thrifty

This word carries a strong positive connotation of wisdom and discipline. It describes a person who makes strategic choices to avoid waste, viewing frugality as a tool for future security rather than a sign of poverty. It differs from being stingy or miserly, which implies a selfish or obsessive refusal to spend money even when necessary. While a stingy person avoids spending to hoard wealth, a thrifty person avoids waste to maximize the value of their resources.