Spill the beans ... what's the most embarrassing MoneySaving thing you do?

juliamarsh

Frugal wrote: »

The first condoms were lengths of sheep guts tied at the end with a knot :eek: AND they used to get washed out _pale_

Wonder how reliable they were - probably as a passion killer if nothing else!! Think crazyguy was referring to 'contemporary' ones although I am sure - at least I hope! - his remarks were tongue in cheek!

7roland8

As I pay credit card bills online I keep the envelopes that come with the bill and use them with a label over the return address for my own letters,

I get lots of prepaid envelopes but if reusing I'd use a stamp.

Isn't it threft if the firm is paying for postage for your private use?

pitry

FriedFish wrote: »

3: I do most washes on 30° - Why waste money heating water unnecessarily, and never use the maximum spin speed.

Actually, although I agree with you with less detergent and I do most of the stuff said on this thread, I disagree with the above.
30C doesn't kill most germs and bacteria. Back in the day they suggested to wash baby's reusable nappies at a minimum of 60C.
Although most of my stuff goes in at 30C, pants, sock and cotton underwear/pjs and kitchen sponges and clothes go in at 80C. E-coli dies at 71C.

One other thing I do is saving gravy. I have a container in the freezer that gets topped up once a week and every time is full I don't need to make fresh gravy!
I keep candle ends to make my own ones, we use old papers to put just cleaned shoes, recycling fat from shallow frying is another one!
Thank you MSE!!!!! :T :money:

gowinm

Put the plug in when showering (having a bath obviously). Save the water after I've finished to radiate left over heat and create a heat store throughout the day / night until the next day.

mellywoo

geri1965 wrote: »

Technically theft.

What, you must be joking :rotfl: !!!! If I stay in a hotel and these are in the room ( not on the buffet table) ,I always take most of the sachets that are left ,only that I will use ( not low cal sweetners). Definately not theft , you are only supplied with enough for a couple of drinks per day anyway each, so if you choose to save them rather than drink them , the hotel really are not bothered . I have paid for them like everyone else in my room rate and will continue to take them. Really handy.

mellywoo

Frugal wrote: »

The first condoms were lengths of sheep guts tied at the end with a knot :eek: AND they used to get washed out _pale_

My Mum told me that when she was little her dad had one in the war , reusable kept in a tin, she came across it once when she was going through the chest of drawers as a child. She asked her friend as she didn't know what it was and they had a giggle.

mellywoo

Blairweech wrote: »

I ask for a doggy bag in a restaurant if I can't finish my dinner...

Also use one teabag to make 2 cups of tea (although this is not as gross as it sounds, because the way I drink tea it barely has chance to get cold between uses!)

I once mentioned to my OH about how useful one of those 'toothpaste keys' would be for squeezing the last bit out of tubes and he has never let me live down such a suggestion...I still have not had the courage to buy one

We inherited one , glad I didn't buy it as it didn't work, very fiddly and tube unravels. I just use the handle of the toothbrush rubbed along the tube , gets loads out , then when you can get no more , I cut it open and there is just enough for 1 lot for me , throw it then as if left around the miniscule bit left dries up.

BobbinAlong

I use the vegetable bags from the supermarket for taking sandwiches to work - and re-use them for days on end!

Frugalista

leathersofa wrote: »

In what sense is any of this mad or embarrassing? As long as it's legal (ie not cheating or stealing in any sense of the word). The ones who should be embarrassed are the ones who live extravagantly and then moan about having no money.

bonnie_bumpkins wrote: »

Hear hear leathersofa :T I was just going to post was I the only one who doesn't find being frugal and saving money embarrassing?!! It's sensible and very necessary for a lot of people; suggesting it's embarrassing I feel is quite patronising. But most people seem really proud of their MS ways so keep it up folks

Agree wholeheartedly with the above :T.

I find it terribly sad and disappointing that - on the most well known moneysaving site ever - terms like "embarassing", "tight", "scrooge-like", etc, etc are being used when folks are simply using their initiative to re-use, re-cycle, re-purpose and SAVE MONEY :(:(.

I am not in the least bit embarassed to do most of the things posted on here :cool::D. I am proud of my thrifty ways and actually pity people who are spendthrifts.

I am a moneysaver and PROUD .

ETA: Most of my friends, when they have got a bargain or made something from scratch, invariably start the conversation with "You would be proud of me".

katieowl_2

juliamarsh wrote: »

Wonder how reliable they were - probably as a passion killer if nothing else!! Think crazyguy was referring to 'contemporary' ones although I am sure - at least I hope! - his remarks were tongue in cheek!

Maybe someone could pioneer turning a moon cup round, a sort of his and hers gadget :rotfl:

Kate