EXTREME Cheapskates

Have any of you been watching the new series on TLC entitled “Extreme Cheapskates”? When they say extreme, they really do mean extreme! I’ve watched a few episodes recently to try to figure out if what they are doing is worth it. After watching several episodes about (mostly) middle class folks with a love for punishing themselves, I’ve decided that being this extreme is really just plain idiotic.

Example 1:

A recent episode showed a millionaire (?!?!) who peed into a jar to dump outside in order to save water. She showered at the local YMCA and therefore has never used her own shower. She dumpster dives for food to feed herself and her family. She also picks up random leaves and roots out in the woods to feed her family when they come over for dinner. This is includes a cake from a dumpster that she swears is the best thing ever.

Of course, to bring about tension, the reality team folks show her boyfriend moving in with her and, of course, he brings all of his electronic devices with him. He likes to take hot, long showers, but this pisses the millionaire off, so she shuts the water off on him mid-shower. 

Example 2:

A large family goes hunting for road-kill and even has a song they sing when they go looking for it. The father is a butcher, so he says he can find the best road-kill around for his family and his wife makes “crafts” out of the fur that comes with the road-kill: little purses she says folks “love.” The mother takes her daughter “shopping” for new clothes at the thrift store but refuses to buy a $2 shirt. 

Do YOU think these folks are a little extreme? These are just a couple of examples, but there are many more. How are ways you save money that people might think are “extreme”?