When it comes to frugal individuals, every cent is cherished, and a thrifty lifestyle is a philosophy they live by. In a world where some people revel in spending their earnings on luxury, cheapskates stand out, ensuring that every dollar is stretched to its maximum potential.
Encountering a cheapskate is not uncommon. These individuals are adept at seeking out the best deals and repurposing items to maximize utility. For them, spending money is not just a transaction; it’s an opportunity to derive joy from extracting the utmost value from every purchase.
The offspring of cheapskate parents recently shared some of the peculiar experiences they endured in their households. The following anecdotes provide a glimpse into the unique world of cheapskate parenting.
Edits have been made to the comments for improved grammar and clarity.
1. Clever soap acquisition by my dad
u/[deleted]: When my dad moved into his house, he arranged for a free water filter demonstration under the sink. The demonstrator used a bar of soap, which my dad managed to keep after the demonstration. He repeated this process with at least four other companies just to accumulate free bars of soap, never intending to install a water filter. As he ages, he continues such antics, and while I may not understand, I let him be.
2. Paper wowel hoarding and dilemma
u/TheCommonStew: My dad hoards paper towels and expects me, even at 21, to seek permission to use them to avoid waste. I recall thinking a roll was worth $100 because of his concern about wasting them. Despite being a cheapskate, he ironically spends more by opting for the cheapest, often subpar, options. Once, my girlfriend and I used a whole roll to clean up a spilled gallon of milk, and the mixed emotions on my dad’s face were priceless.
3. Dad’s extreme energy-saving techniques
u/notronbro: Dads can be extreme. Mine dislikes paying for electricity, so he hangs his clothes outside, even in freezing temperatures. Cleaning our rooms meant risking him going through our trash, hunting for discarded valuables. Obsessed with gas prices, he would drive around town for half an hour searching for the cheapest gas. His dedication to frugality extends to unconventional practices like putting his car in neutral and pushing it downhill to save fuel costs.
4. Costco return policy maestro
u/halfadash6: My father exploited the Costco return policy to the extreme. He returned an outdoor furniture set after eight years of use, weather-worn and broken. To everyone’s disbelief, Costco accepted it, and the refunded money was used to finance most of a new patio set. Unbelievable indeed.
5. The frugal tactics of my grandmother
u/Acetylene: Summers at my grandparents’ house involved a peculiar chore, using “the good napkins” that lacked restaurant logos when setting the table for dinner guests. My grandmother’s frugality knew no bounds; she sought to come out ahead in every deal. Her tactics included clipping coupons, returning from any favor with a dinner invitation, and acquiring napkins and buffet food in her oversized purse. Driving over an hour to a Sizzler she hadn’t been banned from was not uncommon for birthday dinners.
These glimpses into the lives of cheapskate parents and grandparents unveil a world of unique habits and tactics driven by an unwavering commitment to frugality.