How cheap are you?
March 1st, 2015 at 2:50:44 AM
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I feel like a lot of AP's can be really cheap -- in a good way. I think it was kewlj that wrote about how cheap/stingy he could be -- he'd look up cheapest prices for gas and would drive a good distance for gas $0.05/gal cheaper, steal sugar packets & napkins from restaurants, use up all the freebies he could (free food, half off, etc.) that comes in the mail from casinos, etc. I don't mean to write this stuff in a condescending way, just interesting.
I know of APs that would do $100 coin in for $5 cash back (not that it's cheap necessarily, but among the same line). Some would be really cheap, to the extent where they'd always order water when dining (not because they prefer water, but because it's free/cheaper)...or some would pack a lunch when going out for the day.
Some would only be cheap when doing AP things...but when it came to stuff in general life, they wouldn't be cheap at all.
Some may be heavy couponers, cutting out the discounts you get in the newspaper or in the mail for grocery stores.
In college, there were a lot of really cheap people. They'd rather use the school's WiFi (which was incredibly slow and constantly disconnecting you) than pay $10 for an Ethernet cord (which was very fast and reliable). Some would only buy food at the grocery store if it was below a certain price. An extra $0.05 for a banana? Nope. Spend $6 to get their ice skates sharpened? Nope -- they'd rather wait a month until they were going back home where it cost $4.
Personally, I'm the other way around. I'd rather pay more for convenience. I'd rather pay $50 for someone to change the oil in my car than do it myself for $30 (or however much it costs......actually that reminds me, I gotta go get that done soon). If you have money, you may as well enjoy it.
So my question is --- how cheap are you? What kinda stuff do you do to save money? What kinda stuff do you splurge on?
EDIT: Thread is not about tipping vs non-tipping. It's just about being cheap (or saving money). Thx 1BB for pointing that out.
Or maybe I'm thinking of a different member on a different forum.
I know of APs that would do $100 coin in for $5 cash back (not that it's cheap necessarily, but among the same line). Some would be really cheap, to the extent where they'd always order water when dining (not because they prefer water, but because it's free/cheaper)...or some would pack a lunch when going out for the day.
Some would only be cheap when doing AP things...but when it came to stuff in general life, they wouldn't be cheap at all.
Some may be heavy couponers, cutting out the discounts you get in the newspaper or in the mail for grocery stores.
In college, there were a lot of really cheap people. They'd rather use the school's WiFi (which was incredibly slow and constantly disconnecting you) than pay $10 for an Ethernet cord (which was very fast and reliable). Some would only buy food at the grocery store if it was below a certain price. An extra $0.05 for a banana? Nope. Spend $6 to get their ice skates sharpened? Nope -- they'd rather wait a month until they were going back home where it cost $4.
Personally, I'm the other way around. I'd rather pay more for convenience. I'd rather pay $50 for someone to change the oil in my car than do it myself for $30 (or however much it costs......actually that reminds me, I gotta go get that done soon). If you have money, you may as well enjoy it.
So my question is --- how cheap are you? What kinda stuff do you do to save money? What kinda stuff do you splurge on?
EDIT: Thread is not about tipping vs non-tipping. It's just about being cheap (or saving money). Thx 1BB for pointing that out.
March 1st, 2015 at 3:42:10 AM
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I would never ever steal anything, not even a pack of sugar and driving around for cheaper gas seems to defeat the purpose.
I use coupons and compare prices on the internet. I love to haggle and do it with anyone I can. It really annoys people and it really works. It must be my New England roots. It's not only about saving a buck, it's about not being a chump.
I don't believe I splurge but I do provide my family with top of the line homes, vehicles, travel etc. I make sure that everyone is well taken care of. Some of our hobbies are expensive, especially the classic cars. We also contribute to many charitable causes with time and money. My wife just started another scholarship fund. That one might be considered splurging. :-) Let's just say she was very generous.
I still don't tip blackjack dealers. My money my rules. Please don't make this thread about that.
I use coupons and compare prices on the internet. I love to haggle and do it with anyone I can. It really annoys people and it really works. It must be my New England roots. It's not only about saving a buck, it's about not being a chump.
