Granted, we're just starting out. But still. We don't buy the "instant gratification" consumer concept floating around society. We don't need brand-new everything; nor should we pay top-dollar to have nice things, especially when we can find deals. Steering clear of unnecessary stress, we avoid consumer debt like the plague. In fact, a big attraction factor when we were dating was how frugal we both like to live. (As I've said before, we bargain-hunters were meant for each other.) We seek to be wise stewards of our money, and maybe you can relate to our living-on-the-cheap lifestyle:
1. Going through your wardrobe, you can recall how much you paid for each shirt - whether at a thrift store like D.I. or on sale. "Yeah, this GAP one was $2, this American Eagle was $4. That Ralph Lauren, oh, that was pricey - it was $8."2. Whenever you go to a hotel, you keep mini bottles of lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. You now have a hefty supply useful for camping trips, keeping in your purse, or that dreaded day when you run out of conditioner mid-shower.
3. You never go out and just buy high-ticket items. For things like new road bikes, you do research online, and usually find the best deal on sites like KSL.com, craigslist, etc.
4. You know OfficeMax gives $2 for every empty ink cartridge you turn in, and you can buy them on eBay for 60 cents a piece. So, you rack up the points and get free office supplies.
5. You're proud of the fact that your entire living space is populated with hand-me-down or gifted furniture.
6. When you get presents, you keep all gift bags, ribbons, and even tissue paper to wrap future gifts. (No use in spending $4.95 on a bag. I mean, come on!)
7. You do yardwork and/or handyman projects at your apartment to lower your rent.
8. When banks offer a $100 or $125 bonus for opening an account, you jump on it. You keep money in there for the required six months, close it and walk away with more than the going interest rate. You have already made $850 with this little trick.
9. Last, but definitely not least: When the sample day rolls around at Costco, you think, "Mmm...FREE LUNCH!"
How are you frugal? Tell, tell. We wanna hear your ideas.
We hit a lot of those. Especially the shampoo from hotels. Almost every item of clothing our kid (soon to be kids) own is from Kid to Kid. Funny we are just now starting to pass along the hand-me-down furniture after almost 7 years.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, it's amazing to get practically new items, 80-90% off. I got 7 reasons to love D.I. the other day, and they only cost me $14. Love that!
DeleteLove it. Kelsie and I have the same philosophy. Happy to say we are debt free minus our home. Our philosophy is to buy used until you can afford to buy quality and never pay someone to do something that I can do well myself. Thanks for sharing. Always enjoy your articles
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting, AP! Good for you guys on being debt-free. We are too and I think the peace of mind is invaluable.
DeleteI laughed out loud at the Costco one! I definitely do that!
ReplyDeleteGreat to meet you, Frazzalicious! Maybe someday we will both be in the Costco sample lines at the same time. ;)
DeleteA lot of these are true for me, except I don't waste money on hotels or buying tickets :b I learned a few things, too!
ReplyDeleteMelanie, thanks for your comment! To explain about my hotel visits: I did not pay for them. When I was a full-time flight attendant, I used to spend one or two nights a week in a hotel (on the company, of course.) In addition to mini toiletry bottles, I have bundles of free hotel pen and note pads.
DeleteRuss should so read this. He is the craigslist KING!
ReplyDeleteSweet! Ryan is the KSL king. "One man's junk is another's treasure."
DeleteI do a lot of these. I wonder about the bank one sometimes (and other things like that), but then I remember that it's a form of advertising and they're obviously willing to pay that in order to get some real customers, so hey. Cool. I haven't done that because of the hassle and out of fear that jumping between banks like that will lower my credit score.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the ink cartridges - I'll have to look into that. Currently I just refill mine until they stop working.
Thanks for your comment, Angela. In response to the credit score issue, it doesn't affect your credit score to open savings accounts. They don't even do a credit check. Just if you open credit CARDS. But good point to be mindful to keep your score up. Appreciate you reading!
DeleteOK, thanks for the clarification. Good to know. I'm still learning my finance-y stuff. :)
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