Today’s post is a little different than my usual posts. Lately, I have been talking a lot about different ways to save money. Whether it’s cutting cable, frugal entertainment, cheap and healthy food, and so on, there have been a lot of budget-related posts on Making Sense of Cents lately.
Well, what about things that I won’t do to save money? There’s room on a personal finance blog for that, right?
I’m not the most frugal blogger, and I’ve said that before.
A little note: this post is not meant to be rude in any way. These are just things I personally would not do unless I really needed to. There is nothing wrong with anyone who does any of the things listed below because different people like different things. Simple as that.
Walk all the way to work. My work is 12 miles away, by highway. If I wanted to walk, it would be very difficult and longer than 12 miles because I of course do not want to walk on the highway. The weather here is never consistent, so I would probably be either sweaty, smelly, or drenched from rain. St. Louis is not the greatest for walking. Walking would also take a very long time.
I would never put my dog’s health in jeopardy to save money. I always tell people this, but I know of someone who put their dog down to save $100. It cost $150 for a lotion and around $50 (maybe it was $35?) to put their dog down. They chose the cheaper option…
I would never not have pets just to save money. I like pets. My dogs are my world. I understand that some people don’t want a pet. To each their own!
Take part in medical research that could lead to my toe getting chopped off or involves needles. I know of a couple of people who have done studies that only lasted a couple of days but paid thousands of dollars. I could never do that though. I don’t like needles or my blood drawn. And I’m terrified of any side effects.
I won’t sit at home and LITERALLY stare at a wall to save money. There are many frugal activities out there that are fun and free. No need to stare at a wall just because you want to save some cash. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE spending time at home and just relaxing, but staring at a wall for 365 days a year is just not for me. If you are looking for fun ways to save money, you could watch a movie at home, read a great book, cook a delicious dinner, have friends over, play a board game, and so on – I could do all of these things all the time!
Steal. I would NEVER steal just to save or make money.
Live in someone’s attic and come out whenever they left. I read this story once as well. This person lived above the homeowner’s closet and would come out whenever they went to work or out with friends/family. This person would eat their food and use their toilet paper. One day the homeowner started noticing weird things and marked their milk and toilet paper and noticed that stuff was missing.
Steal ketchup packets and squeeze them one by one into a ketchup bottle. I saw this on TV once. This guy won an award for being the cheapest person ever. I’m not even kidding! His wife was trying to get him help because she was tired of how cheap he was.
I will not wear used underwear. Just not my style…
Not tip just to save money. Everyone can have their own opinion on how to tip. However, if you go to a restaurant and know before hand that you will not tip just so that you could save extra money, and your waiter/waitress was wonderful, then this is just wrong. If you can’t afford to tip, don’t go out!
Wash clothes in the shower while I’m in the shower. This was on Extreme Cheapskates. Some lady would shower and wash her clothes in the shower at the same time. I understand that some people do this while they are traveling, and that’s fine of course. But 100% of the time when I have a working washer in the house?
Re-use toilet paper. I’ve heard of people doing this as well. I just can’t!
Would you do any of the above to make or save some cash?
What else would you not do?
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moneystepper says
“I won’t sit at home to save money” – I sometimes choose a meal/drink in rather than going to a restaurant
“Take part in medical research.” – I have never done this, but only because I don’t know how to in my area. Otherwise, I definitely would.
“Wash clothes in the shower while I’m in the shower.” – I do this on cycling trips and when I’m on holiday. You can pack lighter for trips if you do this. However, I’m not so sure about doing it in the house!! 🙂
Michelle says
Oh trust me, I like my alone time at home A LOT. I should probably further explain the first one you mentioned. I meant that I would never stay home EVERY single day to save money. You have to get out every now and then!
And haha the washing clothes in the shower tidbit was on Extreme Cheapskates. A lady did this EVERY time she washed her clothes. I understand that many people do this while traveling – so that’s not weird at all.
Julien @cashsnail says
I admit I do take a shower with clothes to “wash” them a bit quickly… But only my sport clothes after my morning jogging. As I will not do a laundry every day just for a short & tee-shirt, I see it as a fast cleaning-by-hands method to avoid keeping smelly clothes around 🙂
Michelle says
Haha nothing wrong with that. This was on Extreme Cheapskates where a lady ONLY washed her clothes like this.
The Norwegian Girl says
oh yea, I remember that crazy lady in some kind of extreme frugality tv show who washed her clothes in the shower….
