hardcore frugality

**ab27** · 12-29-2007, 12:42 PM

Many of the following are going to seem strange to those raised in our modern society. The fact that many of you are here shows that you are willing to go against the majority of society and use common sense. I haven't seen anyone else i frugal forums mention how I live, and explain why. There are many good ideas in this forum, and I look forward to learning much more.

The idea that people need a shower every day is a fallacy. I shower once a week, and attend college, where I am surrounded daily by many people, and I have had no comments. Not to mention the main ingredient in most shampoos is harsh on your scalp and can cause hair loss. I use no furniture, save an old beat up computer desk I got for free from a friend years ago. I have slept on the floor for a long time, and have yet to experience problems. I have not bought an item of clothing in years, so I do not need to worry about a clothing budget. I grow a huge beard to save money on razors, as well as the time needed to shave, remember, your most important possession is time. If you are looking for something cheap, fun, and will last many hours, play Everquest 2 online. It's $15 a month, and the whole family can play it. I have many friends who play with their wives, kids, ect. I hope these tips, especially the hygiene ones, will make you question the brainwashing we all have received from society.

**bumplett** · 12-29-2007, 12:53 PM

thanks

great advice, but I've got to mention that there are numerous online games that are FREE - I can't phathom paying $15/month to PLAY a game!

but hey, that's just me.

**Darlene** · 12-29-2007, 12:54 PM

Sounds like you found your happy spot. A regular Grizzly Adams, Enjoy!

**Tamerama** · 12-29-2007, 01:00 PM

hmmm..shower once a week? I hope you are at least washing up your stinky parts..LOL

**fuzzybunny** · 12-29-2007, 01:04 PM

I do not shower every day either. I work in an office and sit at a desk all day so I tend to follow the every other day shower pattern. I try to walk home on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, which is about 3 to 4 miles and so these are my shower days. Weekends vary and it depends on the amount of physical activity I do. If I exercise more often then I shower more often. I wash my hair twice a week as it is very long frequent washings seem to try it out.

I once visited a convent where they only took showers once a week as part of their vow of poverty. Water and sewer are expensive for just one family and even more so for a community of 14+ women living together. Exceptions could be made, for instance the sister who's turn it was to do yard work etc was allowed to shower early and often, but on the whole once a week was the rule.

They were blackbelt tightwads. They washed and reused every single plastic bag or container until it fell apart and the majority of the food they ate was left over produce, bread etc that local grocery stores were going to throw away. Every single scrap of paper, end of yarn or anything that could possibly be used again was saved and reused. They had a compost pile and created next to no garbage despit the size of their community. It was very impressive.

Christine

**Sara Noel** · 12-29-2007, 01:05 PM

I suppose we all make choices with tradeoffs, but I'll continue showering and shaving and give up monthly game subscriptions.

**Mom23boys** · 12-29-2007, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by Sara Noel

I suppose we all make choices with tradeoffs, but I'll continue showering and shaving and give up monthly game subscriptions.

I will take shower and shaving too and give up the game subscriptions, especially when there are many games online that are free. There is an arcade here that I visit quite often for free. Just look under QUICK LINKS.

**ab27** · 12-29-2007, 01:55 PM

There are plenty of free online games, but they don't have the graphics quality, in depth, and fun of this game. I have tried many free games, trust me, and none of them were nearly as fun.

**kaykwilts** · 12-29-2007, 01:55 PM

I'm hardcore but not as much as you. I do buy a few clothes they come from the thrift store most of the time. I don't bathe daily but do take about three baths a week. The water is terrible about drying out the skin. We drive older cars. Our cars are about seven years old. I do sleep on a bed. I won't go that far in frugality. No way!

I am more of a frugalist than my DH. I have had to fish perfectly good ziplock freezer bags out of the trash that still had some good life in them.

**kaykwilts** · 12-29-2007, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Tamerama

hmmm..shower once a week? I hope you are at least washing up your stinky parts..LOL

That is funny.

**ab27** · 12-29-2007, 01:59 PM

I forgot to mention that $15 for around 200 hours of gameplay a month is a great deal

**Neeley** · 12-29-2007, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by Sara Noel

I suppose we all make choices with tradeoffs, but I'll continue showering and shaving and give up monthly game subscriptions.

I agree with you, Sara.

Everyone in this house takes at least one bath daily, brushes their teeth at least twice daily and hair gets washed at least every other day - if not everyday.

I am not cuddling up to DH if he has not had a bath and I would not expect him to want to get near me if I had not had a bath and shaved that day.

**Sara Noel** · 12-29-2007, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by ab27

I forgot to mention that $15 for around 200 hours of gameplay a month is a great deal

A full time job at 200 hours a month is a great deal too.

**ab27** · 12-29-2007, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Sara Noel

A full time job at 200 hours a month is a great deal too.

Well, I'm in college, so I don't play as much during school. Also I'm majoring in chemistry, possibly with a second major in physics, so getting a job during the semester would be a bad idea. I can enjoy my money after I graduate and find a job, though I will still be frugal.

**KJayEsq** · 12-29-2007, 02:12 PM

I am currently training for an Ironman triathlon and I moonlight as a karate teacher in the evenings, so I work out sometimes 2-3 times per day and I shower after every workout. Otherwise, I'd just feel bad for the people that have to be around me!

But it sounds like you have a good groove going in life and I admire anybody who is willing to step outside of society's expectations in order to live a better life for him/herself.