15 Bizarre (and Sometimes Gross) Habits Only Extreme Savers Understand

For extreme savers, saving money isn’t just a habit—it’s a way of life. They take frugality to levels most of us wouldn’t believe. From clever tricks to downright strange behaviors, these 15 methods can either make you cringe or inspire you to rethink your spending.

Bringing Your Own Snacks

Extreme savers avoid overpriced snacks at movies, parks, and events. They bring homemade popcorn or candy instead. It might break the rules, but it’s a strategy they stand by to save money.

Cutting Their Own Hair

Extreme savers skip the salon and cut their own hair with scissors or clippers. From buzz cuts to DIY trims guided by YouTube, they avoid expensive visits. It’s not always perfect, but they think the savings are worth it.

Taking Cold Showers Only

Some extreme savers skip hot showers to cut energy bills. They stick to cold water, which saves money and gives an energizing start to their day. It’s not for everyone, but they see it as a worthwhile tradeoff.

Flushing Only When Necessary

“Let it mellow if it’s yellow” is more than just a quirky saying—it’s a rule for extreme savers. To conserve water and cut down on utility bills, they’ll only flush the toilet when absolutely necessary. Some even go as far as timing their flushes to coincide with multiple uses. If the thought grosses you out, you’re probably not ready to be part of the extreme savers club.

Reusing Paper Towels

To most people, paper towels are one-and-done. But extreme savers wash and reuse them like they’re cloth. They’ll carefully rinse off crumbs and hang them up to dry for another round. It’s a little strange, but it’s hard to argue with the logic when they’re saving cash one paper towel at a time.

Collecting Ketchup Packets for Home Use

Why buy a bottle of ketchup when fast-food restaurants provide packets for free? Extreme savers have been known to stockpile condiment packets from takeout orders. They’ll even refill their empty ketchup bottles at home with these mini servings!

Using Only One Lightbulb

Some frugal fanatics use the same lightbulb for every room in the house. They’ll unscrew it when leaving one room and screw it into another. It’s inconvenient and tedious, but it keeps their electricity bill as low as possible. If you thought switching off the lights when leaving a room was extreme, think again.

Dumpster Diving for Freebies

Dumpster diving pushes frugality to the extreme. Some savers search trash bins behind stores for perfectly good, discarded food. While many might find this shocking, they see it as a way to save on groceries and fight food waste. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a common practice among the most frugal.

DIY Toothpaste and Detergent

Why spend money on cleaning products when you can make your own? Extreme savers mix up batches of homemade toothpaste and laundry detergent using inexpensive ingredients like baking soda and vinegar. It’s resourceful, but the concoctions don’t always smell—or taste—the best.

Skipping Auto Repairs

For extreme savers, car repairs are often seen as optional. Why fix a broken air conditioner when you can just roll down the windows? Oil changes? Nah, they’ll stretch it out as long as possible. It’s risky behavior, but they’re willing to gamble if it saves a few hundred bucks.

Showering at the Gym

Extreme savers love free perks, and gym showers are a favorite. They’ll get the cheapest gym membership and shower there to cut home water and energy costs. Some even wash their laundry in the gym sinks while they’re at it. Now that’s multitasking.

Taking Leftovers to the Extreme

Extreme savers don’t let food go to waste—even if it’s from someone else’s plate. They’ll finish off a friend’s uneaten fries at a restaurant or ask for leftovers at big events. Some even pack up scraps from catering trays at weddings or work parties. It’s definitely unconventional, but they see it as free food.

Peeing in the Shower

This habit sparks debate, but extreme savers swear it saves water. By peeing in the shower, they avoid flushing and reduce water use. Some call it gross; others say it’s smart. Either way, it cuts costs.

Wearing Clothing Until it Falls Apart

Extreme savers don’t shop for new clothes unless it’s absolutely necessary. They’ll wear their current wardrobe until it’s riddled with holes or falling apart. Some even sew patches into their socks and underwear to extend their lifespan. They’re not concerned with fashion, just function.

Using Leftover Soap Slivers To Make New Bars

Extreme savers don’t let those tiny soap slivers go to waste. They collect leftover pieces, melt them down, and mold them into a brand-new bar of soap. It’s tedious but ensures they get every last bit of value from their purchases.

These Habits Make Perfect Sense (Sort of)

To outsiders, these habits might seem odd, extreme, or even gross. But for extreme savers, every penny matters. Their methods focus on maximizing savings and sticking to their goals. While most wouldn’t go that far, their creativity and commitment are hard to ignore.

9 Savings Challenges to Help Boost Your Savings in the New Year

When it comes to saving money, gamifying it can be a great motivator. Even as adults, we are motivated by challenges or competitions, which is why money saving challenges are a great way to motivate yourself to save money and work toward reaching your financial goals.

Read it Here: 9 Savings Challenges to Help Boost Your Savings in the New Year

15 Ways to Save Big That Most People Think Are Too Extreme

Some savings strategies seem a little over the top at first, but they can seriously transform your personal finances. While most people overlook these methods due to misconceptions or discomfort, they can make a huge difference if you give them a chance. If you’re ready to rethink the way you handle money, check out these unconventional yet effective tips.

Read it Here: 15 Ways to Save Big That Most People Think Are Too Extreme