The Quirky (And Perhaps A Bit Overzealous) Measures I Take to Save Money

I typically keep my money-saving habits to myself—it’s a little embarrassing, after all. I admit I can be quite “extra,” as the kids put it, but I have no intentions of changing my ways. I enjoy my frugal tendencies, even if they might seem over the top to some. By saving at the micro level daily, I ensure I have funds available for larger purchases that I might not otherwise be able to afford. It works well for my family.

So, just how “quirky” are we talking about here?

For starters, I make sure to turn off the water immediately while brushing my teeth or doing dishes. I always opt for cold water when washing clothes, and I never purchase dryer sheets or fabric softener. I do my laundry in full loads only—no small batches here.

I don’t subscribe to cable; instead, I have an affordable smart TV paired with a few basic streaming services. I also don’t have a landline, and my smartphone plan is through a budget provider, costing just $20 a month. I buy my phones outright on platforms like eBay, often scoring the latest models at half the retail price.

I keep the air conditioning set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (or 77 when I’m active). Aldi is my go-to grocery store, and I mainly shop for clothes at thrift stores. Most of my home decor and furniture comes from Facebook Marketplace. When it comes to sunscreen, I only buy lotion SPF because it lasts much longer and is more economical in the long run. I even unplug appliances when they’re not in use to save on energy.

More Peculiar Habits

But it gets even more peculiar. I’ve mastered the art of coasting to red lights to save on gas, timing my approach so my vehicle rarely comes to a complete stop before the light turns green. This method is more fuel-efficient than starting from a full stop. I avoid using my car’s air conditioning unless I’m on the highway, as it’s less expensive than losing aerodynamics by rolling down the windows.

I squeeze every last bit of toothpaste, shampoo, and soap from their containers—literally cutting them open when necessary. I prefer bar soap and washcloths over body wash and loofahs since they’re cheaper and more environmentally friendly. I also take showers that are cool to lukewarm.

At meal times, we only use cloth napkins, which means we go through paper towels at a snail’s pace. While they do add to my laundry, the impact is minimal. I try to use reusable items whenever possible because “disposable” means more spending.

I also extend the lifespan of my contact lenses beyond the recommended time (I clean them diligently, though). I use less than the suggested amount of my prescribed acne medication, but I always take my antidepressant exactly as directed. Manicures and pedicures are luxuries I skip, and I’ve even learned to cut my own hair and my kids’ hair.

Frugal Coffee Choices

Coffee outings are rare for me; they feel like a small financial stab to my heart. A single coffee from a café can cost almost as much as an entire 24 oz coffee tin from Aldi, which yields nearly fifty cups. The math just doesn’t add up for that fancy cup of joe.

Reflections on My Money-Saving Journey

Why do I operate this way? I can’t exactly say when it all began, but I vividly recall being around 11 and calculating food costs at the skating rink concession stand to maximize my value. During my freshman year of college, opting out of the meal plan saved me around $2,000 on food, given that I didn’t typically eat breakfast.

During my master’s program, which I attended thanks to a generous scholarship, I had to stretch a mere $12 to cover my expenses for the rest of the month. I was already calculating grocery prices per ounce long before stores displayed those numbers.

Is my behavior a result of witnessing my parents struggle financially? I certainly remember the sinking feeling of seeing overdue bills and answering calls from bill collectors. Even during times of financial comfort, I continued to hold onto these habits. For me, frivolous spending is hard to rationalize.

To be fair, I do indulge in a few luxuries, like hiring a lawn care service. The time saved allows me to focus on writing rather than yard work, making it financially sensible. It’s just another way I run the numbers.

Finding Balance

While some may consider my savings strategies extreme, I’m perfectly fine with this part of my personality. It’s how I manage larger purchases. For instance, I bought a violin for my daughter this past April and rented a cabin in the mountains for a week in July. I make sure to max out my IRA and ROTH IRA most years.

Some people might find my habits excessive, but I think many can relate. I genuinely believe that every penny counts over time. And I know this because I’ve crunched the numbers—obsessively. I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.

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Conclusion

In summary, my obsessive approach to saving money might seem peculiar to some, but it serves my family’s needs and helps manage larger expenses over time. By making small sacrifices daily, I can afford significant purchases and save for our future.