Many people associate cheapskate tips with being stingy, but some of them are actually about being smart with money and resources. Here are 10 tips that may be labeled “cheapskate,” but they can save you thousands of dollars.
1. Cutting The Cost Of Your Phone Plan
Cutting the cost of phone plans can save money by reducing the amount spent on monthly phone bills.
“I have had Tello for many yrs…average <$5 a month for 1GB data and all the voice I want – never have had issues with the quality of calls/data.” a user said.
“Mint mobile can be $15 a month for a single line 4 GB of data can work if you don’t use a lot of data. If you use more and want a better range of service t mobile connect works for $25 a month 6 GB” said another.
2. Reuse Grocery Bags
“I use grocery bags for trash bags.” a user said.
“I only use grocery bags for when I clean my cat’s litter box.” another added.
Related: Frugal Alert: 10 Simple Frugal Tips To Save Thousands Of Dollars
3. Grow Your Food
Growing your own food can save you money and provide fresh produce. Start with a small garden or even potted plants, and you can reap the benefits of a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
“Plant once, grow forever.” said one.
“You don’t need “fertilizer” in your backyard garden. Make compost; it’s all the food your plants and soil will ever need.” another added.
“I had fresh fruit from April to November. And lots of kale I rarely ate but it is pretty. I am going to do better with green food next year” a Redditor said.
4. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar For Cleaning
Cleaning with baking soda and vinegar is an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. It can be cost effective too.
“I will say that using vinegar and soda had the added benefit of less harsh chemicals, and honestly, water and vinegar seem to clean even better.” a user said.
“I had used the baking soda and vinegar together when my sink was clogged and stinky. It really worked wonders, and I had no idea they canceled each other out for cleaning” said another.
5. Avoid Paying Whenever Possible
This ritual of not paying whenever possible can save you a lot of money.
“My mom is pretty extreme, which I don’t recommend. My mom is a millionaire and still does this. It drives us all nuts, but she won’t get help. She lives in England. Here are some things that she does is:
- Cuts her own hair.
- Parks far away, so she doesn’t have to pay for parking
- NEVER eats takeout or in restaurants/cafes.” said one.
Related: To All Frugalists: 11 Expensive Items That Save You Tonne Of Money And Pays For Itself
6. Fill Out Survey Forms To Get Freebies
“Visting MC Donalds, the receipt had a survey on the bottom, and I did the one on our receipt and friend’s receipt. I was able to get two chocolate bundt cakes” a user said.
“I got a free and delicious milkshake from Steak N Shake on a road trip by filling out their survey! Woot!” another added.
7. Swap Favors With Friends
Swapping favors with friends can help you save money by exchanging skills and resources. For example, one friend may offer to babysit for another in exchange for help with yard work, reducing the need for paid services.
“Swap favors with friends if you’re particularly skilled at housecleaning/haircutting / any other marketable skills and if friends are similarly skilled in different areas.” said one.
Related: 15 Unskippable Frugal Hacks That You Should Know And Try
8. Keeping Your Living Space Tidy Can Save Money
Keeping your living space tidy and organized can help you save money by reducing waste and clutter. By having a clear understanding of what you have, you’ll be less likely to overspend or misplace important items, leading to a more financially stable and stress-free lifestyle.
“Keeping my place tidy and using décor I like. For me, it equals less stress and more time spent relaxing at home, so less buying.” said one.
9. Use Bicycles For Transportation
Using bicycles eliminates the need for fuel costs and maintenance expenses associated with cars. It’s also a healthier mode of transportation that can reduce medical expenses in the long run.
“Our budget for cars for a 2-car family is $1000 a month. This is money set aside for repairs, gas, and insurance. This is just crazy to me! I love that you get around on a bike. Also getting exercise and fresh air.” a user said.
Related: Debunked: 19 Frugal Myths That Don’t Actually Save Money
10. Share Your Streaming Services.
Sharing streaming services can save money by splitting the cost of subscription services among multiple users. For example, multiple people can share the cost of a Netflix or Amazon Prime account, giving everyone access to the content while reducing the overall cost per person.
“I still use my sister’s Netflix cause why should I pay for it when his family can?” a Redditor said.
11. Use Credit Card Wisely
A user said “If you use a credit card get one with cash back and don’t spend more than 10% of your credit line. Pay it back when it’s due and not too early so your credit score can go up. Good credit scores are important for applying to apartments and getting a car.”
12. Get A Job
‘If you want to go to community college but don’t have the money try to find employment that can pay for your schooling. This one is hard because most jobs don’t pay for schooling but there’s a few that at least pay for community. My sister had a job that paid for her to get her bachelors because it was in the same field however she had to pay for community. It’s a better deal to not have to pay for a college that isn’t community as they are much more expensive.” shared one.
13. Use Thrift Stores For Shopping
Shopping from thrift stores is an excellent way to save money while still being able to purchase quality items. Thrift stores offer a wide variety of products at a fraction of their retail price, making them an affordable option for those on a tight budget.
14. Compare Prices Per Unit
When shopping, it’s important to compare prices per unit to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Don’t be fooled by items that appear cheap; always calculate the price per unit to determine the true value and avoid overspending.
15. Compare Prices Before Buying Anything
Comparing prices online can help you save money on bigger purchases. Take the time to research and compare prices from multiple retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
16. Rent, Not Own
If you have the funds, investing in commercial properties can be more profitable than residential properties due to higher rental income and long-term appreciation potential.
17. Live In A Smaller Home
Living in a smaller house can offer several benefits, including reduced living expenses, less clutter, and a lower carbon footprint. With thoughtful design and organization, it’s possible to live comfortably in a smaller space and still enjoy a high quality of life.
18. Prep Your Meals
Image Credits: Deposit Photos.
Want to save money? Start with meal prep. It will help you utilise all groceries at home and cut down on unnecessary shopping for food.
19. Make Your Grocery List
Making a list of groceries before shopping is a simple and effective way to avoid overspending and sticking to a budget.
20. Reset Your Zero
[caption id="attachment_15987" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
Don’t increase spend once your income increases. Also, if you are broke at $0, keep increasing it to another level. For example, from now on, you are broke at $500. Next year, at $1000.
Source Reddit discussion
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