“False Frugalities”: 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money

In the face of 40-year high inflation, you can’t help but watch your wallet get thinner. In fact, more than a third of American adults are tapping into their savings accounts to cover increased living expenses, withdrawing an average of $617 during the first six months of this year. As nearly everyone is feeling the effects of skyrocketing costs of everything from fuel to rent to groceries to entertainment, we could all use some helpful tips and tricks to stretch our dollars.

Being thrifty and finding ways to pay less for everyday goods is generally the way to go. But have you ever heard the saying "I’m not rich enough to buy cheap"? Turns out, some tactics that help reduce spending now can easily cost you more in the long run — whether in time, energy, or money.

So when one user reached out to 'Ask Reddit' inviting people to share "false frugalities" — low-cost things that turned out to be expensive — most people are unaware of, the thread immediately became a hit. We’ve gathered some of the most illuminating responses to share with you, so continue scrolling! Be sure to upvote the ones you agree with and then chime in with your own experiences in the comments.

Psst! After you’re done with this list, check out Bored Panda’s earlier piece with tips on how to live more frugally right here.

This post may include affiliate links.

There was a sub about how to budget food/living expenses. And the ideas that people had were ridiculous and required you to be financially well off enough to facilitate their idea of what saving money is. I don't think I received advice from anyone who knew what it was like to be poor, or actually truly need to responsibly budget their funds.

One guy wanted me to plant a garden to grow some carrots or other veg. I explained that I have a small apartment, and that carrots are a dollar for a big bag. He actually got uppity with me and became a total shithead when I explained that I live in a small apartment in the middle of the biggest city in canada. There is no benefit to turning half my apartment into a garden so I can grow five bucks worth of veggies in a few month's span. I can't just go outside and plant vegetables. It's also cold here 9 months out of the year.

I got berated out of the sub after pointing this kind of s**t out numerous times.

anon Report

Final score:

405points

POST

JayhawkJoey 2 years ago (edited)

I spent about $100 once on soil, plants, lumber for a raised bed, etc. to wind up with about $10 worth of a few veges. No green thumb here.

305points

View More Replies...

View more comments

You May Also Like:

Bottled water. It's marketed to appear that it's healthier and cleaner than tap water, plus the plastic bottles are not sustainable. Just buy yourself a thermos or reusable water bottle and stop buying overpriced plastic with over-glorified tap water included.

anon , RODNAE Productions Report

Final score:

336points

POST

StrangeOne 2 years ago (edited)

It's healthier if you're in a region that has contaminated water, or parasites, like in Mexico, * for example, and other regions in countries around the world that are otherwise developed around the world.

294points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Cheap batteries. They don't last, they don't work well, and many of them are duds. When I was in high school, I always, always listened to my discman. One day the batteries died so I walked up to the gas station and chose between the Duracell batteries and the bronze-colored batteries. I bough the cheaper no-names and they died before the day was over. And I had to go through social studies without music.
I learned two things that day; WWI history, and not to buy cheap batteries.

lazarus870 , Ian Report

Final score:

284points

POST

gas station cola 2 years ago

lol, i love the last line

233points

View More Replies...

View more comments

"Rent is throwing money down the drain"

Owning a home is not always smart. It can be, but not always. It's not just the house cost, but costs in taxes, interest, insurance, repairs and maintenance, etc.

Then there's opportunity costs. I know folks who can't move until they sell, and can't take better jobs cuz they can't move. A house can be a big anchor in some contexts.

Illah , Pixabay Report

Final score:

281points

POST

Eric G 2 years ago

Yeah I might rent, but I know I'll never have to replace a roof for $20,000 or pay any maintenance. Notwithstanding, investors screwed way too many people out of affording a home. It truly is the American dream now because you have to be dreaming to think you can afford one.

249points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Cheap, single ply toilet paper. You end up having to use way more just to get the same effect of the good stuff.

anon Report

Final score:

271points

POST

Bobert Robertson 2 years ago

And you generally end up with a middle finger in your bum after it pokes through the cheap paper

285points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Aggressive lane changing while driving.

All that accellerating to get into the "better" lane just wastes fuel, and you save a negligible amount of time.

There was a small TV documentary here in Australia I remember watching that did tests on it. They sent two drivers across Sydney in rush hour traffic: one who would change lanes only when it was absolutely necessary (obstructions, turnoffs, etc), and one who was super aggressive changing all the time.

The aggressive driver got to the destination 2 minutes earlier, though with *80% more fuel consumption than the other driver*.

custron Report

Final score:

259points

POST

Dietcocoabean 2 years ago

Actually, I've always wondered about that, but had no way of testing it out!

134points

View More Replies...

