Frugality is essential, especially in this environment of rising inflation and recession fears on the horizon. However, sometimes, being frugal isn’t worth your time or effort. Some “frugal hacks” may cost you more in the long run.
Frugal Habits that Aren’t Worth It
While scrolling through my favorite frugal internet community, I discovered an enlightening thread asking users to share the common frugal tips they see that actually aren’t worth the effort.
Maybe it’s time to stop relying on these popular tips for frugality!
Homemade Laundry Detergent
Tide is expensive, but sometimes it’s easier to use store-bought detergent. “It’s only worth it to make it in large quantities, but then you have to store it somewhere.” explained one user.
“I took a few minutes to do some quick math,” added another. “I couldn’t find how it would be more economical to make your own versus just buying the brand stuff as needed, and especially if you’re needing to order some of the supplies online and have to factor in shipping costs,” they said.
Skipping Your Favorite Hobby
Don’t be so frugal that you forget to enjoy life, cautioned one user. “Life is too short, and many hobbies are pretty affordable,” they said.
Many extreme frugal enthusiasts only look at the money, ignoring other tangible benefits of engaging in hobbies. “And not even looking at costs, hobbies open up the doors to friends, relationships, learned skills, etc., not to mention the joy and relaxation (or rush if you’re into that) they give you,” said one user, dismissing the extreme position.
DIY Hygiene Products
“All these DIY recipes for soap/chapstick/bath bombs/deodorant,” stated one user. Like laundry detergent, these DIY items have high startup costs and are far more cost-effective when created in bulk, but sometimes the products go bad before you get the chance to use them.
Bulk Buying
Many things are cheaper per unit, but that doesn’t matter if it expires before you can use them. Shopping in bulk works for shelf-stable and frozen products, but ensure you have a plan to use any perishable goods before deciding to bulk buy.
All the DIY
Sure, you could save money by painting your own house, changing your own oil, and crafting your own furniture. But typically, professionals are professionals for a reason, and if you don’t have the proper skills, you may pay more in the long run.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I bought a fixer-upper with vast dreams of a massive home renovation. The first project, installing a panel floor, taught me I do not have the DIY skills needed to renovate a house.
Buying Generic
“Some off-brand products are fine, some are not worth it,” said one user, adding, “I will not compromise on toilet paper or paper towels.”
Although some generic items are fantastic, others leave much to be desired. Don’t compromise quality to save a few pennies. Check out our list of the generic items which aren’t worth the money you save.
Capturing Bath Water
Some folks take frugality to the extreme by capturing bath water in buckets while showers and sinks are heating up. One user said, “I appreciate the people that do this for environmental and financial purposes but remembering buckets, storing buckets/water between uses, making sure kids/pets don’t knock them over. It’s just way too much for our current stage of life.”
Extreme Efforts to Save on Gas
“Driving further to save a few cents on gas,” responded one user. “I used to get on a friend of mine for driving 8 miles to save 5-10 cents per gallon, usually on less than 10 gallons. 16 miles round-trip is easily a gallon in his car. So he spent roughly $3 on gas to save at most $1 on gas,” added another.
You don’t save as much money as you lose in time.
Grocery Store Hopping
Sometimes, competing stores will have deals on different products simultaneously, hoping to entice shoppers. Extreme couponers store hop to save money on groceries, but some adherents to the frugal lifestyle say it isn’t worth the effort.
Time Versus Money
Too many people get caught up in dollar signs and ignore the simple truth that time is also money. If you can afford to free up your time, you should, even if it isn’t necessarily frugal.
When you pay someone to do mundane tasks for you, you create more time to focus on other things.
Gardening
Gardening as a hobby? Awesome! Gardening to save money on food? Probably not worth your time. It’s not really a frugal habit after you account for the costs of the plants, soil, and the time you spend cultivating it.
Avoid Credit
Money gurus tell you to avoid credit at all costs, but you need credit to build credit to get decent rates on a mortgage or car loan. Learn to use credit responsibly instead.
Frugal Hacks from the Experts That Still Work
Frugal experts are always coming up with innovative ways to save money. These hacks still work!