15 Rich Celebs Who Choose Practical Choices Over Lavish Spending

Celebrities often live in a world where lavish spending is the norm. Expensive cars, private jets, and luxury shopping sprees are just part of the deal. However, some of the wealthiest stars have taken an unexpected approach to money.

Whether it’s flying commercial, sticking with their old cars, or using coupons, these celebrities show that being financially savvy isn’t just for the average person—it can apply to the famous too.

Here’s a look at 15 times celebs were surprisingly frugal, proving that even with wealth, being smart with money is a choice.

1. T-Pain

T-Pain, known for his extravagant style, surprised fans when he shared his reasoning for flying commercial instead of using a private jet. In a Twitter video, he explained that the cost of a private jet for a simple round-trip flight from Atlanta to Vegas could set him back $126,000.

For him, it didn’t make sense to spend that much on a short flight when commercial flights get the job done just fine. His words: “Why would you spend that much? It just doesn’t make sense.”

2. Ben Affleck

Instagram | entertainmenttonight | Affleck joked with Sam about mowing lawns after Sam wanted $6,000 Dior sneakers.

In 2025, Ben Affleck took his 13-year-old son, Sam, sneaker shopping. When Sam set his eyes on a pair of Dior Air Jordan 1s, which retail for over $6,000, Ben didn’t hesitate to turn them down. After realizing the price, he humorously told his son, “That’s a lot of lawns you’re going to have to mow to afford those!”

3. Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba, while known for her success in the business world, also practices sustainability with her family. She teaches her children to avoid waste by passing down clothes.

In a 2023 interview, she said, “Honor outgrows her clothes, and then they go to Haven, and Hayes even wears some of their hand-me-downs. We try not to waste things, whether it’s clothes or household items.”

4. Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet, always known for his style, took a more unconventional approach to get to the premiere of “A Complete Unknown” in London in 2025. Instead of hopping into a limo or a luxury car, he chose a rented Lime electric bike to avoid traffic.

Though he ended up with a fine for parking in the wrong spot, his choice highlighted his laid-back approach to transportation.

5. Chris Evans

Chris Evans, the star of “Captain America,” made headlines for keeping his iPhone 6s for an impressive seven years. In a heartfelt post, he reflected on the journey with the phone, stating, “It had a good run, but I think it’s time to say goodbye. We went through some serious battery struggles, but I’ll miss you.”

6. Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar, the beloved “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star, is a self-proclaimed coupon queen. She revealed in 2018 that she still uses coupons today, even when shopping at high-end stores like Bloomingdale’s. “Why pay more when I can save? If I have a coupon, I’m going to use it,” she said. Her frugal approach shows that even big stars appreciate a good deal.

7. Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell’s love for saving money extends beyond just grocery shopping. She shared in a 2012 interview that she often uses the popular Bed, Bath & Beyond coupon for her shopping. Her logic? “I could save $80 on an air conditioner if I just used a coupon. Why wouldn’t I?”

8. Kieran Culkin

Instagram | kieranculkinupdates | For nearly two decades, Kieran Culkin has been living modestly in a small Manhattan apartment with his wife and child.

Even after landing the role of Roman Roy on “Succession,” Kieran Culkin lived in a modest one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan for nearly twenty years. He lived there with his wife and daughter, making the best of a small space.

In 2021, he admitted that it wasn’t until later in his career that he started making real money. His down-to-earth living situation was a reflection of his cautious financial mindset.

9. Zach Galifianakis

Zach Galifianakis has had the same car for years—his trusty 1998 Subaru Outback. While others might upgrade their vehicles frequently, Zach committed to driving his car until it finally broke down. Only then did he treat himself to a new electric vehicle.

10. 50 Cent

Despite his wealth, 50 Cent refuses to buy a yacht. He explained that with his busy tour schedule, owning a yacht would be more of a burden than a luxury. “You just throw money into it for maintenance and upkeep,” he said in 2023.

Instead, he opted to fly private for comfort and convenience during his 93-stop tour.

11. Ed Begley Jr.

Actor Ed Begley Jr. has long been an advocate for sustainability and smart choices. In a viral TikTok from 2024, his daughter shared that he often takes public transportation, even to events like the Oscars. “I don’t mind taking the bus or subway,” Ed said. “I get my work done or solve the crossword while I travel.”

12. Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer opened up about filing for bankruptcy when she was younger, which sparked a significant change in her spending habits. In a 2024 interview, she shared that living below her means was key to securing her financial future.

She said, “I could afford a $2,500 apartment, but I lived somewhere much cheaper because I wanted to invest in my business instead of splurging on material things.”

13. Sarah Jessica Parker

Instagram | usweekly | Inspired by “The True Cost,” Sarah Jessica Parker chooses secondhand clothes for her son.

In a 2016 interview, Sarah Jessica Parker revealed that she buys secondhand clothes for her son, James Wilkie. “The documentary The True Cost really changed my perspective on fast fashion,” she admitted. “Now, I buy used clothing for him whenever I can.”

14. Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell also shared that she was the last one on the set of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” to get a new car. She kept her old Chrysler LeBaron until she felt sure about making a new purchase. “I didn’t realize how expensive a Range Rover was until I looked into it,” she laughed. “Needless to say, I’ve never owned one.”

15. Tiffany Haddish

In 2017, Haddish bought a $4,000 Alexander McQueen gown for the “Girls Trip” premiere and felt sick about the price. But rather than let it sit in the closet, she wore it again and again—to award shows, “SNL,” and even on “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.” “I was determined to get every penny back out of that dress,” she said.

These celebrities might live in the limelight, but they also know how to keep their finances in check. Their frugal habits remind us that living smart with money isn’t just about avoiding waste—it’s about making choices that align with one’s values and long-term goals. Whether it’s flying commercial or sticking to a trusty old car, these stars show us that being financially responsible doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for the average person.