of mind, especially when the cost of living rises year after year.

But in some families, frugality takes a turn. What starts as habit or caution can slowly become something more extreme. And when that happens, it is often the children who carry the memories.

The following rewritten stories explore what it feels like to grow up with parents whose quest to save money shaped daily life. These experiences are told with warmth and reflection, and they remind us that saving is good, but living comfortably matters too.

Story 1: The Endless Sales Pitches

Some parents love a good bargain, but my father turned bargain-hunting into a routine of its own.Continue reading…