Celebs Who Surprisingly Live On A Tight Budget

When it comes to budgeting, it would appear that actor Keira Knightley is more than willing to make sacrifices. During a 2014 interview with Glamour, the magazine questioned the star about a 2012 statement that claimed Knightley gave herself a salary of $50,000. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" star replied, "Yes, it's something around that. I mean, if I want or need something that goes over that, I get it, but, yes, around that." The actor then explained that she found lavish living to be isolating. "I think living an [expensive] lifestyle means you can't hang out with people who don't live that lifestyle. It alienates you," she said, adding that many of her best memories happened in budget-friendly places.

While it may seem shocking that an actor who is reportedly worth $80 million would limit herself to a small fraction of her own money, it turns out that it might not be entirely accurate. The same year it was reported that the "Pride & Prejudice" star only spent around $50,000 a year, Time magazine suggested that the claim wasn't exactly accurate. "It's not true," Knightley told the write-up during an interview. "I don't know where that rumor comes from." However, the outlet itself noted that it was Knightley's Glamour interview that reported the information.

When it comes to frugal celebrities, there's no question that Mila Kunis knows how to find herself a good bargain. According to MarketWatch, the "Bad Moms" star revealed via the podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" that her thrifty ways are largely thanks to her experience as an immigrant. "Because I am an immigrant, I think that creates a different perspective on what the value of a dollar is and what hard work is," she stated. Kunis also shared that she spent cautiously for a long time. Likewise, the actor is focused on reducing waste and isn't a fan of buying plastic bottles.

Additionally, the write-up stated that Kunis is a big fan of coupons, promo codes, and saving sites. "I'm a big supporter of Groupon," the star said. She added, "I have walked into restaurants with a Groupon; I use it all the time." While chatting with Conan (via USA Today), Kunis also revealed that she purchased her and her husband Ashton Kutcher's wedding bands on Etsy for just $190. As she explained, after seeing the prices in traditional retail stores, she knew she could find a better deal. "So, I went on Etsy and I was like, '$90?' I was like, 'Buy now!' Ashton's was $100, so technically his wedding band was a little bit more expensive."

Everyone's favorite former vampire slayer, Sarah Michelle Gellar knows how to seriously slay when it comes to savings. According to CNBC, Gellar's fame and fortune haven't stopped the "Ringer" star from being frugal. Via CNBC's "Make It," Gellar stated that she's a big fan of finding good deals. "I cut coupons to this day," she said. The former "Buffy" star then shared one particular experience. "I was at Bloomingdale's, and they had these coupons — Bloomingdale's has really good coupons," she said. "And someone behind me turned around and said, 'I can't believe how long you're taking. Why are you using coupons?'" Gellar stated that she considered the statement and thought, why shouldn't she save money?

Likewise, Gellar declared that no one was going to stop her from finding ways to save. "If there's a coupon there, I'm going to use it," she remarked. The "Cruel Intentions" star then noted that being successful wasn't a reason to stop making smart financial choices. Gellar added that to date, she still isn't a fan of writing a big check or making big purchases. She also admitted that she considered certain purchases for days before taking the plunge. Similarly, during an interview with Self, Gellar revealed that even though she and her husband like to eat organic and local, they still scope out prices. "We shop at Whole Foods, but we asked which fish is on sale. On sale doesn't mean it's bad!"

When it comes to managing her finances, Shailene Woodley is a smart budgeter. During an interview with InStyle, the actor revealed that her frugal practices come courtesy of her childhood experiences. "I was fortunate to grow up in a way that we didn't have a ton of money, but we never had to worry about not having it," she stated. The "Big Little Lies" star then noted that even as a kid, she understood the value of hard work. "I started babysitting at 10 years old so I could make a little extra cash," she said, adding that the value of a dollar made her appreciative of what she had.

Still, despite being a hustler, becoming filthy rich was never Woodley's goal. "It wasn't that I ever felt like I needed a lot of money," she said, explaining that it was the reward of hard work that she found gratifying. "I'm one of the most frugal people you'll ever meet," she added. Woodley then noted that she tries to avoid any frivolous spending and finds more value in sentimentality than cost. The star is also focused on finding ways to be environmentally friendly and reduce waste. According to People (via The Hollywood Reporter), the "Divergent" star has found the perfect way to be both frugal and environmentally friendly by not purchasing new outfits, instead exclusively buying used clothes.

