Growing up, our parents consistently advised us on how to be frugal. That advice may have included which things to buy, how to make your money go further, or even how to maintain your items for longevity. However, some of this advice may no longer save you money, no matter how well-meaning. According to an online forum, these pieces of frugal advice are outdated and should be discarded.

Resisting Taking Out Credit Cards

“Don’t use credit cards; use cash for everything.” As one user pointed out, this is an effective way not to build a credit score, which you may need in the future. In addition, if used responsibly, credit cards can quickly be paid off monthly when you spend money within your budget’s constraints.

Investing in DIY Home Projects

Although you may have a garage or workshop full of equipment, many DIY solutions won’t save you money because you need more tools or supplies than you have on hand. The tools and supplies can quickly add up, making the project more costly and time-consuming than just buying the item you wanted.

Saving Money by Going to the Grocery Store Instead of Delivery Services

Some people think that avoiding delivery services will save them money. Although there may be a surcharge for some delivery services, such as grocery shopping, the fee is often worth it. Most people find that they make fewer impulse charges, saving them money in the long run.

Doing Your Dishes by Hand

If you were lucky enough to grow up with a dishwasher, your parents might have told you that it’s wasteful to use it. I know my parents used our dishwasher to store things, and we never used it unless we had guests. In most cases, doing dishes by hand uses more water and wastes more time, too!

Avoiding Paying for Moving Boxes

Although paying for moving boxes may seem annoying, buying a few sturdy ones is a much more efficient use of your time. When you must search for used containers for free, they may not be sturdy, they may have to be broken down and put together again, and it will take longer to collect them from various places. They also won’t stack as neatly.

Buying the Cheapest Option To Be Frugal

Sometimes, the cheapest option is not the best solution and won’t save you in the long run. The more affordable option may not be sustainable and may break down faster. That means you’ll need to replace your belongings more often, costing you more money.

Taking Advantage of Black Friday and Holiday Sales

There’s a common misconception that you’re getting a great deal during big sales. Usually, these businesses plan on marking down items anyway and making people think they’re saving big. Instead, research if you’re planning on buying a big-ticket item.

Buying in Bulk for a Small Family

Costco can be a great way to save money, especially if you have a large family. However, if your kids have moved out or you’re living alone, buying in bulk can be wasteful in several ways. Consider how much space you have for storage and what items you can use before they go bad.

Driving Further for Savings on Gas

Certain gas stations offer small savings if you use their discount card or buy gas on a specific day. The cost savings are a no-brainer if you live near or drive by these gas stations. Unfortunately, if you must go out of your way to save a few cents, you’re likely not saving much.

Holding Onto Items for as Long as Possible

 

The old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” exists for a reason. However, this rule doesn’t apply to all situations. For example, an old refrigerator may be working, but it’s also using more energy than a newer, energy-efficient model would. Sometimes, upgrading or replacing is worth the money.

Always Cooking at Home

Before the hike in grocery prices, only eating out on special occasions made sense. Depending on the size of your family, cooking may still be a cost-effective option. Still, eating out these days (assuming you’re not going to a fancy steak restaurant each time) costs about the same as cooking a meal at home sometimes.

Saving Money but Wasting Time

You may be able to get certain things done on your own rather than paying someone else to do it. But you should also consider how much time you’ll spend doing the activity and what you could use instead.

Seat Snatchers on the Rise! The Alarming New Trend of Brazen Traveler’s ‘Kidnapping’ Seats

The dynamics of public travel are evolving, and not always for the better. A recent troubling trend, “seat kidnapping,” is making waves in the travel community. This audacious act sees travelers brazenly occupy seats not assigned to them. Through the eyes of travel writer Benet Wilson, let’s examine the shocking account of a seat kidnapping event and its subsequent implications. Seat Snatchers on the Rise! The Alarming New Trend of Brazen Traveler’s ‘Kidnapping’ Seats

Generation Gap on Wheels: 18 Classic Cars Boomers Love but Leave Millennials Scratching Their Heads

There’s often a generational divide in appreciation for classic cars. Many baby boomers have a nostalgic fondness for certain vehicles that younger generations, particularly millennials, find hard to comprehend. These are the motorized time capsules, the rides that elicit sighs of nostalgia and stories from the past. These vehicles have stood the test of time, from muscle cars to luxury cruisers. Yet, their charm and historical significance often baffle millennials. Let’s explore 18 of these revered vehicles. Generation Gap on Wheels: 18 Classic Cars Boomers Love but Leave Millennials Scratching Their Heads

Be Assertive Without Swearing: 17 Profanity-Free Words That Command Attention

In occasional emotional outbursts, we all stumble upon moments of colorful expletives – a release, if you will. However, the public sphere and the sanctum of our homes demand a more refined approach to language. It’s a universally prudent choice to sidestep the utilization of such explicit expressions. But then comes the intriguing conundrum: how can one replicate that raw emotional intensity without resorting to the familiar arsenal of expletives? Fear not, for we’ve compiled a selection of compelling alternatives that might do the trick for you. Be Assertive Without Swearing: 17 Profanity-Free Words That Command Attention

18 Myths You Thought Were True, But Science Says You’re An Idiot

Misconceptions and myths abound in our world, often taking root in our collective consciousness despite being contrary to scientific evidence. Many beliefs persist simply because they’ve been passed down through generations, unchallenged, and accepted as fact. The reality, however, is quite different. Here, we debunk 18 popular myths that, despite their widespread acceptance, are flatly contradicted by scientific knowledge. 18 Myths You Thought Were True, But Science Says You’re An Idiot

The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Despite their attractive salaries, there are specific high-paying jobs that need help to attract candidates due to various reasons. These unique professions offer financial rewards but often require more individuals to undertake the associated challenges. Let’s explore 14 such occupations that require specialized skills or involve demanding conditions but come with significant monetary compensation.

The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue