29 Wealthy Celebs Who Made Frugal Choices

29 Instances Where Wealthy Celebrities Showed Unexpected Thrift

 

When it comes to the lives of wealthy celebrities, spending extravagantly often appears to be the norm. Yet, there are surprising moments when these stars exhibit admirable frugality. Let’s take a look at 29 instances in which celebrities made unexpectedly prudent financial choices.

 

1. T-Pain frequently chooses commercial flights over private jets. In a 2025 video, he explained, “A private jet from Atlanta to Vegas and back costs $126,000. Why would that be a sensible choice? If it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense.”

2. During a TikTok video in 2025, Ben Affleck took his 13-year-old son, Sam, sneaker shopping. When Sam spotted a pair of Dior Air Jordans priced at more than $6,000, Affleck quipped, “That’s a lot of lawns you gotta mow there,” opting not to purchase them.

 

3. Kieran Culkin lived in a one-bedroom Manhattan apartment for nearly 20 years. He shared that he only started earning substantial money well into his career, noting how small their living situation was as they navigated parenthood in the cramped space.

 

4. In 2023, Jessica Alba told an outlet that she teaches her children the value of hand-me-downs, emphasizing the importance of not wasting clothes as they pass items between siblings.

 

5. Timothée Chalamet made waves at a 2025 film premiere by arriving on a rented electric bike, seeking to avoid traffic jams. The ride, however, led to a parking fine, showcasing a mix of eco-friendliness and practicality.

 

6. Chris Evans held onto his iPhone 6s for seven years, humorously reflecting on the journey of using an outdated model before finally parting with it.

 

7. Keke Palmer opened up about her financial past and the bankruptcy she faced in her late teens. This experience motivated her to live within her means and to invest in her future, prioritizing smart purchases over luxury.

 

8. Sarah Michelle Gellar still clips coupons for savings, recalling a time when a fellow shopper questioned her efforts. She firmly believes in saving money whenever possible, regardless of her financial status.

 

9. Gellar has also remained attached to frugality in her personal life, waiting until the second season of her hit show to buy a new car—something much more reasonable than the luxury models others chose.

 

10. Zach Galifianakis drove a 1998 Subaru Outback for years, pledging to keep it for two decades before finally switching to a new electric vehicle.

 

11. 50 Cent disregarded the idea of owning a yacht, describing it as a financial pit that requires constant attention and maintenance, especially while he’s on tour.

 

12. Ed Begley Jr. famously takes public transportation to major events like the Oscars, found riding the Metro on his way to the prestigious ceremony. He finds enjoyment in multitasking during commutes.

 

13. Ed Begley Jr.’s daughter shared that he frequently shops for his clothing at discount retailers, shattering expectations of extravagance that often accompany celebrity lifestyles.

 

14. Kristen Bell once discussed her strategic couponing methods and even emphasized the outstanding deals she regularly found at popular retailers, taking pride in her thrifty nature.

 

15. Sarah Jessica Parker committed to buying only secondhand clothes for her son, influenced by the impactful documentary “The True Cost,” while still navigating the practicalities of parenting.

 

16. Tiffany Haddish famously re-wore a designer dress she had purchased for her film premiere, determined to make the most of her investment after initially grappling with the price tag.

 

17. Chow Yun-fat reportedly lives on approximately $102 per month, opting for public transport and discount stores while planning to donate most of his wealth to charity.

 

18. Mila Kunis shared that she purchased her wedding bands on Etsy due to the exorbitant prices of traditional jewelry stores, highlighting her value-driven mindset.

 

19. Kunis has also been open about her financial anxieties before marrying Ashton Kutcher, revealing how his perspective helped her embrace a more relaxed view of finances.

 

20. Tyra Banks attributed her saving mentality to her upbringing, emphasizing the importance of investing wisely rather than spending frivolously during her early modeling days.

 

21. Ludacris continues to own his vintage 1993 Acura Legend, stating it is an essential keepsake from his pre-fame life as a humble reminder of his roots.

 

22. Hilary Swank proudly identifies as a coupon cutter, often receiving surprised reactions from those who see her engaged in such budget-friendly practices.

 

23. Cardi B proudly claims her innate thriftiness, often opting for more economical travel options when she doesn’t need to fly with a big entourage.

 

24. Jessica Chastain revealed her need to make her own way in the world and not rely on her parents, which instilled in her a strong sense of financial responsibility.

 

25. Carrie Underwood prefers doing her laundry at the laundromat rather than relying on others, showcasing her preference for handling her chores herself while on the road.

 

26. Dave Grohl disclosed that he leads a modest lifestyle by driving a family car and living in a reasonably-sized home just enough for his needs.

 

27. Kiera Knightley established a personal salary ceiling for herself out of necessity, making sure she didn’t alienate herself from those who live differently.

 

28. Eminem shared that a significant portion of his savings stems from not spending on drugs anymore, investing wisely to secure his financial future.

 

29. Julia Fox gave fans a glimpse into her unassuming apartment, expressing her disdain for excess and her commitment to living modestly despite speculation about her wealth.

 

Conclusively, these circumstances illustrate that, regardless of status, financial prudence can be a valued principle embraced by even the most affluent individuals.