The Quirky (And Perhaps A Bit Eccentric) Sacrifices I Make To Save Money

I don’t usually disclose just how obsessed I am with saving money. It’s a bit embarrassing and definitely a little “extra,” as the younger generation puts it. However, I have no intention of changing my ways. My compulsion for frugality works well for my family, allowing me to save at the micro level daily for those larger purchases that would otherwise be out of reach.

How “Obsessive” Are We Talking About?

For starters, I never let the water run longer than necessary when washing dishes or brushing my teeth. My laundry always gets washed in cold water, and I steer clear of dryer sheets and fabric softeners. I never do “small loads” of laundry; every wash is a full load.

I don’t subscribe to cable—instead, I rely on an affordable smart TV with a couple of basic streaming services. I don’t own a landline; my smartphone plan with Mint costs just $20 a month. I purchase my phones outright on eBay, where I often find the latest models at half the retail price.

When it comes to air conditioning, I keep it set to 78 degrees (or 77 if I’m active). I do my grocery shopping at Aldi, and most of my clothing comes from thrift stores like Goodwill. Almost all my furniture, artwork, and decor are sourced from Facebook Marketplace. I prefer lotion sunscreen over spray because it lasts longer and is more economical. I also make it a habit to unplug appliances when they’re not in use.

Getting a Bit Weirder

None of that seems too strange, right? Well, it gets a bit weirder. I time my approach to red lights to avoid a complete stop, conserving gas in the process. I also minimize my car’s AC usage unless I’m on the highway, as it’s more fuel-efficient to keep the windows closed at high speeds.

I squeeze every last drop out of my toothpaste, shampoo, and soap, even cutting open tubes to access the remnants. I opt for bar soap and a washcloth instead of body wash and a loofah because it’s cheaper and environmentally friendly. My showers are typically cool to lukewarm.

For meals, we exclusively use cloth napkins, which means our paper towel usage is minimal. I save money by extending the life of my contact lenses beyond the recommended time (I know, it’s not ideal, but I maintain cleanliness). I also use less than the advised amount of my prescription topical acne treatment. (I strictly adhere to my antidepressant dosage; it’s crucial for my mental health.) I’ve learned to cut my own hair and my kids’ hair, and I rarely indulge in coffee from shops—when I do, it feels painful knowing that one cup costs nearly as much as a 24-ounce tin from Aldi, which provides about fifty cups.

What Drives This Behavior?

I can’t pinpoint the exact moment it began, but I recall being about 11, calculating menu options at a skating rink for the best food value. In college, I opted out of the meal plan, saving roughly $2,000 on food during my freshman year. I learned to stretch a mere $12 across the month when pursuing my master’s degree, relying heavily on rice and soy sauce.

Is this frugal mindset a result of seeing my parents struggle? I remember the anxiety of seeing overdue bills and answering calls from bill collectors. Even in more comfortable times, when I was married to someone with a good salary, I held onto many of these habits. Spending money frivolously has always felt wrong to me.

Finding Balance

To be fair, I do spend on certain services that others may view as luxuries, like lawn care. The time I save allows me to write an article during the hour it takes a crew to mow my lawn, which ultimately proves more cost-effective than doing it myself.

While some might find my methods excessive, I embrace this aspect of my personality. My obsessive saving is the only way I can manage larger purchases. Recently, I bought a violin for my daughter and rented a cabin in the mountains for a week. I consistently max out my IRA and ROTH IRA.

Maybe some will see my money-saving measures as extreme, but perhaps others can relate. I firmly believe that every penny counts over time, and I know this from my careful calculations. I don’t foresee myself changing anytime soon.

Summary

In this article, I delve into my quirky and compulsive money-saving habits, from conserving water and energy to thrift shopping and maximizing my grocery budget. This obsession stems from my upbringing and experiences, driving me to find creative ways to save. Although some may find my methods excessive, they enable me to make significant purchases and manage expenses effectively.

SEO Metadata

Keyphrase: obsessive money-saving habits
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]