TheRedArchive

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Some call it being cheap, I call it being strategic. When someone tries to belittle your actions it is often because they are insecure about their own actions. This is why people use the terms 'cheap', 'tight', 'stingy'. They seek to justify being a consumption whore.

Fortunately Redpillers are above that. We purchase that which is necessary and see through consumerist dogma.

I'm here to share with you my methods which are currently allowing me to work 20 hours per week while paying for rent, food and bills. I dedicate the rest of my time to more virtuous activities.

Food

Eating out is one of my biggest expenses. Getting a decent meal for $10 can be difficult and $10 would easily feed me for the entire day, if it were prepared by me. Be organised and plan ahead so that you can always feed yourself at home.

You can easily make tasty food at home, but lower your standard on mouth pleasure. The soul purpose of food is to nourish the body.

Breakfast

Every single morning I have oats. It's cheap as fuck and delicious. I buy the no-name brand because here in Australia, they're all the fucking same and are all grown on this magnificent patch of dirt. The branded varieties are only $3-4 but that's still 3-4 times more expensive than the ones I buy.

I make my porridge on the stove because it works best. I eat out of the saucepan to make less mess. Cut up a banana into the oats/water and let it cook along with it. Add some milk if that's your thing. I use coconut cream. Stir in some coco/cacao at the end.

If you drink coffee and can stand instant, by all means carry on. If you like a half decent coffee buy the cheapest ground beans that you can. A french press or aeropress will make a good cup of coffee and won't cost you shit. The cost of 5 cups of coffee purchased from your local coffee shop will buy you a basic french press.

Invest in a slowcooker

Meal prep in bulk is essential to saving time, saving money and reaching macro/caloric goals. There are hundreds of slowcooker recipes available on the internet, many of which can be "chuck it all in and wait" recipes. Always have prepared meals waiting in your fridge or freezer to avoid paying for a meal.

Serve everything with brown rice or wholemeal pasta. Just boil that shit and strain it. Buy in bulk to save some money.

This is the single best kitchen appliance investment.

Quick meals

Always have some ingredients around so that you can quickly throw together a meal. Here are examples of quick meals you can put together when in need of something cheap.

Sandwich. You can throw this shit together in minutes. -Bread. -Deli meat. -Mixed lettuce bag. -Sauce/Pickle/Mustard.

DIY Ramen. Add some frozen veg. Add some tuna at the end. BAM. -Rice/fried noodles. -Frozen veg -Hot sauce -Soy sauce -Coconut oil -Stock powder (optional) -Tuna

Blender

I don't always have time to sit around chewing vegetables so I regularly blend them. Always have frozen mixed vegetables, frozen spinach and frozen berries on hand so that if you run out of fresh ingredients you can still make a smoothie. If there are local farmers markets, go regularly and get some cheap organic produce.

Example Smoothie: -Apple -Cucumber -Celery -Beetroot -Kale -Ginger

I broke two cheap blenders ($40-60) in 5 months so I invested in a beast a few years ago, it cost be about $250. It was the second best kitchen investment I ever made.

Your health is a worthwhile investment. Get a blender and make a smoothie at least once every second day. Also, if your smoothie tastes good then you're doing it wrong.

Purchasing in general

Buy what is on special. Buy in bulk. Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. Buy the cheapest cuts of meat (they turn out really nice in the slowcooker).

Bills

Phone

I own my phone but it's not the latest and greatest, let go of the idea of owning the latest. If it's a smart phone you can do pretty much everything on it. If you can live with an old school phone and no app store, do it.

I pay $26 for 45 days of prepaid service. Find a service that works for you. This plan gives me plenty of calls/text/data.

Gym membership (optional)

I am currently doing bodyweight fitness. I had a gym membership before moving cities recently and the change in training has been good. Don't limit yourself to one form of training.

The benefit of bodyweight fitness is that you don't have to pay for a gym membership or equipment.

If you want a gym membership you just have to be able to work it into the budget. I'll be back in a gym eventually but for now this is interesting, challenging and builds muscle.

Here's my current routine.

Transport

If you must drive a car, get a cheap practical car. Wagons/utes are useful. Find something that isn't thirsty and is known to be reliable. I recommend older model mazdas.

Motorbikes are cheap to run. Possible pussy magnet also.

Ideally you want to be able to get everywhere as cheap as possible with minimal hassle. A bicycle is by far the most practical option for anyone living/working in a city. Don't spend a fortune because it's likely at some point someone will fuck with it while it's chained outside. Your major investments beside the bike itself are; puncture repair kit, light/reflectors, hand pump and helmet.

Attire

It's important to be conscious of what you already own, so that you never impulsively buy something you think you need. Having said that, never buy something just because you 'like' it, that's thinking like a chick. If you purchase something, it is is for a legitimate reason.

Expensive clothes generally last longer and have better fits. Looking good in clothes is not about how much you pay, it's all about the fit. You can still find cheap clothes that fit you well, you just have to shop around.

Looking good is important in your professional life and with women. It really does matter but it's up to you how much money you invest in it. Wearing expensive clothes is not essential for success. You can make up for it in other ways but as superficial as it is, first impressions are huge and what you wear is a major factor in first impressions.

Be honest about the outfits you already have and assess whether there are additions you actually need. If you don't need anything, hold off buying more clothes until you legitimately need to update your wardrobe. Put aside some cash, then consult the many style guides that exist on the net and selectively purchase what is necessary to build the new wardrobe.

Alcohol

Ideally, don't drink. If you must drink, do it socially. Fortunately in Australia there is a decent production of wine. The cheapest bottles range $4-$10 and 6-9 standard drinks. There is plenty of variety in that range too so you might find something you really like.

Not only is wine the cheapest option (at least in Australia anyway), it is also the healthiest, next to straight spirits. You don't have to drink a lot of it like beer so you're not constantly pissing. It's also not carbonated so you're not constantly burping.

Do the math

Everyone's budget is going to be different based on how much they earn and how much they spend. Take the time to assess the last month of spending and last month of earning. Adjust your spending so that it aligns with your goals.

What I've outlined in this guide are my methods for breaking even. I have savings but I am not currently saving. I have no investments. I am working part time but actively looking for work. Other than that I'm investing in myself.

Don't spend money on stupid shit.


[–][deleted]  (3 children) | Copy Link

[permanently deleted]

[–]cynexyl 18 points19 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I agree. I love having control over my desires and i like to be frugal during a major part in my life, but some times we just gotta invest in having great moments. Gastronomy is something fantastic and does not always have to be super expensive, for example.

I think frugality should be moderate so you don't end up in debt for buying status or even lose control of why you buy stuff, but we're still human, getting a treat every now and then won't make a hole in our bank accounts.

[–]massivewang 17 points18 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Frugality should be used to enable you to accomplish your goals or live your desired life. You can use frugality to:

  • retire at 40 or earlier instead of 65 by saving 60% of your income or more
  • work a lower paying job that you actually enjoy and find fulfilling
  • travel and have experiences instead of nice stuff (or in conjunction with nice stuff)

Really it all depends on what your goals and your passions are.

I think being frugal also helps taper the pressure and the temptation that society places on you to consume. It helps you understand what you truly value and what is really worth spending money on. And I think you realize how unnecessary a lot stuff is.

We often pay for convenience. Sometimes it's worth it to pay less and be inconvenienced. Other times it's worth it to buy that $75 bottle of bourbon and enjoy it.

[–]snorted_the_red_pill 8 points9 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

My perspective is "Don't live beneath your means, expand them."

I mean, fuck, we all live like kings. It's cliche, yes, but it's true. You think the kings had running water? You think the peasants ate meat? Fuck no.

*I'm talking about more classically medieval kings that I know of - think Louis XIV etc.

[–]1thebaldbear 110 points111 points  (13 children) | Copy Link

I'm in the same situation. Working 21 hours per week and paying all rent, bills etc. and still affording to travel on city breaks a couple of times per year and go for dinner and other social activities.