View more comments

I once watched a show about extreme penny pinchers. One episode depicted a man who spent about 3 hours a day riding his bicycle or walking around looking for dropped change around pay phones, gum ball dispensers, etc. The whole time I couldn't help but think that even a minimum-wage job would yield him more capital for his time, especially once you factor in bicycle tubes and shoes.

In general, people of this nature fail to realize that the benefits of having money is its positive influence on your quality of life. When your quality of life suffers in order to save money, you've completely reversed your priorities to a mind-boggling level.

black_spring , Oleksandr Pidvalnyi Report

Final score:

239points

POST

StrangeOne 2 years ago (edited)

This is a hobby for some elderly folks. Perhaps reliving an old past time joy of finding coins on the ground. I once found a $20 bill on the sidewalk. I was just walking, going about my day. I wasn't straining to meet quotas and multi-tasking. A minimum wage job, for the amount of work that you end up doing with little downtime, other than your required breaks, does not lead a great quality of life and the pay does not equal the time and efforts. IF I could make the same amount just walking and looking at the ground as I do at my current job I'd choose coin hunting. And the coins aren't taxed.

141points

View More Replies...

View more comments

All construction.............do you want it done cheap? or do you want it done right?

firephoxx , Pixabay Report

Final score:

239points

POST

3 Owls In A Coat 2 years ago

When it’s done right, it’ll usually cost a lot less in the long term than when it’s done cheap.

211points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Not going to the doctor/dentist!

Wellness checkups are important. Your prognosis will always be better if something is caught early on.

castrator_gator , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Final score:

212points

POST

Mrs S 2 years ago

It's really hard to keep up with self-care when you are deeply depressed.

358points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#10

Surprised I haven't seen this yet; using third party hotel booking sites. The sites guarantee you a room and a price but not the type of room you requested. Calling the hotel directly will not only guarantee the room you want but often they beat the price of the websites. On my last trip a particular site favored by an Enterprise captain quoted $129 a night, when I called the hotel they gave me $79 a night.

lurch350z Report

Final score:

195points

POST

cadena kuhn 2 years ago

I don't know where ur staying. I work at quality inn and we can't even match those sites nevermind beat them.

153points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#11

Doing the dishes by hand vs. using a dishwasher. The dishwasher requires a lot less water, time and energy.

mabimbo , cottonbro Report

Final score:

189points

POST

The Other Guest 2 years ago

Or in my case, doing the dishes by hand vs. not doing them at all (no dishwasher, and no space to install one).

216points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#12

When it comes to tools, buy nice or cry twice.

SkinnyMac , Anete Lusina Report

Final score:

180points

POST

Bobert Robertson 2 years ago

I hope the photo isn't their idea of good quality tools...

173points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#13

I saw a popular comment here a couple weeks ago talking about reusing those little handwarmer packet things by slicing them open and adding more magnesium flakes obtained by shaving down sparklers.

For f**k's sake, just buy some new handwarmers.

Planet-man , Technology Connections Report

Final score:

177points

POST

Ange Marsden 2 years ago

Or better gloves?

229points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#14

I knew a fellow who owned one of the most expensive houses in town, but was too cheap to run his swimming pool filter except when he was actually swimming. With virtually no filtration, the water would get thick with debris and algae. He would then by stuff to kill the algae, but then he would have water full of dead algae. And the crud would stiff on the pool bottom, making it very hard to clean off. He spent way more on chemicals than he would have spent on electricity. The owner of this cement pond was a retired rocket scientist.

rylos Report

Final score:

152points

POST

Gini Sarver 2 years ago

i have always been told that the smarter a person is, the less common sense… because they’re focused on their whatever

200points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#15

Cheap condoms

pmk422 Report

Final score:

150points

POST

Eric G 2 years ago

What are condoms??? - Herschel Walker

196points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#16

i went to greggs, a well known bakery in the UK. I bought a sandwhich and a drink. as i went to pay, the guy offered me the meal deal. "a sandwhich a drink and crips (chips) for only £1.99. a sandwhich and a drink was £1.59. the sandwhich was £1 and the drink was 59p. by themselves, crisps (chips) were 20p but as part of the meal deal they were 40p. this means that the SPECIAL MEAL DEAL OFFER was more expensive than buying each item individually. CLEVER F*CK***

anon Report

Final score:

136points

POST

LottieH 2 years ago

What year was this? Crisps haven't been 20p in greggs for years.

154points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#17

Heating and air-conditioning. Being uncomfortable, irritable, and unproductive isn't worth the few hundred dollars you save by lowering the heat or not turning on the AC.

jondonbovi Report

Final score:

133points

POST

StrangeOne 2 years ago

Depends. You don't need an industrial central air conditioning system in a tiny bungalow, as my my ex's parents installed. They like to be freezing in the summer. Nor does it have to be sweltering in your home in the winter. And they don't need to be kept on all the time.

