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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: brian8713 on September 02, 2017, 05:07:51 pm

Title: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: brian8713 on September 02, 2017, 05:07:51 pm
So, since many of us here are willing to complete a half an hour survey for 30 cents (lol), I'm betting I'm not the only extreme cheapskate here. What are your tips to save money? Me, I like to coupon. I like to follow investment gurus and put as much of my extra income towards retirement as possible. I try to live thriftily, even if it means missing out on some of the comforts/experiences that friends my age have. What about you guys? I'm always down for a new way to save a penny or two. ;)
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: surveypro2016 on September 02, 2017, 05:43:27 pm
We have a Kroger in our town and I watch for their "Mega Sales" that they have. I went on a stock up trip the other day and got $144 worth of stuff for $47 with the sale and coupons! I bought laundry detergent, fabric softener, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc. I currently have 13 tubes of Crest Pro Health toothpaste that I got for free! (over time of course)
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: sherryinutah on September 02, 2017, 07:51:36 pm
I like the "cash back" concept so I spend time on GPT websites; like FusionCash and I use "cash back" credit cards so I can earn gift cards.

Also, I'm usually in "earning mode" or I'm sleeping.  That way, I'm rarely in spending mode.  It's important to find things to do where I'm not spending unnecessarily.

 :heart:
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: snuggleycutejc on September 02, 2017, 09:15:47 pm
I like to shop at the sales. I decide on not going somewhere I want to go some times. I wear normal cloths I like good shoes though. I don't wear expensive bling, but I want to.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: brian8713 on September 03, 2017, 02:46:40 am
I don't have a Kroger in my town, but do a lot of couponing at Giant. I take advantage of cash back on my credit cards, and always shop the sales. Since it's my "birthday month," I got gift cards from Express and Kohl's. I combined the gift cards with sales/other coupons to get clothing and stuff for my house on the cheap.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: amyDAST on September 03, 2017, 05:52:44 am
I use receipt hog on my phone to upload all of my receipts from shopping. They actually pay just to have your receipts,  I get five dollar GC every two months so it's not a ton but it's better then just throwing shopping receipts away!

I only run major appliances when it is off peak hours (all electric companies are different on off peak times but the website of your electric company will tell you the off peak hours)
I wash all my clothes in cold water only. I also hang my clothes out on a line when weather is nice.

I bought two plastic tubs that fit in my kitchen sinks, one for washing dishes in soap water & the other for rinsing them off in clean water. This has saved a lot on my bill because of the amount of water & electric used to run a dishwasher! And when I am done washing dishes I take both tubs outside to pour out. Not only am I saving money on water usage but also on sewage bill because I take them outside vs pouring them down the drain.

My family & I also do not take showers in our house until off peak electric hours (my family wakes up really early so it wasn't that hard to change our habits) the hot water heater uses a massive amount of electric & taking showers during off peak hours has made a big difference on our monthly electric bill.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: Skyisbluetoday on September 03, 2017, 07:19:18 am
Try my best not spend anymore than I need to!
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: bretay on September 03, 2017, 07:29:51 am
i like using savings catcher and a few of the cashback sites
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: Tresbn00 on September 03, 2017, 08:57:26 am
Everything I do is done with thoughts of whether it is necessary, how does it improve my financial picture, and can it be done in a less expensive manner that ultimately benefits me. For instance, yesterday I picked up two cases of Budweiser for Thanksgiving-necessary for entertaining (purchased almost three months early). The following benefits were gained: Membership at the liquor store provides a twenty percent discount on items purchased on Sundays; the twelve packs were only seven dollars and ninety nine cents (six fifty nine after the discount); I received two dollars in rebates from one site (down to six dollars and nine cents per twelve pack); I received a fifteen cent credit on a receipt crediting site; I used a credit card that pays me back two percent on every purchase; the aluminum cans will be taken to the recycling plant (which has a pre-tax value forty eight cents); I own stock in Budweiser so, although it was a relatively small purchase, it contributes to the dividends that I earn from stock ownership. This purchase resulted in a winning combination that far exceeded my decision making criteria.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: sbenkoski on September 03, 2017, 10:19:41 am
Watch for sales , stock up on good deals, clip coupons, hit thrift stores, buy at a close out store.  I also save all my veg scraps in a freeze bag and make my own stock, And i never eat out i do all my own cooking.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: dancer139 on September 03, 2017, 10:27:54 am
I'm not a cheapskate,,,,   but I do clip coupons,,,  watch for good sales on meat and can goods.  I hate to shop so if I do have to go it better be worth my time and have good sales !!!  I always stock up on things when ever I go so my coupons help a lot.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: vg7405 on September 03, 2017, 03:40:45 pm
Unfortunately, I am not a cheapskate. However, I readily admire those who are and are thrilled by the prospect of savings (or free) items. This is why I love watching the show Extreme Cheapskates on TLC. I always wanted to adopt couponing, but it is difficult to find coupons for the groceries that I mostly purchase.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: camellia0 on September 03, 2017, 03:47:29 pm
I go to dollars stores and get canned stuff and cleaning stuff. I shop around to see where I can find the lowest price.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: mrisha on September 03, 2017, 05:44:16 pm
Coupons is a good way to help out on the finances.  The problem is that I always forget my coupons.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: makeblessed on September 03, 2017, 05:51:22 pm
Like you, I do coupons and look for sales. I also shop at different  supermarkets for certain items on my grocery list as I find better deals depending on  what i am shopping for. 
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: Chelseaagrace on September 03, 2017, 07:53:29 pm
I LOVE couponing and just making an extra buck here and there. It feels good to have a little extra money for my time while doing nothing like I would normally be doing
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: dsosnowski06 on September 03, 2017, 09:43:32 pm
Like everyone else I use coupons all the time and shop at the Aldi  a lot.  I go thru the weekly sale papers for the grocery stores and compare prices each week.  I try not turn on the lights until I really have to and signed up this summer for ComEd peak saver.  They send a text telling you what hours to reduce your electric usage and then credit you if do so.  I have use it many times this summer and save about $69.00 in the last 3 months.  That is half of monthly budget plan
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: brian8713 on September 04, 2017, 05:24:45 am
Yeah, I get all my cleaning supplies at the dollar store. It does a good job. I don't need name brand stuff because I don't think there's much difference (if any) between the name brand stuff and the generics.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: mrsmere on September 04, 2017, 06:30:21 am
I get cleaning supplies from the dollar store, shop at Aldi and use the weekly sales ads.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: oldbuddy on September 04, 2017, 07:21:04 am
I look for ways I can earn commission by referring people to use the products and services I use myself. For example, my cellphone service rewards us each $25 if I get them a new customer and it's pretty easy since they have the lowest rates I have seen yet.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: kathleenkleinhans on September 04, 2017, 07:32:06 am
I am not much of a shopper but do use coupons and stores weekly specials.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: Azanne07 on September 04, 2017, 08:22:44 am
I love using coupons and shopping sales. I love Meijer. I saves at least 25% each trip. we always buy what is on sale. I wish I had a printer so I could see if these coupons work here.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: plennis on September 04, 2017, 09:17:44 am
I use a lot of these ideas already, but I did see a couple of things I am going to try.  Interesting thread.
 
