There are many words for what I am. Thrifty, economical, deal savvy, you can call it what you want, but I’m poor and cheap. Through years of drifting, traveling and working horrible jobs that pay just as horribly I have honed my talents at stretching the almighty dollar. To you I give this gift of knowledge.
Trimming the fat off your grocery bill:
Food is expensive, noodles are not. By no means will you be the fittest fiddle in the shop, but you’re wallet will be plumper for it. A quick warning, it is advisable to have the occasional vegetable in order to fight off scurvy. There is nothing more embarrassing than being afflicted with what sailors died of in the 18th century.
Furniture:
Plain and simple don’t own much of it. Couches, armoires, recliners, coffee tables are all expensive. Naturally you’ll have to own the bare minimum, but if executed properly and kept clean you can sneak out of these purchases by claiming to “not like a cluttered home.” If organized effectively, people may even confuse you for being efficient.
Clothing:
Same as furniture, stay away from it. If your friends notice that you wear the same clothes a lot…who cares they’re already your friends, so you don’t have to worry about seducing them with your fashion sense. However, it is important to have a few nice articles of clothing to make for good first impressions with fresh faces. By the time they realize you only have two t-shirts they’ll hopefully be able to see past this short coming.
Notice anything interesting about all these photos? That’s right all the same t-shirt. I’ve had that shirt for more than a decade. In terms of value, that is pretty good mileage.
Pre-eat:
When you were in University, you pre-drank before you went on a night out to save money. However, this thrifty trick can be used to save money beyond the bar. If you’re on a tight budget you avoid restaurants like it was a robber in a back alley, because they’re both gonna take more money than you can afford to give up. Unfortunately, there’s no bigger tell tale sign that you’re living on a shoe string than to decline an invite to a restaurant. What to do? Eat before you get to the restaurant! You know what is free water and possibly soda if you claim to be the designated driver. If your friends start to ask questions order a side salad and say you’re on a diet, they’ll admire your will power.
What incredible lengths have you gone to save a dollar?
I LOVE this article, i am about to be un-employed so thank you for the helpful hints and might see you at a thrifty shop some time soon.
This article speaks to the inner cheapskate in me, liked & +1 ed!