People become tightwads for all manner of reasons and rationales. Some do it just to save money -- to become millionaires easily. Some do it so that a parent, usually the wife, can stay home. My wife and I have tightwad tendencies. My tendencies come from my engineer nature -- I hate to waste anything. Of course, this means our tightwaddery takes on a different form than people who have different reasons. I am downright generous with my friends, however.

Whether or not someone is a tightwad depends on perceptions. To me, Amy Dacyczn is a bit extreme sometimes. I don't need to have a barn full of things saved just in case.

Forms that frugal living/being a tightwad might take on: (I do not practice some of these)

In short, frugality is a viable lifestyle. Some people are jerks about it, but some people are jerks about conspicuous consumption, too. I don't care what you do - but I'll be saving my pennies, thank you very much.