I need an adjective to describe this person

[pato389]

Hi!
I need an adjective to say that someone isn´t fond of spending more than necessary, he just spends what he needs. I thought of the word mean, because he usually doesn´t like spending money, but it´s not the word i´m looking for, because he has no problem in spending for something necessary.
Do you understand what i mean? Could you please help me?
Thanks a lot!

[nonsense]

He lives within his means, perhaps more thrifty than stingy, but basically financially savvy and careful with his money.

[csheywood]

Do you know the word 'thrifty'? Someone who is thrifty does what you just described, they are careful with money.
But watch out: there is also the word 'spendthrift' which we use to describe someone (or some instituiton) who spends too much.

[editor]

I am not an English teacher, but I love the English language.

May I suggest:
frugal - avoiding waste
economical - using the minimum of resources to accomplish a task or goal
parsimonious - excessively unwilling to spend

[Tdol]

You could add penny-wise to the list.

[svartnik]

You could add penny-wise to the list.

penny-wise but pound-foolish

[pato389]

Thank you all guys. You were of great help!