In behavioral economics there is a concept called a steady state. Basically it shows that once a behavioral equilibrium is reached it is difficult to move to another without some external action changing the initial conditions or payoffs. A frugality trap falls into this type of behavior.
My brother and I have been living in our new apartment for almost one month. The main entrance is a wood floor. Dirt and leaves have been tracked in by our shoes. It has created a small mess. Each and every day, my brother has said that he is going to buy a broom to sweep up the debris. So far he has failed to obtain one. We have been to multiple different stores in the last few weeks but despite these daily assertions he has not bought one. The need is obvious but he is unwilling to take action.
I asked him about this and he said that he thought that all of the brooms that he had seen were too expensive, even at the thrift stores. I think that the cost was between $7-$10 for various types of brooms. He would like to buy a broom but only if it is priced $3 or less. Here in lies the heart of the problem. If nothing changes our floor may never feel the sweet bristling caress of a sweeping device. These are the type of situations that give cost conscious individuals a bad name.
$3 brooms.
What can be done?
You have to change the system. I could agree to split the cost of the broom with him since we will both benefit from having a clean floor. I could also invite someone over to our apartment and cause my brother to consider suffering the social embarrassment of a dirty floor which could change his valuation of what a clean floor is worth. We could even strike up conversation with our housing manager and ask to borrow a broom for free.
The goal is to recognize when things have gone too far and take some action to allow your needs to be met without compromising your principles. Saving money should not be an chore. It does not have to be onerous. It should be an enjoyable pastime. Luckily, fun is free.
