Are you ready for some laugh-out-loud stories? Today, we’ll dive into the world of parents who take saving money to the extreme. We all want to save a buck or two, but these parents definitely take it to the next level. We’ve gathered some hilarious stories from children who grew up with cheapskate parents. If you had frugal parents, you’ll probably relate to these tales. Get ready for some chuckles!
1. My Dad’s Clever Soap Trick
Let’s kick things off with a brilliant trick from my dad. When he moved into his new house, a guy came over to do a free demonstration for a water filter. The guy used a bar of soap for the demo and left it behind. My dad didn’t miss a beat. He called four other companies for free demonstrations, just to keep the soap. Genius, right? My dad has a knack for these things, and I just let him do his thing.
2. My Dad’s Paper Towel Obsession
Now, let’s talk about my dad’s obsession with paper towels. He hoards them like they’re gold. He even expects me, a 21-year-old, to ask permission before using one. I remember thinking they must be worth a hundred bucks each the way he was guarding them. One day, my girlfriend and I were at his house, and I accidentally spilled a gallon of milk. She grabbed a paper towel roll and used the whole thing to clean it up. You should have seen the look on my dad’s face! He was trying so hard to hide his pain and anger over the “wasted” roll.
3. My Dad’s Unconventional Money-Saving Methods
Here’s a classic tale of my dad’s unique approach to saving every single coin. He hates paying for electricity, so he hangs his clothes outside to dry, even in freezing temperatures. And cleaning our rooms? He would go through our trash looking for “valuables” we might have thrown away, like money or recyclables. He’s also obsessed with gas prices. I once sat in the car with him as he drove around for half an hour searching for the cheapest gas. Oh, and when he wants to drive down a hill, he puts his car in neutral, opens the door, and pushes himself down with his foot. And don’t even get me started on his fast food choices. I was only allowed to have chicken fries at Burger King because a burger was “too expensive”!
4. Meet the Return Policy Maestro
Now, let me introduce you to my father, the master of return policies. He took full advantage of Costco’s generous return policy when he returned an outdoor furniture set we had for eight years. It was weather-worn and broken, but they still took it back. And guess what? He used the money to buy a brand new patio set from Costco. Unbelievable, right?
5. The Frugal Achievements of My Grandmother
Let’s move on to my grandmother, the ultimate frugal queen. Growing up, I spent summers at her house, and one of my chores was setting the table. But here’s the catch: I had to use the “good napkins.” And by “good,” I mean the ones without restaurant logos printed on them. You see, we only went to restaurants when my grandmother thought she could come out ahead on the deal. She was a coupon-clipping pro, but that was just the beginning. Whenever she did something for someone, she’d make sure they took her out to dinner to “return the favor.” And her purse? It was like a treasure trove, always filled with napkins and leftover buffet food. She wouldn’t even consider going to a restaurant that didn’t have a salad bar. One year, it took us over an hour to find a Sizzler she hadn’t been banned from, just to take her out for her birthday.
6. Rolling in Savings
Here’s a story that will make you cringe. My dad discovered a secret source for giant rolls of toilet paper, the kind you see at shopping centers. He bought one of those giant rolls, which is equivalent to three or four regular rolls. Let’s just say I was mortified whenever my friends came over and saw the enormous roll in our bathroom.
These are just a few of the outrageous stories we’ve collected from children of cheapskate parents. Growing up with frugal parents can be a unique experience, to say the least. We hope these stories brought a smile to your face and perhaps reminded you of your own childhood. Remember, saving money is important, but it’s all about finding the right balance.