When I read about people who put their dog to sleep just to save money, I get really mad. That kind of people shouldn´t be allowed to have a dog.. Seriously, there should be some kind of contract for pet owners, where they are obliged to do anything they can for their pet! I would go in debt to save my family´s dogs, so would my parents. They mean everything to us. Just this summer, my parents had to spend over $1200 on an operation, and then probably $700 more on rehabilitation, but there was NEVER any question whether or not to spend the money or not.
Michelle says
Yes, I definitely agree. These type of people just shouldn’t have a dog to begin with!
Liquid says
I wouldn’t do most of those things either. Participating in medical research can be quite lucrative but to me just isn’t worth the risk most of the time. There was this one experiment at a university I heard about where researchers offered $50K to cut off someone’s toe, and will try to reattach it using a new experimental procedure. That’s great if it works, but if it doesn’t that person won’t be able to run for the rest of their life 😯
Michelle says
I’ve heard about the $50K experiment. Seems scary!
Tarynkay says
Okay, I wouldn’t sign up to have my toe cut off, but there is a lot of noninvasive medical research out there. A lot of it is just filling out questionnaires about lifestyle and submitting to basic, noninvasive medical examinations (along the lines of an annual physical.) This kind of thing doesn’t pay $50K (more like $50 or $100 per study) it is extra cash for very little work and I like the idea that I am helping advance medical research. I wouldn’t take experimental medications or submit to experimental surgery, though.
Eva @ Girl Counting Pennies says
I would not do any of these either. My office is 5 miles away from where I live and I could potentially cycle… BUT traffic in London is crazy during the rush hour. I honestly don’t know how people cycle when it’s so busy. There are cycle paths and I love cycling over the weekend, but cycling to work is off the table for me. Medical research… it reminds me of that episode from 2 Broke Girls when they went to the clinic and Caroline ended up suffering from side effects, haha, that was pretty funny. I would never do that though, I’m such a chicken! 😛
Michelle says
Haha I remember that episode!
Slackerjo says
I noticed the ‘bike lanes’ were pretty narrow in London. I never did gather enough courage to rent a bike so I don’t blame you. Of course perhaps one day you will stumble on a safe route to work because biking to work is a great workout and fun.
Pam says
Used toilet paper? haha!!
And people think we are strange because we don’t have cable. I will now be referring them to your list of “hey, at least I am not living secretly in someone’s attic.” I mean what if they had a password on their wifi… what on Earth would you do with your time then?
Michelle says
Hahaha! I just found the article about the person living in the attic http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/05/30/homeless-woman-who-lived-undetected-in-japanese-man-closet-for-year-caught/
Allison says
Ewww. Reuse toilet paper? Rewear undies? Sick what’s wrong with people!
We use coupons which is the most frugal thing I do.
Michelle says
Hahha those are definitely the weirdest on my list.
FI Pilgrim says
I would not stop taking my wife on dates to save money. There are several things like that, they are worth far more than money.
Michelle says
I agree! Experiences are important as well 🙂
Brian @ Luke1428 says
My father used to ride his bike every day to work during the summer. That saved a good deal of money on gas. If I had to, I would not have pets to save money. We have two dogs and food and vet bills can get pretty expensive. Fortunately, we can afford it right now.
Michelle says
If I could easily ride my bike to work, I think I would too.
DC @ Young Adult Money says
I agree with all of these, Michelle. Gosh some of the things people do to save money can get a bit overboard. I would rather try to make more money or cut expenses somewhere else than ever do some of these things.
Michelle says
Haha I agree! and usually the savings are very minimal, so I just do not understand it.
kelly @stayingonbudget says
Yeah, people can go a little crazy with the saving and not enjoying life–at all…or maybe they are? I agree with the saving pets. I would do anything for mine!
Michelle says
Yes, I would definitely do anything for mine 🙂
Alexa says
I would have to say that I am much like you on all but one. I will sit at home to save money – and not necessarily to save money but I’m just a homebody. On most nights I’d rather be curled up on the couch than out.
Michelle says
When I wrote this, I meant that I won’t stare at a wall 365 days a year. I further explained it above. Trust me, I actually love to sit at home and doing nothing.
John S @ Frugal Rules says
I don’t think I’d do any of these, except for the sitting at home part. I think it just became second nature for me when I was paying off my debt and do it now without thinking of it. That said, life is too short and we should enjoy it as much as we can without going crazy on either extreme.
