25 Comebacks When Someone Calls You Cheap

Being called cheap can sting a bit, but the best way to handle it is with humour and confidence.

 Whether the comment is a playful jab or meant to insult, having a quick-witted comeback up your sleeve can turn the tables in your favor. 

Here’s a list of 25 clever responses that will leave your critic either laughing or reconsidering their choice of words. Let’s dive into these comebacks, and remember, it’s all about owning the moment with style!

Top List Of Comebacks When Someone Calls You Cheap

1. I’m not cheap, I’m just fiscally responsible.
2. Why spend more when you can spend less?
3. I’m just environmentally friendly.
4. I call it getting my money’s worth.
5. I’m just saving for something really big.
6. I’m an expert in living within my means.
7. I like to keep my wallet as full as possible.
8. I’m not cheap, I’m just a minimalist.
9. I prefer to call it being financially independent.
10. Why pay more when you can pay less?
11. I’d rather invest my money than waste it.
12. I’m just careful with my cash.
13. I’m saving for a rainy day.
14. I know the value of a dollar.
15. I’m just budgeting like a pro.
16. I’m a bargain hunter, not cheap.
17. I’m saving up for something special.
18. I’m not cheap, I’m resourceful.
19. I’d rather save for the future than splurge now.
20. I’m just making smart financial choices.
21. I’m a savvy shopper, not cheap.
22. I’m just financially conscious.
23. I’m practicing self-control.
24. I’d rather be called cheap than broke.
25. I’m just careful, not cheap.

1. “I’m not cheap, I’m just fiscally responsible.”

Being frugal is a smart move, not something to be ashamed of. This comeback flips the narrative, making it clear that you know how to manage your money wisely.

Examples:

• “I’m not cheap, I’m just fiscally responsible—like the adult I am.”
• “You call it cheap, I call it responsible adulting.”
• “I prefer fiscally responsible—sounds more sophisticated, doesn’t it?”

2. “Why spend more when you can spend less?”

This response highlights your practical side. It’s not about being cheap; it’s about getting the best value.

Examples:

• “Why spend more when you can spend less? That’s just good sense.”
• “It’s called being smart with my money—something you should try.”
• “Spending less means I get to save more for the fun stuff!”

3. “I’m just environmentally friendly.”

This comeback is perfect if you want to shift the focus to sustainability. Who can argue with saving the planet?

Examples:

• “I’m just environmentally friendly—less waste, more taste!”
• “Being green means spending less. I’m saving the planet, one dollar at a time.”
• “I’m cheap? No, I’m eco-conscious. There’s a difference.”

4. “I call it getting my money’s worth.”

This response emphasizes that you’re all about value. It’s not about being cheap; it’s about making sure you’re getting the best deal.

Examples:

• “I call it getting my money’s worth—you should try it sometime.”
• “Cheap? No, I just want to get what I pay for.”
• “I prefer to think of it as maximizing value.”

5. “I’m just saving for something really big.”

This is a great way to deflect and show that you have bigger plans in mind. You’re not cheap—you’re strategic!

Examples:

• “I’m just saving for something really big—you’ll see.”
• “Cheap now, rich later—that’s the plan.”
• “I’m just being strategic with my spending. Big dreams need big savings.”

6. “I’m an expert in living within my means.”

Here, you’re presenting yourself as someone who knows how to manage their finances wisely. It’s a skill, not a flaw.

Examples:

• “I’m an expert in living within my means—it’s a talent, really.”
• “Cheap? I prefer to say I’m financially savvy.”
• “I just know how to stretch a dollar—what’s wrong with that?”

7. “I like to keep my wallet as full as possible.”

This light-hearted response turns the comment into a joke. After all, who doesn’t want a full wallet?

Examples:

• “I like to keep my wallet as full as possible—nothing wrong with that.”
• “Empty wallet? Not for me. I’m all about the cash flow.”
• “I just prefer having a little extra in the bank, you know?”

8. “I’m not cheap, I’m just a minimalist.”

This is a trendy way to respond, highlighting that you’re into minimalism—not over-spending.

Examples:

• “I’m not cheap, I’m just a minimalist—less is more.”
• “Call me a minimalist, not cheap—it’s all about simplicity.”
• “I’m into minimalism—money doesn’t buy happiness, right?”

9. “I prefer to call it being financially independent.”

This comeback focuses on the importance of financial independence, which is something to be proud of.

Examples:

• “I prefer to call it being financially independent—it’s the smart way to live.”
• “Cheap? More like financially independent—big difference.”
• “I’m just focusing on my financial independence—aren’t you?”

10. “Why pay more when you can pay less?”

Another practical response that makes it clear you’re just being smart with your money.

Examples:

• “Why pay more when you can pay less? It’s just common sense.”
• “I’m not cheap, I’m just efficient with my spending.”
• “Paying less means I can do more with my money—it’s a win-win.”

11. “I’d rather invest my money than waste it.”