I don't believe I splurge but I do provide my family with top of the line homes, vehicles, travel etc. I make sure that everyone is well taken care of. Some of our hobbies are expensive, especially the classic cars. We also contribute to many charitable causes with time and money. My wife just started another scholarship fund. That one might be considered splurging. :-) Let's just say she was very generous.
I still don't tip blackjack dealers. My money my rules. Please don't make this thread about that.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
March 1st, 2015 at 4:33:09 AM
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My wife has obliterated a lot of my better cheap-o moves, but if it is an area I still have control over, look out.
When I was a bachelor, my home phone was set up so that I paid for *each call* - it was clearly the best move for me, I could save a ton even if I averaged a couple of calls a day. I didn't quite average a call a day, even though this was before I had a cell phone. My wife, now in charge of all that, just goes for the hokey-doke plan for the home phone, you know, free everything [scratch that and make it 'one charge for unlimited' everything]. She even has us signed up for unlimited long distance for one charge; if I allowed myself to ponder what that must cost, I wouldnt be able to sleep at night [we barely use the home phone]
I choose the plan for my cell phone. Every call, every text, I pay for. Saves a ton.
When I travel alone, I use hotels dot com and find some great rates, saving $50-100 a day over where we would stay if I went with spouse [even though the rate is the same for either one or two people every time I notice]. The hotels are old typically, but often very quiet, which is my main request.
When I was a bachelor, my home phone was set up so that I paid for *each call* - it was clearly the best move for me, I could save a ton even if I averaged a couple of calls a day. I didn't quite average a call a day, even though this was before I had a cell phone. My wife, now in charge of all that, just goes for the hokey-doke plan for the home phone, you know, free everything [scratch that and make it 'one charge for unlimited' everything]. She even has us signed up for unlimited long distance for one charge; if I allowed myself to ponder what that must cost, I wouldnt be able to sleep at night [we barely use the home phone]
I choose the plan for my cell phone. Every call, every text, I pay for. Saves a ton.
When I travel alone, I use hotels dot com and find some great rates, saving $50-100 a day over where we would stay if I went with spouse [even though the rate is the same for either one or two people every time I notice]. The hotels are old typically, but often very quiet, which is my main request.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
March 1st, 2015 at 4:58:23 AM
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Paying anything more than a trivial token amount for a hotel room within 20 miles of Las Vegas is against my religion, condemned as a mortal sin in Section 24, Subparagraph 3(c) of the Book of Dead, and would cause me to be struck down into a pool of umbrella drink condiments before the charge hit the fan. Paying through the wazoo for a hotel room, and parking, and for a sip of water in LA is called "Thursday."
Suck dope, watch TV, make up stuff, be somebody on the internet.
March 1st, 2015 at 5:03:23 AM
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Right now I am rolling around in pain from kidney stones. I could go to the ER and make sure I am not dieing but I am way to cheap to pay $50 er copay.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
March 1st, 2015 at 5:27:56 AM
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I don't have much opportunity to splurge but a few impulse purchases now and then can be fun. I don't know much about prices but if they say "sale" I figure I might as well go for it.
I like those milk, coffee, sugar and vanilla Frappachinos but only if its a dollar or so off. Don't do ice cream much, but when I do its Hagen Daz under some 3 for the price of 2 or something.
There is a ten dollar off on a Friday Craps Boat here but I've not yet taken advantage of it, just took note of the ad about it.
I don't steal condiments much 'cause I can never find them at home when I need them. Perhaps I should steal an empty drawer?
I tend not to use coupons... can't find them when I want them.
I like those milk, coffee, sugar and vanilla Frappachinos but only if its a dollar or so off. Don't do ice cream much, but when I do its Hagen Daz under some 3 for the price of 2 or something.
There is a ten dollar off on a Friday Craps Boat here but I've not yet taken advantage of it, just took note of the ad about it.
I don't steal condiments much 'cause I can never find them at home when I need them. Perhaps I should steal an empty drawer?
I tend not to use coupons... can't find them when I want them.