Michelle says
You would sit at home for 365 days a year? When I wrote this, I meant more like sitting at home ALL the time and just staring at a wall 🙂
Natalie H says
That extreme cheapskates show was nuts! There is a line of being frugal and being insane…
Michelle says
I agree!
Connie @ Savvy With Saving says
Michelle, you have to watch this show on TLC called Extreme Cheapskates…those people did a lot of the things you mentioned. It’s crazy! I draw the line at being frugal when it hurts my self-dignity! ha
Michelle says
Haha that’s where I got this idea from!
Mr. Utopia @ Personal Finance Utopia says
I’m all about saving money, but I agree with you, none of the things you’ve listed I would ever consider or make the effort to do.To each their own though, right? As long as it’s legal (and I would think the home squatter one is against the law), then there is no harm in doing it although many of these options are very extreme.
Michelle says
The home squatter one is just insane. Who would want to be someone else’s nightmare?
Tamzin says
I love this post, and although I love saving money there are definitely things I wouldn’t do just to save a bit of cash. I definitely agree with all of the ones in your list, although we don’t have a pet at the moment.
One thing that I really wouldn’t do is that I would never put being frugal above mine or my partners health, if we need medicine then that gets sorted before we even think about money.
Michelle says
Thank you! There’s nothing wrong with the list, but I just don’t see the savings as valuable. And some are either scary or a little too gross for me 🙂
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says
Wow! Some of these are pretty extreme… the attic.. ketchup… USED underwear?! I’ve done the medical studies, though I’m not willing to donate my eggs- I’m hoping I’ll need them someday! And I can’t justify the pet thing. I also live in an NYC apartment so I don’t think it would be fair to keep an animal in such a confined space.
Michelle says
Wes has done one or two medical studies as well. I just HATE needles. Wes said they had to get their blood drawn every hour for the WHOLE weekend. That is too scary to me. I would have a panic attack if I had to do that.
Grayson @ Debt Roundup says
I also wouldn’t partake in any of those activities in order to save money. Just not my style and there are things that are much more important in life than dealing with these practices.
Michelle says
I agree Grayson!
Matt Becker says
Wait, what? Live in someone’s closet and only come out when they leave? First of all, WHATTT????? Who the hell even thinks of that idea? And second of all, how do you not know there’s someone living in your closet? That is maybe the creepiest thing I’ve ever heard in my life.
Michelle says
I think they lived above the person’s closet. There was a tiny crawl space or something. Wouldn’t that be terrifying? I included the link in a comment above!
Andy Hough says
Even being a tight-fisted miser I wouldn’t do most of those. I have done medical studies before and would do them again. They are easy money if you can handle getting stuck with a needle.
Michelle says
I am absolutely terrified of needles. I’m sad to say that even getting the flu shot is scary to me.
Liz S says
Michelle, ask for the flu mist! My husband is a pediatrician and he brings home the mist for myself and our kids…just a quick squirt up the nose…beats needles, for sure!
Little House says
I’m not an extremist with my money, either. I’d have to agree with all the items on your list, I just couldn’t go there! I like getting great deals on things I need or shopping at Walmart (Hey, I shop at Walmart and I’ll admit it!), but reusing toilet paper or putting an animal down because it saves a person $50, no way! However, I will admit that we do “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” but water in Southern California is limited.
Michelle says
Ha yeah the words “reusing toilet paper” still makes me squirm!
Mrs PoP says
I tend to think that making more money is easier than these methods to save money. =)
Michelle says
I definitely agree.
Stephanie says
Ewww a lot of those creeped me out! Re-using toilet paper? No. That can’t be real?? Or used underwear. Shudder. I’d probably take part in medical research if I could though! I’ve got no problems with needles or anything like that.
Michelle says
Haha it’s very hard to believe 🙂
Kendal @HassleFreeSaver says
Great post! That’s awful about the person you know who put down a dog to save $100. My dogs are also my life, and I’m the type of person who will spare no expense to treat them (unless the situation is dire and treatment won’t help). I once had lunch with someone who didn’t leave a tip because she “left a tip last time.” Um, what?
Michelle says
Yes, it still makes me very angry whenever I think about it.
Pamela says
OMG hahaha some of the are hilarious!! Especially the ketchup one!!
Michelle says
Haha I know!
