Ever heard of a savings idea that just doesn’t make sense? Things that people claim are frugal, but the math just doesn’t work out?
There are some things that people swear are frugal, but they just don’t make sense—especially anymore. These may have been frugal once upon a time, but these outdated pieces of advice just don’t hold water anymore—for so many reasons. Here are some of the old-school frugal habits that you might have picked up or internalized that just don’t make sense anymore—it’s time to leave them behind and look for new and more modern savings advice!
Bundles Are Cheaper
Old-School Frugal Habit: Bundles are cheaper.
Modern Truth: Fast food bundles, cable and internet packages, and ski, amusement, and hotel packages are rarely deals. Now, all the packages do is rope you into buying more, not discount both package items.
Dollar Stores
Old-School Frugal Habit: Always shop at the Dollar Store.
Modern Truth: Do you mean $1.25 stores? That’s right, even the dollar stores no longer sell things for a dollar. It’s essential to be vigilant about each item. Sure, a can of tuna “only” costs $1.25, but the same can is only .77$ at Aldi. So, it’s not always what it appears to be. And, many cleaners and bathroom toiletries are smaller, tricking you into believing you’re saving money when you’re not.
Buying the Larger Size
Old-School Frugal Habit: Buy the larger size.
Truth: Buying the larger size isn’t always the best deal. This is a real-life story: someone explained that buying two 16-oz blocks of cheese at the store was cheaper than the 32-oz she had in her hand, so she swapped it out. However, when she attempted to tip off another shopper, their response in a snotty tone was, “I don’t need two…”
Buying Things on Sale
Old-School Frugal Habit: Always buy on sale.
Modern Truth: The myth of getting a good deal, so needing to buy it because it is on sale costs you more in the long run. For example, if you go to the mall every weekend to hit clearance racks. Instead, you waste money on items you don’t need for the sake of being “on sale.”
DIY Projects
Old-School Frugal Habit: DIY to save money.
Modern Truth: Doing things yourself is cheaper but won’t necessarily save you money. While you can save some money on some basic DIY jobs, attempting to DIY projects that need a professional will end up costing you in the long run.
Fast Food Is Cheaper
Old-School Frugal Habit: Fast Food might not be healthy but cheap.
Modern Truth: While dollar menus may have helped add to the rumor, those days are long gone. Also, eating that non-nutritious food will cost you more in the long run.
Gardening
Old-School Frugal Habit: Grow your own food to save money.
Modern Truth: Gardening is an expensive hobby. Although it might cost a little more, the recreation is enjoyable, and the food is fresh. However, the ” grow your own food to save money myth ” is not necessarily true.
Buy One, Get One Free
Old-School Frugal Habit: Grab the BOGOs.
Modern Truth: Buy one, get one free (BOGO) sales can cost more than they’re worth. Sure, if it’s an item you use frequently and costs less, it’s a deal. However, if you’re grabbing two because it’s on sale and don’t end up using something before it spoils, you cost yourself twice as much.
Buy Cheap
Old-School Frugal Habit: Get the cheapest item to save money.
Modern Truth: Buying low-quality items may cost half as much, but you must replace them ten times as often. It’s not frugal. Sometimes, you have to go with what you can get, but otherwise, look for quality.
Incognito Browsing
Old-School Frugal Habit: Use an incognito browser to save money on flights.
Modern Truth: It will not save you any money. You save money on flights by flying at less popular times and being flexible. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to try.
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