March 1st, 2015 at 5:36:32 AM
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I know someone who cancelled the daily newspaper and then drove to the library to read it free of charge. Used about three gallons of gas a week, just for that, when gas was over $4 a gallon.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
March 1st, 2015 at 5:41:16 AM
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I won't go out of my way for cheap gas but I use the app gasbuddy.
I mainly use it to see what the general price range is in the area I'm in.
Sometimes going one or two exits farther can save 10-15cents per gallon,or more if it's a different state.
I know it's only a $2-5 difference on a fill up but as long as it's on the way why not.
I mainly use it to see what the general price range is in the area I'm in.
Sometimes going one or two exits farther can save 10-15cents per gallon,or more if it's a different state.
I know it's only a $2-5 difference on a fill up but as long as it's on the way why not.
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
March 1st, 2015 at 5:48:57 AM
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I mow my own lawn,change my oil,and snow blow my driveway,when I'm home. When I'm on the road i pay someone to do everything. I think it's just a habit from how I grew up. We called it Yankee thriftness.
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
March 1st, 2015 at 6:14:33 AM
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I buy items for my work lunches at Costco and 99% of the time I brown bag it. When booking flights I don't mind taking a very early or late flight if it is significantly cheaper.
March 1st, 2015 at 7:04:25 AM
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There's an old saying
A woman will spend 1 dollar on a 2 dollar item she does not need
A man will spend 2 dollars on a 1 dollar item he does need.
A woman will spend 1 dollar on a 2 dollar item she does not need
A man will spend 2 dollars on a 1 dollar item he does need.
Its just a forum. Nothing here to get obsessed about.
March 1st, 2015 at 7:05:06 AM
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When I used to live in Cook County (IL), I used to drive 5 miles out of my way to get gas in Lake County, as the way gas taxes were in Cook County (blame Chicago), I could oftentimes save 20-25 cents a gallon in Cook. Furthermore if you live in the City of Chicago, it is cheaper to fill up in suburban Cook County than it is in the city. If you live in the Southeast part of Chicago many people actually go into Indiana to fill up.
Also, making major purchases such as furninture, electronics, jewelry etc, I would go outside Cook County as the sales tax rate would be cheaper outside of Cook as well.
Tipping I am fairly decent. I give about 18% and there are a few places I go regularly that treat me well, such as free appetizers, free rounds of drinks desserts. When I get free stuff I tip for the bill and then 30% for the free stuff. So if I had a $150 bill and we got say two $12 glasses of wine for free. It would be $27 for the $150 and then $7 for the two glasses of wine, which also encourages the behavior they exhibited in the future.
Also, making major purchases such as furninture, electronics, jewelry etc, I would go outside Cook County as the sales tax rate would be cheaper outside of Cook as well.
Tipping I am fairly decent. I give about 18% and there are a few places I go regularly that treat me well, such as free appetizers, free rounds of drinks desserts. When I get free stuff I tip for the bill and then 30% for the free stuff. So if I had a $150 bill and we got say two $12 glasses of wine for free. It would be $27 for the $150 and then $7 for the two glasses of wine, which also encourages the behavior they exhibited in the future.
A flute with no holes is not a flute, a donut with no holes is a danish
March 1st, 2015 at 7:30:31 AM
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Now that both my husband and I are officially retired (this month) being frugal is something that I think about a lot more than I used to.
We have started only buying groceries from a discount grocery store that has a 10% discount for old people (over 55) on Tuesdays.
Our days of just buying something without thinking about it are over.
Regarding trips to Vegas....as we all know, if you save money on your room, food, shows etc then you have more of a bankroll to gamble with!
So yes....I only stay in comped rooms, I use coupons like mad, I bring some all bran bars and coffee and fixings from home to have breakfast in the room.
I spend hours researching good deals in Vegas.
I play MyVegas and Social Rewards.
Anything I can do to save money, I will.
We have started only buying groceries from a discount grocery store that has a 10% discount for old people (over 55) on Tuesdays.
Our days of just buying something without thinking about it are over.
Regarding trips to Vegas....as we all know, if you save money on your room, food, shows etc then you have more of a bankroll to gamble with!
So yes....I only stay in comped rooms, I use coupons like mad, I bring some all bran bars and coffee and fixings from home to have breakfast in the room.
