I’m pretty sure I’d still buy store brand everything. Pasta, canned goods, cleaning supplies, all of it goes straight into the cart without a second thought. I can make an exception for cereal and Oreos. The off-brand versions always feel like an insult to my taste buds. Some lines just shouldn’t be crossed.
Anyone else have weird grocery rules you’d keep forever?
What frugal habit would you keep even if you became rich?
byu/James_B84Saves inFrugal
Posted by James_B84Saves
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I became rich. I can’t shake shopping at Aldi and noticing the prices of everything I buy regularly.
Shopping at thrift stores. Why buy new when used will do?
My life would probably be very little unchanged. All my electronics would be up to date.
Driving a basic sedan
I’d still shop at the dollar tree and buy generic brand items.
Shopping for a lot of things on sale, especially groceries.
Reuse plastic bags. Ziplock and Shopping bags
Sam’s Club rotisserie chickens – best $5 we can spend that lasts for 3-4 meals. We’re finally seeing an end this chapter of unemployment, but that’s not going to also be the end of our rotisserie chicken deals.
I probably would stop buying multiples of items when they are on sale and set up autoship for all of the basics I need mindlessly.
Plant base protein. Beans are not only extremely economical, but they are good for the environment and good for your health.
Coupons and rewards programs. I cashed in McD’s points for a free QPC and got an extra patty on it for $1.30. But first I did a coupon for free fry Friday (spend at least $1 and get a free medium fry) and got a soft drink and the free fry.
I use two different gas stations, collect points at both from filling up the work vehicle with the fleet card. One of them runs periodic specials on bonus points and the other gives a discount of 3c per gallon if you pay in cash. I check the gas prices for both and fill up wherever I earn the most.
Fixing stuff instead of replacing it. I really like the challenge, and the sense of accomplishment.
Don’t replace what you have until it’s broken or no longer useful. Eventually you run out of things to buy (that are not consumables), or buy very few things per year.
never getting coffee out. i feel like every coffee shop i’ve returned to after having a good experience has not kept it up and the taste of the drinks aren’t consistent. so i make my own at home all the time because i like the taste and i know it’ll always be how i want it
Making my own food instead of going out.
At this point I like cooking not only because it saves me money but it also tastes better (usually) than takeout.
I still would not waste food.
I would keep most of mine because many of my frugal habits are also the most environmentally friendly option and that matters to me
Budgeting, meal planning, cooking at home. Things I’ve done since I was at my first job, and will probably never stop doing.
cutting open skin care containers when you can’t squeeze any more out
I’m here because I love to save money and give more away. I get a boost from both.
I wasted so much on the fanciest meals and now I absolutely luxuriate in knowing that you can develop whatever palate you want to (not that you can replace cream or butter). The important part is the story you tell yourself about the food. Same for your household items. Same for your clothes.
It’s all a story and I want mine to be that I was loving and caring and giving and tried to fix my mistakes.
Most, actually. I might get a fancier Prius but I’d give my current one away to a family member. But besides traveling more. I’d get a smaller house to pay less in heating and a/c. I’ll still cook and bake. I’ll still reuse aluminum. Rinse out plastic bags. Stuff like that.
Why say lot word when few word do trick
I wouldn’t be caught dead driving a luxury car. I would still get something practical, unassuming and without all the modern tech nonsense. If that means storing a dozen 2011 Toyota RAV4s in a cave, so be it.
Going to 2nd hand stores. Only they would be Christie’s and Sotheby’s!!!!
I will always drive a paid off, reliable car that is valued at a couple grand or less. Its great not having a car note, nobody ever asks me to drive or to borrow my car, nobody tries to rub fenders with me for insurance scams, and when the random shopping cart or car door in a parking lot hits my vehicle and leaves a dent… I just continue about my day without a second thought.
I’d keep all my frugal habits, it’s in my DNA. I’d keep my paid off car, continue shopping at Aldi & continue making home-cooked meals for my family. No one would notice if I became rich.
I’m compelled to turn off the lights whenever I leave a room. Can’t stop, won’t stop 😊
Always minimizing all kinds of recurring fees: subscriptions (only absolute minimum), insurances (only absolute minimum), cheapest internet/mobile/energy providers, etc. Slack in these categories is mostly total waste.
Upgrades are instead focused on hobby & sports durables as well as travel, which can bring real quality of life.
My tiny apartment.
So easy to clean.
Using plex and curated home media