I frequently have “is it worth it” debates with friends and family members when it comes to thing I do to save money. I’m sure I won’t think of all of them off the top of my head, but last Sunday, this article got me thinking (and read like a trip down memory lane).
It has some interesting and crazy stories about how people have saved money. Some are a little disturbing, though, even to me… like dumpster diving in cemeteries?!?! What?!?! I would love to meet Ann from Iowa. She sounds like a very interesting gal! If anyone knows how to find her, put her in touch with me!
Anyhow, in the interest of full disclosure, here are the ones from the article that I’ve done in my life:
- Saving condiments from restaurants;
- Brought food with me to sporting events;
- Saving on golf balls (I got an expandable grabber as a gift one year – it comes in very handy at the water hazards); and
- Yes! I love the “eat less food” to save money trick. Of course, I try to eat healthy foods and enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle! But passing up the side of fries works two ways!
What do those say about me?
I’ve done quite a few other things (that some would call crazy) to save money. I generally order “pick-up” instead of “delivery” of food these days – especially when there is a delivery charge. And then I walk to pick up the food. This gets me out of the house, burns a calorie or two and saves a few bucks. Of course, I don’t order from restaurants very often anyhow, but when I do you won’t find very many delivery drivers knocking on my door. That’s not crazy to me, but just ask any of my neighbors when the last time they ordered “pick-up” was…
I also pack my lunch (often a sandwich and a piece of fruit) almost every day. People in my office think I’m a bit crazy because of that, too. But I’m more productive at work and save some money because of it. So I’ll eat my all natural peanut butter and all-fruit jelly on double-fiber whole wheat bread while you all head out and spend $10 on ranch-dressing soup at the deli!
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I get made fun of quite a bit for clipping coupons in my “is it worth the time” debates. My wife generally can “make” $20 to $40 per hour (after taxes) on our grocery runs. So yeah – it’s worth it! I help too, of course, but she does most of the heavy lifting.
What about you? Do you get made fun of for any of your money-saving techniques? What’s the “craziest” thing you do (or have done) to save money?
Here’s one that may seem crazy to most of America. Yep – you guessed it. Until next time, put your credit card down and slowly step away from the mall!
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