Tight as Bark on a Tree
We don’t want to overspend, and we do want to save. Yet, we rarely want to be called tight as bark on a tree.
Tight as bark on a tree means extremely careful with money.
Other descriptions include:
- Stingy
- Penny-pinching
- Frugal
- Tightfisted
In areas with Blackjack oak trees, we frequently hear “as tight as bark on a blackjack.”
If we are tight spenders, we buy only when absolutely necessary.
Money never burns a hole in our pockets. Instead, we lock our pockets and throw away the key! We make do with what we have in order to save.
Although we should save, we don’t want to go overboard.
Money is a means to an end, not the end itself. We use it to meet our needs and the needs of others both now and in the future.
When tempted to remain tight as bark on a tree, let’s remember:
- We can’t take it with us.
- We can invest in what holds lasting value.
Definitely save for a rainy day. At the same time, spend money and all of life as God leads today.
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want” (Proverbs 11:24 ESV).
Thanks to Billie Sue Kibbons and Lynn Kibbons Collins for the suggestion they recalled from Granny Rosa Fay Scott who lived near an area known as Black Jack, Missouri. Photo by Marta Wave on Pexels.
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10 thoughts on “Tight as Bark on a Tree”
Of course, my favorite variation of that is, “This guy’s so tight, he squeaks when he walks.” I’d like to think that I’m frugal with myself more than others, but yes, I’m the guy who calculates the per ounce cost while buying groceries.
I’ve heard your variation many times, J. D., and I also compare prices at the grocery. I love to save, but I also love to give. By doing the first, I have more for the second–a win-win!
This is a new one on me. I’m frugal but not that tight.
I’ve heard this one all my life, Tracy. Like you, I seek to be frugal but not too tight. Blessings on your day.
A new phrase for me, too, Diana. It is possible to be both a saver and a generous person when the need arises. After all, if we don’t save, we don’t have anything to eventually give to a worthy cause.
Blessings!
You are so right, Martha. We must save to have the resources to give. I heard my dad use this expression many times. Have a great week!
Diana, this post made me smile. I remember years ago when I would visit weekly with an older housebound woman. One day Martha remarked, “Some people can hold their nickels so tight, they make the buffalo holler.” I laughed so hard. She couldn’t believe I hadn’t ever heard that before. But I have never forgotten it, and now, hold my nickels looser 🙂
I have heard a similar expression, but it has been a long time, Joanne. Thanks for sharing your fun memory and reminding me of mine. May we all hold our nickels looser!
I admit to being tight when it comes to buying something for myself and careful with my spending in almost every area. But I don’t think the buffaloes are screaming yet. Enjoyed your message, Diana.
Thanks for an out-loud laugh, Katherine. I’m with you on being tight on some things but not buffalo-screaming tight yet. Have a wonderful weekend!