There are some frugal living habits that are very normal-sounding. For example, everyone knows that budgeting is something you should do as well as using coupons.
But some frugal living habits sound unhinged but save a ton of money when you actually start doing them.
Cut Your Own Hair
Okay, we’re coming out of the gate hot here with something that most people will find absurd. But trust us: it’s nowhere nearly as difficult as it sounds, especially if you have a simple hairstyle.
With a few online tutorials and some basic tools, you can maintain your style at home. Plus, you’ll gain confidence in your skills. Plus, who doesn’t love a little self-sufficiency when it means you get to save anywhere between $30 and $60 a month?
Eat Roadkill
I do not recommend this at all!!
But… there are some people who have no problem taking some roadkill (the less beat up ones) and cleaning it and eating it. It is a very easy and cheap way to get meat, but… I wouldn’t recommend it.
Be Obsessed With Lowering Food Waste
This might seem extreme, but being conscious about food waste can lead to significant savings. Get creative with your leftovers, plan meals around what you already have, and use every part of your produce, even the scraps!
Like with cutting your hair, many tutorials offer tons of tips for repurposing every last bit of food in your fridge. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize it’s not only easier than you thought, but it’ll be hard to justify going back!
Negotiate Your Bills
Most people would never dream of calling their internet provider and asking for a better deal. But those who find the strength within themselves to do it are often rewarded handsomely. It may feel awkward, but reaching out to service providers to negotiate your bills can lead to surprising discounts.
They want to keep you as a customer, so many providers are trained to negotiate specifically with these kinds of calls. And in some instances, it won’t even feel like playing hardball; they’ll just offer you a cheaper package flat out when you ask!
Unplug Everything at Night
Yes, unplugging everything before bed is an inconvenience. But once you get into the habit, it’s not nearly as bad as you think. Unplugging electronics when they’re not in use can save you a surprising amount on your energy bill.
Many devices consume power even when turned off, known as “phantom load.” Make it a part of your nightly routine to go around and pull the plug from every room. And if you aren’t willing to do every single appliance or electronic, at least aim for the big ones, like computers.
Teach Your Cat To Use the Toilet
If you want more crazy ways to save money, how about teaching your cat to use the toilet? If you think about it, the cost of flushing a toilet is much less than the amount you spend on kitty litter each month, not to mention the time and energy it takes to clean out the litter box.
For between $15 and $30, you can purchase training accessories that will help you teach your cat how to use the toilet instead of the litter box and never have to purchase kitty litter, scooper, or pet waste bags ever again (so the advertisements say).
Grow Your Own Fruits and Vegetables
The cost of fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store can take a huge bite out of your grocery budget, but growing what you can at home can considerably reduce the amount that you pay in grocery expenses each month.
For another of the best crazy ways to save money, consider turning part of your backyard into a garden where you can plant easy-to-care-for fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, green beans, cucumbers, and zucchinis. Do some research to find out which fruits and vegetables are native to your area, as these are the easiest to grow with the least amount of care and extra attention.
People living in homes without considerable green space can still grow items like tomatoes and herbs inside their homes in large planters. The more you can grow yourself, the less you will need to buy at the store.
Toilet Train Your Baby
Elimination communication, the process of training your baby to use the potty instead of a diaper, is a pretty out-there parenting idea. If you are desperate to save money on diapers, or just aren’t interested in changing them, then look into this!
Save Water
While waiting for the shower water to warm up, you can collect the initial cold water that flows out and save it to water their garden or plants, making the most of every drop. It’s pretty easy to do, all you need to do is put a bucket in the shower before you turn it on. It’s a great way to save money and save water!
