ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#1

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
joellen_washburn avatar
JayhawkJoey
JayhawkJoey
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
305
305points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#2

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
hea_c avatar
StrangeOne
StrangeOne
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
294
294points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#4

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money "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
Add photo comments
POST
ericgibbs avatar
Eric G
Eric G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
249
249points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#5

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
Add photo comments
POST
southon avatar
Bobert Robertson
Bobert Robertson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
285
285points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

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
Add photo comments
POST
jillgarner avatar
Dietcocoabean
Dietcocoabean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
134
134points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
hea_c avatar
StrangeOne
StrangeOne
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
141
141points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#8

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money All construction.............do you want it done cheap? or do you want it done right?

firephoxx , Pixabay Report

Final score:
239points
Add photo comments
POST
beckisaurus avatar
3 Owls In A Coat
3 Owls In A Coat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
211
211points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
alli_bill avatar
Mrs S
Mrs S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
358
358points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
cadenakuhn avatar
cadena kuhn
cadena kuhn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
153
153points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
rpepperpot avatar
The Other Guest
The Other Guest
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
216
216points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money When it comes to tools, buy nice or cry twice.

SkinnyMac , Anete Lusina Report

Final score:
180points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
ginisarver avatar
Gini Sarver
Gini Sarver
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
200
200points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#15

Cheap condoms

pmk422 Report

Final score:
150points
Add photo comments
POST
ericgibbs avatar
Eric G
Eric G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What are condoms??? - Herschel Walker

Vote comment up
196
196points
Vote comment down
reply
jacobs_vic avatar
FakeOptimist
FakeOptimist
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you can't afford condoms you RÉALLY can't afford kids.

Vote comment up
44
44points
Vote comment down
reply
ferrybloemendal avatar
Oerff On Tour
Oerff On Tour
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you can't afford condoms, keep your p****r in your pants

Vote comment up
15
15points
Vote comment down
reply
Load More Replies...
asw5756 avatar
Adam
Adam
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Vasectomy. Easily reversible, and cost effective. Use condoms to prevent disease though!

Vote comment up
8
8points
Vote comment down
reply
alfreddoubleday avatar
Alfred Doubleday
Alfred Doubleday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not easily reversible. Please stop perpetuating that part. Other than that, yeah, it's a viable option.

Vote comment up
7
7points
Vote comment down
reply
Load More Replies...
emmastowe1986 avatar
Emma S
Emma S
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All condoms with a BSI kitemark in the UK have been tested to the same standard so have the same level of reliability.

Vote comment up
1
1point
Vote comment down
reply
heyoumakemyday avatar
Antonia
Antonia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Condoms prevent pregnancy ánd stds. At least in The Netherlands all brands of condoms have to meet quality standards. I would not order them on Aliexpress though.

Vote comment up
0
0points
Vote comment down
reply
briandroste avatar
Brian Droste
Brian Droste
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Condoms are what men use to keep from women getting pregnant. They fit over your private parts.

Vote comment up
0
0points
Vote comment down
reply
star44886 avatar
Will Cable
Will Cable
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Golden Girls and the drug store visit for condoms came to mind

Vote comment up
0
0points
Vote comment down
reply
petermargesson avatar
Peter J. Margesson
Peter J. Margesson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son was conceived when a condom broke when we were living in Japan. One of the best things that has ever happened to me.

Vote comment up
0
0points
Vote comment down
reply
2picklesinabun avatar
2picklesinabun
2picklesinabun
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The health department usually has them for free and encourages people to take as much as they want.

Vote comment up
0
0points
Vote comment down
reply
konstantin_inin avatar
Konstantin Inin
Konstantin Inin
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This comment has been deleted.

View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
lottiehoyle19_1 avatar
LottieH
LottieH
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
154
154points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
hea_c avatar
StrangeOne
StrangeOne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
96
96points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
laurenstern avatar
Lauren S
Lauren S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
78
78points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#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
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
edbrandon avatar
Ed Brandon
Ed Brandon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
371
371points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
ericgibbs avatar
Eric G
Eric G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
150
150points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money "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
Add photo comments
POST
ericgibbs avatar
Eric G
Eric G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
140
140points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#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
Add photo comments
POST
amunetbarrywood avatar
Kristal
Kristal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
161
161points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
hea_c avatar
StrangeOne
StrangeOne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
52
52points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
ericgibbs avatar
Eric G
Eric G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
180
180points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#26

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
sin_2 avatar
gas station cola
gas station cola
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
319
319points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
miriamemendelson avatar
Mimi M
Mimi M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
206
206points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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
Add photo comments
POST
kimasquith avatar
Okkkkk
Okkkkk
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
38
38points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
hea_c avatar
StrangeOne
StrangeOne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
95
95points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
ericgibbs avatar
Eric G
Eric G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
17
17points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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
Add photo comments
POST
sin_2 avatar
gas station cola
gas station cola
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...

Vote comment up
171
171points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
wloginw avatar
Donkeywheel
Donkeywheel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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?

Vote comment up
45
45points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
madamecorcoran avatar
harpling
harpling
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
60
60points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
boredpanda-com_10 avatar
Peter Parker
Peter Parker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
192
192points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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
Add photo comments
POST
jppennington avatar
JayWantsACat
JayWantsACat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
54
54points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
sin_2 avatar
gas station cola
gas station cola
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

$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.

Vote comment up
67
67points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
frogglin avatar
Little Wonder
Little Wonder
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
47
47points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#39

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
southon avatar
Bobert Robertson
Bobert Robertson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
90
90points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money 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
Add photo comments
POST
ericgibbs avatar
Eric G
Eric G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
158
158points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
richardreese avatar
Valden
Valden
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
60
60points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#43

"False Frugalities": 45 Examples Of People Trying To Save But Actually Losing Money Rewards points. You are paying for them.

ihaveseenthefnords , Karolina Grabowska Report

Final score:
17points
Add photo comments
POST
bobbiallison75 avatar
A. HAM
A. HAM
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
150
150points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
hea_c avatar
StrangeOne
StrangeOne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
88
88points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
albertpaulfetalino avatar
APFLAC
APFLAC
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Vote comment up
99
99points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#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
Add photo comments
POST
danielboak_1 avatar
iseefractals
iseefractals
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Vote comment up
8
8points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!