There are many posts in the bloggysphere that suggest ways to save money. We talk about it regularly, like here and here.
These are usually suggestions that normal people wouldn’t mind adopting, like using coupons or eating out less. However, people a little left of normal have even more options to stretch that dollar, euro, or rupee.
If you don’t give a rip what people think, here are some suggestions along with my willingness to do them:
TAKE CONDIMENTS “FOR THE ROAD” FROM FAST FOOD PLACES
All those packets of saucy goodness are just waiting for a home, so you’re doing them a service. Plus, fast food is ruining us from the inside out, so we deserve some free ketchup now and again.
Would I do it: The five packets of Chick Fil-A’s Texas Pete Hot Sauce in my desk drawer say YES.
OFFER TO PICK UP FOOD, USE BOGO COUPONS
If your co-worker is hungry, but can’t leave the office, you can offer to pick up something for them… something that you have a Buy One, Get One Free coupon for!!
CM thinks this borders on unethical, but just think of yourself as a delivery boy/girl. Of course, the honest person could just share the plan with the co-worker, who likely wouldn’t mind at all. But where’s the fun sneakiness in that?
Would I do it: It does seem sneaky if you don’t say anything. Which is what I did a few weeks ago. Hey, it was Chick Fil-A!
USE YOUR REWARDS CARD WHENEVER POSSIBLE
If you use a credit card, but don’t have a rewards card (cash back, miles, whatever), seriously consider getting one. And then offer to pay for whatever you can to amass rewards as quickly as possible.
“Here, I’ll put your rhinoplasty on my card and you can pay me back.”
Again, a bit sneaky, but you’re saving your friend the trouble of pulling out their card… And handing it to the cashier… And signing the receipt… What a friend you are.
Would I do it: Haven’t done this in person with friends, but if we’re ordering stuff online and anyone can do it, I usually speak up.
HOLD IT UNTIL YOU GET TO WORK
A little extreme, but as the cost of everything, including toilet paper, goes up, extreme measures may be necessary. And it’s not like you’re stealing. You’re at work. You gotta go. End of story.
Would I do it: It takes a while to get to work and I don’t trust myself. But if I lived a little closer… And did you really think we’d get through a post without bringing up poo?
So the lesson learned is: if you can get over a little shame and nagging conscience, you too can be a weirdo money saver!
This post is efficiently a part of Watercooler Wednesday and Works for Me Wednesday.
(photo: iva_01)
The Visa people probably think we’re high rollers due to the number of times I have selflessly thrown my card on top of a bill and offered to take everyone’s cash.
I am with Amy – it is like an ATM. Without the Fees! Cool Points for double cheapness!
wrights – glad to hear I’m not the only one!
The BOGO way is awesome. I bust out BOGO with Tropical Smoothie whenever I can. Those things are expensive, so if someone else buys, I’ll take the free one. Seems fine to me.
The last one is hilarious… I say, if you gotta go, go… you never know what could happen on the way to work that you might regret. It’s like wearing dirty underwear. Don’t do it, or you’ll be in an ambulance getting your pants ripped off.
This is hilarious! Thanks for the “off the beaten track” tips!
I’m thinking I should try out some of these tactics.
Most days I charge my Macbook at work (I use it for work, too…so it evens out). Hey, every little bit helps! And we turn off our AC during the day (it has separate units for upstairs and downstairs, too, so it’s nice!) That one is probably pretty common knowledge, though. And I totally have some packets of Taco Bell sauce in my drawer at home.
Oh Lord, I did all 4 when I worked as a waitress.
sam – Exactly. A traffic jam could have disastrous consequences!
audra – Glad you liked them
rachel – Yes, we have some year-old or more TB sauce packets buried somewhere in a drawer. I’m sure those things have a half-life of like 500 years.
sahmmy – We work hard for our money – no problem in going to great lengths to save it!
you are hilarious. borderline nuts i think. that’s why i love you guys!
Oooooooh…holding it til you get to work! I LOVE that idea! I only drive 20 min which isn’t bad at all…i think i could start doing that!
Hilareous! I love it- we have TB sauce packets up the yin yang. I’m bookmarking your blog