I spend hours researching good deals in Vegas.
I play MyVegas and Social Rewards.
Anything I can do to save money, I will.
Blonde4ever's articles on
https://blonde4everdoesvegas.blogspot.ca/
March 1st, 2015 at 7:41:25 AM
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Quote: JohnzimboI buy items for my work lunches at Costco and 99% of the time I brown bag it. When booking flights I don't mind taking a very early or late flight if it is significantly cheaper.
We are taking a cruise out of NOLA in april. I will save $300 on my flight by renting a car and flying home out of Birmingham than flying out of NOLA, which is what we are doing. It will be a five hour drive, Does that count as cheap?
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
March 1st, 2015 at 7:54:20 AM
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Quote: GWAERight now I am rolling around in pain from kidney stones. I could go to the ER and make sure I am not dieing but I am way to cheap to pay $50 er copay.
You just won the thread. (You should go to the ER to get the Percocets. You get 20-30, and you only need 4 or 5.)
A falling knife has no handle.
March 1st, 2015 at 7:56:01 AM
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I'm not cheap. I'll coupon if it's convenient to, but otherwise money is a means to and end for me. If it's not being spent it is being wasted.
A falling knife has no handle.
March 1st, 2015 at 8:11:23 AM
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Quote: MoscaYou just won the thread. (You should go to the ER to get the Percocets. You get 20-30, and you only need 4 or 5.)
My cheapness paid off. I passed the stone a little while ago. How does a stone give you a high level pain and when you pass it, it's like it never existed?
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
March 1st, 2015 at 8:22:00 AM
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I'm free with money in that I tip pretty well and will help out friends who need it and stuff like that. But, at the same time, I know where the cheapest gas stations are, will buy months worth of something like soda when it's on sale and am quite happy to eat in the VIP lounge many times a week and sometimes twice in a day. I don't pay for cable and watch everything online. I buy very cheap clothes. I'll often eat a lot of bread in a restaurant to make sure I fill up with enough main course left to take home for lunch the next day. Oh yeah, I'm growing my hair long so I can sell it (and not pay for cuts).
I value free stuff far out of proportion to its value. Once, I ordered take out from Tony Romas online and, when I went to pick it up, the branch had closed. We had to call to get them to take it off the credit card and they gave us a $100 gift certificate to make up for it. I couldn't believe it. It might have been my happiest moment of the month.
I'm pretty lazy about seeking stuff out and I figure that's a big leak, which I'm trying to fix this year, especially with all the crap they give away in this town.
I value free stuff far out of proportion to its value. Once, I ordered take out from Tony Romas online and, when I went to pick it up, the branch had closed. We had to call to get them to take it off the credit card and they gave us a $100 gift certificate to make up for it. I couldn't believe it. It might have been my happiest moment of the month.
I'm pretty lazy about seeking stuff out and I figure that's a big leak, which I'm trying to fix this year, especially with all the crap they give away in this town.
March 1st, 2015 at 8:22:43 AM
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Ill pay you to take my car in for an oil change while you are at it.Quote: RSI'd rather pay $50 for someone to change the oil in my car than do it myself for $30 (or however much it costs......actually that reminds me, I gotta go get that done soon). If you have money, you may as well enjoy it.
I try to be thrifty but I hate being inconvenienced, perhaps I'm lazy anytime something seems like work. I always think about all errands I'm going to do tomorrow but then tomorrow comes and something comes up, perhaps I'm a procrastinator. If something of value comes up, I will suddenly become a monster.
I guess it all depends on my mood, sometimes I'm really cheap and sometimes I'm wasteful.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
March 1st, 2015 at 9:17:59 AM
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I feel like I was much more cheap in my younger days. I'd eat foot long hotdogs from Casino Royale to save money, and then play $25 a hand blackjack. I also do things like purchase the first flight in or last flight out to save money. I guess I am more about value than price.
March 1st, 2015 at 9:38:22 AM
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Call me cheap all you like, I call myself "frugal."
I use coupons. I am into "prep" and having a store of food for emergencies, so coupons are a good way to do that. I will buy store brands for most things, one exception is Ketchup, where they can give away the store brand and I will still buy Heinz.
