Which thrifty thing do you do that you're surprised that no one else does?

[Sizeofalentil]

Basically, that

I'm always surprised when people don't bulk buy things (toilet paper, store cupboard staples etc) or only buy name brands. How much tastier can a posh tinned tomato really be?

Dh is mortified when I reuse bath water to water the plants or make my own cleaning cloths from old pants. But he does love a charity shop bargain (most of his coats are from there).

What are your favourite thrifty tips or what thrifty things are you surprised that other people don't do?

I understand a business class flight might be lovely, but you're still paying hundreds or potentially thousands for a still relatively cramped experience lasting a few hours. I'd rather have a second holiday.

We put every single penny of spending onto a credit card and so fly first with a 2 for 1 voucher and avoid for about the same as peak economy.

I do buy about 24 tins of tomatoes at a time but from Aldi as their tomatoes 39p have a 65% tomato content which matches the high end of costly brands. Cheap ones usually only 60% content. When toilet rolls, cleaning materials reduced do buy these but not bulk buying as in Costco. Store them in a child's wardrobe in the garage.

I can't understand why anyone would fly any other class than economy

As the saying goes- once you turn left you never turn right again.

Broadband pay for years line rental up front get a month free. People who could really benefit from the years line rental might not have access to that kind of money to begin with. Buy cheap buy twice ect. Not always optional to bulk buy or pick things up on sale odd times of year ect when your down on your luck.

My friend in the states is on quite a basic plan and it costs him nearly £100 a month!

Unlimited text, call and data is $50 a month on T mobile- pay per month.

Asta19

My big one is turning the shower off when lathering up. Nobody else I've encountered seems to do this. And everyone else seems to have really deep baths. Mine are enough to lie back in but then don't cover me.

Drinking tap water, too. Most people here only drink bottled water.

Using the same phone for years on end, never replacing just because I fancy it or upgrading (mine is nearly 5y old).

I put hot water from the kettle into empty Marmite jars, swirl it and use the liquid in soup.

Dd wears some of her brothers' hand-me-downs.

There are some really good ideas on this thread though I must admit I don’t understand the people saying they save money by collecting or putting aside copper coins and then using them for a particular purchase? I just keep all my money in my purse and use coppers towards any small purchase eg chocolate bar or a coffee. I wouldn’t get any more value from them by putting them aside and then using them at a later date!

With toiletries and beauty products, I use what I’ve got before I buy anything else. It sounds really basic, but it’s easy to end up with loads of shampoos or cleansers or foundations or whatever from shopping for yourself, presents, samples etc. I just make sure that I use whatever I’ve got in that category before I buy a replacement. It keeps clutter down too.

Second hand furniture. Two three seater leather sofas and an armchair for about £250. All excellent quality with hardly any evidence of wear (until we got them!).

Antique old furniture can be real bargains for excellent quality oak furniture.

As the saying goes- once you turn left you never turn right again

This is so true! I got my love of business class because of a ridiculously cheap deal that Qatar air did once. I got a business class flight for only £200 more than economy ( a no brainier on a 12 hour flight). After that, I was a convert. I never bother with shorter flights but for 12 hours it’s totally worth it to me. It usually costs me around 1k return above economy (KLM seem the cheapest for this). And I would rather scrimp on some other things throughout the year and enjoy the flight. It’s not just about being cramped or not being be able to sleep. A 12 hour flight in economy leaves me in actual pain. It takes 3 or 4 days to get over it and ruins the last few days of my trip because I’m dreading the flight home. I’d never fly economy long haul again, I’d rather just not go.

Does anyone look down on Aldi anymore? Yes they do if a recent lunchtime conversation at work is anything to go by. one person said she does;t because she can afford not to. one said everything at Aldi tastes processed! Not sure how that is as I mainly don't buy processed food, only fresh raw ingredients plus odd tinned and frozen veg.. Oh well, their loss is my gain.

I once got upgraded to British Airways Club Class and we swore we would only fly that way after. That is, until we checked out the price!!!

I usually travel first class on the train, which I suppose is similar-ish to the air thing - where we are it can often only cost 20 or 30 euro more than second, and it's a lot less cramped and often quieter, which means I get more work done. Travelling second would be a false economy.

I boil the precise amount of water for 2 mugs of tea/coffee. Hub just fills the kettle.

I moved from a very hard water area to one less hard. I adjusted the amount of laundry liquid needed.

Please can anyone recommend a reusable sandwich wrap/bag that doesn't cost £££££?

I never buy branded food. As that TV program always proves, people have no idea what they are eating when it is taken out of the packaging.

My DC's cot was from a baby furniture shop but it had one screw missing so they reduced it from £120 to £20. It served both DDs until they were 3 with a bit of DIY. my friend thought we were risking our child's safety and spent £500 on a Mamas and Papas cot!

@redspider1 I use the Zuperzocial reusable paper lunch bags. Really easy, just stuff a sandwich in them, and they free stand. They also wash and dry really easily in the sink.

Thanks Sacha I will google.

I get tops off bottles, or cut the bottom off tubes of skincare and makeup. I’ve just explained to my teen DD that she’ll get about 3/4 more applications out of her seemingly empty foundation.

@redspider1 when we've finished a loaf of bread, I just shake the crumbs out of the plastic bag it came in and put it away. Same with any other food bag that's had a dry food thing in it. I've got a big stock of these bags I can reuse without having ever to buy wraps or bags, etc.

Of course, I try not to buy food with too much packaging anyway, but a sliced load comes in a bag, so may as well reuse the bag. (Except Warburtons Toastie, which comes in wax paper which can be reused to wrap sandwiches.)

Good idea Archery

Sistema sandwich box. Sistema sandwich box and a tub that’s good for wraps
Tk maxx always have sistema offers

I use those tubs as I normally tale some type of salad to work but one DD says her bag is too full for a box hence a bag would be better. Teens eh?