96points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#18

In many cases, buying a name-brand product with a coupon is *still* more expensive than buying the store-brand.

Or, buying something just because it's on sale, but not necessarily because you need it.

dogandcatinlove Report

Final score:

120points

POST

Lauren S 2 years ago

The trick is to combine coupons with store sales. My husband is amazing at this.

78points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#19

Mobile phone contracts with a free iPhone etc.

You think you're getting a good deal with a free phone but with 35 pounds a month contact for 2 years, they really screw you.

faixa_rua Report

Final score:

114points

POST

Mimi M 2 years ago

So true. Buy phone separately, new or used.

65points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#20

Buying heavily used cars, sometimes. There are exceptions, but all of my friends who religiously buy the cheapest car they can find are always having trouble. Very expensive trouble, that sometimes adds up to close to the cost of a new car, or at least a better maintained used car.

Sqyud , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Final score:

105points

POST

Ed Brandon 2 years ago

Believe it or not, some people would like to buy a new car, but can't afford one. Crazy, I know.

371points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#21

Travel and times: A lot of people take the cheapest flight they can find, but to me, saving 50 bucks on a $500 ticket isn't worth a 7am flight or a red eye.

ironoctopus , Alan Levine Report

Final score:

84points

POST

Eric G 2 years ago

It all depends. I'd rather get to a place super early so I feel like I at least have a few hours my first day on vacation.

150points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#22

"Buying that rent-to-own laptop Consumer Reports checked out is equivalent to paying 311% interest, which is far worse than the 30% interest rate you see on crummy credit cards.

laterdude , Djordje Petrovic Report

Final score:

83points

POST

Eric G 2 years ago

Any rent to own really. Check what you pay in the end. An $800 television will cost you $2,400

140points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#23

Buying a big cheap house far from your common destinations.
You will pay with time, petrol, housework, sleep, your relationships, and/or career
Instead:
1.Buy or rent a small house with a 10-30 minute commute.
2. Let happiness ensue.

TomasTTEngin Report

Final score:

83points

POST

Kristal 2 years ago

I think not having to be with people/neighbors is worth the costs (if moving to a more rural area)

161points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#24

Home brewing beer.

It's a wonderful hobby and I highly recommend it, but don't think you're going to save money.

squeegee_boy Report

Final score:

79points

POST

StrangeOne 2 years ago

My ex like to make apple cider moonshine. He had to buy mason jars and a s**t ton of alcohol, apple juice and whatnot. Thought he was going to make all these underground sales from his friends. Pfft. He sold nothing and I got to keep most of the mason jars. Those come in handy for many things.

52points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#25

Extended warranty

You think you are saving cash on the off chance the product you bought doesn't hold on and you need repairs, but I don't know anybody who has ever been happy about this choice

On the opposite end of the spectrum, car insurance for rental cars. My father and his colleagues used to travel the world and rent cars for several weeks at a time. It would only take one car accident in all those years of renting cars to justify the cost. Many of these rentals were for off-road use. The rookies thought to save cash passing on the insurance and would eventually shell out thousands on repair

f_ranz1224 Report

Final score:

69points

POST

Eric G 2 years ago

On a totally unrelated topic... those reading this, I have been trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty.

180points

View More Replies...

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#26

Cloth diapers. You still have to buy special (expensive) detergent, and run so many loads in the washing machine. I worked it out when we started cloth diapering 3+ years ago, and it cost the same as if we just did disposable diapers.
Plus all the TIME put into washing/drying/assembling.
I like cloth diapering, I do recommend it, but I hate when it gets lauded as a cheap alternative.

(Edit: Yes, really, you do have to use specially formulated detergent. You don't? That's cool. Your diapers are getting build up of both ammonia and detergent. Good luck with that smell and the leaks, and that is coming from experience.
Also, nowhere did I mention the upfront cost of the diapers themselves. When I talk about price, I'm talking about water and electricity bills.)

yampuffs , Brittany Report

Final score:

61points

POST

gas station cola 2 years ago (edited)

people don't do cloth diapers for the nonexistent convenience or the not-so-cheap price. they do it because it's more sustainable & better for the environment, & usually far more comfortable for the baby.

319points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#27

Being cheap with anything you’re going to use a lot or over a long time. Better to spend $180 on a single frying pan that will last 10+ years than buy a $40 frying pan each and every year because they c**p out so easily no matter how careful you are with them. This metaphor, of course, fits the bill for almost any frying pan that is non-stick or costs less that $100 to begin with.

rekabis , RODNAE Productions Report

Final score:

59points

POST

Mimi M 2 years ago

BS. I've had the same non-stick 12 dollar fry pan for the last several years. And a cheap cast iron (10-15 bucks) will last indefinitely.