This response positions you as someone who thinks ahead and prefers to invest rather than spend frivolously.

Examples:

• “I’d rather invest my money than waste it on something silly.”
• “Cheap? No, I’m just thinking long-term—investments over splurges.”
• “I’m all about investing, not wasting—big picture thinking.”

12. “I’m just careful with my cash.”

This straightforward response highlights that you’re cautious and careful, not cheap.

Examples:

• “I’m just careful with my cash—it’s called being responsible.”
• “Cheap? No, just cautious. There’s a difference.”
• “I prefer to be careful with my money—nothing wrong with that.”

13. “I’m saving for a rainy day.”

This classic response makes it clear that you’re planning ahead for the unexpected.

Examples:

• “I’m saving for a rainy day—you never know when you’ll need it.”
• “Cheap now means I’ll be prepared later.”
• “I like to be ready for whatever life throws at me—savings first!”

14. “I know the value of a dollar.”

This response emphasizes that you understand money and don’t take it for granted.

Examples:

• “I know the value of a dollar—that’s why I’m careful with it.”
• “Cheap? I just respect my hard-earned money.”
• “I’ve worked hard for my money, so I treat it with respect.”

15. “I’m just budgeting like a pro.”

Budgeting is a skill, and this response shows that you’re a pro at managing your finances.

Examples:

• “I’m just budgeting like a pro—nothing cheap about that.”
• “Cheap? No, I’m just a master of budgeting.”
• “I prefer to stick to my budget—keeps me on track.”

16. “I’m a bargain hunter, not cheap.”

This fun response shows that you enjoy finding deals, not that you’re stingy.

Examples:

• “I’m a bargain hunter, not cheap—there’s a difference!”
• “I just love a good deal—who doesn’t?”
• “Bargain hunting is a skill—it’s about the thrill of the chase.”

17. “I’m saving up for something special.”

This response turns the focus onto something positive—your future plans.

Examples:

• “I’m saving up for something special—you’ll see.”
• “Cheap now means I’ll have something amazing later.”
• “I’m just being patient—it’ll be worth it.”

18. “I’m not cheap, I’m resourceful.”

Being resourceful is a positive trait, and this comeback makes it clear that you’re just making the most of what you have.

Examples:

• “I’m not cheap, I’m resourceful—it’s a skill.”
• “Resourceful, not cheap—it’s all about using what you’ve got.”
• “I prefer to call it being resourceful—makes life easier.”

19. “I’d rather save for the future than splurge now.”

This response is all about prioritizing long-term goals over short-term pleasures.

Examples:

• “I’d rather save for the future than splurge on something silly now.”
• “Cheap? No, I’m just focused on the future.”
• “I’m thinking ahead—saving now, enjoying later.”

20. “I’m just making smart financial choices.”

This response is straightforward and highlights your intelligence when it comes to money.

Examples:

• “I’m just making smart financial choices—nothing wrong with that.”
• “Cheap? No, just smart with my money.”
• “I prefer to think of it as making intelligent choices.”

21. “I’m a savvy shopper, not cheap.”

This response shows that you’re proud of your shopping skills and the deals you find.

Examples:

• “I’m a savvy shopper, not cheap—there’s a difference.”
• “Savvy shopping is my thing—I just know where to find the best deals.”
• “I prefer to be savvy with my money—nothing wrong with that.”

22. “I’m just financially conscious.”

Being aware of your finances is a smart move, and this response emphasizes that.

Examples:

• “I’m just financially conscious—it’s called being responsible.”
• “Cheap? No, I’m just aware of where my money goes.”
• “I prefer to keep an eye on my finances—nothing wrong with that.”

23. “I’m practicing self-control.”

This response highlights that you’re in control of your spending habits, which is something to be proud of.

Examples:

• “I’m practicing self-control—it’s called being mature.”
• “Cheap? No, I just have self-discipline.”
• “I’m all about self-control—money in the bank feels better than money spent.”

24. “I’d rather be called cheap than broke.”

This response is a bit cheeky and makes it clear that you prefer to save rather than spend recklessly.

Examples:

• “I’d rather be called cheap than broke any day.”
• “Cheap? Better than being in debt, right?”
• “I prefer to keep my finances in check—no shame in that.”

25. “I’m just careful, not cheap.”

This final response is simple and effective, making it clear that you’re just cautious with your money.

Examples:

• “I’m just careful, not cheap—big difference.”
• “Cheap? No, I’m just watching my spending.”
• “I prefer to be careful with my money—it’s called being smart.”

Conclusion

Being called cheap doesn’t have to be a negative experience. With the right comeback, you can turn the situation around and show that you’re proud of your financial savvy. 

Whether you go for a humorous response or a more straightforward one, the key is to stay confident and own your choices. After all, being smart with money is something to be proud of!

Celia Anne

𝐈’𝐦 Celia Anne 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 ” 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬. 𝐈 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐀𝐭 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬” 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫.