FRUGAL most nearly means:

FRUGAL means economical in the use of resources; thrifty; not wasteful. Example: 'A frugal lifestyle helped her save for retirement.' From Latin 'frugalis' (related to fruit — productive). Synonyms: thrifty, economical, prudent, sparing, careful with money. Antonyms: wasteful, extravagant, lavish, profligate, spendthrift. Related: FRUGALITY (noun — the quality of being frugal); FRUGALLY (adverb). Note distinctions: FRUGAL (positive, prudent management); CHEAP (often negative, low quality or stingy); STINGY/MISERLY (strongly negative, excessive unwillingness to spend); ECONOMICAL (neutral, efficient); MISER (a stingy person, very negative). Military and personal finance vocabulary on the ASVAB includes: BUDGET (a financial plan), DEPLETE (use up), CONSERVE (preserve, not waste), SUSTAIN (maintain over time), AUSTERE (strict, severe in self-discipline, often related to spending).