Broke Millennial says
I’ve never purchased ketchup. I’m more of a hot sauce gal so I rarely use ketchup anyway. I always snag the little packets of them to have around just in case I need them. I think I’ve used ketchup in my apartment 3 times in the last 2 years. I’m with you on pretty much all of the other ones.
Michelle says
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. However, if you regularly use ketchup and this is your only means of eating it, it seems way too difficult! 🙂
lyle @ the Joy of Simple says
Fun post Michelle 🙂
I am with you on all the points you have made…although I must admit to taking ketchup packets when I haven’t gone grocery shopping. In my defense though, I only take a few to tide me over.
And while I am not necessarily a dog person, I have spent over a thousand dollars of money I didn’t have, on treating my ill cat…only to have him pass away a few days later…but…I would do it again if need be!
Take care and all the best.
Lyle
Michelle says
Thank you!
Dear Debt says
I bike to work, I don’t have pets and I have taken part in medical research, haha. I do wear clean clothes and don’t re-use toilet paper. Gross. I am pretty frugal, but not crazy!
Michelle says
I don’t think there is anything wrong with biking to work! I literally cannot walk because the only way would be for me to walk on the highway lol
Rebecca @ Stapler Confessions says
I’ve taken part in medical research for $$. It involved a brain fMRI and I got to take home a pic of my brain all lit up. I thought it was very cool. Plus I made $100.
You know, I saw the reusable toilet paper episode and it didn’t seem completely ridiculous to me. Probably because I cloth diapered my son for 3 years and I don’t consider his clean diapers to be dirty or nasty once they’re washed. But I don’t see it as enough of a return on investment to do it. 2 months of toilet paper costs $10 or less! (whereas, 2 months of diapers costs probably $50, so there was a better return on investment with cloth diapers).
Michelle says
Haha that is awesome! I could do a study like that.
CeCe @Pink Sunshine says
I’m sorry but some of these things seem obsessive. Like someone actually has a problem. Really? I know that when I was depressed saving money was easier because I was miserable, didn’t go anywhere and didn’t really think I deserved to have anything but that is no way to live in my book. I’m happy now so I want to do things and go places. You just have to be smart about it. More power to the person who refuses to buy ketchup. That kind of life is not for everyone.
Michelle says
Thank you CeCe!
Nick (@ayoungpro) says
Do people actually wear used underwear? Yuck!
Michelle says
You would be surprised…
Michelle says
I could do a study if it didn’t require needles. Needles scare me!
Lisa E. @ Lisa Vs. The Loans says
That dog story makes me so sad 🙁
I don’t think I could ever fully embrace frugality all the time, either. I believe it’s okay to spend/invest on good quality items and experiences!
Michelle says
I agree Lisa 🙂
Buttercup says
Reuse toilet paper?! That makes me very uneasy. I did see an extreme cheapskates where a family used fabric pieces for TP and then washed them. This still seem like a no-go for me personally, but it seems better than reusing the paper kind…..maybe?
I feel like I need to go shower now. lol
Michelle says
Haha both ways are things that I would not do.
maria@moneyprinciple says
You already know my opinion on frugality: I believe that extreme frugality can be extremely wasteful and pointless. I won’t do most of the things you mentioned either. Out of curiosity how does one re-use toilet paper? Gross!
Michelle says
I don’t know! haha
Andrew@LivingRichCheaply says
Not all medical studies have side effects, I did a few where you just answer some questions or do some memory tests or something like that. Mostly psychological studies. They didn’t pay too much but it was $20 to $40 for something that took maybe an hour or so. There were higher paying ones where they wanted to do an MRI…no thanks!
Michelle says
Yes, I know. I just reworded what I mean to clarify. If there are no side effects, then I wouldn’t mind doing them. I meant just the ones that have side effects or require needles.
Janine @ MoneySmartGuides says
I’ve taken part in medical research…nothing too crazy though. Mainly just going to a designated location, filling out a survey and then returned again after a certain amount of time. Also participated in psychological surveys as well which just ask a bunch of questions and at times have to verify information with family members. Super easy!
Michelle says
Things like that I could definitely do!
E.M. says
I have to agree with many of these! The one where the pet owner put their dog down just to save $100 though, wow. People like that should not be allowed to have pets. Living in someone’s attic or squatting is just too strange. I would feel so confined and anxious, wondering if I would get discovered. Not worth it at all. The easiest and kind of only way to my job involves the highway, so I’m with you on that. I don’t think I could take biking it, either. I would also take part in medical research so long as it didn’t involve anything crazy – I like to stay away from needles and blood being drawn, too.