In nice weather I lately change my own oil again. Saves just a few buck but keeps me feeling "manly" and makes my dad feel good to watch me do it flawlessly.
The times I have stayed in Vegas I mostly stayed at Flamingo, same center-strip location at half the price of across the street. Though on airlines I just check JBLU first and if the price is fair I use it, so much better of a flight. Once they even gave out a neat little "red-eye" kit for a red-eye flight.
My house is less than the price of some cars. But I am not stretching to live at all. I have kept my living expense to the old-time 25% of income guideline, actually a tad less. Amazing how much better it feels with an impending lay-off when that is not such a bite.
Didn't buy a car without the payments more than covered with reserves. Had to make payments on a bottom-line car last time. Bad, bad feeling. So I bought a 13 year old car? Who cares? Looks decent and does the job. I prefer having $250-350 a month. Three years from now I can do it again!
I was always careful, but I think the number of layoffs that have hit me the last 8 years will make me live small forever. I forever just try to reduce expenses and debt while figuring how to guarantee I have the minimum to keep off the street and the lights on. I have seen so many people buried while living too above their means. Scared Straight.
I use coupons. I am into "prep" and having a store of food for emergencies, so coupons are a good way to do that. I will buy store brands for most things, one exception is Ketchup, where they can give away the store brand and I will still buy Heinz.
In nice weather I lately change my own oil again. Saves just a few buck but keeps me feeling "manly" and makes my dad feel good to watch me do it flawlessly.
The times I have stayed in Vegas I mostly stayed at Flamingo, same center-strip location at half the price of across the street. Though on airlines I just check JBLU first and if the price is fair I use it, so much better of a flight. Once they even gave out a neat little "red-eye" kit for a red-eye flight.
My house is less than the price of some cars. But I am not stretching to live at all. I have kept my living expense to the old-time 25% of income guideline, actually a tad less. Amazing how much better it feels with an impending lay-off when that is not such a bite.
Didn't buy a car without the payments more than covered with reserves. Had to make payments on a bottom-line car last time. Bad, bad feeling. So I bought a 13 year old car? Who cares? Looks decent and does the job. I prefer having $250-350 a month. Three years from now I can do it again!
I was always careful, but I think the number of layoffs that have hit me the last 8 years will make me live small forever. I forever just try to reduce expenses and debt while figuring how to guarantee I have the minimum to keep off the street and the lights on. I have seen so many people buried while living too above their means. Scared Straight.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 1st, 2015 at 9:39:57 AM
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Quote: GWAEWe are taking a cruise out of NOLA in april. I will save $300 on my flight by renting a car and flying home out of Birmingham than flying out of NOLA, which is what we are doing. It will be a five hour drive, Does that count as cheap?
At $300/5hr it means you value your time at under $60 per hour and that is before the cost of the car and gas, so really you could be valuing yourself at under $20/hour or soon the new minimal wage. Some people who spend extra time being cheap, can really cheapen the value of themselves. Of course it also depends on the quality of the time you are spending on saving money, are you taking time away from your love ones or the time sitting back mindlessly drinking a cold one.
March 1st, 2015 at 9:52:37 AM
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Quote: zoobreware you taking time away from your love ones or the time sitting back mindlessly drinking a cold one.
Doing both: priceless.
March 1st, 2015 at 9:52:49 AM
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All my clothes are from the salvation army and I wait til Saturdays because everything is half price. My condo is also decorated with cheap, second-hand paintings from the thrift. You know, the one with the tall ship in angry seas.
I splurge on food. Eggs have to be those fancy organic ones where the hen gets daily mani pedis; no sweat shop eggs. My grocery bill for just myself is 75 per week.
I splurge on food. Eggs have to be those fancy organic ones where the hen gets daily mani pedis; no sweat shop eggs. My grocery bill for just myself is 75 per week.
100% risk of ruin
March 1st, 2015 at 10:15:01 AM
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Quote: zoobrewAt $300/5hr it means you value your time at under $60 per hour and that is before the cost of the car and gas, so really you could be valuing yourself at under $20/hour or soon the new minimal wage.
Pretty sure that's 5 hours each way. So, $30/hr. Divide that by the number of people in the car...