206points

View More Replies...

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#28

Leasing a car instead of buying one. I'm not gonna get into the specifics but it's pretty much always more costly

nuzz5555 Report

Final score:

55points

POST

Okkkkk 2 years ago

Only if you plan on keeping your car for longer that's two/three years. But if you plan on getting a new car every couple of years then paying only the depreciation seems like a better deal. But if you keep your car for 5-10 years... then buying is definitely cheaper. Longer than 10... might start looking at costly repairs.

38points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#29

Justifying the purchase of anything solely because it's a "good deal." I hear this misconception all the time.

If you spend $100 on shoes, even if you bought it at 99% off, you're still out $100. You haven't saved a penny, and that'll be a real problem if you needed that $100 to pay your utility bills.

Edit: clarity and $10,000 shoes.

http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/26/louis-vuitton-offers-10-000-alligator-wingtips/

OneJD Report

Final score:

52points

POST

StrangeOne 2 years ago

It's all in the intended budget of what you were planning on spending. If you're expecting to buy $200 shoes and had allowed room in the budget or saved for them, and then the shoes are found to be $100 on sale, then, yes, you saved $100.

95points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#30

Professional home repair services. Real companies have insurance, you can sue if things go wrong. Some handyman that someone knows is likely going to do something that violates a warranty, will be judgement proof, and won't get a permit.

black_flag_4ever Report

Final score:

52points

POST

Eric G 2 years ago

I do construction defect claims and this is partly true. A contractor's work product is not covered by insurance. That's if you hire a guy to install Windows and they are defective, insurance does not cover the replacement of defective windows. Not unless they are installed in such a way they cause damage to other parts of the home. I.e. Leaks and damages the interior drywall

17points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#31

People with flex fuel vehicles buying E85 instead of gasoline. The reduced mileage you get out of E85 eats up any saving you get at the pump.

el_monstruo , Dimka Nevedimka Report

Final score:

45points

POST

Nunya Bidness 2 years ago

What? I live in a different world than you.

64points

View More Replies...

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#32

I know people that skip going to the doctor until the last minute to save the office visit payments. It's a terrible idea since by the time they get there the simple cold turns into pneumonia and costs much more to heal.

NextArtemis Report

Final score:

41points

POST

gas station cola 2 years ago

bad example. going to the doctor for a cold is a waste of time & money. there's no cure for a cold, nothing the doctor can do other than say "you have a cold." so if someone has a cold, yeah they're gonna wait until it turns into something bad to get help; it would've been a needless expense & it's not like they could've known beforehand that this particular cold would be pneumonia...

171points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#33

Not paying off your mortgage to save the tax breaks...

While it is nice to save taxes, the long term financial benefits are astronomical when you free up a mortgage payment.

mra101485 Report

Final score:

41points

POST

Donkeywheel 2 years ago

Completely stupid assertion because it obviously depends a lot on the situation. If the interest rate is very high and the property value not increasing then yeah, pay it off early if you can. If you have a low rate, if the value is plummeting, if you use the extra money to invest in anything with better returns then no, don’t pay it off early and keep it for as long as you’re in the second situation. Never heard of leverage or gearing?

45points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#34

Dining Plans at college. I literally could go out to eat for every meal for the price of them. And I often did. I saved a ton of money because I don't eat that much/snack more often .

anon Report

Final score:

39points

POST

harpling 2 years ago

Part of my scholarship at school was earmarked for the dining plan. I got the cheapest one available - one meal a day. I'd go to the dining hall once and make sandwiches for the rest of the day.

60points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#35

Supermarket specials.

Next time you go shopping, grab a calculator and work out the cost per 100 grams (or whatever equivalent weight) and you'll almost invariably find that the products with the big 'Sale!' signs are not the cheapest.

Of course it's impractical to do this with every item so you can of course estimate, or shop at a store that all ready has the cost per 100 grams of the price tag like I do.

IAMZEUSALMIGHTY Report

Final score:

36points

POST

Peter Parker 2 years ago

In Germany (or the entire EU?) the store needs to put the price per 100g on each item, so you can easily compare.

192points

View More Replies...

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#36

Shaving with a straight razor. It's a larger down-payment to start into it (simple but nice razor, strop, and brush cost me about $100), but I recouped that in less than a year just by not buying more cartridges. In theory, a razor will last pretty much forever, for free.

Here's the problem, though. I nicked my blade and had to repair it, so I bought about $80 worth of reworking stuff (much less than I could have spent). Then I bought a fancy 1930's blade and restored it. Then I bought a better brush, and a better stop, and a better shave mug, etc.

I started because it appealed to my practical side. Then it quickly became a ritualistic money hole.

