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From reusing tea bags to collecting plastic cups at sports games, there are some imaginative ways to cut costs.

Key Point

• Drink water to reduce impulse purchases caused by hunger, and match orphan socks.
• Breathe new life into sprouting veggies by reusing gift wrap, soap, and candle tips.
• Adopting frugal habits can save you money, but some people take it to extremes.

Soaring costs of living are hitting millions of Americans hard. In fact, 1 in 6 of hers are behind on their utility bills, and millions have large credit card debts. If you’re looking for ways to save a few bucks on your bill, we’ve collected some of the wackiest and weirdest ideas for savings.

5 weird ways to save money

1. Drink 1 liter of water before going out

Drinking water is not only good for your health, it can also be good for your bank balance. Avoid feeling hungry while grocery shopping by filling up with a few glasses of water before you head out. Cashback apps can also help you earn rewards on grocery shopping.

If you eat out, you can reduce your consumption by drinking water or eating bread beforehand, but you may lose the enjoyment of the meal. let’s In that regard, my father has been known to ask diners at other restaurants for leftovers.not only my neighbor seinfeldAlso, some people advocate taking home packets of mayonnaise and ketchup from restaurants, but I’m not sure if that’s saving money or stealing.

2. Avoid the sock orphanage

Missing socks are one of the great mysteries of laundry and everyday life. But just because he lost one sock doesn’t mean he has to wear a mismatched item. Buy several pairs of the same pair of socks so you always have one pair. If lost or damaged, finding a match isn’t too difficult.

Don’t throw away your old socks. Use them as dusters and rags, or if you’re a budding Martha Stewart, try fixing holes. I also use old socks. Socks aside, if you’ve never shopped at a thrift store, you might find it a cheap way to refresh your wardrobe.

3. Reuse everything

I once went camping with a friend. Every day she would hang the tea bags to dry so that they could be used again later. As an Englishman living abroad, the idea of ​​reusing tea bags makes more sense during the worst of lockdowns, when my daily drink has suddenly become expensive and difficult to maintain.

A better way to reuse things and save money involves storing old gift wrap to give it a second (or third or fourth) life. Reuse paper used for online shopping orders or large images from old newspapers to make your own gift wrap. In another “my dad” story, one said his dad used to collect plastic cups that other people left behind at sports games. was

Make new candles by melting used candles, and grate old soap and a little warm water to make new candles. Give new life to cracked dishes, old jars and even shoes by turning them into plant containers. Search online for countless uses for old plastic bottles and ice cream containers. If you have garlic or potatoes that are starting to sprout, plant them in the ground.

4. Skip the shower

Turn off the water and shorten the shower while shampooing or washing your hair. Some advocate showering less often. One person I spoke to boasted that he only showered once a week. According to one study, the shower is he third largest water sucker in most households. That means you can potentially save money by changing your laundry habits. However, once a week is a bit extreme. A slightly reduced frequency of short showers may be more achievable.

Another water-saving tip we’ve heard is to put bricks in your toilet tank. The idea is to use less water with each flush, but plumbers warn there are better ways to make toilets more efficient, such as kits. It can cause expensive damage.

5. Cuddle your pet to save on heating costs

Winter may seem far away for now, but it’s going to be tough cost-wise. is. More practical tips include wearing more clothes and using more blankets at night. Consider where you spend your time and heat accordingly.

Conclusion

It’s stressful to see your daily costs slowly rise, especially if your salary isn’t making the jump that it deserves. Having a mindset can make a big difference in your bottom line.

Instead of cutting costs indiscriminately, sit down, budget, and find ways to spend your money each month. If you don’t know where to start, you are not alone. Many people are nervous about making their first budget. Budgeting apps help you know what you’re spending and where you can save the most. Take 30 minutes next weekend to figure out how your expenses and income stack up. You can find ways to save money without resorting to drastic personal hygiene measures.