Least frugal thing you do?

[2moretrees]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

All services from the cable company. These include:
Cable TV with Movie Tier (no premiums) with DVR boxes. (I watch a lot of TV, and I adore having this kind of control!!! Definitely NOT frugal.
Digital Telephone - part of the entire package, to make it less expensive. Service is fine, and we have call waiting, but no voice mail.
Cable Internet - also part of the package, couldn't do without it. I use the internet for fun, learning and work (when I work from home, which is every morning, before going to the office.)

I learned how to cut my movie and cable bill in half by accident. I was going away on a trip for an extended period a few years back and decided it would better just to cancel the cable Internet and channels.

When I called, they offered be keep me as a customer by reducung the bill by 50%. At the time I didn't, but I always remembered afterward. You have to remember to call every 3 months (that is usually how long there promo deals are that they are willing to give you), but all you have to say is that another company offered you a better deal and they will lower your payments right away. I was amazed at how easy it was!

[al0061]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

Wow. I'll have to try that!
Thanks for the tip!!
Yes, frugality seems to be difficult to really dedicate oneself to. Just reading all the advice is helpful, but I'll have to mull it around in my head, and choose one or two things at a time that will be right and do-able for me.
I'm familiar with 'setting myself up for failure' with quitting smoking. I don't want to do that with this endeavor, so I'll not rush into anything.
Thanks again.
Torch

[Razzy]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

I see frugality as taking a lot of babysteps and I see your point with mulling things around before you do them.

I know it took me about a year to change from using reg fabric softnerr to using vinegar instead. Yes the change was hard at first but I do not have to buy fabric softner anymore, I save money and my clothes come out cleaner and smelling better.

So keep up what your doing and don't worry what others think.

Raz

[michellelab]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

I have lots of areas where I could cut back on spending. The main one is smoking, my motto with that is "there's nothing to it, but to do it", but for some reason I just will not quit. It is such an annoying habit, I don't smoke around my children so I have to go outside, even when its freezing, I smoke after leaving a store, because of my little girl I don't smoke in my car (besides the fact that a smokers car typically smells aweful to me). I hate running to the store to buy them, but it's better than the alternative. (even though quitting is supposed to be my goal)
I also could reduce my DiretTV bill, and I have DSL, and a gas guzzling 8 cylinder vehicle, I could really cut money on the grocery bill, I habitually overspend in Walmart,oh yeah, and a 14 year old that must truly believe money grows on trees, her hand is always outstretched, and its not for a handshake, I have tried the handshake thing with her, it didn't work.

[michellelab]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

I have lots of areas where I could cut back on spending. The main one is smoking, my motto with that is "there's nothing to it, but to do it", but for some reason I just will not quit. It is such an annoying habit, I don't smoke around my children so I have to go outside, even when its freezing, I smoke after leaving a store, because of my little girl I don't smoke in my car (besides the fact that a smokers car typically smells aweful to me). I hate running to the store to buy them, but it's better than the alternative. (even though quitting is supposed to be my goal)
I also could reduce my DiretTV bill, and I have DSL, and a gas guzzling 8 cylinder vehicle, I could really cut money on the grocery bill, I habitually overspend in Walmart,oh yeah, and a 14 year old that must truly believe money grows on trees, her hand is always outstretched, and its not for a handshake, I have tried the handshake thing with her, it didn't work.

"There's nothing to it, but to do it."

[witch]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

i would have to say buying sprite I love it.
Thankfully my DH job pays our internet and his mobile So it is free for us.
And also here in Iceland we can pay for extra tv channels and we do that because i love watching tv

[srace]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

I would have to say smokinf=g and my mountain dew addiction also DH l;ikes his beer too.

[mz1cent]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

hello , I am a newbie to this site......anyway I have to say I had to become very frugal because of our job situation.....
we both quit smoking
no cable tv
dial up computer
couponing and rebates
home hair cuts
eating at home 99% of the time
hanging clothes on a line instead of using dryer
no trash service, recycling
lowering deductables from cars...( they are older anyway)
packing lunch from home

I have to tell you it snow

balls and the savings in substantial.. it was hard at first but now its just a big game to me....we all chip in and the benifits are great..... I leave a certain amount in my checking and at the end of the month whatever is over that amount get put into a CD.... I was so surprised because we have less money now but I made it up ....its like being tax free...... also I have found better things to do with my time, instead of being a couch potato.... thanks for reading and have a great day.....

[baselle]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

Lunch, dsl, and the buying/owning of dvds

[BillsGirl]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

I would have to say Run the ac, I can not live without it!! especially since I am in florida

[Razzy]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

I did something this weekend that was not frugal at all. Since me and my dh have had our dd we have only gone on a hand full of dates and this weekend was one of them. We spluged on dinner and a movie without her. It felt so good just to be a couple last night and not be mom and dad. Yes the money could have gone elsewhere but like I said before it felt so good just to be a couple.

Razzy

[zakity]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

You have to have some time away from the kids. I look at the cost of an occasional night out as being way cheaper than couples therapy.

I go to several mom's morning/night out's a month (usually two, maybe one more if a friend needs to escape for a while). I count them as "mental health" expenses, they keep my from going crazy!!

[Razzy]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

thanks for the encouragement.

Razzy

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

I second the idea that time with the spouse is frugal, saving on future therapy bills (for you or the kids)

[momma4]

Re: Least frugal thing you do?

my electric. I have to have my a/c running and a few fans plus I have this thing on all day plus I wash over 12 loads of laundry a week that and I am lazy i use my dishwasher even when I am good and can hand wash. my last bill was $240 for a small 3 bed condo