Tip: Don't count pennies among friends. Live as frugally as possible and deny yourself luxuries if you want, but don't be a cheap-ass when your buddy runs out of money and wants another beer. Grab him one without him having to ask and never ask for the favour to be returned. You can live well on a small wage in this way and still never be viewed as cheap. That $5 will help build a great reputation and cement solid friendships.

I favour walking over cycling also. Easier to battle wet weather conditions on foot versus on bicycle. I can hop on a public bus if it's rainy season and be protected from the elements, and zero risk of my mode of transport being vandalised / stolen (well, unless they come for my legs)

Tip 2: I can only afford to do this because I rent a bedroom in a house with another 2 people. It cuts the cost of renting by 1/3rd and all the bills are split in 3 also.

Tip 3: if you're lucky enough to have the space, spend some money on a rack and a barbell with weights. Do NOT buy the vinyl ones. A decent set will last you for years and you'll be able to do all the big compound exercises like squats, overhead-press etc. to build muscle mass without dealing with all the downsides of a gym.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 18 points19 points  (4 children) | Copy Link

You've got it man. I agree with all of this.

Yeah I'm in a share house too. The situation isn't perfect but we make it work.

I had considered adding that if you want to purchase equipment for your workout, get a power rack. Definitely stick to the compound lifts and their variations. It's a decent financial commitment so I didn't include it.

[–]1thebaldbear 25 points26 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Fully agreed, if somebody is eager to start living well on a minimal wage at the same time as starting their fitness journey then bodyweight fitness is incredible bang for your buck. Even a $20 pull up bar added to that will take them down the right path.

Regarding housemates, it's far from ideal but if guys can find decent human beings that don't care if you bring a girl back and keep the common areas clean and tidy then it's an excellent short to medium term solution.

My favourite story about living frugally is of two brothers, a monk and a King's assistant. The monk eats beans all day and lives in a hut, the assistant lives the opulent life in the palace as you would expect. The assistant goes to his brother and tells him if he would just kneel before the King he could live a life filled with all of these luxuries. The monk replies that if his brother could live on beans he wouldn't have to kneel before the King.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Look for used lifting gear. Got a full squat rack with some cable attachments, 2 bars, and 500lbs of metal, $560 on kijiji. It's paid out my gym membership in under a year.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

If you plan on staying put for a few years and have a place to set it up indoors, then this is exactly what you should do. Compound lifts all day.

[–]ChadThundercockII 3 points4 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Power racks have pull bars in them and you may find ones with a dips station. IMO, working out at home with basic equipment is the way to go.

[–]masterypill 4 points5 points  (4 children) | Copy Link

I favour walking over cycling also. Easier to battle wet weather conditions on foot versus on bicycle.

I am talking about average people here: Most people can only hike/walk 12 miles a day in trail with gears.

Most people can ride bicycle for about 100 Miles a day with 3 water bottle loaded.

I do both, I like running/waling, but I love cycling.

[–]ChadThundercockII 1 point2 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

I cycled for two years to get to uni. I struggled with rain twice each year and the rest is either sunny or cloudy. At the end of the first year, my quads grew up so much that my pants wouldn't fit.

[–]QuadraticFizz1 points [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link

Wow your uni must've been really far

[–]ChadThundercockII 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

4 miles up hill. It was gruesome at first but cursing car drivers and hitting on walking babes made it easy.

[–]masterypill 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Can confirm lol.

But that's not my biggest problem yet. People could not understand how I got those tan while I am with running shorts.

http://imgur.com/usidkEB

[–]ronsoness 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

this is actually some "manly" TRP advice here. and i've had to learn it the hard way (my own cheapness has lead to strained relationships). we need to be generous with friends and sometimes with acquaintances. the GESTURE of treating someone is important in developing rapport. even though my friends pretty much break even treating each other, it's really the act that counts. as for doing business, nonchalantly (not making a big deal of it, like you have enough money and/or are a generous person) treating a potential client or an influential person can lead to some easy brownie points or increase possibility of a sale. i consider all business lunches to be basically a "marketing" fee and not fee for food.

[–][deleted] 21 points22 points  (5 children) | Copy Link

Looks like we have Dave Ramsey reincarnated as Mr. Donald_Fuck. This article contains loads of good advice. Oats are a great option, put some peanut butter on that shit. Blending vegetables is a must in my eyes, it is just far simpler than eating a plateful of veggies. The alcohol tip is spot on. All I can say is hoorah hoorah Donald, thanks again for the great tips on budgeting.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 33 points34 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

We'll split a $4 bottle of merlot some time?

[–]lurkingtacopiller18 points [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link

I buy that shit from Walmart for when plates come over, they don't know shit about wine so why buy anything else?

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

BOOM. And if they do, tell them to bring the wine next time.

[–]warracer 24 points25 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

IF I can add to this, one huge expense is car maintenance/ repairs. Learn basic maintenance procedure, a shop will charge 30$ for an oil change, you can do it for 15$ or so and it will take you 30min the first time and 10 after that. For nordic guys like me, get a spare set of wheels for your winter tire, winter will ruin your alloy anyway, steelies are 30$ a pop. The tire place will charge 60$+ for a tire change EACH time, so instead of paying 120$/year it'll cost you nothing but an hour to switch winter tires every season. If your car is a 1996+ do get a OBD2 reader, Canadian Tire (Canada version of Pepboys) sells them for 50$, when you get a check engine, scan it with it and it'll tell you whats wrong with your car (injectors, sensors, coil etc) just the scan can go upward 100$ at the shop/dealer. IF you have a 1996 and older, a paper clip will do the same as the the fancy scanner except it will be in morse code in the cluster (PM me if you need clarification on this). Repairs, 70% or so of the repairs you can do yourself with very basic tools and it'll save you atleast 60% off the price of the shop. Buy your parts online, Rockauto being excellent for their prices. IF you want to keep it dirt cheap, get a late 90's , early 2000 japanese compact car with a 4 cylinder, something like a Honda Civic, Mazda Protege, Toyota Corolla etc, you can throw pocket change at it to rebuild most of it if thing goes wrong bu they can last a million mile+ if you just maintain it properly. Now, if you want to ball on a tight budget, you WILL need to learn basic mechanic skills, buy a used second hand sports or luxury car (stay away from german stuff, parts are very expensive and most of the time rare) a used Infiniti G35 will go for 6000$usd, and you have a reliable 4 door (they also made coupe 2 doors) all leather, V6 , sports/luxury car that is very easy to maintain. Also, 90% of the girls won'T notice the difference vs a newer model, hell its an Infiniti or a Lexus, does she really care its 10 years old? Exactly. I don't play the car pickup game anymore (LTR) but I do like my old luxury cars. I have no car payment, insurance is a joke and so I it cost me 250$/year to maintain them... I was 16 when I got my first Infiniti and 18 when I got my first Lexus, all paid myself and cash

[–]thismaytakeawhile 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

[deleted]

What is this?

[–]ChadThundercockII 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

thanks for the tips. When I satisfy my urge to rife motorcycles, I'll get an old luxury car for sure.

[–]Thewelshpill 16 points17 points  (11 children) | Copy Link

porridge connoisseur here! always buy porridge with the biggest oats you can (it's still very cheap). The finer oats are milled and digest faster meaning you don't stay as full throughout the day. throw some cinnamon on it too it's fucking delicious.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Can you expand on the porridge operations?

[–]Thewelshpill 5 points6 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Oats have a low GI (glycaemic index) which means they increase blood sugar levels gradually and over a longer period of time helping prevent craving for sugary foods.

[–]Tman5691 5 points6 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

Ccinammon, apple, banana and coco powder are the 4 best things to stick in porridge in my opinion. Sultanas and rasins are pretty great as well, or if you want more fats, crush up some walnuts (or any nut) and throw it in.

