One of the more common characteristics amongst fiscally responsible individuals is frugality, the innate desire to be thrifty. While some take this to an extreme (I’m talking to you, psycho-couponers), I like to consider myself moderately frugal. There are some things I will always spend a little more money on; electronics, deodorant, and cereal to name a few. Likewise, there are a million things I will always cheap out on. Here are a few of those things.
Fancy Clothes. Nordstrom Rack and Ross are my best friends when it comes to any type of business apparel. I can’t believe people will pay $300+ for a pair of dress shoes. Do they really feel $250 better than my shoes? Me thinks not. I’ll never spend more than $20 for a tie, $40 for pants or a dress shirt. My outfit might not be as expensive as yours, but it looks just as good.
Battery Frugality. These little suckers are freakin’ expensive. When I go battery shopping, I’m not looking for a specific brand, I’m looking for a specific price. And that price my friends, is cheap.
Movies. Girl Ninja and I have been together for five years. During that time, I’ve taken Girl Ninja to three movies (Shrek 3, Taken, and Tangled). She would probably like me to take her to the theater every couple months, but I just can’t bring myself to spend $12 to watch a movie I probably won’t like that much. I’ll wait for it to come out on Netflix.
Cable. I’ve been living like a king lately. My parents have hundreds of cable channels (including movie channels), DVR, and OnDemand programs. Girl Ninja and I had an antenna that picked up about 12.3 channels. I have to admit having cable is really awesome, but to me it’s not $100 awesome, or even $50 awesome. Between our antenna and the internet we can watch just about every show we would want, albeit sometimes a few days later than the rest of the world. p.s. I’m fascinated by MTV’s 16 & Pregnant.
Drinks. I buy one liquid and one liquid only, Milk. As much as I love me some Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Apple Juice, Lemonade, and Arnold Palmer I never buy the stuff. I can’t justify paying for a drink that a) costs me more than filtered tap water, and b) is pretty terrible for my health. I love you Dr. Pepper, but until you are free, I’m afraid we can’t be BFFs. Darn you frugality!
I shall end my list there, but believe me, I could go on for days. DAYS! What are some things you always cheap out on? Where are you most frugal? Anyone out there Uber-frugal and do things like reuse zip-lock bags and hang used paper towels to dry?
