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Have you ever thought, “How far would I go to save a few dollars?”
While being frugal is a way of life for many financial-savvy people, some take the practice to the extreme!
Recently, thrifty people of all ages met in an online discussion to reveal how they’ve managed to save money over the years.
1. Sharing Passwords
It’s 2023, and only recently have streaming companies started cracking down on password sharing.
All savvy people know that account sharing is possible for many services, from television to movies to music — and everything in between. Who hasn’t used their parents’ cable television password at least 500 times?
2. Dumpster Diving
Hey, no judgment here; one man reveals he hasn’t bought a light bulb for over a decade! “My hobby is recycling scrap metal and dumpster diving,” he says.
“I have not had to buy light bulbs in over ten years because I find them still attached to the lamps and ceiling fans I pick up for scrap.”
3. Recycling Water
Recycling water is an increasingly common way to be frugal, and one person has mastered the art of it! “All water goes to our plants,” one woman reveals.
“When we refresh our cats’ water, we pour old water into our front porch garden, and the same with my nightstand water pitcher. Water cost savings are minimal, but I feel better not wasting water.” This woman isn’t wrong; efficiently utilizing water is a great skill to have!
4. Being Financially Responsible
Many people confess they don’t incorporate small bits of frugality into their lives. To them, it’s all about the big picture.
From never getting a traffic ticket to never paying interest on loans to not incurring any credit card debt, many people take financial responsibility to the extreme — and their wallets thank them.
5. Foregoing the Dryer
Although modern appliances are more energy-efficient than previous generations, the classic clothes dryer is still very energy-hungry.
So to save on ever-increasing energy costs, a small handful of people admit to air-drying their clothes after pulling them out of the washing machine. It’s a smart way to save a few dollars.
6. Home Haircutting
As far as recurring costs are concerned, haircuts are one of the most expensive.
The burden of regularly-scheduled haircuts multiple times a year is eased by learning how to cut your own hair. Countless people admit they picked up this skill during the pandemic; some even cut their pet’s hair!
7. Taking Toilet Paper From Public Restrooms
There’s a thin line between being delightfully frugal and straight-up being a thief, but one person straddles the bar effortlessly.
“I don’t do this anymore, but I used to steal toilet paper from public restrooms,” one man admits. Sure you don’t, pal.
8. Showering At the Gym
Instead of showering at home, many people explain it’s far more convenient and efficient to shower at the gym.
It makes sense; many people go to the gym and shower daily, so why not kill two birds with one stone and shower after a workout?
9. Refusing To Turn on Air Conditioning
If you can bear the heat, there is plenty of money to be saved by refusing to turn on your air conditioning until you can’t take it anymore.
One particularly frugal woman confesses she uses her cat as her barometer: When Fluffy gets agitated, she knows it’s time to turn on the air conditioning! To some, that’s borderline cruel to the poor kitty, but hey, no judgments here.
10. Cooking With an Instant Pot
Sometimes, the best way to be frugal is to combine it with healthy eating habits. “The thing that has saved me the most money in the past five years has been the instant pot, hands down,” professes one woman.
“Mostly because dried beans in an instant pot are so darn delicious, easy, and cheap. But making your own broth, soup, and cheap meat in the instant pot was just a game-changer for me.”
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This thread inspired this article.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.