Close to being stingy (4)
I believe the answer is:
near
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'close to' is the first definition.
(close to means nearby)
'stingy' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'being' is the link.
(Other definitions for near that I've seen before include "Almost; approach" , "Mean, close" , "Nigh" , "Close to - stingy - approach" , "Not far distant in time or space etc." .)