[–]scholarly_pimp 0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy Link

throwing some protein powder in there doesn't hurt either. However, the quality of the protein is in direct proportion to how effective it is; meaning you'll likely spend more money on it which seems counter intuitive in regards to the purpose of this post

[–]Tman5691 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Yeah, I used to do this when I was bulking. Chocolate flavoured protein powder instead of coco powder. I think there's a price point at which there's little benefit to going higher for it though, I normally get all mine from Myprotein, typically unflavoured now.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Buy it in bulk, it's alright to splurge for your health IMO. I don't really buy that the quality of protein is correlative to how effective it is though, source? At a lower level it's all fats, carbs, protein and alcohols.

[–]NaughtyFred 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Wait till you realise you can eat oats without making them into porridge.

Swiss style oats master race.

[–]Trumpanoly 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Powdered Oats beats everything hands down.

Add water or milk, shake and serve. No washing up, no cooking, no fucking hassle. I add whey protein, chia seeds.

Comes in a 20kg bag and never get sick of it.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Fellow oat connoisseur here... I'll give my recipe:

.75-1 cup oats

1 cup water

Microwave/whateva

Add 1 packet sugar

handful of frozen reaspberries

1-2 tsbp peanut butter

The frozen raspberries cool off the oats and eventually melt into it, it's great.

Add more water as needed.

[–]Raiden627 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Any recommendations for an alternative since I hate the texture of oats and it's variants?

[–]UnluckyPenguin 15 points15 points [recovered] | Copy Link

Here's a point I haven't seen yet: Early Retirement

Great post. The title made it seem possible you'd be a cheap scarcity mindset beta, but I was glad to see a bullet proof frame covering all the bases.

My method to retiring early as a cheap cunt

Technically if you're not spending your money, it's accumulating somewhere. Sure, you could invest your money, but most big mutual funds haven't actually seen any growth in the past 3 years.

The point is that you are saving. Let everyone else live their rat race lives buying 60K$ cars that become worthless after 3-4 years.

If you don't mind having roommates, it's still a better deal to pay your share of 900$ a month than a 2500$ mortgage for an entire house. But if you want to be ever cheaper: Buy the damn house and rent it out to your roommates.

That residual income will help you retire even earlier.

[–]RandyHatesCats 1 point2 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

But he's not saving. He said so at the end of his post. He's being cheap just to break even. Living like that ensures that early retirement is not a goal that can ever be attained. Shit, any type of retirement is pretty much off the table.

[–]Nydusurmainus 0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy Link

Whichmeans he's being cheap out of necessity, how does he know how he would live if he had money. The answer is simple he doesn't making this post moot unless he changes the title to how I get by being g a poor cunt. I'm Australian an 10 bucks a day is easy but if he lives in a share house spends 70 a week on food and averages say 400 on bills a month plus rent this guy isn't working much.

I had a pub job working 4 days a week pulling 12hr shifts and the penalties allowed me and my wife to pay bills, mortgage and eat out every now and then. She got sick and had to go on unpaid leave from herself time job while I was at full time uni so I had to then get a job and do the full time study as well. We didn't live like kings butik he is just breaking even maybe debt, alcohol or drugs is involved if he is working proper hours.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

You got it man, necessity. I'm looking for a new job but in the mean time my savings is on hold.

[–]Nydusurmainus 3 points4 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

get a bar job ffs, you can get a cert to serve alcohol online for like $20 and you can work all sorts of hours. Hospitality always has people going in and out because they are unreliable, turn up to your shifts on time and you are already better than a third of the work force in hospitality.

Hotels, chain pubs and pub/restaurants are good cos if you work hard a time will come when a dishy doesn't show up, wait for the manager to complain and say "I'll do it" then get in good with the kitchen boys too. I started as a cellarman and by the time I left was doing shifts of maintenance, dish washing, food prep, cellar and obviously bartending. I was offered gaming and restaurant service but I opted out because fuck that. Seriously you will make some friends, the guys in the kitchen either might actually cook you some good food or teach you too, you will get some decent alcohol (just don't fucking steal it, one of the reasons so many people are in and out of jobs in hospitality) and you might not have to be such a stingy cunt. Seriously, you live once. That is the ultimate truth the hardest of the red pills, if you wanna spend your one life time eating shitty woolsworth oats for breakfast then by all means stay in your share house and do it.

Also fuckin make some money and spend it on your mates, jesus everyone is so selfish around here. Buying your mates some dinner and a few beers or taking your parents out. OR GOD FORBID PAY FOR A FUCKING DATE WITH A WOMAN, seriously its not a waste. Its about having a good time, if you can bring a little joy by doing something like that then its worth the time it took you to earn it.

[–]TRP_Lee_zard -3 points-2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

But why? Does your work suck that much? I found an occupation that not only lets me pay bills and have some spare money, but also allows me to develop every day, learn, forces me to socialise. My point is, if I would win 10mil $ I would still work, just to keep myself on top, constantly on edge.

It just seems a bit odd to me, that people would rather spend their 20's and 30' on a shoestring budget, devoiding themselves from most pleasures (everythinf costs money now) just to have some nest egg at 40...and then what?

[–][deleted]  (6 children) | Copy Link

[permanently deleted]

[–]cynexyl 8 points9 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Rice and beans are the staple of daily Brazilian life. We eat it everyday with some kind of meat, eggs and usually a salad on the side. Tastes incredibly good, fills you by a pretty great amount of time and it is pretty cheap.

[–]module_process 5 points6 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Pressure cookers have been the best investment I've ever made with regard to my dietary health. I have an old aluminum Presto and a newer Cuisinart electric.

Re-fried black beans are a favorite...and they're not loaded with sodium or other crap.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

theres nothing wrong with some quality salt, it's essential. Nothing can live without it. We used to use it as a currency and was often one of the only initial things to trade. There's a reason we have this myth about spilling it. To taste, your body(provided it is healthy) Will know how much you need. Understand a lot of salt will hold water weight.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

You can can food with a pressure cooker too. I once bought 5lbs of chicken breast, cut it up and put it in half pint jars with seasoning (veggies could go in too) and after like 1-2 hours total prep and cooking time I had a two week supply of ready to eat perfectly preserved chicken. Great for bringing to work for lunch. I would do this all the time if cheap canned salmon (tastes good and super heathy) didn't exist.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

A few people have recommended that I get a pressure cooker. For sure if my slowcooker dies that's what I'll replace it with.

[–]Yokep 50 points51 points  (13 children) | Copy Link

I just downgraded from a 1600 a month one bedroom to a 1100 one bedroom with all the same amenities.

Everything I own also fits in my car. I hate clutter and all the knick-knacks.

I hang out with my friends and their wives/live-in girlfriends. Every fucking week there is some new fucking Target piece of shit doily on the wall.

My buddy and his wife are in lots of cc debt but they have 40 sets of plates and utensils and fucking decorative towels.

My cuck friends drive me crazy.

[–][deleted] 63 points64 points  (10 children) | Copy Link

I had a trust fund friend who bought his wife 50-60 pairs of $500+ shoes, several $1000+ dresses, $30-40K of other clothing, a $200K car and almost everything else she could want.

She still left him for a guy who made $25K a year.

[–]Yokep 30 points31 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

There is no God. That's what your comment made me think. Lol

[–]ChadThundercockII 11 points12 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

There is a God but he doesn't care for cucks.

[–]1StoicCrane 21 points22 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Alpha Fucks Beta Bucks. Damn. It's real!

[–]ChadThundercockII 8 points9 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

that 200.000 could have been a good investment in a start-up... but he was a fag.

[–]ronsoness 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

it's a trust fund friend, so not like he earned that money. i don't feel sorry for him at all. if he actually worked for all that money though... :.

[–]Endorsed ContributorFLFTW16 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

I bet he had a 1-inch penis. Think about it, mang.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I did have to borrow condoms from him once and I broke 3 of them trying to put them on, you might have a point...