GoblinJuicer Report

Final score:

36points

POST

JayWantsACat 2 years ago

You could also split the difference and buy a double edge razor, where you just need to replace the blades, which are cheap.

54points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#37

A $5 pair of sneakers is not a deal, no matter what your wallet says.

Maybe consider them if you only need shoes for another month...

Ucantalas Report

Final score:

35points

POST

gas station cola 2 years ago (edited)

$5 isn't gonna be great quality, but most $20-30 shoes are just as good as $100-200 shoes. so don't go to the other extreme either. depends what type of shoe & how much use you'll get out of them. i've been wearing a $30 pair of off-brand converse that i actually got for half price at $15. they've lasted five years & counting, & they're my go-to everyday shoes.

67points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#38

Where I work, we do price adjustments on products that have gone on sale since the customer purchased them. Most of the time, the refund isn't worth the amount of time, energy, and gas the customer uses driving to the store.

wedlaylikedogs Report

Final score:

32points

POST

Little Wonder 2 years ago

I can't even imagine making the effort to go get the adjustment. It's on sale now and I bought it last week? Oh well. My bad timing.

47points

View More Replies...

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#39

Steam sales. You think all these games are a great deal, but you end up playing very few of them and proceed to buy new games you would buy anyways. Remember, you didn't save $7.50, you spent $2.50.

Pokemon_Rusty , steam Report

Final score:

30points

POST

Myst Edenflower 2 years ago (edited)

This does nothing to deter me

107points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#40

Stopping at Costco for just one thing because its cheaper than the grocery store. Sure I save 3 dollars on the initial item that I went in to get, but the bill at the till always seems to average 400 bucks.

The_Devil_Memnoch , Mike Mozart Report

Final score:

29points

POST

Bobert Robertson 2 years ago

Lol this is dumb. I get that it's easy to spend a fortune at Costco (I love costco) but I regularly go in for a couple things and spend less than $50

90points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#41

Cheap legal services.
A good lawyer that takes 3hrs at $300 an hour will do a much better job far cheaper than a shitty lawyer that takes 5hrs at $200 to do the same job.
This is partly why good lawyers are so expensive - because they're cheaper.

ChannelVendetta , Karolina Grabowska Report

Final score:

22points

POST

Eric G 2 years ago

As a former lawyer, BS. All it means is that they had their paralegal or secretary prepare everything and they spent less than a half hour on it. They charge that much to pay for the paralegal.

158points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#42

People overinflate the hell out of their tires to get better gas mileage, then have to spend much more to get new tires when they wear out far sooner.

dsjunior1388 Report

Final score:

18points

POST

Valden 2 years ago (edited)

Don't mess with air pressure in tires period. Those numbers are not just a suggestion. It may cost you more than just a new set of tires. Does not matter what your dad's nephew's uncle's hairdresser's dog's ex roommate said, keep your tires properly inflated. Also the air you put in tires is already 78% nitrogen, don't pay for the other 22%. Edit: Sorry for any confusion. I am referring to paying for 100% nitrogen in your tires.

60points

View More Replies...

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#43

Rewards points. You are paying for them.

ihaveseenthefnords , Karolina Grabowska Report

Final score:

17points

POST

A. HAM 2 years ago

Not necessarily true. I’ve had a rewards points credit card for 10 years now, and they haven’t gotten a dime out of me. My card carries absolutely no fees, and no interest because I pay it off every month. I get the convenience of paying by card vs cash, and I receive between $200 - $400 back each year in Amazon gift cards. (I purchase from Amazon anyway, so it’s as good as money in my pocket). If you have the discipline to pay off your credit card every month, you can be the person credit card companies hate.

150points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#44

Restaurant specials. It's rarely cheaper and it's typically food that is about to go bad and needs to be sold instead of thrown out.

Clintman Report

Final score:

13points

POST

StrangeOne 2 years ago

But then people complain when food is thrown out, and if it's still good enough to be consumed without much difference then it's all good.

88points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#45

Hybrids. Sure, you save $200-$500 dollars a year on gas costs. But every 5-10 years you will have to replace the battery pack, which can go from anywhere from $2,500 to as much as $6,000, especially on some of the new electric cars with larger packs. Not to mention the initial bump in price you pay with most hybrids. You add a small cost for low rolling resistance tires every time you change them.

Furthermore, the so called point of a hybrid car is saving the environment. The materials used in hybrid cars, specifically the batteries and other components that require rare earth elements, not only require more energy, but put out more harmful types of chemicals than traditional processes. The story gets worse if you go with a plug in hybrid, as 60% of wall power comes from coal plants, a less cleaning fuel than gasoline.

maflickner Report

Final score:

4points

POST

APFLAC 2 years ago

Nope nope. In germany alone the charging stations are powered by windmills

99points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

See Also on Bored Panda

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#46

pretty much everything that's bought in bulk.

