Do you realize how much money we as Americans throw out on a daily basis? It’s mind-boggling when you sit down and think about it. Even in your own home, there are sure to be several things that you could be doing differently to avoid wasting money. If you’re looking for easy ways to cut your living expenses, check these simple solutions out. These extreme cheapskate ideas are not only doable but extremely easy, just a little extra planning on your part.
20 Extreme Cheapskate Ideas You Can Actually Do
There are so many things you can do to save money from the easy to the extreme. If you want even more ideas I suggest finding a money-saving book as they cover EVERYTHING.
The tips below are what I can do as a mom of 5 kids so if I can do it so can you!
Barter Goods and Services
Instead of buying new or paying a repairman to come out and fix your AC unit, find people that will barter with you in exchange for services and other material things that you need.
Related: 5 Steps to Become a Bartering Queen (or King!)
Use Whats in your Pantry
Most people head to the grocery store even when they have a pantry partially stocked with goods.
If you’re wanting to be super cheap, skip going to the grocery store this week and use everything that’s left in your pantry. In fact, this is our One Tip Even Beginners Can Do That Can Save You $1200 a Year on Groceries. No Coupons are Needed!
Drink Water
If you resort to just drinking water from the tap or water filter, think how much money you will save on not buying soft drinks and alcohol. This applies when you go out to eat as well. This is probably one of the easiest extreme cheapskate ideas.
Skip Meat for a day or two
Buying meat certainly isn’t cheap and can add up. This sounds awful to many people, but skipping meat and simply going with pasta and vegetables on occasion.
Related: Money Saving Tip – How to Save Money on Meat
Stop Eating Out
One of the biggest ways to be a cheapskate is to avoid eating out so much. Those fast-food drive-throughs and sit-down restaurant bills add up quickly, especially if you have a big family. When you do eat out, be frugal about it.
Related: How To Save On Dining Out – An Extremely Frugal Family’s Guide to Dining Out
Cut your own hair
Going to the barber or hair salon these days is becoming more like robbery. Learn to cut your children’s hair and even your spouses, (cut yours at your own risk) saving you hundreds of dollars each year.
Related: 19 Extreme Frugal Tips From WWII Housewives & 1940s Housewives
Thrift Shop
You don’t always have to buy things brand new. This goes for the car that you drive, the clothing on your back and the sports equipment that your kids need.
Buying new depreciates quickly and you don’t get the same value out of it as you would by buying gently used things.
Related: 13 Items They Made During the Great Depression (But We Pay for Now)
Recycle
How about collecting cans, aluminum, and other types of metals and then taking them to the recycling place near you?
Turn things off
It can get frustrating following behind your family and turning off all the light switches, appliances, and electronics not being used. But doing so can save you a bunch of money down the road.
Take it one step further and unplug everything not in use to stop it from draining any electricity.
Related: 55 Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill
Don't Shop
Another great way to be a cheapskate is to simply stop shopping. You don’t need another pair of shoes or that DVD that is likely available on Netflix. This is why I use Walmart pick up for my groceries. It's free to use and I buy less because I'm not going in-store.
Take fewer baths
This one sounds disgusting, but hang on for a minute. Believe it or not, it’s not good for your hair or skin to wash every day. You can opt to take a shower every other day to cut down on your water bill and soap supply.
Pack your own lunch
Being an extreme cheapskate also requires you to pack your lunch for work. Even though that Whopper or Big Mac is calling your name, ignore it, and save yourself money.
Food Storage Options
- Rubbermaid brilliance; 100 percent leak proof, airtight food storage containers feature crystal clear, BPA free triton plastic that offers 360 degree clarity, and helps keep food fresh and secure
- Food containers are clear like glass so you can always see what’s inside, but are light and easy to carry; Stain and Odor resistant material keeps plastic food container looking like new
- VERSATILE & CUSTOMIZED DESIGN: With their clear design, these kitchen organizers and storage allow for easy identification of contents, eliminating the guesswork. Comes in a set of 20 clear plastic containers with 20 lids, including 8 rectangle containers(2*50 oz, 2*34 oz, 2*17 oz, 2*8 oz),8 square containers (2*40 oz, 2*23 oz, 2*13 oz, 2*6oz)with 4 round sauce boxes wich are 2.7 oz. Boxes of different sizes can hold various types of food to meet different kitchen storage needs
- SAFE AND THICKENED PLASTIC MATERIAL: Dedicated to developing superior kitchen organization for 15 years and which can protect safe for your health better. Our plastic storage containers with lids are made of upgraded food-grade polypropylene material.100% BPA free food storage plastic and reusable
- Perfect Size for All Your Storage Needs: This 40-piece set includes 20 containers and 20 different sized lids from 1.2 to 50 ounces to meet different kitchen storage needs. Rectangular (2*50.7oz, 2*33.8oz, 2*16.9oz, 2*8.1oz); Square (1*40.6oz, 1*23.7oz, 1*13.5oz, 1*5.7oz); Round (1*40.6oz, 1*23.7oz, 1*13.5oz, 1*6.1oz, 4*1.2oz)
- Safe and Durable Material: Food containers with lids airtight are made of polypropylene material, BPA free and reusable. Our food storage containers can be stored in the refrigerator, heated in the microwave, and washed in the dishwasher. Remove the lid while heating to avoid steam buildup.
Find free stuff
There’s no reason to find any shame in looking for free stuff. If things are tight at home but you’re needing winter jackets for your kids, there are several places and churches that you can check out that provide them for you.
The same holds true for seeking free entertainment too!
You can also resell a lot of the items you find second-hand cheap.
Related: Top 6 Places to Find Items to Resell
Ride a Bike
If your commute is not much more than a 5 or a 10-minute drive, commuting on a bike might not be a bad idea.
Grow a Garden
Growing your own garden is another way to stay cheap, avoid the grocery store for your needs, while at the same time, enjoying produce that’s fresh. Check out Gardening Tricks from the Great Depression Era
Sell your clutter
There may be things in your home that you no longer want, but one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Throw a garage sale for these items and make a little profit from them.
Related: Top 10 Place to Sell Stuff Online for Cash
DIY
Youtube has made it very easy how to fix appliances and other things around your home. Become your own repairman by learning how to fix these problems yourself.
Line Dry Clothes
Save a few pennies here and there by hanging up a clothesline outside or in your basement.
Make Homemade Gifts
A lot of people out there that have tight incomes choose to make homemade gifts for birthdays and around Christmas time.
What are you good at making that your loved ones can appreciate? Maybe making soap, sewing quilts, or baking homemade cookies?
Related: 22 Frugal Living Tips from the Great Depression
Stay Home
This is the number one way of staying a cheapskate. Love being home with your family and realize you don’t have to spend money to have a good time.
These are 20 extreme cheapskate ideas that are not only easy to do but could save you hundreds every year. What are some other ways you’ve found to save your family money and that didn’t take much effort on your part??
IAM in Africa, Tanzania help me to be cheaskate