Top Five Tip-Offs You're Way Too Frugal

Hey, I'm all about saving money; I clip coupons like it's my job. But, there are some people who have crossed the very thin line between frugal and idiotic. There are certain things that warrant a considerable amount of spending. Below, are five tip offs that you're beyond frugal, beyond cheapskate, just a plain maniac.

1. You don't turn on the heat... ever: Heating your home during the winter is expensive. It's perfectly understandable to ask your family to sleep in a cozy sweater and double up on socks, but to never turn on the heat is excessive. You need heat to survive. And no, stealing body heat from your lover doesn't count. I'm guilty of being a guard dog for the thermostat in our house, but when it's below 30 degrees, the heat in our house is blasted on high. Choose your battles. When it's freezing, turn on the heat.

2. You eat Ramen Noodles everyday: If you're in a financial situation that doesn't allow for a bigger grocery budget, that's fine. But, if you're earning a healthy income and are eating Ramen noodles everyday just because you don't want to spend $5 on a Big Mac, you're beyond pathetic. If your budget allows, trade out the noodles for a balanced healthy meal every now and then, you cheapskate.

3. Smoking Cigarettes to Curb Cravings: If you think that "poppin' a lucy" a few times a day will help you save money on food, you're a flaming idiot. First off, cigarettes can cost more than $7 for a pack of 20. You're better off living on Ramen noodles (see above) if you can't afford any better.

4. Buying a Fake Engagement Ring: Men, listen up here. If you buy your fiancé a fake engagement ring, when she thinks it's real, you're in big trouble. Your wife will be wearing this ring on her finger until the day she dies; don't give her a $20 knock off that will wear off in less than six months. Invest in a real diamond, even if it's set in so-so quality gold. She'll love you for it and you'll get a happy wife. Happy wife, happy life.

5. DIYing: Don't get me wrong, I'm the biggest fan of DIY out there. But, when it comes to fixing the sink or rewiring the electric, let the professionals handle it. Taking on projects like these may very well land you in the hospital and with a wife that will say, "I told ya' so, cheapskate" everyday of your adult life.