“Have you ever done something ridiculous to save money that you feel ashamed to talk about?” In a quest for extreme frugality, a Reddit user sought anecdotes of the lengths people have gone to tighten their purse strings. Highlighting the most memorable replies from the post, individuals shared their humorous and cringe-worthy money-saving endeavors.
Prefer Living a Lonely Life To Going Out
One member’s lifestyle involves minimal social engagement, as they explained, “I just never go out and do anything. I live a lonely life of video games and cats and never spend money.” Their choice to focus on solitary activities such as gaming and pet companionship reflects a deliberate strategy to curb expenses while maintaining a fulfilling routine.
Take Home Leftover Food
A member and her husband employ a strategic method to acquire free meals by staying until the end of events to gather excess food, sharing, “My husband will hang around til the very end of company picnics and take home leftover food. It was embarrassing to me, but we ate brisket and smoked chicken for a good month off of it. Came in handy when he was an entry-level engineer with a family.” Although initially embarrassing, their unorthodox approach to securing sustenance demonstrates their practicality and resourcefulness, particularly during times of financial constraint.
Buy Nothing; Hate Yourself
An alternate approach to frugality comes from another user with a unique spending mindset, explaining, “I save money to a fault. I am unsure if it’s a legitimate mental problem or what – (though it’s definitely not just how I was raised). Still, I find it very difficult to spend even a little bit of money, even when it’s on something I know I need (like food). The money is just going to sit around and do nothing else.” This perspective reveals an uncommon aversion to spending, stemming from a deep-rooted desire to economize, even for essential items, reflecting a distinctive financial mindset.
Sneak Into Hotels To Eat Continental Breakfast
While not entirely within legal bounds, a member shared an audacious tactic that proved effective for them, admitting, “In college, when I was broke, I’d go to the nearest hotel in the morning and eat the continental breakfast. Most hotels would assume I was a guest.” Despite the ethical gray area, this anecdote showcases their resourcefulness in making the best of a challenging financial situation, utilizing a loophole to access free meals.
Using Public Restrooms To Save on Water and Tissue Paper
Specific individuals adopt unique practices to save resources, such as refraining from using their home toilet. As one user explained, “Poop in public restrooms as much as possible to save water and TP.” This unconventional approach reflects their commitment to conservation by utilizing facilities outside their home. Their choice highlights an innovative strategy to minimize water and toilet paper consumption while contributing to environmentally conscious habits.
Scout for Free Samples
Relying on the availability of complimentary samples, a member adopts a resourceful approach to satisfy their needs, stating, “Thirsty? A tea shop around here allows you to sample some of their tea. So I go in, have a few sips of their range of teas, look suitably interested, then walk out. Feeling like some chocolate? There’s a place that sells gourmet food that offers free samples of their chocolate. So I walk in and take a small handful. There’s also free dips and spreads, so I might take a few nibbles if I’m peckish.” This strategy showcases their ability to fulfill cravings without spending, effectively navigating various shops’ free offerings to their advantage.
Trash Food
A user shared an unorthodox approach to acquiring food: “I always look through the trash at the back of grocery stores. They usually have leftover food there that’s perfectly edible.” Their willingness to sift through discarded items in pursuit of usable edibles demonstrates a resourceful tactic for obtaining food without spending, highlighting their commitment to economizing through unconventional means.
Skip Eating for a Few Days
Amid challenging times, some individuals resort to self-imposed fasting periods as a cost-cutting measure. One person shared, “If the end of the month is approaching and I can see I’ll go over budget, I’ll skip eating for a few days.” Another adopter of unconventional frugality revealed, “When I was young and wanted to spend money on something, I would simply stop eating. Only eating twice a week leaves you with lots of money to do fun stuff.” These testimonies underscore the creative extent people go to manage their finances.
Skipping Medication
Employing a questionable yet functional approach, another member shares, “I skip my medication. It’s been three months, but people from third-world countries don’t get anxiety meds, so I can make do.” Their unorthodox decision to forego medication despite its potential risks stems from a perspective that contrasts their circumstances with those in less fortunate regions, showcasing a distinctive strategy influenced by a broader context of healthcare access.
Avoid Doctors and Dentists
While recognizing the potential drawbacks, a member persists in risky behavior, admitting, “Avoid the doctor and dentist at all costs- I know it’s gonna bite me in the ass one day, but unless it’s TOTALLY covered by my bad insurance, I’m probably gonna avoid going.” Despite being aware of the possible consequences, their financial concerns lead them to postpone seeking medical and dental care unless covered by their limited insurance, revealing a complex balance between financial prudence and long-term health considerations.
Use School’s Laundromats
A savvy user questions the need to pay for laundry services when their school offers complimentary access to laundromats, stating, “I live off campus but do laundry at my school’s dorm because it’s free and laundromats are about $7 per load.” This strategy exemplifies their resourcefulness in utilizing cost-free amenities provided by the educational institution, effectively avoiding unnecessary expenses associated with commercial laundry facilities.
Smoking Other People Half-smoked Cigarettes
A different user employs a rather unsavory approach to economize, admitting, “I smoke other people’s half-smoked cigarettes. I find them in ashtrays and on the ground in my town. I’m not proud, but I haven’t bought a pack in about 8 months.” Despite the distasteful nature of this habit, their willingness to utilize discarded cigarettes showcases a unique and cost-effective method of avoiding personal expenses, underscoring their determination to cut back on spending in an unconventional manner.
Hate Braking Down To Save on Gas
Another participant in the discussion shared an unconventional perspective on saving money, stating, “Avoiding using the brake pedal because that would mean wasting the gas I burned for that kinetic energy.” This approach, driven by preserving kinetic energy and avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption, showcases their inventive thinking in finding ways to economize. The member’s viewpoint reflects their dedication to optimizing every aspect of their vehicle usage for financial efficiency.
Living in the Car
A common practice in the US involves individuals living out of their vehicles. One user shared their approach, stating, “Live in my car. Not proud, but not ashamed either. It isn’t that bad after you get a gym membership for the shower and get a little system going.” Their pragmatic viewpoint highlights the viability of this lifestyle choice once a routine, including gym facilities for hygiene, is established, emphasizing that it can be a manageable arrangement.
Sleep in To Eat Fewer Meals
One user shared a unique money-saving tactic, confessing that they intentionally sleep more to reduce the number of daily meals consumed. They humorously mentioned, “Sometimes I have to sleep for dinner because I don’t have money for groceries. Or sleep in so I have fewer meals I need to eat.” This candid revelation showcases their unconventional approach to managing tight finances, highlighting their determination to make ends meet in creative ways.
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