May the cards fall in your favor.
March 1st, 2015 at 10:34:54 AM
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Quote: zoobrewAt $300/5hr it means you value your time at under $60 per hour and that is before the cost of the car and gas, so really you could be valuing yourself at under $20/hour or soon the new minimal wage. Some people who spend extra time being cheap, can really cheapen the value of themselves. Of course it also depends on the quality of the time you are spending on saving money, are you taking time away from your love ones or the time sitting back mindlessly drinking a cold one.
$300 includes expected rental and gas.
It also is not an automatic 5 hour time difference either. The flight we are taking will get us to the local airport at 11:20 I think. The flight that we would take from NOLA would get us home at 9:50 because there is an extra 2 hour layover.
However, even if I did value my time at under 20 an hour, I would be happy to take a job driving for $20 an hour since it would be more than I am making now.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
March 1st, 2015 at 10:40:23 AM
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I just got in from snow blowing the driveway. I was thinking about this thread. I often times call myself cheap but I think it stems from being "poor". I am not being cheap necessarily because I want to, but because I have to. If I didn't try to save every single penny then there are many things that we could not do.
I have been an extreme couponer long before there was a show about it. I can save 70% a week with coupon but people often think that I am crazy. If you opened a store where all food was 70% off then they would have lines 4 hours long. I am happy to save $1.50 on a $2 item but people don't think it is worth it. What they don't realize us when you add up those 45 coupons in 1 trip then you just saved an entire tank of gas.
I have been an extreme couponer long before there was a show about it. I can save 70% a week with coupon but people often think that I am crazy. If you opened a store where all food was 70% off then they would have lines 4 hours long. I am happy to save $1.50 on a $2 item but people don't think it is worth it. What they don't realize us when you add up those 45 coupons in 1 trip then you just saved an entire tank of gas.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
March 1st, 2015 at 11:36:11 AM
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I'm cheap as a hobby, though it's tempered by laziness.
Stacking coupons and various other deals once, I was PAID 15$ to take about 6lb of pork chops.
Stacking coupons and various other deals once, I was PAID 15$ to take about 6lb of pork chops.
March 1st, 2015 at 12:14:27 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanone exception is Ketchup, where they can give away the store brand and I will still buy Heinz.
I thought I was the only one who did this!! I've never tasted another ketchup better than Heinz.
March 1st, 2015 at 12:49:54 PM
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Gasoline is one of the most price-sensitive commodities in America. Almost anyone on any given day can tell you what the nominal price of gas is in their area. I can't think of anything else that we buy for which there is such universal price awareness.
But driving a long way for slightly cheaper gas? Not me. I factor in the cost of driving -which the federal govt reimburses at about 50 cents per mile. That always seems high to me but it their estimate of the cost of gas, wear and tear on tires and the car, and depreciation of the value of your car as a function of mileage. So at a savings of, say, 10 cents per gallon for a 15 gallon fill-up, I could only justify driving 3 miles roundtrip. That's not very far.
But driving a long way for slightly cheaper gas? Not me. I factor in the cost of driving -which the federal govt reimburses at about 50 cents per mile. That always seems high to me but it their estimate of the cost of gas, wear and tear on tires and the car, and depreciation of the value of your car as a function of mileage. So at a savings of, say, 10 cents per gallon for a 15 gallon fill-up, I could only justify driving 3 miles roundtrip. That's not very far.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
March 1st, 2015 at 1:03:25 PM
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I'm cheap in some ways, not so cheap in others. I live in a one room shack because I'm to cheap to pay more rent, even though I could well afford it. When I'm out working I don't mind the fast food joints but if there is anything more upscale then that's where I'll stop. I order water with lemon in these places because I like to get the vitaman c without the sugar. I generally tip 20%. I don't go for the cheap stuff in the grocery stores. I ate enough of that Top Ramen crap when I was poor.
edit: Bartenders always get at least a ten dollar bill off me.
edit: Bartenders always get at least a ten dollar bill off me.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
March 1st, 2015 at 1:20:48 PM
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My wife is a cheapskate about everything,
but will lose $400 in the slots without
batting an eye. Drives me nuts.
but will lose $400 in the slots without
batting an eye. Drives me nuts.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 1st, 2015 at 1:24:27 PM
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I borrow tp from the finest CET suites. Also their bathrobes. Also their toiletries.
