Here’s a list of some of the most extreme frugal habits I’ve come across.
These are clever ways people manage to save money in ways you might not have considered, or perhaps you’ve even done some of these yourself! I have to say that as a frugal living expert (or just someone who is very into frugality), these frugal living tips are a bit extreme even for me! They definitely are more cheap than frugal!
Please note: these are not things that I have done but things that other people shared that they have done.
Taking Home Leftovers From Work
One summer, I worked in a hospital kitchen and discovered an unexpected benefit. After dishing out meals to patients, any leftover food was up for grabs. Since I was allowed to take whatever remained at the end of my shift, I ended up buying almost no food that entire summer. It was a great way to save money while still eating well.
Living Out of My Car
During a period of transition between college apartments, I found myself without a place to stay for a few weeks. Instead of paying for temporary accommodations, I parked my things at a friend’s place and lived out of my car. Luckily, my campus had a good gym, a library, and even a beach shower within walking distance, so it wasn’t as bad as it sounds. It was a frugal yet somewhat liberating experience.
Crashed Parties for Free Drinks
In college, I often found myself with little money but still wanted to join the social scene. Many parties had kegs, and the entry fee was typically around $5 for unlimited drinks. So, I had a trick up my sleeve: I’d wait until someone tossed their empty cup aside and then pick it up. That way, I could drink for free the entire night without ever paying for a cup.
Walking Long Distances To Work
To save on transportation costs, I started walking to work every day. While it was only about an hour each way, it saved me money and gave me some extra exercise. I never really mentioned how far I was walking, and over time, it became a habit. Plus, walking gave me a nice break to clear my head before starting my workday.
Using the Bathroom at School To Save On Toilet Paper
During grad school, I had a pretty unconventional approach to buying toilet paper. Since I was at university from 9 AM to 9 PM most days, I simply used the restrooms on campus, tearing off a few squares each time I needed them. By the end of the year, I only had to buy one pack of toilet paper for the entire time. I even kept it hidden for when I had guests over so it didn’t seem strange.
Ripping off Vegetable Stems
When I went grocery shopping, I found that I could save a tiny bit of money by ripping off the stems of vegetables before buying them. While it may sound trivial, those small savings add up over time. Every little bit counts, right?
Manipulating the Time Clock
While working a part-time job in college, I discovered a way to make a few extra dollars by strategically clocking out. Most people would clock out in the break room, but I’d wait a little longer and clock out by the exit. It may have only been a few extra minutes here and there, but as a student, that extra cash was really helpful.
Picking up Free Newspapers
In my neighborhood, free newspapers were delivered to driveways, but often, they would end up cluttering the area if left untouched. I started picking them up from unoccupied houses, saving the plastic bags they came in to use for various household chores. It may not have been glamorous, but it kept things neat while saving money on things like garbage bags.
Skipping Meals To Feed the Family
At the end of many months, I would find myself barely eating lunch so that my wife and kids could have enough to eat. It was a tough but necessary sacrifice to ensure they had what they needed while I made sure the bills were paid.
Turning Leftover Steaks Into Stew
One day, I found a doggie bag in my taxi with three half-eaten steaks. Rather than let them go to waste, I trimmed off the uneaten portions and turned them into a delicious stew. It was an inventive way to not only salvage food but make a meal out of what would otherwise be wasted.
Making Reusable Pads
To save on feminine hygiene products, I sewed my own reusable cloth pads. I even got creative with the fabrics, choosing colorful patterns and some with fun themes like Deadpool. They were comfortable, easy to clean, and saved me money in the long run.
Not Flushing the Toilet Immediately
To save on water usage, I started not flushing the toilet after every visit if it wasn’t necessary. I’d wait until I had to go again later in the day, and then flush everything at once. It may sound strange, but it’s a small habit that helped reduce my water bills without causing any issues.
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