When it comes to pricey purchases, it would seem that Halle Berry isn't throwing down top dollars. Still, her choice to save is hardly the result of having a limited income, as the star is reportedly worth a stunning $90 million. As noted by the Irish Examiner, the "Die Another Day" star remains economical regardless of the millions in her wallet. Per the outlet, Berry stated, "I'm not someone who has to have 10 cars and lots of diamonds." She then went on to express her preference for being thrifty, saying, "I'm pretty frugal. I save a lot because I'm always worried about when this trip is going to stop."

Considering Berry's assets, it's unlikely that she will ever need to worry about cash. Still, the actor's desire to save money makes plenty of sense when you consider her background. According to the Daily Record, Berry and her sister were raised singlehandedly by their mother after their father walked out on the family when the star was just a baby. Finances were tight during Berry's childhood, which undoubtedly played a role in her present-day choices to remain frugal. "I am very thankful for my good fortune, but one of my biggest fears is that I could lose it all," she said.

As noted by Insider, businesswoman, supermodel, author, and creator of "America's Next Top Model" Tyra Banks isn't exactly hurting for cash, with an estimated net worth of around $90 million. Still, despite having plenty of funds, you won't catch the "Life Size" star throwing piles of money at unnecessary expenses. During an interview with Money, the star revealed that she's always been more interested in having meaningful experiences than material items. "I saved, saved, saved," she stated, before noting that her frugal practices ultimately led her accountant to worry about her wealth.

"My accountants pulled me aside, and they were like 'Tyra. You're not spending money,'" she said. Her advisors then told her to start spending, so she created a special account that she called her "frivolous account." Still, Banks said that she still set a limit for her extra spending. "I had a budget to spend frivolously for the year, every year," Banks declared. "I needed that to feel safe." 

The celeb additionally commented that her frugal practices are the result of her mom's money-smart teachings, and noted that her mother even taught her the importance of real estate. "Even before my career, I was a saver," Banks said. "I would hold onto it forever and dole it out slowly."

When it comes to being economical, Katie Couric has plenty of financial wisdom. In her article for Woman's Day, the American journalist reflected on the origins of her frugal ways and the financial lessons she hopes to instill in her daughters. Couric recalled that her mother was a smart saver who knew where to find the best deals. Still, according to the talk show host, when it came to her parents, the importance of saving was partly the result of their upbringing. "They both grew up during the Depression and had to learn the value of a dollar at a very young age, and their attitudes toward money rubbed off on me," Couric wrote.

The producer additionally noted that others used to poke fun at her budget-friendly ways. However, Couric says she isn't cheap, just frugal, and noted that when it comes to loved ones and giving back, she's quite generous. Still, she doesn't hold back when it comes to living frugally. Couric is a big fan of clearance sales, and also saves some other ways: "I often bring leftovers for lunch. I wear some fancy clothes and jewelry at work, but here's a secret — a lot of them are borrowed," she revealed. Additionally, the celeb noted that she hopes to impart her parents' wisdom to her daughters by teaching them the value of earning money through hard work and the importance of giving back.

While plenty of celebs indulge in lavish purchases and live luxuriously, Keanu Reeves isn't one to flaunt his wealth. On the contrary, according to Page Six, the star feels quite awkward about his impressive net worth and makes sure to put some of his earnings toward giving back. "Keanu's given away a lot of money and done a lot more for people than most will ever know," a family friend revealed to the outlet. Likewise, dontpayfull reported that "The Matrix" star chooses to live below his means. For the actor, that means driving a Honda and living in a modest apartment. Reeves has also been regularly spotted taking the subway.

If that wasn't enough to prove that the "John Wick" star isn't interested in frivolously spending his fortune, the outlet also noted that he's put millions of dollars toward leukemia research. Additionally, Medium stated that Reeves doesn't like to speak publicly about his money. However, he did touch on the topic during an interview back in 2006. "Money doesn't mean anything to me. I've made a lot of money, but I want to enjoy life and not stress myself building my bank account," Reeves said. The actor then reflected on his own experience with wealth and what he considers to be essential: "I give lots away and live simply, mostly out of a suitcase in hotels. We all know that good health is much more important."