Axel has been known to borrow cups and utensils from bars and restaurants lol
Axel has been known to borrow cups and utensils from bars and restaurants lol
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
March 1st, 2015 at 1:28:22 PM
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Quote: djatcAxel has been known to borrow cups and utensils from bars and restaurants lol
If I was going to be doing stuff like that I would be borrowing the Heinz 57, the A1, the Tabasco.....
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
March 1st, 2015 at 1:31:53 PM
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Quote: GWAEI just got in from snow blowing the driveway. I was thinking about this thread. I often times call myself cheap but I think it stems from being "poor". I am not being cheap necessarily because I want to, but because I have to. If I didn't try to save every single penny then there are many things that we could not do.
I have been an extreme couponer long before there was a show about it. I can save 70% a week with coupon but people often think that I am crazy. If you opened a store where all food was 70% off then they would have lines 4 hours long. I am happy to save $1.50 on a $2 item but people don't think it is worth it. What they don't realize us when you add up those 45 coupons in 1 trip then you just saved an entire tank of gas.
I don't think it is just "being poor" as I have met many "poor" people who waste money left and right. I hear worse stories from a friend who is in social work. I think it is learning that if you want something nice you need to find a way. Some people are just not taught that certain foods don't go bad so you build a pantry with coupons, then you have food to cook and save money on take-out.
It is "leaks" that kill most people, same as in poker. They have "hobbies" like hanging at the bar that burn cash. $20 a night, once or twice a week is four figures. But they rarely notice. But just as important is hustling to make a few bucks!
I just sold my mother's old sewing machine, $25. People laugh at me and give me junk. Sold my brother's old bike for IIRC $80, was possibly too low as it sold in 3 hours. Have 2 more bikes and a carrier in the garage I will move when spring comes. When I bought the place the lady left a dog kennel, that was $35 or so in my pocket. I have other stuff I keep trying to move. Because it is a rush! So many people I know, some broke, refuse to sell items because they think they will be murdered by a serial killer or something. Now having a bigger car I can take more stuff from friends and family and sell it off. I'm not too proud!
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 1st, 2015 at 1:36:13 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanIt is "leaks" that kill most people, same as in poker. They have "hobbies" like hanging at the bar that burn cash. $20 a night, once or twice a week is four figures. But they rarely notice. But just as important is hustling to make a few bucks!
$20 a night? I rarely get out for less than a hundred.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
March 1st, 2015 at 1:39:39 PM
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When I had the cab co, the 1st and 15th
were when people got their welfare
checks and they called lots of cabs. First
stop was the liquor store for booze and
smokes and lottery tickets. Next stop
was Burger King for a bag of fat and
carbs that weighed 6 pounds. They often
paid me in food stamps, $10 in FS for
a $5 cab ride. I used them at my grocery
store and was never questioned.
were when people got their welfare
checks and they called lots of cabs. First
stop was the liquor store for booze and
smokes and lottery tickets. Next stop
was Burger King for a bag of fat and
carbs that weighed 6 pounds. They often
paid me in food stamps, $10 in FS for
a $5 cab ride. I used them at my grocery
store and was never questioned.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 1st, 2015 at 1:47:58 PM
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I usually order more then I eat at restaurants maybe 1.5 times so I can eat it for breakfast. Saves me money and makes me happy that I didn't squander a comp.
Its gotten pretty scary. I wouldn't read a menu and order, and my total equaled .50c - $1 under my comp balance.
Its gotten pretty scary. I wouldn't read a menu and order, and my total equaled .50c - $1 under my comp balance.
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
March 1st, 2015 at 1:53:28 PM
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I know a guy who did the math on how much he was spending on his girlfriend and how many times they had sex, and figured out it'd be cheaper to pay hookers instead. And he actually dumped his girlfriend after that.
That's more than just being cheap though. The guy's psychotic.
That's more than just being cheap though. The guy's psychotic.
