Saving money is a goal many of us strive for, but some people take frugality to the next level with unconventional money-saving tactics. While these methods may seem extreme initially, they can help you cut costs and build your savings over time.
Here are 15 intensive frugal living tips that might raise eyebrows but can also fill your piggy bank.
1. Night Light Living
Some individuals are determined to reduce their electricity bills to a minimum by using battery-operated lighting scattered around their homes. They also unplug large appliances when not in use to minimize phantom power consumption.
2. Measured Electricity
Imagine measuring the power consumption of every appliance in your home! Some people take this approach and even choose not to use their ovens during the scorching summer months or switch off their air conditioning to save on energy costs.
3. Loaded Errands
To avoid burning too much fuel, savvy savers plan all their errands for a specific day of the week. This reduces unnecessary trips and helps cut down on transportation expenses.
4. Recycling Water
While waiting for the shower water to warm up, some frugal folks gather the initial cold water that flows out and save it for watering their garden or plants, making the most of every drop.
5. Riding Out Winter
Instead of cranking up the heater, some budget-conscious individuals brave the cold by using multiple blankets to stay warm throughout the winter. This approach may lead to a chilly house but also a warm wallet.
6. Saving the Scraps
Resourceful cooks save chicken bones and vegetable scraps to make flavorful broths and freeze the ends of bread loaves to later use in casseroles, minimizing food waste and grocery expenses.
7. Ziploc Savings
Rather than discarding Ziploc bags after one use, some people wash and reuse them, extending the life of these handy kitchen items.
8. Not Using Natural Gas
To avoid gas bills, some individuals go for wood stoves and heat their water for baths using alternative methods, like solar heaters or electric heating.
9. Dumpster Diving for Everything
While not for the faint of heart, dumpster diving can be a treasure trove for free food, furniture, and clothing. However, exercising caution and ensuring safety is essential when attempting this money-saving technique.
10. Group Tools
Friends and neighbors sometimes pool their resources to purchase expensive tools or equipment, which they then share among households, reducing individual expenses.
11. Swiping Extra Utensils and Napkins
At restaurants, some thrifty diners stock up on napkins and plastic utensils to use at home, saving on household supplies instead of buying them at the grocery store.
12. Collecting Recyclables
Some dedicated recyclers collect any aluminum cans, glass bottles, and other recyclables they see while out and about to exchange for cash at recycling centers, turning trash into treasure.
13. Store Hopping
Savvy shoppers, obviously with a lot of time on their hands, visit multiple stores to hunt for the best deals on various items. This approach can help them maximize savings on groceries and everyday purchases.
14. Bank Hopping
Some open and occasionally switch checking accounts to take advantage of bonuses and free checking deals offered by banks, ultimately reducing banking fees.
15. Intermittent Fasting for Savings
For the most extreme money-saving tactic on this list, some individuals practice intermittent fasting, consuming only one meal daily to cut food expenses.