"Oh hey, if I buy like 30 of these jars of peanut butter instead of just 1, then I could get them for only 1 dollar each, instead of the 1.50 that they usually are."

Yes, but you'll end up wasting/not eating all that peanut butter and you just wasted a ton of money.

inoahlot4 Report

Final score:

2points

POST

StrangeOne 2 years ago

bulk buying is good for non-perishables.

47points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#47

Insisting that a $15 subscription to an MMO makes it "too expensive". Ok, this isn't necessarily a false frugality, because in order for you save money by playing an MMO you'd have to do it instead of other things, but if you realistically look at the cost of entertainment it pans out it's an incredibly cheap choice.
Going to see a movie for 2 hours? that's 15 bucks easily right there, if you go all out of concessions it can easily run you 20+.
Night out? Easily 50-100 bucks depending on what you eat, drink and do.
When all is said and done, 15 bucks for a whole month of access to a game is an incredibly good deal if that game entertains you. Of course if you have no desire to play an MMO you can't save money by becoming a WoW shut-in, but you'd be surprised how many gamers are out there who say stuff like "I want to try *PopularMMO* , but the subscription is too expensive", and then follow it up with "Let's go see *RecentMovieRelase*, it's probably a bad movie, but I have nothing to do on saturday night".

Aetrion Report

Final score:

1point

POST

Nunya Bidness 2 years ago

The f**k is a MMO?

27points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#48

I don't want to start a circlejerk, but, console gaming. By building a gaming PC for ~$800(including a keyboard and mouse) you can get a mid range rig that will last you a console generation of gaming. Yeah, you're spending about $300 more on the console, but you don't have to pay for online gaming. It covers the need of a PC for school, work, and general personal use. You'll save a lot of money on games, and, when the next gen of consoles come out, you'll already have a case, cooling, PSU, RAM, optical drive, and HDD or SDD. The only things you'll need to upgrade to keep up with next gen are GPU, and CPU (and maybe motherboard depending on socket type changes). Which will only cost about $300-$400 to get your rig back up to par.

CharlestonChewbacca Report

Final score:

-1point

POST

iseefractals 2 years ago

i'll preface this by saying i'm a PC gamer through and through, but it's in no way, shape or form more cost effective than a console. When consoles are offering 4k/120hz, to get that out of a gpu you need to drop at least $700 in the US (and closer to $1200 in the EU) to push those frames you need at least a $3-$400 CPU, then to mitigate stuttering you need 32 gigs of ram (another $1-200) A decent motherboard that can handle that CPU now run $350-$1200. You want the same fast load times as the console? NVME, $1-150 a terabyte. Than of course you need a data drive and something to keep those 200 gig call of duty installs on, $50 for a two terabyte drive, or $250 for 10 terabyte. To keep all this stuff powered up you need a strong PSU, 1000w+ that's another $150 for an 80% efficient gold. You want 4k HDR 120hz display that's good for work and gaming? $700 more. Good mechanical keyboard $1-200, gaming mouse $60-$150. Don't forget the cooler for the CPU, $80-$100 for an air cooler.

8points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Ieva is a writer at Bored Panda who graduated in Scandinavian studies from Vilnius University. After learning the Swedish language and getting completely lost in the world of Scandinavian mythology, she figured out that translating and writing is what she's passionate about. When not writing, Ieva enjoys making jewelry, going on hikes, reading and drinking coffee.

Read less »

I'm a visual editor here at Bored Panda and I enjoy a good laugh. My work ranges from serious topics related to toxic work environments and relationship difficulties to humorous articles about online shopping fails and introvert memes. When I'm not at my work desk, checking if every single pixel is in the right place, I usually spend my free time playing board games, taking pictures, and watching documentaries

Read less »

What do you think ?

POST

Froynlaven 2 years ago

Sounds like a wealthy person that has no idea what it's like to be poor. I disagreed with most of the examples they gave.

51points

PattyK 2 years ago

Agree. I’d like to see the math behind some of these claims.

14points

Load More Replies...

BlueCat 1 year ago

As someone who grew up poor, I agreed with most of these. Sounds more like these are, for the most part, people who've tried to save money in certain ways and found out that it's not actually a savings.

3points

Leanne Hailes 1 year ago

Agree. Same.

0points

Dacă nu pierdeam, câștigam 2 years ago

We also need to consider how saving money is much easier when you already have some. Yes, good-quality products are costly and save you more money in the long run. But if someone is poor, they can't afford to buy the more efficient product. And they have to buy the cheap, low quality one, changing it often and being forced to waste money. Financial wisdom is useless if you don't have the money to apply it

46points

Paula Glasscoe 2 years ago

Have you read Terry Pratchett? Look up Vimes’ boots theory of economics

26points

Load More Replies...

