Hello, fellow cheapscapes. I want to let this thread tell the cheapscape tales that will have ppl sold on how cool it can be when you are a cheapscape in life. Anyone with a cool cheapscape plan, scheme, moto, or etc of the like?
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Being cheap comes down to perspective, in this country most of us can afford shelter that keeps us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Likewise most of us can obtain clothing when we need it, medical attention when we need it, ect.. How much you pay for all of these things depends completely on your own perspective of what makes you happy.
A $750/mo rental will serve the same purpose in your life as a $2000/mo condo, same with your car, your cloths ect..
Aside from perspective, here are the things I have done to save money.
Look for everything you need at thrift stores and on craigslist before buying retail, clothing, dishware, appliances, electronics ect… Pop tags as necessary. Learn how to identify something valuable when you see it, you may be able to turn a profit on it..
When you buy something retail, do it from a store that stands behind their products and save every receipt. When I buy something, before I even leave the store I take a picture of the receipt and send it to a special email I have set up. Same for manufacturers, be well aware of the warranty, but keep in mind some warranties are basically scams.
Khols has an unlimited return policy on all merchandise; REI, LL Bean, Eddie Bower, and anthropology also have good return policies for clothing. If you aren’t happy with something in every way, return it. Places like this are good if you have special occasions that you need really nice clothes for like weddings ect.. Some stores may require that clothing have original tags on, invest $10 into a clothing tagger so that is never a problem.
Box swapping: if you buy something and it breaks after the return policy, buy another one box swap it and return it.. For thrift stores, they don't keep track of inventory, so you can buy a sweet backpack or suitcase, swap the tag onto that old smelly Jansport in your closet, and return it for the purchase price of your new used gear.. This is a good reason not to throw away old junk, you can swap it for new old junk for free.
Make your own lunches from bulk ingredients, and find free or cheap stuff that you like to do. Avoid paying for cable like the plague…
These are all things that I do to save money.. I limit my participation in frivolous consumerism as much as possible (though not completely), I still like to shop and I still have nice things, I just do it at thrift stores instead of Best Buy (horrible return policies by the way, don’t shop there). I probably get a similar high when I find a vintage 1970’s stereo receiver I pay $12 for, as someone who spends $150 on a new one... It all comes down to perspective.
Edited by Mojo (05/17/15 10:13 AM)
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