Strange, Yet Useful Money-Saving Hacks

These expert tips from Extreme Cheapskates will save you a lot in the long run. For more hacks like these, tune in to So Freakin Cheap, Mondays at 10/9c!

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Cheap Tips to Grow Your Savings

If you could save a little money by making some simple changes, wouldn’t you give it a shot? Although these hacks from Extreme Cheapskates are a little nontraditional, they definitely make a difference. Here's how you can save some cash in several areas of your life!

Install a Hand Towel Dispenser

Adding an electronic paper towel dispenser in your bathroom can save you some you some money down the line. It can offset the cost of constantly machine washing your hand towels, and the dispenser will remind you and your guests to limit yourselves to one paper towel piece per bathroom visit.

Hang and Reuse

There are some household items you can use more than once if you put in a little extra effort. Hang up your paper towels and tea bags and let them air-dry so you can reuse them. You won't have to repurchase them as frequently, which will save you money on each shopping trip.

Put School Projects to Goods Use

Reclaim all of those cotton balls, q-tips, straws, and pipe cleaners that your kids used for their school projects. Give the products a second life and use them for cleaning, scrubbing, or removing dirt around your home.

Make a DIY Detergent

Clean your clothes with a mixture of garlic, water, and vinegar. This DIY concoction works like a cheaper version of detergent. Just hand wash your stuff and leave it all out to dry. This is also great for killing any bed bugs!

Recycle Your Used Water Bottles at Home

Instead of buying new bottles of water, keep your used ones. Refill them with tap water and apply some non-toxic clear nail polish to their caps — they'll make a clicking sound when you open them and appear brand new.

Ditch the Toilet Paper

Instead of repurchasing roll after roll, use water and soap to clean yourself. Then, rinse yourself off with water from a bottle and use a washcloth or paper towels to dry off.

Create Your Own Bed

Furniture can be expensive. Save money on a bed by collecting those styrofoam peanuts you receive with packages. Create your own bed platform and place all of the peanuts inside. Cover them with bubble wrap and a tablecloth to complete your new bed. With the right sheets and decor, nobody will know the difference!

Take Advantage of Leftovers

If you work at a bar or restaurant, take home the leftover food and alcohol customers choose to leave behind. You can even use a filter to improve the quality of the drinks!

A Different Kind of Compost

This one definitely isn't for everyone, but it's very useful! If you deposit your urine into a jar and let it sit, you can later use it as compost. This will save you money on flushing the toilet, while speeding up the composting in your garden.