El Dee 2 years ago

This boils down to stuff we already know. You need to spend money to save money, the higher quality version that lasts longer is more expensive and if it's on sale it still costs money. None of this helps if you're poor..

24points

Jess-a-men 2 years ago

Several of these rely on the assumption that poor people can just - for example - spend 100 dollars once a year instead of 20 dollars every month. But always remember Captain Samuel Vimes "Boots" theory of socioeconomic unfairness: A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while a poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.

14points

Mary Jeffries 2 years ago

One thing I read that makes a lot of sense is that if you can afford a quality pair or jeans (example) that fit well and you know you’ll wear them often, the math can pencil it out for less cost per wear than something that doesn’t fit well you don’t enjoy wearing. I wear my Birkenstocks almost daily until they are literally falling to pieces ever 3-5 years so I feel ok splurging on a new pair when I need one. This only works if you do t get the poorly fitting ones too.

7points

Auntriarch 2 years ago

Birkies!

3points

Load More Replies...

Meghan Wood 1 year ago

Birkenstocks were one of the things I decided was better to buy new. You can get the cork bed replaced on the leather Birks, but buying a brand new paid with man made uppers is actually cheaper. I also seal mine with their special sealant, so the cork lasts longer. When they are no good for going out in public, they become my garden shoes

1point

Sergio Bicerra 2 years ago

Confort is another thing to consider. I bought a pair of jeans in my local supermarket like 7 years ago. Then I bought a pair of Caterpillar jeans in a store just before covid. The supermarket ones are still standing and the other have 3 holes in it. BUT the supermarket ones arel like using carboard jeans, the Cat are like silk, so even I spend more on those, my legs are grateful.

1point

Phoebe Bean 2 years ago

If your winters are extreme, please invest in good, good coat and boots, if possible.

4points

Jessica J. 2 years ago

Buy a good bed...not a cheap one. You will spend at least a third of your life in it, after all. It may take awhile to save up the money, but it will be worth it.

4points

ShayXie 1 year ago

I had a much younger roommate awhile back, and I remember him explaining to me that he would rather drive to his dads house to fill up his tires for free than do it at a gas station for a couple dollars. I pointed out that his dad lives 20 miles away, so he'd be spending 40 miles of gas money to save that couple dollars...but his expression stayed blank...

2points

Lynda Britz 1 year ago

You pay to inflate tires? Where?

2points

Load More Replies...

Jay Son 2 years ago

Didn't see Black Friday mentioned. I mean, there are definitely deals but very often there are also "deals" that, if one kept an eye open throughout the year, are not actually new or even a deal. Another one is those "going out of business sales", where everything gets discounted... Except, it's often over the initial suggested price. I've seen things being sold at prices higher than they were at a competitor that was still in business, yet people thought they actually got a deal out of it. Guess I should say: look around, don't blindly buy based on that one discount.

2points

Telepathetic 2 years ago

"High interest savings account" Banks in my area pay One Cent per One thousand $$ per month

2points

Dacă nu pierdeam, câștigam 2 years ago

People who have the money to buy a gas heating system in their home, but choose to remain on firewood heating because "the gas central is very expensive, wood is cheaper". However, on the long term, wood is usually more expensive

2points

Becky Samuel 2 years ago

Wood burning is also catastrophic for air quality, both inside and outside the home.

4points

Load More Replies...

Susie Evans 1 year ago

Dr Phil, before he got Jerry Springerish and I quit watching him, did a show on tightwads who were costing themselves more in man hours, if not actual money, by doing such things as going from one fast food place to another, stealing packets of mustard and catsup and squeezing them into an old store bought bottle. It would take him two hours to gather the packs and fill one bottle. At $5 and hour which was minimum wage at the time, he was expending $10 to save $2.50.

1point

Mary Peace 1 year ago

Susie that's true, but some people have more time than they know what to do with. Maybe they don't care about minimum wage.

0points

Load More Replies...

madamjoiedumort 2 years ago

Buying organic should be on here

1point

Penny Kemper 2 years ago

How about supermarkets that add barbecue rubs to meet. Don't buy it, that meats going bad!!!!

1point

BlueCat 1 year ago

I work at a grocery store and that's just not true.

0points

Load More Replies...

BlueCat 1 year ago

Lol, I work in a grocery store and that's just not true.

0points

TheAnimalLady 1 year ago

Same for cut produce (like melons), some places cut off the bad parts and wrap in plastic.

-1point

Michelle E Parker 2 years ago

For the first time EVER I have a dishwasher and I have only used it 3xs I used to say if I had one I'd never wash them again- so much for that one lol

1point

Sean-Paul Bobadilla 1 year ago

Poor people know that being poor is expensive. We need things now but can't afford a good one so we get what we can. And the result is endlessly replacing crappy stuff and never getting to have nice things. Look up the Vimes boots theory of economic inequality.