[–]upupvote2 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I feel like no matter how many times I hear these stories, there's always still a sting to them.

[–]Endorsed ContributorRedBigMan 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Always be shopping around.

Whether it's for a place to live or a new job. Keep your eye out for better deals always.

[–]Forcetobereckonedwit 12 points13 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I got into the habit of making a smoothie for breakfast years ago. It was out of convenience at the time. I owned a restaurant so always thought "Why cook breakfast, I'll just eat at the restaurant."I would get there and never have time...no brekkie. Raw oats, a banana, strawberries of half an apple (depending on season), cranberry juice, some fresh parsley...done and out the door in 5 minutes. Not hungry for many hours.

Slow cooker? Hell yeah!

[–]MoneyStatusLooks38 points [recovered] (11 children) | Copy Link

If you put as much effort in to getting rich as you do being a cheap ass, you would probably be pretty wealthy.

That said, frugality isn't bad. Live within your means. Expanding your means is infinitely more rewarding though, than living like a pauper.

[–]94redstealth 33 points34 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

don't forget, you can do both, they tend to go hand in hand most of the time.

[–][deleted] 18 points19 points  (5 children) | Copy Link

You don't get rich by spending money. Most millionaires are the tightest people you'll ever meet.

[–]MoneyStatusLooks8 points [recovered] (3 children) | Copy Link

I'm a millionaire. That's not true, most millionaires are the most generous people you will ever meet, not all are tight.

Some are frugal, some spend a lot. Generally self-made people tend to be more frugal because they value what they have earned and had to make a lot of sacrifices to get there. Not all are tight though.

[–]WhoWasBlowjob 1 point2 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

But, if you're poor but finally get a good job, the more money you can save, every single damn dollar, the faster you can advance yourself to the next level. Not that only money is needed, of course it takes a lot more than that, money is freedom though. Gets you into school faster if loans aren't an option.

[–]MoneyStatusLooks 10 points10 points [recovered] | Copy Link

The way people get rich is never through a job.

90% of rich people are business owners and investors.

Saving money doesn't really help. I started off creating a service based business with less than $100 of startup costs (websites). Then I reinvested the money into building websites that bring in passive income. Saving wasn't the primary method that grew it. Hard work, the correct systems and reinvesting profits did.

Taking it to the next level for most people will be getting paid for your skill, saving the cash to invest in starting a business related to it.

[–]RedPillOdin 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Low tier:

Unemployed

Get paid for your body (hard labor)

Get paid for your skills.

Get paid for who you know.

Get paid by your own money.

Get paid by your own ideas.

Top tier.

[–]ronsoness 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

somewhat. there are plenty of cheap self made millionaires. you read 'millionaire next door' too? then there are those that run successful businesses and for them, they understand they do need to spend money to make money, e.g. hiring marketing, consultants, giving free stuff at promotions, purchasing a franchise etc. there are many roads to wealth.

[–]surfjihad 1 point2 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

There are two ways to be rich. 1. Earn more 2. Spend less

[–]RandyHatesCats 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Or both. OP is living cheap just to break even. That's called basic survival. Nothing special about living like that.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

A lot of people don't consider it to be possible. They can't live without their luxuries.

[–]BoobToArmRatio 7 points8 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

One thing I want to point out to some of the younger guys reading this.. being frugal and learning to reduce consumption (aka not giving a shit what others think about your material possessions) is only the most basic step in accumulating wealth. While it doesn't hurt, saving money in itself will never make anyone wealthy. Reducing your spending has a floor but increasing your income does not have a ceiling.

[–]RedPillOdin 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

For your average new reader, reducing expenses is quicker and easier to implement than raising income. Both should occur.

[–]Swolverine 7 points8 points  (6 children) | Copy Link

Once I started riding my bike I never looked back. Improve your health and get everywhere.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I still own a car at the moment. There are times they're really useful but hey it comes down to your goals.

[–]dking168 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

When you live in North America, it is a huge inconvenience to not have one.

That being said, I do agree with you. Buy a used beater that gets you from point A and point B. I have a 2010 Corolla and it honestly so effective. I essentially ride my bike to work everyday but use my car for everything else like groceries, errands and etc.

[–]HappyMexican 2 points3 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

I am tempted to become a 10 speed bike guy as well~ (Never seen a fat one). How do you guys handle Extreme heat or cold though, I have to dress up for work and arriving in a stinking puddle of sweat stained shirts and breathing hard wouldn't be good for my job.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I can't tell for other people, but where I work people just bring another set of clothes in a backpack with a towel and deodorant and dry themselves and make do with that. One guy usually smells though.

[–]qiang_shi 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Cold weather, unless it's raining isn't a problem. You'll warm up soon enough.

[–]thebadmanpuntdbaxter 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

ditto, i have a car for groceries and visiting out of town relatives. biking has left me as cut as ever. plus the money saved on gas, i fill up $30 every 45 days. plus consolidating fitness with commuting. living in a city, i actually get to work faster on a bike

[–]Senior EndorsedMattyAnon 6 points7 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

re Food: watch what you throw away. Anything that you threw away you shouldn't have bought. Adjust your buying next time accordingly until you throw nothing out. Buy commodities in bulk. Don't buy luxury items in bulk - you'll just consume more.

Some stuff is worth buying quality. Some isn't. Know which is which. Keep good/easy meals (that are dry or frozen and never go off) to stop you ordering takeaway pizza.

re Eating out: it's fine but it's part of your entertainment/drinking/partying budget not part of your life budget. Only socially, only when you plan to. Never because you run out of food. Be realistic about what it's costing you per month.

Phone: definitely buy an older model. Mine is a 3 yr old smartphone and does more than I need and noone can see the difference. Own it, run it on a cheap contract. Noone knows or cares what you own, modern ones are expensive and you shouldn't be spending much time on your fucking phone anyway. (Only exception: rolling in cash, or it benefits your business).

Attire: Calculate cost per wear. Good looking shoes that last a long time are great value. Same for jeans, belt, maybe jacket. A shirt you can only wear twice because it's so distinctive is a waste.

I buy midrange clothes. $30-75 for a shirt (the best ones feels like you're being hugged gerbils all day long), $75-100 for jackets (cheap but I shop around a lot and only get ones that are a really great fit), jeans at $40-60 (they wear out fast regardless of brand), happy to spend a lot more on shoes as the cost-per-wear is so much lower and comfort / style / wear makes the high end ones relatively cheap.

Do the math - totally agreed. No point spending a fortune on food if you really enjoy skydiving. Look at your weekly food, alcohol, socialising, women budget and see if you'd be better putting your money where the fun is. (Exception: take the money out of the women budget - women have a negative return on financial investment in that the more you put in, the less AF and the more BB they see you as).

My best tip: Calculate what things cost you on the same timescale as your income. If you're paid weekly, work out your food/travel/clothing budget per week. If you're paid monthly, work out your food/travel/clothing budget per month. This helps you balance up your priorities better.

[–]thetotalpackage7 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

LPT: Just be sure to keep those Gerbil shirts out of your ass.

[–]Senior EndorsedMattyAnon 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

ELI5: How to I tempt the gerbils up there ?

[–]JackGetsIt 3 points4 points  (11 children) | Copy Link

Great advice, especially getting food expenses under control is a game changer but where do you go to get a $26 for 45 days phone deal?

[–]Dollar_thief 5 points6 points  (5 children) | Copy Link

£7.50 per month here in UK, decent texts and Internet usage too. You Muricans need some Giffgaff.

[–]94redstealth 1 point2 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

Google's Project Fi is making a difference

[–]PanzerBatallion 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Some places. Others, there's still no one that even knows about it.

