How? By being thrifty, or as I call it: cheap!

There’s nothing wrong with being cheap, I grew up with it. My mom was the queen of making food stocks last forever. So let’s meet Joe Mihalic, who paid off his college debt in seven months.

Joe decided he was going to knock off $90,000 in college debt, so he started selling his stuff, walking everywhere, and taking a flask into bars so he could drink more economically (this may get you kicked out of places, to warn you ahead of time). He documented his spending habits on his web site, nomoreharvardebt.com.

To be fair, he was in a pretty advantageous position to get where he needed to go, but there are still lessons on cutting spending here if you’re willing to make some self-sacrifice.

Joe is not without his critics, like this self proclaimed “coconut girl”, who says it’s far from inspiring.

Nevertheless, Joe’s story inspired us to ask you to share your stories of cost cutting and the people in your lives who save in unusual ways.

AND HERE THEY ARE…

My husband is so cheap he made a website that is dedicated to helping people get free food. Its GiveMeFreeFood.com

Went on a first date with a cheapo. After a hours of talking and hiking (free).Asked me if I was hungry. I said I was starving. Ask me if I could buy the sodas and he would buy the food. He came back with ONE SLICE of pizza for both of us to share.??? 1st and last date!!!

I was really cheap and have paid off my car by getting mono and not being able to go out ever… Hasn’t been too great for my social life

My former sister in law was so cheap she would buy the big 10 pack of tube socks at Walmart break it open and we each got 2 pairs for Christmas

I work in the restaurant field. You would be surprised how many people will clear the table of condements. Sugar salt pepper ketchup. Everything.

My mom thinks she can wear her clothes from when she was younger and shes 46 now.

My dad would save fast food cups and keep them in his car. He would re use them at each of the fast food places instead of buying a new drink. He had taco bell, mc’d, burger king etc.One time he used a cup too much the bottom broke and soda fell through.

So cheap! Cloth diaper, hang out laundry, shop in bulk and repackage to make manageable

Technically the flask is not stealing…assuming hes paying for the mixer…the booze stays in the bottle and can still be sold so bar still gets full value for the bottle.

My boyfriend is the definition of cheap! He parked several blocks away in a shady area (thirty minute walk) the morning my mom had surgery so he didn’t have to pay $7.00 to park!

My fiance is super cheap. I dont think he has ever purchased soap or shampoo because he raids housekeeping carts at hotels! So embarrassing!

A friend takes tea bags to restaurants. She asks for hot water-free- and then makes her own tea.

If I go out to eat I order a HUGE entree but only eat like a quarter of it. If I play my cards right I then have enough for three more meals.
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I’m the cheapest person I know! I coupon, budget, and majorly shop around. We grow our own veggies, can them. Hunt and freeze it.

I used to own a chevy 2500 sold it for a car saved 60on the mthly then 200 a mth on gas. Im notoriously called cheap Family see me buying something they comment sqeak sqeak cause my wallet is so tight. Mthly bills used to be 2400. 6 mths later 1700 . Being a tightwad pays off…

My brother keeps his electric bill under 100 dollars pretty much lives in the dark