I usually keep my money-saving habits under wraps; they can be a little embarrassing. I guess you could say I’m a bit “extra” when it comes to frugality. Yet, I embrace my quirks because they allow me to save money daily, enabling larger purchases that would otherwise be out of reach for my family. So, how “quirky” am I really?
Everyday Savings
For starters, I make sure not to run water longer than necessary while washing dishes or brushing my teeth. I always opt for cold water when doing laundry, skip dryer sheets and fabric softener, and only wash full loads.
I don’t have cable, just a budget-friendly smart TV with a couple of streaming services. I also ditched my landline phone in favor of a $20 monthly plan with Mint for my smartphone. When it comes to phones, I buy them outright from eBay, usually snagging the next-to-latest model for half the retail price.
Energy and Grocery Savings
I set my air conditioning at a balmy 78 degrees (or 77 if I’m active) and do my grocery shopping at Aldi. Most of my clothing comes from thrift stores, and I source nearly all my home décor from Facebook Marketplace. I prefer lotion SPF over spray because it lasts longer and is more economical. I even unplug devices when they’re not in use to save on energy costs.
Driving and Personal Care
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I often coast up to red lights to conserve gas and time my approach so my vehicle doesn’t come to a complete stop before the light turns green. This way, I use less gas when I accelerate from a coast. I also limit my car’s AC usage, only turning it on during highway drives since it’s less costly than losing aerodynamics with the windows down.
I stretch every bit of toothpaste, shampoo, and soap from their containers, even cutting tubes open to access every last drop. I stick to bar soap and washcloths because they’re cheaper and eco-friendly. I take cool to lukewarm showers and we exclusively use cloth napkins at meals, which minimizes paper towel usage.
I’m known to wear my contact lenses longer than recommended (I keep them clean!). I also use less than the suggested dose of my acne medication. And while I follow my antidepressant regimen strictly, I skip manicures and taught myself to cut my family’s hair.
Coffee and Value
Buying coffee out is a rarity; when I do, it stings a bit. I can’t help but think that a single cup costs nearly as much as a 24 oz coffee tin from Aldi, which provides about 50 cups. The math just doesn’t add up for me.
Origins of My Frugality
Why do I have these habits? I can’t pinpoint exactly when it began, but I remember calculating the best food value at the skating rink concession stand at age 11. In college, I opted out of the meal plan, saving around $2,000 in my first year. During my master’s program, I learned to stretch a mere $12 to last the month after paying rent.
I think my frugal tendencies stem from seeing my parents struggle financially. I have vivid memories of overdue bills and the stress they brought. Even in times of financial comfort, I’ve clung to these habits. Spending frivolously has never felt right to me.
Investing in What Matters
That said, I do spend on certain services I consider necessary, like lawn care. The time I save allows me to focus on writing or other tasks that are more valuable to me.
Some might see my saving methods as extreme, but they work for me. This past April, I purchased a violin for my daughter, and in July, we rented a cabin in the mountains for a week. I consistently max out my IRA and ROTH IRA as well.
Conclusion
While my approach may seem a bit excessive, I stand by it. I genuinely believe that every penny counts over time, and I’ve done the math to prove it. I don’t see myself changing anytime soon. If you’re curious to explore more about home insemination, check out our related post here.