Still, ~$25 a month is a far cry from this 7.50 stuff above.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I would be totally on board with Google Fi except I use way too much data for work and personal use. I used over 20gb last month alone. Then again most of it is downloading music for my radio stations and podcasts while I workout or am on the way to work

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 2 points3 points  (4 children) | Copy Link

A few years ago there was a service in Australia provided by kogan that was prepaid for 1 year. The deal was too good to be true and the mobile service they used dropped the contract and everyone using the service had to be refunded. Because the deal was so good and so many people were jumping over, all other companies had to compete. Other prepaid services were really cheap at the time.

You can't walk in and ask for the deal I have, they won't do it. My friend tried and they said it must be an old offer. For whatever reason they can't take it off me and I'm just hanging on.

[–]Iblamethepolarbears 2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I also got a $26 for 45 days but from woolworths mobile before they were bought out by optus. I can't help but have a chuckle to myself when people tell me how much they're having to pay for their phone plans.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Dude, I'm on the exact same shit. It was originally Woolworths mobile.

[–]TruBlue 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Kogan's doing the deal again

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I just checked it out. It's just as cheap as before.

[–]tb87670 3 points4 points  (4 children) | Copy Link

You can easily make tasty food at home, but lower your standard on mouth pleasure

This does not need to happen if you can cook worth a shit. In the US $10 a day is feasible even though groceries are rising in cost like a mofo. Example, I found a 10lb bag of boneless chicken breasts for $20 at wal-mart. That's a decent amount of meat. Thaw it, cut into strips any size you like, soak in tobasco sauce a few hours (vinegar tenderizes meat, if can't stand heat use pickle juice) add in cheap flour and cornmeal 50/50 mix with a bit of lemon pepper seasoning. Bread and fry, no need to deep-fry that just costs more in oil. I can get Canola oil for $5.50 a gallon here. That's enough for 4-5 fried meals. The way I cook the meat quick then drain it the food ends up fluffy not greasy. Serve with beans, corn, whatever cheap frozen bag of veggies you can find for less than a buck. I cook enough chicken to feed me twice so I get the most out of the oil before it goes bad to further save. This is very good, yes it's fried but with practice you can use less oil and keep it un-greasy. It's still better than shit you get at KFC or other chicken joints both health and taste-wise. Costs a lot less, counting oil, seasonings, 1 bag of cheap veggies and meat I end up making 2 meals for about $7. And I am talking 'eat until I am stuffed' meals, well over a dozen large strips of solid white meat. Not 4 little strips for $5-6 dollars with mashed potatoes like at the DQ, which taste much worse to boot.

This is just one meal type. Tomatoes/Okra/Corn mix made with ground beef or deer costs less than $10 and you get a giant batch that is like a large pot of chili, can feed a whole family twice and have leftovers. This is good to eat on for several days, Tomatoes/Okra/Corn is gluten free and consists purely of veggies and meat. I add quinoa as thickener, used brown rice in the past. Don't do like some people and add a lot of flour to thicken, works but not good for you. I also have an electric pressure cooker. You can make some decent hotwings with that even without breading, obviously will taste like a pot-roast chicken but way more tender. That pressure cooker also makes the softest rice, you can make a decent .50cent meal out of a few bowls of brown rice alone on some days.

I had a gym membership before moving cities recently and the change in training has been good. Don't limit yourself to one form of training.

Look up Bodylastics resistance band sets with handles on Amazon, they have good anti-snap that works and for $85 you can get a kit that will give you a shit-load of a workout. It feels identical to a bowflex when using it, yet isn't 1/4 the price of even the budget crappy blowflex. Cable machines start at $150 and the budget ones only have 50-100lbs of plates on them. Elastic bands might not sound cool but they are portable, low-profile, and with the door anchors that are stable and don't damage your door you can go high or low and do pretty much anything you need to. Free-weights rein for squats, deadlifts, bench presses and bent over rows, a lot of the other stuff resistance bands can do. For the price they can't be beat, and I use my power rack in my basement to anchor the bands to at any height I need for compound exercises. They are also good for injuries, rehab places basically rely on resistance tubes/bands for rehab exercise and recently I had a rotator cuff injury that kept me off the irons. Elastics you can go low weight without re-injuring and using them actually makes you feel better and more supple.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Excellent tips. When I travelling I always take bands. Light and mobile.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Thanks for your comment, lots of good tips. At the end of the day a muscle doesn't know if a barbell or an elastic band is causing resistance, it's the intensity and load that wil make it grow. I'm going on a military deployment soon and need a way to workout in a cramped ship, resistance bands sound the way to go.

[–]tb87670 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

EDIT: I'm not trying to be a salesman. I spent enough money on bands to know what works best for me. Just sharing my experience so others don't have to buy mediocre bands they end up giving away or let slowly rot in a closet.

Bodylastics stopped selling their older lines on Amazon and now only sell their military themed "warrior edition" resistance band sets there. I find that interesting, seems like once they came out with the "warrior edition" everyone just stopped buying the plain ones. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Bodylastics-Strong-Man-Warrior-System/dp/B006O0GDMO/

EDIT 2: Those bands I linked above went out of stock, a new batch came in, and I made another order on July 5th and there were 17 left. Now it's out of stock a few days later and this time a notice saying they don't know when they will be in stock again. Here is link to Bodylastics own website where they still have them in stock for the same price: http://www.bodylastics.com/collections/tube-resistance-bands/products/bodylastics-warrior-resistance-bands-kit

Supposedly based on feedback by military and security personnel these new sets have natural 'camo-based colors' based on dark greens and various shades of brown/tan for the bands, the handles are black and OD green instead of blue and black, the carabiners and other metal hardware are coated black instead of being shiny raw stainless. Even comes in a camo bag. It seems to be mostly advertising but the colors do look much better to my eye than the older neon band color theme, the new bag is better than the old ones I have by a long shot and the new handles are textured whereas my old ones were a soft foam around an ABS cylinder.

You can save money and get the Black Mountain resistance bands, they are not as well made on the accessories and the bands don't have the good anti-snap Bodylastics copyrighted. Very few people have BM bands snap as long as you are sensible with them anyway and BM has much heavier 45-50lb bands available. After handling them both I'd say the Bodylastics is more for your money, the better handles, anchors, and the band barrier make it way better bang for your buck. If money is tight the BM bands will do in a pinch and are functional, I'd suggest anyone to spend $12 on a set of Bodylastics handles to use with your BM bands if you go that route.

For you working out on a ship you should be fine. Fits in a fairly small bag, not heavy, and you can get a good workout as long as you can get something like a ~5ftx5ft space near an anchor point. I've been in cramped conditions before. Actually can make it easier, lots of places to anchor the bands. The ankle straps I end up using as anchors occasionally, just wrap them around a solid leg of say a bunk bed or part of a metal storage rack. The larger Bodylastics set has a band barrier with it, those are $12 or so alone and that thing does it's job well. It allows you to wrap bands around rough stuff like timber posts or stand on them for curls and overhead presses without damaging the bands.

[–]Fuddit 5 points6 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Also, don't get married. You'll go bankrupt. Unless you marry some rich cunt.

[–]henryredbird 9 points10 points  (7 children) | Copy Link

Good advice.

You didn't really touch on this, but rent is probably the worst way to spend your money. Some people spend half their paycheck on rent, and that money is GONE. At least with a mortgage you're spending money on something to own it. Avoid spending money on rent, if you can help it.

I currently live debt-free by living in my truck.

I've been doing it for two months now (using the ideas from the vandwellers subreddit). It's worth considering:

  • No 'gaming battlestation' to tempt you to waste your time.
  • Only shower is the gym, so you get in the habit of going.
  • No rent. No mortgage. No HOA. No cable/electricity/sewer bills.

Downsides

  • No cooking. There are ways to adapt. Supermarkets are always selling half-price food; beef jerky is good, canned goods, etc.
  • Have to use public internet. Cafes are good.
  • Winter will probably be rough, even with the best of equipment.

