Frugality

"Industry, thrift and self-control are not sought because they create wealth, but because they create character."

--Calvin Coolidge

This is just one of many quotes extolling the virtue of frugality.  Unlike avarice or stinginess, frugality means judicious use of what one has at one's disposal.  It is not miserliness, but rather care and prudence that distinguishes the frugal attitude.  If you have $10 of disposable funds, and you choose to spend $8 and save the rest, you are being frugal.  If you choose to keep all $10, and additionally, deprive your family of its needs, you are being avaricious.  Ebenezer Scrooge of Dickens fame was a miser.  He deprived himself, his family and his community of needs; but worse, his demeanor was mean, sour and bitter.  Even his countenance was miserly.  Frugality, on the other hand, is akin to prudence and forbearance, the quality of being patient.