What are some embarrassing things you did to save money?

[GREENBACK]

I got some discount tennis shoes in my penniless college days that were a size too large but it's all they had. I stuffed toilet paper into the toe ends to make a perfect fit....uh, sort of!

I actually probably had a lot of those types of experiences back then but I choose to forget most of them.

[NetSkyBlue]

I wear clothing from thrift stores. I *really* don't buy much clothing, unless I've literally worn out or damaged a piece I routinely need. My mother frequents thrift shops though, and routinely gives me a new top or a new pair of jeans that she got a great deal on.

I shouldn't, but I do feel embarrassed when my well-to-do (or they just act like it) co-workers say, "oh, where'd you get that top?" I usually just end up saying my mother gave it to me.

[ir_dizzle]

I don't know if it is "embarrassing". Although I have a master's degree in Business and my husband works full time making good money, I still babysit on the evenings/weekend to make extra money to go into our investment account. I hope to do this till we have kids to give us a great buffer. We also had roommates as a married couple and reuse furniture in our houses instead of buying new stuff.

I don't think it's embarrassing at all but I understand why you mentioned it.

[ir_dizzle]

I got some discount tennis shoes in my penniless college days that were a size too large but it's all they had. I stuffed toilet paper into the toe ends to make a perfect fit....uh, sort of!

I actually probably had a lot of those types of experiences back then but I choose to forget most of them.

I'm glad those days are behind you.

I'm not penniless right now, but I recall some times recently where I would see expensive shoes at Marshall's that were a half or full size too big for me. If it was a killer deal and the shoes didn't make me look like a clown I would buy them and sacrifice a little comfort to save some money.

[ir_dizzle]

I wear clothing from thrift stores. I *really* don't buy much clothing, unless I've literally worn out or damaged a piece I routinely need. My mother frequents thrift shops though, and routinely gives me a new top or a new pair of jeans that she got a great deal on.

I shouldn't, but I do feel embarrassed when my well-to-do (or they just act like it) co-workers say, "oh, where'd you get that top?" I usually just end up saying my mother gave it to me.

I shop at thrift shops and when people ask where I get a particular article of clothing I found at a thrift shop I usually say I forget and say probably from Marshall's...

It's embarrassing to admit for me anyways but you can get some killer deals there!

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Years ago, before middle class people shopped much at thrift stores--and before there were as many thrift stores--I bought a pair of white slacks at one. At my work we all had to wear white. In my group, there were some people who always wanted to make conversation by saying, "I like your #######. Where'd you get it?" When that was asked about my new white slacks and I answered, "Goodwill," the asker was embarrassed. She blushed and turned away, saying nothing. I guess she thought she had exposed my shame, or something.

[ir_dizzle]

Years ago, before middle class people shopped much at thrift stores--and before there were as many thrift stores--I bought a pair of white slacks at one. At my work we all had to wear white. In my group, there were some people who always wanted to make conversation by saying, "I like your #######. Where'd you get it?" When that was asked about my new white slacks and I answered, "Goodwill," the asker was embarrassed. She blushed and turned away, saying nothing. I guess she thought she had exposed my shame, or something.

Wow - I could imagine how the asker felt after hearing the answer; especially before middle-class people shopped at thrift stores!

[thefrugallery]

I find that sometimes when I tell people items are from the thrift store, they will "confess" their thrift store shopping to me, or ask me how to get better deals. Even people who I never thought would shop at thrift stores open up once they find out you to. There is a frugal person inside each one of us!

The Frugallery

[ir_dizzle]

I find that sometimes when I tell people items are from the thrift store, they will "confess" their thrift store shopping to me, or ask me how to get better deals. Even people who I never thought would shop at thrift stores open up once they find out you to. There is a frugal person inside each one of us!

The Frugallery

That's so true! I told a co-worker of mine that I found a shirt at Goodwill for $4 (it normally costs $45 at the mall) and she opened up about her obsession with shopping at thrift stores... you are right - once people find out they're not the only ones they will open up to a select few!

[adc0642]

re-use dust masks... they're around 75 cents and are supposed to be single use. I use em till they get gross. I'm a little embarrassed

[ir_dizzle]

re-use dust masks... they're around 75 cents and are supposed to be single use. I use em till they get gross. I'm a little embarrassed

I don't think that's too bad - .75 adds up and if you can still use the masks why not?

[lorimav]

My Redneck Garage

I probably have done a number of embarrassing things to save money. One thing that I am not embarrassed about but other people think that I should be, is my "redneck" garage. Every time someone moves and wants to get rid of their relatively new washer, dryer or freezer, I take them. I only have one spare dryer and upright freezer left. I am a little nervous about my latest washing machine. When it dies I don't have a back-up and when my daughter buys a house, I guess I will not have one to give her either.

[ir_dizzle]

I probably have done a number of embarrassing things to save money. One thing that I am not embarrassed about but other people think that I should be, is my "redneck" garage. Every time someone moves and wants to get rid of their relatively new washer, dryer or freezer, I take them. I only have one spare dryer and upright freezer left. I am a little nervous about my latest washing machine. When it dies I don't have a back-up and when my daughter buys a house, I guess I will not have one to give her either.

I would do the same thing (I don't have the storage space right now though b/c I'm currently renting a condo and my garage can only fit 1 car) and would feel the same way as you do. On second thought, I would probably try to sell the items and profit from them first. If I couldn't get a buyer I would probably hold on to some items and save them for a rainy day.

[Snoopy2645]

I coupon alot & do rebates & I buy all my kids clothes at garage sales guess those are typical not embarasing I dont know embarassing ways to save money hmm I think Im too embarassed to admit some of the stuff I have done however this was before I went back to work & all 3 kids were small we only lived on one income & my husband was in college back then I always did stuff too save money I wouldnt think of now too unethical I suppose

[EarlyRetirementJoy]

I wear my two week contact lenses for four weeks. Saves me about $150 a year, and have been doing it for about 20 years. It wouldn't occur to me to mention it to anyone, which probably means I find it a bit embarrassing!