Benjamin Franklin was supposed to have said this, but he didn’t.
But it is my mantra. I have more money now than I’ve ever had in my life, and I spend as little as possible. For instance, I buy all BOGO items at the grocery store. So I have two packages of bacon, two boxes of Cheerios, two packages of pasta, and on it goes.
Everything in my cupboard is one of two. Or has a ‘special’ decal on it. I like bargains. I figure BOGO is half price, but that’s just my creative accounting at work.
Paper napkins are a waste, so I use my cloth napkins for everyday and throw them in the wash. I’m wondering what I can substitute for paper towels and save some bucks. I think I’ll leave toilet paper alone.
Home made cleaning products are effective and cheap. All needed is peroxide, baking soda, and vinegar. But somehow I am lured into buying the usual cleaning stuff at the nearest dollar store. Maybe I need to rethink that and put a pencil to it.
A have a friend who doesn’t sign birthday cards she gives so they can be passed on. But since I usually don’t buy cards that doesns’t apply to me. I calll the birthday person and wish them well. It’s more personal. And cheaper.
Lately the internet has been making shopping at op shops a cult. People are refunishing junk and furnishing their homes with dazzling impact. Some folks are making a living out of re-selling what they find at Salvation Army stores. Personally, I’ve found some useful kitchen utensils and a few plates, but nothing of significance. Certainly no clothing. But picture frames!! Wow, what a bonanza. I have pics of both my grandchilren all over my bedroom, thanks to cheap frames.
Tipping? Aw…my kids say I’m cheap but I disagree. First of all, I don’t tip if I’m standing to order. I only tip when seated and served. And I only tip on the price of the food, not the tax. That’s not being cheap. It’s fair!! Why would anyone tip for someone handing you an already made batch of nachos at a ball game? They didn’t make it. They just picked it up and gave it to you. Usually without a napkin. Really!!!
When something breaks in my home, I try to fix it. If that’s not possible I dissasemble it and look at the parts. Can I use any of them? Recently a $6.00 lamp from a yard sale quit working. I checked the bulb and it was OK. ( I saved it) Then I took the pleated shade off, turned it upside down and stuck some plastic greenery in it. It looks great next to an end table in my living room.
It’s all about being creative. And watching the pennies.
That even applies to clothing. Recently I ordered a $20.00 dress online from an unknown company. It arrived and was ugly. Extremely ugly. It looked like a black hefty garbage bag made out of linen, with one hole for a head, and two holes for arms. But did I throw it away? NO. Did I wear it? NO. Instead I’m considering using colorful buttons around the neck line to jazz it up. Or maybe some tucks on the side for shape. Or pleats in the front. Or incorporating a black and white scarf I have someway.
Watch those pennies…
So what am I going to do with all those saved pennies? Truthfully, I don’t know but in the consumer oriented world we live in, it makes me feel good tos spend so little money. Even if I can afford it.
I like being cheap!! And think more people should, too.