I understand this lifestyle isn't for everyone, but I'm really enjoying it. And since this is a subreddit for discussing sexual strategy, I can confirm that a homeless dude can get laid.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

get an electric burner and plug it in to your inverter or some outisde wall socket somewhere. takes very little space.

[–]Scroph 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

If you haven't already, I recommend checking the blog of Ken Ilgunas for some pointers and tips on frugal living and vandwelling. His book "Walden on wheels" is interesting too.

[–][deleted]  (1 child) | Copy Link

[permanently deleted]

[–]henryredbird 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Supermarket parking lots. Most Walmarts allow overnight parking (unless it's in a major city with higher crime). 24-hour gyms. Other locations.

I've only been asked to leave once.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I live in shared accomodation on a military base which we aren't allowed to cook in. Me and my mates have a little propane grill we chuck in the back of his ute and cook a bbq every now and then. You could do this on days you go to gym to get some quality red meat into you post workout for the gainz. Just wipe it down with some paper towel after you're done and you're good to go.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

i know someone who is doing this living out of there car but honestly i'm somewhat afraid of getting to know them better because it seems sketchy as fuck to me to be living out of a car. especially since the dude makes well enough ($2000-$3200/month) to be renting a decent place. it sort of makes me think the guy is addicted to something like heroin or meth and can't get it together to save enough money and move in somewhere.

[–]I_Need_More_Space_ 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I rock the flip phone, Bro! LOL. $43/month. No social media, so the smart phone became obsolete.

I will add that you can mass grill your protein every week. One day a week, buy all kinds of meats from pork to chicken to steak to seafood. Grill it on the Bar-B. Store it in glass containers in the fridge. Boom. Healthy protein all week.

All the other stuff can be bought if free time is low during the weekday routine. Cheers.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Great post. I really enjoyed how no part of it was how to pick up women. Too many of these posts have that same previously mentioned end goal.

Your post has been saved and will be taken into account for a time to come.

[–]Expectations1 2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

One thing id like to add is HAVE A GOAL, living frugally can get demotivating. Its important to reward yourself APPROPRIATELY with the things that matter to you.

Also i am in Australia too, and to be honest the service is fucking dog shit at most places. Ive had better service at a fucking mcdonalds than a place that does $25 pizzas. Its quite demotivating to know that it takes atleast $40 or a hit and miss to get some decent service in Australia.

[–]ChadThundercockII 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

My goal for the next two years is to buy a 125cc bike and learn to ride properly then switch to a stronger bike. And save up some money to buy a small one for my nephew.

[–]MK_D 2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

HCLF plant based is dirt cheap.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Also, if you smoke cigs, fucking quit all ready.

Since I quit smoking cigs (pack a day habit) I've saved about $4,000. That's $4,000 I would have been stupidly investing toward increasing my risk of health complications in my future.

Smoking pot is a big money pit too. My weed habit is $40 a week. While it's not a ton, that's $40 I could invest toward savings if I chose not to smoke pot. Or I could use that money for going out to a nice restaurant, going out on dates, or generally just putting it toward a more productive purpose than smoking pot.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

usually everyone ends up spending money on some drug, be it marijuana, cocaine, cigarettes, alcohol, etc...so there are probably many things that all of us spend money on that we could have invested in savings. if you can make smoking pot productive or going out for a drink productive somehow then it's really not a waste of money and was invested well. now if you're just smoking pot all day at home by yourself and losing money because of it then there is a problem.

[–]Iappreci8thegr8r8m8 2 points3 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

This is a great post.

If I could add something to the clothing part: learn to sew with a sewing machine

The most important thing (and many times the most frustrating) about buying clothes is making sure they fit right. If your nice, well though out, expensive clothing doesn't fit, you still look like shit.

You can buy a 10 pack of hanes white tee's from Walmart and make them fit like $30+ designer tees. I am 6'4 so I need length of XL but I'm also in shape so I don't need the tent-like billows of XL. You can also buy tees from goodwill and make them look like the faux vintage style.

  1. Turn your shitty shirt inside out and flatten it against the floor. Fewest wrinkles as possible.
  2. You can measure but the easiest way I have found is take your favorite, best-fitting shirt and line it up on top of the shitty shirt. Match the shoulders, top of arms and neck area best as you can and make sure it's centered between left and right
  3. Use chalk or a pen to trace the outline of your good shirt onto your shitty one then remove the good shirt.
  4. Pin the shitty shirt using sewing pins placed perpendicular to the traced line one every inch.
  5. Sew forward-backward-forward for a half inch to be sure the threading cant pull out then continue along your drawn line removing pins along the way then end with the forward-backward-forward at the end.
  6. Then cut a half-inch outside of your sewed line to remove the excess fabric.
  7. Flip right-side-in and you are DONE!

Practice makes you better and faster so use your shittiest oldest shirt first to get the hang of it.

You will question why you didn't do this sooner as easy as it is. You can also hem pants, fix tears, and much more that saves you money and makes clothes look better.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 2 points3 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

This is great advice man but I'm having trouble understanding steps 4-6. Is there a guide online somewhere with pictures?

[–]TheReddHobbit 1 point2 points  (5 children) | Copy Link

Coconut cream you say, I will have to try it.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 2 points3 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

Mostly because I don't tolerate milk.

Look at the ingredients and buy whatever is just coconut and water, none of the added shit. I always buy the coconut cream because it costs the same as coconut milk but the only difference is the coconut to water ratio.

[–]TheReddHobbit 0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy Link

Does it give a coconut flavor?

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Are you kidding? :D
Of course it does

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I get mine 500 calories a can, perfect for bulking.

[–]redpilltoy 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

This is a pretty good write up. Thank you for the tips!

[–]nuesuh 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I spend 5-6 dollars a day on food.

[–]Yankee_Fever 1 point2 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

How is working 20 hours a week advantages to anyone? Where my hustlers at the grind hard every day

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

20 hours a week is only temporary. I'm looking for work right now. This post is how I do it.

[–]Senderious 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Thanks for this. In a few weeks I'm gonna live om my own for the first time in a student dorm, and I want to doen everything as cheap as possible

[–]RedOkra 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I pay $12.50 a month for unlimited minutes and texts with no data from Republic Wireless.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I agree with and practice just about all of this. I diverge on the car. I drive a high-end luxury car because I'm a car guy and it gives me a lot of pleasure. I could care less if chicks dig it or not (some notice - some don't). I'm also fortunate enough to invest and save. But nothing beats giving yourself a raise by spending less on shit you don't need.

I'd also add that I use a smartphone for all my internet needs. I have no wifi at home. I use the local coffee shops wifi when I need it. This has not only saved me about $75 month, it's increased my productivity when I'm at home. A good book beats Netflix any day.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Nice man, you've got it worked out.

[–]tropicalvibrations 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

This is useful, and relevant. Is there a sub with these kinds of "tip" and lifestyle ideas?

[–]ronsoness 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

this doesn't have much to do with TRP ideology, but i am frugal, so i approve reasonable frugal tips.

also, alcohol-wise, yes, i think it's too expensive to be drinking casually. my friend drinks a 6 pack everyday after work. that's probably $6-$8 everytime for shitty domestic and his tolerance becomes really high. let's not also mention health and time loss from hangovers and/or drunken stupor. 1-2 drinks socially is the way to go. i'd like to straightup not drink, but you then get the odd questions from people about why you don't drink.

also, i want to add that saving or being smart with expenses is 1 half of the equation. earning money is even more important.

[–]RedSyringe 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I knew you were Aussie as soon as I saw that title.

[–]thuglife9001 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

tl:dr eat oats and buy a slow cooker

[–]winningace 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Being frugal should be viewed as one component of your strategy toward amassing wealth. That saved money should not be stored in a bank. Instead, learn to invest with the saved money. Watch it closely.

