frugal

Adjective B1 – Intermediate

Careful about spending money, avoiding waste or unnecessary purchases.

"Growing up with very little taught her to be frugal for the rest of her life."

"Frugal" carries a slightly positive tone of wise thrift, unlike "stingy" or "cheap," which suggest excessive unwillingness to spend.

Synonyms

thrifty economical

wasteful extravagant