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: countrygirl12 on September 04, 2017, 09:18:39 am
So, since many of us here are willing to complete a half an hour survey for 30 cents (lol), I'm betting I'm not the only extreme cheapskate here. What are your tips to save money? Me, I like to coupon. I like to follow investment gurus and put as much of my extra income towards retirement as possible. I try to live thriftily, even if it means missing out on some of the comforts/experiences that friends my age have. What about you guys? I'm always down for a new way to save a penny or two. ;)

I am not a cheap skate.  I have been more desperate for money at times than others and they extra money really adds up especially when you do several sites. 

I use coupons sometimes.  Have not in a while. But if I have the money and I want something I will get it.  I keep it cool enough to not be miserable in my house.  I do try not to waste too many trips cause gas is expensive.  And I have heard we may have a spike in prices because of Harvey.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: countrygirl12 on September 04, 2017, 09:22:03 am
I use receipt hog on my phone to upload all of my receipts from shopping. They actually pay just to have your receipts,  I get five dollar GC every two months so it's not a ton but it's better then just throwing shopping receipts away!

I only run major appliances when it is off peak hours (all electric companies are different on off peak times but the website of your electric company will tell you the off peak hours)
I wash all my clothes in cold water only. I also hang my clothes out on a line when weather is nice.

I bought two plastic tubs that fit in my kitchen sinks, one for washing dishes in soap water & the other for rinsing them off in clean water. This has saved a lot on my bill because of the amount of water & electric used to run a dishwasher! And when I am done washing dishes I take both tubs outside to pour out. Not only am I saving money on water usage but also on sewage bill because I take them outside vs pouring them down the drain.

My family & I also do not take showers in our house until off peak electric hours (my family wakes up really early so it wasn't that hard to change our habits) the hot water heater uses a massive amount of electric & taking showers during off peak hours has made a big difference on our monthly electric bill.

To my knowledge our electric company does not charge less or more depending on when you use electricity. Maybe they do and I don't know it.  They sure would not tell me if I called them.  Heck I called them and told them somebody had set up a fake site that looks like theirs to allow people to pay their bills and they looked at it and said well they really can't stop people from doing that.  I said, yes but they can steal people's information and you can report the site.  It is not yours but looks like yours and wants people to enter their credit card or debit card info.  Geez
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: metsrock69 on September 04, 2017, 02:54:40 pm
When it comes to being a cheapskate, I joined the club years ago. I use every app I can find,every coupon I can use,and I roll my loose change. I refuse to put my change into a machine at the store and have them take a percentage of my money.  :)
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: oldbuddy on September 05, 2017, 04:45:22 am
When it comes to being a cheapskate, I joined the club years ago. I use every app I can find,every coupon I can use,and I roll my loose change. I refuse to put my change into a machine at the store and have them take a percentage of my money.  :)
I agree with you there, because my bank does it for free.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: sak4kat on September 05, 2017, 07:47:34 am
I work for a Kroger.  So I get to utilize savings on things from a customer and associate.  Which is a HUGE savings.  Some other things... we have 1 vehicle.  In the past we used a wonder washer in place of weekly trips to laundromat.  Course PTC' sites anre the # 1 go to for making a little something extra.
Title: Re: Extreme cheapskate ideas
Post by: brian8713 on September 05, 2017, 07:57:00 am
sak4kat, that's a new one!! What's a wonder washer?