March 1st, 2015 at 1:58:44 PM
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Quote: sc15I know a guy who did the math on how much he was spending on his girlfriend and how many times they had sex, and figured out it'd be cheaper to pay hookers instead. And he actually dumped his girlfriend after that.
That's more than just being cheap though. The guy's psychotic.
Is he a CEO of a fortune 500? That's pretty damn smart.
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
March 1st, 2015 at 2:09:57 PM
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My wife has a nephew who's 32 and on
his 3rd wife because he's such an incredible
cheapskate the women leave him. He makes
good money and so do the wives (no kids),
but he wails like a baby if they spend one
dime outside of the tight budget. If he finds
a Starbucks cup in the trash or in their car
they get a two hour rant fest.
It's not that he spends on himself, he doesn't.
He banks it all and hovers over it like King
Midas. I don't know what makes people like
this, his siblings are normal and his parents
are too.
his 3rd wife because he's such an incredible
cheapskate the women leave him. He makes
good money and so do the wives (no kids),
but he wails like a baby if they spend one
dime outside of the tight budget. If he finds
a Starbucks cup in the trash or in their car
they get a two hour rant fest.
It's not that he spends on himself, he doesn't.
He banks it all and hovers over it like King
Midas. I don't know what makes people like
this, his siblings are normal and his parents
are too.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 1st, 2015 at 2:59:27 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimmedit: Bartenders always get at least a ten dollar bill off me.
So you only tip them 5%? :)
March 1st, 2015 at 3:03:17 PM
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Quote: JohnzimboSo you only tip them 5%? :)
I don't tip for every drink. They will get their tip at the end of the night if they don't throw me out. If they throw me out they don't deserve a tip. LOL. I buy a lot of drinks for my friends which runs my bar bill up. So I think $10 is enough.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
March 1st, 2015 at 3:06:12 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimm$20 a night? I rarely get out for less than a hundred.
My idea of a night out is just drafts at the corner bar, not bouncing to fancy places. Easy to have 3-4 beers after work weekly and drop $20, that is what I am talking about.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 1st, 2015 at 3:07:35 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimmSo I think $10 is enough.
$10 is a good tip for a male bartender;
women bartenders make far more in
tips then the men do.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 1st, 2015 at 3:09:13 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimmI don't tip for every drink. They will get their tip at the end of the night if they don't throw me out. If they throw me out they don't deserve a tip. LOL. I buy a lot of drinks for my friends which runs my bar bill up. So I think $10 is enough.
As far as hustling tips goes the bartenders in the North Tower Bar of the Riverside/Laughlin have it down to a science. You get comped drinks while playing video poker. You have to sign a chit for every drink. They take a highball glass put the chit and a pen in it and set it in front of you. They will return in a few minutes to pick up the signed chit. If there is not a dollar bill in the glass along with the chit you will notice a markedly decline in service. As long as there is a dollar bill in the glass everytime they will be around every five or ten minutes to see if you want another drink. Best service in the world.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
March 1st, 2015 at 3:14:23 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanMy idea of a night out is just drafts at the corner bar, not bouncing to fancy places. Easy to have 3-4 beers after work weekly and drop $20, that is what I am talking about.
I mainly drink in dive bars so I can get over served. I live next door to one of the cheapest bars in America. Black Velvet is only $2 a shot, and only $1.50 on Fridays.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
March 1st, 2015 at 3:24:30 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimmand only $1.50 on Fridays.
That's what I was charging 35 years ago.
They aren't making much money on it.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 1st, 2015 at 3:33:26 PM
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Since I can buy a bottle of black velvet at $.40 oz. they still have almost a 400% mark up. Cheap people should never pay to drink in public.
March 1st, 2015 at 3:33:56 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimmI mainly drink in dive bars so I can get over served. I live next door to one of the cheapest bars in America. Black Velvet is only $2 a shot, and only $1.50 on Fridays.
Best kind of bar there is. Still miss the one in Rochester. Scammed two beers there once, my buddy just looked at me like I was somewhere between crazy and a hero. We were known regulars so if we got caught I would have paid them right back and it would have been a laugh amongst us all. Still, the beer you get the bar girl to give you for free is a little colder and a little smoother.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
