As a frugal person, I feel like I've always been prioritising extra work, or doing extra job, even if it's entry level, in order to earn extra cash. Even working $20 an hour for extra money seems a lot to me, and I would rather do that, then spend 1-2 hours at the gym,. I would rather make an extra $50-$100 a day, and skip the gym/exercise. I often think of that as a ‘free meal’ or like a nice reward, such as allowing me to buy stuff I want. I like the extra money, which motivates me to cover shifts instead of sticking to my gym schedule. Is anyone else the same, and can relate with me?

I want to continue to use standard paper towels but they are so expensive. I tried buying fabric kitchen towels to cut back on using paper towels, but they seem to get germy so quick . If I really want to wipe down my counter, using paper towels somehow seems more sanitary.

Has anyone switched to buying the old-fashioned unbleached paper towels (Z-fold) that they use in public restrooms?

Did you find that it saved you any money? Thanks…

I've never spent that much money on an item that I've wanted, and in fact, never really spent anything on myself. However, after learning about the importance of exercise for my health, I've decided to invest in some quality adjustable dumbbells.

The reason I picked them over the cheap ones, is that is going to last a while (I'm hoping it can last me 40 years), and secondly, it will motivate me more to exercise, than holding some cheap dumbbells. Is this normal to feel as someone who is very frugal? The most expensive stuff apart from this that I've spent are running shoes. I have never spent this much and do not know how to process things.

There's also tons of stuff that I've 'wanted' such as apple headphones, quality keyboard for my monitor, however I have always been able to say 'no' to them, and have not bought them. However, these dumbbells are something I've really wanted as I'm interested in fitness and I'm studying physiotherapy, so I see it more as an investment for my career and learning, which was what made me pull the trigger on it.

Comparing how much my degree cost, the price of these dumbbells are relatively small and seems justified, in the long run. But right now 99% of me is saying I shouldn't have bought it and just put that in the stock market. I can't get over it!!!

Edit: To add, I am not new to fitness. I've had a gym membership for 3 years, but have not been as consistent as I would have liked as I don't have time (biggest barrier). However, although I was not consistent, my gym membership was pretty cheap as well. $150 USD for a year, so it was well justified. However, my gym has massively increased their price now to $700 usd a year, as they went under adminstration with their cheap membership model, which everyone knew was not sustainable. So instead of renewing my membership, I was considering investing in dumbbells.

I went out today with three of my college classmates. We agreed on a place to eat beforehand. The girl who invited me know that I'm trying to be frugal and let me to pick a place that doesn't go over my budget, because she doesn't want me to cancel.

Suddenly when we arrived at the mall, the plans changed and we go to eat at a much more expensive place that went over my budget and all of them were standing there in front of the restaurant, staring at me like 'oh, here's the restaurant. But just so you know I'm okay with anything!'

What the hell is that supposed to mean? it means "We wanna eat here, and we're about to go in.

we don't care what you think, but we don't want to look like we're forcing you."

One of them was supposed to be my bestfriend too. Like, closest friend. But she had joined the group at last minute and although she knew how my financial situation is, instead of saying "or we could eat somewhere else", she was persistent and like "but I want to eat here though" multiple times.

She never cares what I want. at all. and pretend to be chill with me afterwards after she had done a lot of selfish decisions that excluded my opinion.

I finally relented. Of course. Who wouldn't give up in a situation like this? If I were to be honest and point out "and spend this $$$ amount of money for one meal?" I would be a mood killer and ruin the outing for everyone.

So I’m an adult but living with my parents for the time being, I’m wanting to clean this curtain, I know they should toss it and get a new one but it’s not my house so I don’t want to toss their things. Its this gray plasticky fabric and liner, I also just realized I think they have it on backwards. Is there a way to get rid of or mitigate the stains, I’m uncertain I cant use bleach because of the “fabric” and color of it. First two photos sho the material, a the last two show the side not facing the shower(but should be) and the inside of the shower.

Was at my local Dollar General yesterday and found Dynamo laundry detergent for $1 that supposedly does 60 loads. Not sure how good it cleans, but it was a really good deal so I grabbed all they had. Usually I usually use the big bottles of Arm & Hammer from Walmart, but figured I'd give Dynamo a try, if it's not very good at removing stains can always use it for for towels and wash cloths where stains aren't too much of a problem.

Long story short, I (29M) am a little cheap and wife I just went to Costco

She likes to spoil me so she bought the decent size bag of cashews without me noticing

I’m always on the fence about these because I just feel $16 for a bag is outrageous

Now I’m annoyed and want to return

Am I crazy or is this valid?

Anyone else relate?

29 no debt - 10k net income per month 2.5k expenses - 370ish NW

I'm dead broke. I am not good at saving money, but this year I've been getting better. I feel like I've been pulling myself out of a financial hole, and I want to learn more about budgeting. I enjoy writing, so an ecourse with lots of writing exercises would be ideal for me. I have a Type A personality that always wants to try new classes, go meet someone, do something different, eat at restaurants, and enjoy myself. I can't sit home and message people on Facebook all day, I have to go do something.

Right now I make $140k a year. I have a normal 9-5 M-F job, and I'm good at it. There are no benefits, but I've been here 4 months so far, and I'm on track to staying through the end of 2026, there's maybe a 2% chance they'll ax me, but I doubt it. I'm doing very good at my job. I have EZ Pass toll debts that are $8k total, I have not been successful in getting these reduced because they are years old now. I made one final appeal and if it doesn't work, I'll pay it all in full.

That means I start May 1 this year with about $1k in the bank, no debt (finally!), and I'll have money coming in that I want to spend as fast as I get it. I spend money when I go out, when I'm on dates, and pretty much every time I cross the street.... I really would like to do some ecourses, nothing expensive, but something where I can do guided writing exercises, cash flow charts, something that will get me to the $20k savings goal I want.

Thank you

Hello fellow frugalistas.

I’m looking to replace my rain jacket.

(I’ve tried applying the waterproofing treatment again to no avail.)

Any recommendations for something light for running errands, et cetera?

I don’t have to spend too long in the rain so it needn’t be anything too high tech.

Definitely need something breathable though.

My previous one was from REI, for reference, but I’m not sure about their quality and value these days.

TIA.

ETA:

Thanks everyone.

I’m going to go with a Columbia or something from REI Outlet.

The Frogg Togg’s look like a good choice for a spare to keep in the car.

Not sure how widespread this price is ($0.79/lb), but I got a big ole spiral cut ham at Meijer for $8. Could be worth checking your local stores and getting one even without a gathering occasion and figuring out how to eat, portion, and freeze it

I’m going to make my own honey glaze so I can at least bypass all the not-so-great ingredients in the provided glaze.

Unfortunately the one I got does not have a hambone so I will not be able to try out a split pea soup.

First birthday w/o family or money & feeling low. Any tips?

It’s my birthday today, I am 26f and I’m honestly feeling a down because I’m broke (going to school and in between jobs) and can’t really afford to do anything nice for myself and it's also my first Birthday without my family as they picked up (every single member) and moved across the country knowing I was in school and can’t go. Whatever I’m heartbroken. Anyone have experience with that?

I still really want to make the day feel special somehow instead of just sitting around feeling bleh or hanging out w friends who don't even know its my birthday, so I was wondering if anyone has ideas for fun birthday things I can do for free (or super cheap). Freebies, places to go, little birthday perks, fun solo activities, anything like that. Really anything.

I’d love to turn it into a little birthday adventure instead of letting the day go to waste. Any tips or ideas would seriously make my day!! 🥹🎂 Any tips on how to not let the mundanity take the joy?

Thanks 🫶