0points

Jerusalem Cat Syndrome 1 year ago

People, for the most part, these are general examples, not specific to your particular situation, and yes, subject to some caveats, but most of the replies start "not always". No, not always. And, yes, it's also true that sometimes you don't have the money for the better stuff, no matter how much is saves in the long run. I still wouldn't throw out a lot of these suggestions.

0points

Meghan Wood 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Jason Doakes 1 year ago

Check youtube for extreme cheapskates (especially look for title: cooks lasagna in the dishwasher)

0points

Meghan Wood 1 year ago

I encourage you all to join me for “NO BUY JULY”!! For just one month, don’t buy ANYTHING but essentials (food and gas, etc) Borrow big items, clothes for special occasions, etc from friends: If you absolutely need something, buy it second hand, or with old gift cards (I save mine up for lean months). Cook at home, and forgo the delivery services. Many low Income households live this way, and it’s pretty eye opening to see how much you don’t really need.

-1point

BlueCat 1 year ago

I encourage *you* to join me for 'stop telling other people how you think they should live summer*! Simply stop 'inviting' people to 'join you' for various things to change how they live. It's pretty eye opening to see how much advice you don't really need.

1point

Load More Replies...

Reviews Top 2 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSbq-NV83Hk

-3points

Reviews Top 2 years ago

sonovive

-3points

POST

Froynlaven 2 years ago

Sounds like a wealthy person that has no idea what it's like to be poor. I disagreed with most of the examples they gave.

51points

PattyK 2 years ago

Agree. I’d like to see the math behind some of these claims.

14points

Load More Replies...

BlueCat 1 year ago

3points

Leanne Hailes 1 year ago

Agree. Same.

0points

Dacă nu pierdeam, câștigam 2 years ago

46points

Paula Glasscoe 2 years ago

Have you read Terry Pratchett? Look up Vimes’ boots theory of economics

26points

Load More Replies...

El Dee 2 years ago

24points

Jess-a-men 2 years ago

14points

Mary Jeffries 2 years ago

7points

Auntriarch 2 years ago

Birkies!

3points

Load More Replies...

Meghan Wood 1 year ago

1point

Sergio Bicerra 2 years ago

1point

Phoebe Bean 2 years ago

If your winters are extreme, please invest in good, good coat and boots, if possible.

4points

Jessica J. 2 years ago

Buy a good bed...not a cheap one. You will spend at least a third of your life in it, after all. It may take awhile to save up the money, but it will be worth it.

4points

ShayXie 1 year ago

2points

Lynda Britz 1 year ago

You pay to inflate tires? Where?

2points

Load More Replies...

Jay Son 2 years ago

2points

Telepathetic 2 years ago

"High interest savings account" Banks in my area pay One Cent per One thousand $$ per month

2points

Dacă nu pierdeam, câștigam 2 years ago

2points

Becky Samuel 2 years ago

Wood burning is also catastrophic for air quality, both inside and outside the home.

4points

Load More Replies...

Susie Evans 1 year ago

1point

Mary Peace 1 year ago

Susie that's true, but some people have more time than they know what to do with. Maybe they don't care about minimum wage.

0points

Load More Replies...

madamjoiedumort 2 years ago

Buying organic should be on here

1point

Penny Kemper 2 years ago

How about supermarkets that add barbecue rubs to meet. Don't buy it, that meats going bad!!!!

1point

BlueCat 1 year ago

I work at a grocery store and that's just not true.

0points

Load More Replies...

BlueCat 1 year ago

Lol, I work in a grocery store and that's just not true.

0points

TheAnimalLady 1 year ago

Same for cut produce (like melons), some places cut off the bad parts and wrap in plastic.

-1point

Michelle E Parker 2 years ago

For the first time EVER I have a dishwasher and I have only used it 3xs I used to say if I had one I'd never wash them again- so much for that one lol

1point

Sean-Paul Bobadilla 1 year ago

0points

Jerusalem Cat Syndrome 1 year ago

0points

Meghan Wood 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Jason Doakes 1 year ago

Check youtube for extreme cheapskates (especially look for title: cooks lasagna in the dishwasher)

0points

Meghan Wood 1 year ago

-1point

BlueCat 1 year ago

1point

Load More Replies...

Reviews Top 2 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSbq-NV83Hk

-3points

Reviews Top 2 years ago

sonovive

-3points

Related on Bored Panda

“False Frugalities”: 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money

Games

Ieva Gailiūtė

Ieva Gailiūtė

Viktorija Ošikaitė

Viktorija Ošikaitė