[–]PawnToKing 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I'm very happy to read a post about functional spending. Frugality is a great way to allocate resources, because, of course, money is a resource.

Also, pro tip for the food section: buy a couple of dozen eggs and hard boil them by the dozen. Put a dozen eggs in a pot with cold water and bring to a boil without a lid. Immediately take off the heat, place lid on top, and let sit for 15 minutes. Take out and run under cold water and replace in the carton. Put the carton back in your fridge. Voila, you now have a go to snack that's quick, cheap, and protein rich. If you're under your protein for the day, eat only the egg white. It's basically pure protein.

One thing I do want to add, when. You make your weekly or monthly budget, it's okay to add money for leisure or fun. I set aside $75 a week for both my groceries and eating out/having fun. So of i go shopping and spend $30 bucks on food, I'll let myself spend the other $45 on maybe a new shirt, or a movie (I love movies).

The bottom line is to find a model that is SUSTAINABLE. Not as efficient as possible, but sustainable.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

So do you use the slow cooker to make a batch of meals, separate in to portions, freeze and then when it's time to eat each one you microwave defrost and cook some brown carbs?

I must sound retarded but I'm lost in the process

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

That's more or less it man but if I prep say 5-6 meals which is typical for a full batch in my slowcooker, I don't even freeze them. I have the rice etc already with it so I don't have to make it fresh but that would depend on your preference.

[–]Hippo_Kankles 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Love your take on nutrition. This definitely has re-inspired the format of my weekly meal prep, does anyone have any recommended sites for slow cooker recipes?

[–]Don_Keydick 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

food is definitely a money drainer if you're constantly eating out. I meal prep for the gym and spend like $50 a week, that's less than $10 a day, I also only drink water so that saves me a ton of money. I recently joined my mothers phone family plan and I only pay $10 a month. unfortunately I do drive like about an hour to and from work, but my car is very reliable, I've had it for about a year and a half and have not had it break down or nothing. Only spend around $30 on gas weekly. Attire is also a money drainer. I some times go to the thrift store and have a deep look around, then I'll go to mark down stores like ross or burlington, and occasionally buy a nice shirt or shoes at full price if I'm really digging it, but i'll for sure make sure that I will often wear it. I also save up a few hundred and go shopping on black friday and buy a new wardrobe at the 50% off stores. alcohol also drains your wallet, especially if you're at a festival or club

[–]RedditAdminsSuck_88 4 points5 points  (9 children) | Copy Link

I agree with all of this except body weight fitness.

I think a gym is something that should be a mandatory investment.

Body weight fitness doesn't get you far. You should be lifting heavy, getting muscular and the testosterone levels flowing.

Too many people on here think body weight is enough - it isn't.

[–]Kayyam 6 points7 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Too many people on here think body weight is enough - it isn't.

Maybe it would help if you gave a source instead of making affirmations. The bodyweight sub is full of athletic, fit and strong people.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Ideally Bodyweight with a barbell is the best.

[–]DannyDemotta 7 points8 points  (5 children) | Copy Link

So then how many handstand push-ups can you do? How many pull ups can you do while wearing a 50-pound backpack?

You can do plenty without a gym. The key is to keep challenging yourself with higher weights, more reps, less rest.

[–]augizzz999 0 points1 point  (4 children) | Copy Link

Pullups and handstand pushups are easy when you don't even train legs.

[–]DannyDemotta 0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy Link

You don't "need" to train legs with heavy weights. Sprints work, especially uphill. Step-ups, sumo deadlift, lunges - all kinds of leg exercises can be weighted with a backpack. You can also swim for resistance. The possibilities are endless.

I'm all for having a v-taper - which you can build just fine with bodyweight things. If you can work up to 10 handstand pushups, 10 pull-ups with a 50lb backpack, sets of 10-20-30 ab rollers/jackknife ab rollers, etc - while keeping your diet in check - you're going to look like a bad motherfucker.

But...legs? Having big bulky legs - and not being able to run a <11-second 100 yard dash - is highly overrated. Of all the things women look for, big hulking legs isn't one. Women aren't caressing your fucking quads while you're fucking them - they're rubbing your chest, arms and shoulders. The only people who care about legs are other dudes.

[–]augizzz999 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

[–]DannyDemotta 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Unaesthetic AF. Chicken legs. Does he even lift?

I mean, he probably does, but still. If you were bound and determined to never lift a weight - you could still build some powerful-looking (and -functioning) legs doing the exercises I outlined above. At a certain point in time it'd probably be less work to just go to the gym, but....still.

[–]ChadThundercockII 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

A gym isn't necessary. Buy used weight, a rack and a bench.

[–]MyTrapsCauterize 3 points4 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Since most of us here lift, your suggestions for food and not having a gym membership won't work for us. However, it would be easy enough to add a bunch of eggs and chicken and occasionally beef (on sale) to hit your macros on a budget. And if you have the space, you can put a pretty good weight set together using the classifieds/craigslist/etc for just a few hundred dollars.

[–]ChadThundercockII 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

You can always do what fitness models do with meal preps. It will still be cheaper than eating out and healthier. Actually, eating healthy is cheap as fuck.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Upvoted and saved. I'd buy you gold, but i plan on retiring one day.

I always have the latest smartphone that I don't have to pay for. I know I'm paying for it in the line rental, but I don't have a laptop and I only have the most basic tablet, so my phone is my office.

[–]aazav 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Or put yourself in the position to find an epic job and make a shitload of money, by doing the path that is the hard path.

This is less red pill and more stoic, but throw the switch in your brain called, "learn the hard stuff that people will pay a shitload for" or "learn how to do that job that nobody wants to do but that people have to pay a shitload for," and put yourself in a situation of income abundance just like we aim to put ourselves in a position of plate abundance.

We don't all come with that switch. Sometimes, you have to build it, before you can throw it.

[–]jerkMEthenMERKme 0 points1 point  (6 children) | Copy Link

Could you go a little in more in depth with the car expenses and how to keep it cheap? What other cars are a good option? What insurance company?

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 1 point2 points  (4 children) | Copy Link

That would require an entire post itself. I don't actually know that much which is why that part was brief.

I paid $2,850 about a year ago for my 1999 mazda 626 wagon. It's at about 190,000kms. I've had no significant expenses for it so far. I pay for 3rd party car insurance and it's under $200 for the year.

I'd recommend buying something Japanese or that is generally known to be reliable. Always check the water and oil levels. Service it by changing the water/oil/filters every 5k-10k kilometres. Drive it til it drives no more.

[–][deleted]  (2 children) | Copy Link

[permanently deleted]

[–]Kayyam 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

How do they handle harsh winters ?

[–]GMan509 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Drive it til it almost drives no more, then sell it for a similar price you bought it for *

[–]putin_vor 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

You missed the #1 expense for most people: rent / mortgage.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

True. It could do with an entire post of it's own though.

[–]psyflux 0 points1 point  (3 children) | Copy Link

On that french press, I suggest doing some research on cold brew coffee. I got hooked back in February and never looked back. Mixes well with chocolate protein powder.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

I used to do it. Pretty cheap setup too, just fill up a jar with ground beans and water then let it sit for about 24 hours right?

That's what I used to do anyway. The problem I found was that it didn't really stretch the use of the beans. I found that I would go through 250g of coffee in one week where it would last me more like 3 if I was brewing it fresh.

[–]BoTuLoX2 points [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link

[–]psyflux 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I'll give it a shot this weekend, thanks!

[–]rumovoice 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Invest in a dishwasher. You can find a small and relatively cheap one on craiglist and it will save you a lot of time (and time is money).

[–]Scroph 0 points1 point  (6 children) | Copy Link

Sandwich. You can throw this shit together in minutes. -Bread. -Deli meat. -Mixed lettuce bag. -Sauce/Pickle/Mustard.

I heard that Deli meat is unhealthy due to the amount of sodium it contains. Apparently it's OK to eat some of it once a week or so, but eating it daily can be bad for the heart.

