FREE NEWSLETTER
Go to main Forum page »
I was watching a TV program this afternoon about a couple living really frugal lives, all so they could escape their former high-pressure jobs. And really? I just don’t get why people would choose that. It didn’t seem appealing to me. The thing that kept going through my mind was how pressurized their new, “improved” lifestyle seemed – always looking for bargain clothing, short-dated discounted food, hustling for money to pay the bills. Why not just consider a part-time job with less pressure? Then they could live a little less frugally. But I guess everyone has their own values. I’m not here to judge, and I truly hope they’re happier within themselves.
But it did get me thinking… again!
It would make two great new hobbies, and I believe it could save me a fortune. The goal? To invest every penny saved into crypto. I’d be getting an education in this new investment without taking any risk or crying a single tear when it inevitably goes to zero. I’m calling it extreme frugality for crypto education and fun.
It all starts with the little things. When my cereal pack is empty, I’m now saving all those tiny crumbs at the bottom that nobody else wants. I’m not exactly sure what I’ll do with them, but I’m sure YouTube will have an answer! Toothpaste tubes? Oh, they’re getting squeezed with vice-like vigor to extract every last bit. And if there’s a stubborn bit of shampoo left, I’m adding water and shaking it like a maraca to get every single drop. Truth be told, I already do the last two things so I’m really only upping my game.
From now on, even my takeaway orders are fair game. Those tiny sachets of ketchup and soy sauce? They go straight into a dedicated condiment cache – no more buying full bottles! I’m even drying out teabags for a free second brew. Every forgotten coin down the back of the sofa, every usable twist-tie, every single scrap is now a potential crypto-funding opportunity.
The masterstroke with my potential new hobby? It’s entirely optional. I can hit pause anytime it stresses me out. You might think this is a tiny bit eccentric, but I’ll be the one partying in the Bahamas with the crypto bros.
Every so often over on the bogleheads.org forum, someone will ask for examples of extreme frugality. Dozens of responses follow some of which are hilarious to imagine in practice.
Whenever someone mentions frugality I always remember an article I read many years ago on raising children as frugally as possible. One of the tips was to stick used popsicle sticks into the ice cube tray and then offer your children “clear popsicles” on a hot summer day – just as refreshing as the ones you pay for! I don’t imagine that one fooled very many kids. 🙂
“I’m even drying out teabags for a free second brew.”
Is that considered sacrilegious in the UK?
Oh my, even i wouldn’t do that.
It’s heretical, David, I’m risking being driven from the country with pitchforks!
There is so much waste in the world that I do feel extreme frugalistas do have a point regardless of whether it delivers financial payback. At the same time it is extreme for a reason – most people cannot tolerate the furthest lifestyle demands.
Plus you must be familiar with Viz Top Tips
Save money on expensive binoculars by simply standing closer to the thing you want to look at.
Enjoy the feeling of expensive new carpet by glueing carpet samples to the soles of your slippers.
Great idea but might I suggest splitting your frugality funds between crypto and online sports gambling.
YES! Diversity is paramount to this strategy.
Two surefire winners!