10 Top Frugal Musicians

Have you ever wondered if musicians and rock stars lived a frugal life? Frugality is not something we think about with musicians or even celebrities.

We hear all the time of individuals being super-rich, and therefore we think of them constantly spending money. I often think about how MC Hammer went from a $33 million net worth to be $13 million in debt. Musicians seem to be notorious for spending and having parties, or at least that is how we feel.

Going through some of my favorite bands and people, I wondered who are the most frugal musicians out there. These have to be people that are using their humble beginnings and continuing those habits of frugality. They could be clipping coupons, living below their means, or even the best bargainers. Most of these people are super-rich, but you will be surprised at some of the things they do to keep their money.

Here is our list of the 10 Top Frugal Musicians:

1. Dave Grohl

Dave Grohl worked blue-collar jobs and played music on the side until his band Nirvana hit it big. After Nirvana, he went on the becoming the lead man in the Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl has amassed enormous wealth and kept most of it.

As a big-time superstar, he drives a family car that fits five people, and he says he puts the rest of his money “straight into my bank account, where it turns all moldy and smelly.” He knows that it could be all gone one day, so he wants to live a frugal life.

2. Billie Eilish

When we think about big-time rock stars having lots of money and big houses, we never realize that some still live with their parents.

Billie Eilish, the 19-year old singer who has sold millions of albums, still lives in a two-bedroom bungalow with her parents. She continues to use her brother’s bedroom to record her songs. Living with your parents is a great way to continue to save money.

3. Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney is one of the most famous Beatles members, who helped create the song “Money Can’t Buy Me, Love.” He is considered cheap or stingy by some people around him. People around him know of his humbleness, but to some, they think he is stingy. He once was caught in a public argument with his daughter, Stella, about enrolling in a more affordable University. The private tuition would be too much of an expense.

There were also rumors of Paul having party guests to pay for their drinks. Stingy is not as bad as people think, but being a humble man and donating a lot of money to charity is what Sir Paul cares about.

4. Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is a famous country singer who came from a humble family in which her mom would make the clothes for the kids and regularly shop at Walmart. This instilled some great habits for Carrie. Her family eats most of their meals at home, and Carrie is all about clipping some coupons to get in on some great deals. Saving money by eating home has helped them keep their relatively frugal lifestyle.

5. Eric Clapton

Have you ever seen a rockstar do his laundry at a laundromat?

If you haven’t, there is always a chance to spot Eric Clapton. He has been spotted in a couple of laundromats doing his own laundry. He dresses up in scrappy clothes, and some do not recognize the famous guitarist.

You would think a man of legend for songwriting would not be doing this, but he is also frugal. People may wonder what he does with all of his money; I assume he buys some of the best guitars. Why spend all of that money when you can do it yourself at the local laundromat.

6. Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker splashed on the scene as the lead singer and guitarist of Hootie and the Blowfish before becoming a Country star. Coming from a poor background, he has learned what it was like not having money. He uses his frugality to teach his kids and not spoil them with expensive and fancy things.

7. Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran has become a famous pop star. With a net worth of over 200 million dollars, he has revealed that he can live on only $1000 month. Knowing himself well and not wanting to spend all of his money, he has a monthly allowance in one bank account to not pay all of this money.

To make things even better, Ed Sheeran uses his old student-free checking account to avoid fees. During a break, he would also go and visit stars and practically couch surf.

8. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga has made significant money in the last couple of years with all of her hits. To this day, she continues to clip coupons, shop at sales, and even for a bit while continued to live in her one-bedroom apartment in New York City.

Sometimes even with all the money in the world, continuing your frugal lifestyle allows you to continue to save that money.

9. Mick Jagger

Mick Jagger is the frontman of the Rolling Stones with a whopping $360 Million net worth is considered tight with money from numerous people, especially his ex-wives. As time goes on, they realize that this is a good thing. Ex-Wife, Luciana Gimenez, said: “Money is great thing, but it isn’t everything. Sometimes it can be poisonous and can cause a lot of trouble if you give your children too much.” As Mick Jagger may have so much money, he wants to control it and not spoil all of his family and children.

Jerry Hall, another one of Mick’s wives, shares that at one point, Mick Jagger asked her to pay for all the things for the house out of her money. Being tight with money is something he is known for, and he does not want to waste his money.

10. Zooey Deschanel

You may know Zooey Deschanel as an actress, but she is also the lead singer and plays keys for She and Him. As someone that brings in lots of money, Zooey has been all about saving. She currently puts 60% of her money into stocks and bonds and leaves 40% for charity.

She knows that teaching her kids about being responsible with money is a high priority and wants to give them a comfortable living environment. Still, she is also saving, investing, and being generous with her money.

Photo Credit: Boston Lynn Schulz