Saving money often means being smart and disciplined: cutting out luxuries, sticking to budgets, and maybe brewing your own coffee instead of grabbing a $6 latte every morning. But there’s frugal, and then there’s really frugal.
Some people push the limits of cost-cutting in shocking and inventive ways. Whether out of desperation, dedication, or sheer habit, these extreme money-saving tactics go far beyond clipping coupons or skipping dessert.
Here are ten of the strangest, most unconventional ways people have tried to pinch pennies, proving that sometimes, saving a few dollars comes at a cost of its own.
1. Living Off Expired Food
Some folks don’t just accept discounts—they wait for them to spoil. Literally, there are people who only shop the clearance bins filled with expired or nearly expired food, stocking up on whatever they can find to stretch their grocery budget.
While they might swear by “sell-by” versus “use-by” dates, regularly consuming expired food is risky. What might seem like a clever grocery hack could land you with a case of food poisoning—or worse.
2. Washing and Reusing Paper Towels
Disposable? Not always.
In one household, paper towels aren’t used once and tossed—they’re washed, hung up to dry, and used again. It might seem oddly thrifty (and eco-friendly at first glance), but there’s something unsettling about wiping a counter with a soggy, recycled sheet that was meant to be used once. It’s a germaphobe’s nightmare dressed up as frugality.
3. DIY Cloth Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is one of those staples most people wouldn’t dream of reimagining—but not everyone sees it that way. Instead of constantly buying rolls, some people opt for “reusable” cloth wipes made from cut-up fabric. After each use, they’re washed and reused. While undeniably cost-effective, the hygiene concerns are hard to ignore. Some things are just better left disposable.
4. Weekly Dumpster Diving Trips
Why pay for what others throw away? Some individuals make a weekly ritual of scouring dumpsters behind grocery stores and retail chains for edible food, usable goods, and even clothing.
While the idea of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” rings true, dumpster diving isn’t just resourceful—it’s potentially dangerous.
Exposure to bacteria, spoiled food, and sharp objects isn’t exactly a fair trade for a free loaf of bread.
5. Couponing to the Extreme
Extreme couponing isn’t just a hobby—it can become a lifestyle. Think entire closets packed with shampoo, canned goods, and laundry detergent, all purchased for pennies. While the savings can be real, this level of devotion often comes with chaos: hours spent organizing, hunting, and planning purchases for items that may never actually be used. The result? A borderline hoarding situation disguised as smart shopping.
6. The “If It’s Yellow…” Toilet Rule
In an effort to slash water bills, some households adopt the age-old, cringe-inducing adage: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow.” The toilet doesn’t get flushed until the end of the day—or until absolutely necessary. It may save a few gallons, but the aroma that builds up throughout the day might just cancel out any financial wins.
7. Reusing Disposable Cutlery
Plastic forks, knives, and spoons aren’t known for their durability, but that doesn’t stop some frugal minds from washing and reusing them multiple times. While it sounds like a good way to cut back on waste, the reality is that these utensils break down quickly, and cleaning them properly is tough. It’s the kind of cost-saving move that quickly turns counterproductive.
8. Wearing Clothes to the Bitter End
Some people take pride in wearing clothes until they’re practically falling off. Think threadbare shirts, pants with holes, and shoes on their last breath. While minimalist fashion has its place, showing up in attire that looks like it survived a house fire can send the wrong message, especially in professional or social settings. There’s frugal, and then there’s forgettable.
9. Family-Style Bathwater Sharing
To save on hot water, some families share bathwater—literally. One person gets in, then the next, and so on, usually starting with the adults and ending with the youngest kids. It might save a few bucks, but it’s also a fast track to feeling like you’ve bathed in a lukewarm soup of soap, dirt, and questionable residue.
10. Getting the Most Out of a Tea Bag
Why use a fresh tea bag when you can use the same one three times? That’s the philosophy in some hyper-thrifty homes. The idea is simple: steep once, set it aside, and reuse later—sometimes even days later. While the intent is to stretch every cent, the reality is weak, tasteless tea that barely resembles the soothing cup you were hoping for.
Cutting expenses is admirable, and being mindful about spending can be incredibly empowering. But there’s a fine line between saving money and compromising comfort, hygiene, or even dignity.
These extreme examples show just how far some people are willing to go, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Sometimes, it’s okay to flush the toilet, enjoy fresh tea, or treat yourself to a shirt without holes.