Michelle says
Sounds like we are the same person 🙂
Mark Ross says
Just like you, I have a dog and I will certainly do anything just to prolong his life. It’s really saddening for me to read that someone put their dog down just to save money. 🙁
Michelle says
I know, right?! This was YEARS ago and it still makes me angry.
Madeline says
I agree with you about not decreasing activity at the price of saving money. I strongly believe that the more active you are, the less money you spend. Whether it’s getting out and going for a walk, or meeting friends for a 2 dollar cup of coffee, you can keep your mind busy without spending lots and lots of money.
Michelle says
I agree!
Mel @ Trailing After God says
Make my own feminine hygiene products. No thank you. Or cloth diaper – I know lots who do it – we tried it and it wasn’t for me but more power to those who do! I would like to make my own paper towels or cloths because I HATE buying them because it feels like such a waste. To save money for my mission trip to Haiti, I started showering every other day to cut down on soap, shampoo, and conditioner costs because I have super long curly hair and it takes so much shampoo and conditioner. And I stayed home to save gas and because I tend to spend when I’m out and about. It worked. We’re planning on going again this spring and then when we get home, it will be time to raise funds so we can go live there as missionaries managing a small orphanage. Oh and I am with you on the medical experiments. NO way.
Michelle says
I’ve actually heard that it’s best to not wash your hair every day. Usually just a couple of times a week is good!
Lena says
And I thought I was frugal… 🙂 One thing I wouldn’t do to save money is to stop paying tithing and giving to others. It’s important for me to be able to help those in need even when we can’t give much!
Michelle says
HAha yes, some of these things on the list are ridiculous.
Lance @ Money Life and More says
That’s sad Michelle! I always took you as the type that would be underwear at a thrift shop. Guess I was wrong!
Michelle says
Haha oh thanks Lance! 😛
Jason B says
I wouldn’t do any of those.
Michelle says
Same here!
SuburbanFinance says
I burst out laughing when I read that about living in somebody’s attic!
Michelle says
hahah yes!
B says
HAHA…you have to wonder if everything they shown on Cheapskates is true…
I saw on the show a woman when dumpster digging for food to prepare a meal for friends that were coming for dinner. From what I remember she took food out of a restaurant dumpster and a bakery dumpster then took it home and make her own entree’s and dessert. She told her friends at the end of their dinner.
How low can you go?
I’ve also heard of paid marijuana medical research… I know quite a few people that would love to get paid to participate in this particular research…
Michelle says
Haha yes it makes no sense!
Budget and the Beach says
I would never put a pet down to save money, but when something does happen to my lil cat, I’d give serious consideration to not getting another pet until I felt a lot more financially secure. All the other stuff I wouldn’t do either, unless I lived close to work where I could walk. In my case I do because it’s my kitchen. 🙂
Kyle | Rather-Be-Shopping.com says
Interesting post. The pet one is tricky. I have had to make tough decisions with our family pets over the years and they can be heartbreaking and so it is hard to judge the decisions other people make. If the $100 only prolonged a pet’s life and didn’t add to the quality of life, it is a totally different decision than putting a pet down because the $100 for antibiotic cream on an infected nail was to expensive.
Lauren says
I have mixed feelings on the pet one. I love my two kitties and I will do everything I reasonably can for them. But if I had exhausted all other options and had to choose between paying for groceries and utilties or paying for an expensive surgery for one of my cats, the humans in my life would have to come first.
Krissie says
I agree with everything. Except the pet one…
A few years ago I had to have my cat put down. She was hit by a car that was going about 60 in a 25 area. I had a total of almost $50 to my name. (It cost $90 to have her put to sleep.) I couldn’t afford the $6000 (!!) surgery at all, I only made $14,000 a year. When I told them I didn’t even have the $90 I was told I could just take her home wait for her to die and dispose of her. I was heartbroken to know she was already suffering so much. My dad had to drive me there since I was so panicked I couldn’t even drive. So he gave me the rest of what I needed to let her go in peace, then we brought her home and and he buried her in the back yard. About a month later they sent me a “thank you, come again” card…NEVER in my life will I ever take a pet to that “vet” when they cared so much more about money they would tell me to do such a heartbreaking thing, on Easter none the less.