I tend to keep my money-saving habits under wraps, mostly because they might seem a bit excessive. But I find comfort in my meticulous approach, even if it comes across as a little odd. By saving small amounts daily, I can eventually afford bigger purchases that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to make. It’s a system that works well for my family.
How Quirky Am I?
So, just how “quirky” am I when it comes to saving? For starters, I never let the water run longer than absolutely necessary while washing dishes or brushing my teeth. I always do my laundry in cold water, skip dryer sheets and fabric softener, and ensure every load is a full one.
I don’t subscribe to cable; instead, I have a budget-friendly smart TV with a couple of basic streaming services. I also don’t have a landline, and my smartphone plan is through a low-cost provider, which only costs me $20 a month. I purchase my phones outright from eBay, often finding last year’s models at half the retail price.
My air conditioning is set at 78 degrees (or 77 when I’m active). I shop for groceries at Aldi and buy most of my clothing from thrift stores. Nearly all my home furnishings and decor come from Facebook Marketplace. I prefer lotion-based SPF over spray because it lasts longer and saves me money in the long run. I also unplug appliances when they’re not in use or when devices are fully charged.
More Peculiar Habits
But wait, it gets even more peculiar. I approach red lights in a way that allows my car to coast without coming to a full stop, saving gas. I avoid using my car’s AC unless I’m driving on the highway, as it’s more efficient than having the windows down.
I ensure that I squeeze out every last bit of toothpaste, shampoo, and soap. I’ll even cut open tubes to reach the remnants. I only use bar soap with a washcloth instead of body wash with a loofah because it’s more economical and environmentally friendly. My showers are always lukewarm to cool.
We exclusively use cloth napkins at mealtime which means we barely go through paper towels. While some may find this adds to my laundry load, it really doesn’t make much of a difference. I aim for reusability in everything—disposables just mean frequent purchases.
I also stretch the life of my contact lenses beyond the recommended timeline (I know that’s not advisable, but I maintain cleanliness). With my topical acne medication, I use less than the suggested amount. However, I take my antidepressants exactly as prescribed; I don’t play with my mental health. I never indulge in manicures or pedicures and have learned to cut hair for myself and my kids.
Frugal Coffee Choices
I rarely buy coffee out, and when I do, it feels like a splurge I can’t justify. A single cup from a cafe costs nearly as much as a 24 oz tin from Aldi, which yields about fifty cups. The allure of that fancy coffee just doesn’t stack up against the cost.
Origins of My Habits
But why do I act this way? I can’t pinpoint an exact moment when this obsession began, though I do remember being around 11, calculating which items at the skating rink concession stand gave the most food for the price. Who thinks like that?
In college, I opted out of the meal plan, saving around $2,000, as I typically skipped breakfast. During my master’s program, which I attended thanks to a generous scholarship, I learned to stretch every dollar (this often meant a diet of rice and soy sauce). I calculated grocery prices long before stores began labeling them by weight.
Is this behavior rooted in witnessing my parents struggle financially? I remember the feeling of dread when I’d spot the “OVERDUE” stamp on their bills. My sister and I often intercepted calls from bill collectors, claiming our parents were “in the shower.” My dad’s construction job often fluctuated with the housing market.
Even in times of financial stability, during my marriage to someone with a solid income, I held onto many of these habits. Spending money carelessly has always felt wrong to me.
Investing in Time
That said, I do invest in a few services that some might deem luxuries—like lawn care. The time I save by hiring professionals is worth more than the cost, and I can use that time to write articles or focus on other tasks. The math behind this decision is part of my saving obsession.
While my methods may seem excessive to some, I’m genuinely comfortable with this part of my personality. My frugal habits enable me to make significant purchases, like a violin for my daughter or a week-long cabin rental in the mountains. I routinely max out my IRA and ROTH IRA contributions.
Perhaps some will view my money-saving measures as extreme, but I know I’m not alone in believing that small savings accumulate over time. I’ve done the calculations—obsessively—so I don’t foresee changing anytime soon.
Further Reading
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Summary:
This article humorously explores the author’s quirky yet effective money-saving habits, from meticulous energy conservation to frugal purchasing decisions. It reflects on how these habits have been shaped by early experiences and emphasizes the belief that small savings can accumulate significantly over time.
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