[–]BoTuLoX 3 points3 points [recovered] | Copy Link

Sodium isn't bad for your health unless you already have BP issues, since the effect it does have is a consequence-free, temporary blood pressure increase.

Medical books are only recently catching up with this and the WHO was paid out to release a statement demonizing meat earlier this year so that's why you have probably heard otherwise.

[–]Scroph 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Is that so ? I stand corrected then.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I don't know if it's the age, the way it's handled or preserved, but I have eaten tons of raw meat and accidentally had moldy meat a few times, yet the only times I have ever got sick from it was deli stuff.

And it's usually expensive.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

Quality Salt isn't bad, The Quality of the meat in a deli is. You are eating a sick animal.

[–]Scroph 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

You are eating a sick animal.

Didn't know that. I stopped eating it altogether after doing some googling and realizing that its cons outweigh its pros by far.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Just support a local farmer. It's usually not that much more expensive not to mention way healthier. Or take up hunting.

[–]Scorpiobaby77 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

If you are only working 20 hours a week and making it, you sure as hell aren't living in the US.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I'm not 'making it'. I'm looking for work and this is how I'm working part-time and surviving in the mean time.

[–]Aids_by_Google 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

OP do you have some sort of investment plan to retire younger than 60+? Why not work 40 hours a week in line with the frugality, save more & retire younger.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I don't have a plan for retirement but I will be working more as soon as I find a job.

[–]ChickenBalotelli 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

"if your smoothie tastes good you're doing it wrong."

nah.

-spinach, 2 bananas, milk, nuts, ice. Boom. tastes great

-additional chia seeds, coconut oil, maca, whatever your heart desires

[–]kagetsuki23 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

you only have one life, better enjoy it will you can by doing whatever you want instead of restraining yourself. one days you will die and be unable to experiment anything.

[–]Rommel0502 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Cheap effects everyone around you. (Eg - shorting a bill split by the table.) Frugal only effects you. (Eg - not going out to eat in the first place.)

Be cheap, and your reputation will be soon trashed and no one will want to be around you or do business with you. Be frugal, and no one will hold it against you and everyone will want to do business with you.

[–]cashmoney_x 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I live the same way but once a year I do something "big-" this year was a swimming pool. Next year I might let myself get a snowmobile or ATV. The year after I am going to upgrade my drums. And so it goes.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (6 children) | Copy Link

I'd recommend soylent, I consume 2K calories of it a day and I also consume about 1.5K of other calories because gym.

I can safely say that it saves me about 1-2 hours a day in meal prep, driving, etc.

Since time is money, it's also important to focus on saving time.

[–]illusiveab 1 point2 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

Aren't you wary of the increased estrogen profile that comes with excess soy consumption?

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Gotta do something to offset all this testosterone /s

I haven't but I will definitely look into it!

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Ew, enjoy the excess estrogen and man tits in 10 years.

[–]TRP_Lee_zard 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

how long ago did you start? I've read about this like 3-4 years ago I think, but found many mixed reviews online.

[–]Genetically_Awesome 0 points1 point  (3 children) | Copy Link

work 20 hours per week

Ok, so how much money are you putting away into investments? 401k? IRA?

20 hours is nothing. You are 24, not 18, and should get planning for the future. I am frugal as fuck and am turning 30 in 4 days. Guess what? I own my own home, rent out the rooms, and could leave to Thailand for a month.

How? I busted my ass from 22-29, working 60+ hours a week, while staying frugal.

I hope people take your advice on being Frugal, but god help them take your advice on working 20 hours a week.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

I'm not telling anyone to work 20 hours per week. I'm stating that I do. If you read the whole post you'd know why I'm working 20 hours and that I'm actively looking for work right now.

[–]Genetically_Awesome 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Whoops my bad, I honestly stopped reading at Alchohol since I don't really ever drink. Best of luck on finding work bro.

[–]GreenTeaOnMyDesk 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Life as a cheapskate sucks. Enjoy it before you're too old to.

[–]ChadThundercockII 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

consult the many style guides that exist on the net and selectively purchase what is necessary to build the new wardrobe.

My personal preference is black pants. They go with EVERYTHING. This last month I have been rotation one pair of pants with a few t-shirts and shirts. this week I go out with a t-shirt and a matching shirt with the sleeves up to show off my arms.

Also, always get t-shirts with sleeves that sit right at the end of your biceps.

[–]RavelsBolero -2 points-1 points  (9 children) | Copy Link

I'm quite suspicious of the slow cooker advice. Chicken will go hard in the fridge/freezer once cooked, and you certainly don't ever refrigerate rice or pasta unless you like eating it when it's rock solid and disgusting.

I don't honestly see a way of getting around having to do a lot of cooking if you want to enjoy your food.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 8 points9 points  (6 children) | Copy Link

I enjoy the fuck out of my reheated meals.

[–]RavelsBolero -1 points0 points  (5 children) | Copy Link

But how do you get around having hard rice/pasta?

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 4 points5 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

It's never hard man. On occasion some of it will dry out in the microwave. Just add a little tap water before microwaving (with a loosely placed lid) and you steam it back to life.

[–]RavelsBolero 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

I might give it a go, fortunately a housemate of mine has a large slow cooker. Never used one before to it'll be interesting to see how it turns out

[–]DannyDemotta 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

You don't reheat at 100% in microwave, or on medium high/high in a skillet. That's how you cook things - not reheat them. Do 50-60% in microwave for a few minutes, or reheat on medium or medium-low. Your rice will be as good as fresh, even a week later.

No need to add water unless you INSIST on not learning how to use your microwave properly.

[–]tuzki 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

You can actually make rice in the microwave... water + rice + medium power + 20ish minutes = fluffy rice.

[–]warracer 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

for rice , add water before re-heating it, for pasta do the same and/or add some milk if the sauce is cream based. A table spoon for one portion should be enough.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I use a rice cooker in my shop, I just put it in the fridge with the lid on, and microwave what I want later. Never hard yet.

[–]Hunter2isit -1 points0 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I am big into wine, will probably take the sommelier exam in a few years because I enjoy a challenge. That said, wine clubs, the bottles are good, very good, but you are spending at least $40 a bottle ever 3 months.

One bottle is 750 ml = 5 glasses of wine (standard alcohol equivalency)

So 3 bottles of wine is ~ one bottle of scotch. Dollar for dollar those three bottles is a $100 bottle of scotch.

A bottle of 18 year old single malt goes alot farther than a few bottles of wine.

Coffee:

Buy the good beans from your local shop. I pay $18 a pound for the gourmet shit that I only need 2 cups per day of. Instead of spending $250 a month (just me) on store bought coffee, I spend $40, fresh ground french pressed coffee per month between 2 people.

I have cheap Costco coffee ($9 for 2 or 3 pounds) for any coffee in between. I don't like it, upsets my stomach. If yours is fine, buy the costco stuff

[–]thebadmanpuntdbaxter 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

or stop having coffee as a vice

[–]Pathfinder24 -1 points0 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Redpillers are above that. We purchase that which is necessary and see through consumerist dogma.

What the fuck does any of this have to do with men's sexual strategy? Furthermore, speak for yourself.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Why so mad bro? You see how there is a flair that says 'Finance'.

[–]Penguin327 -1 points0 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

What's with all the unnecessary swearing?

[–]phate0451 -2 points-1 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

Seems like you got the female problem taken care of. None to worry about.

[–]Donald_Fuck[S] 9 points10 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Yeah at this stage the most I'm willing to drop is a few dollars on a coffee date.

[–]1Jax77789 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Totally right. If you are Alpha enough women pay to get you. In over 3 months with my plate all I had to pay was about 10 Euros and that was for myself because I wanted to eat out. Usually she brings stuff to eat at my place and cooks for me with the food her BB bought.

You can kill a man, but you can't kill an idea.

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