Being frugal is very important as far as I am concerned. What I want to know is, just how far will you go to save money?

Will you risk losing friends, self respect or even serve time in jail?

Here are 10 ways that you can be unethically frugal.

Please note: This post is written as a tongue in cheek bit of light relief. I don’t condone ANY of these methods of being frugal…. well apart from stealing beer off your mates!

1. Steal Candy From a Baby

Babies cry and moan anyway… If you happen to pass one munching on some yummy Malteasers or a Mars bar and Mummy is reaching for that top shelf… just grab the chocolate and casually walk on by. If you want to be really cocky you could hide the chocolate and start a conversation with the mother!

2. Go large and get the Extra Extra Value Meal

If you are grabbing a quick bite to eat or just passing by.. make sure that you take at least a few more handfuls of sauce and milk sachets from the fast food joint. You can never have enough Tomato sauce and salt packages! This also works in Gas Stations.

3. Try before you buy and try, try again

If you see the sample ladies hanging around, make sure you make more than one visit. A quick round of all the workers should get you at least 4 freebies. If it’s busy do another round and stock up.

4. I’ll think about it

So you want a new pair of jeans, or a brand new stereo? Visit your local store and take as much time with the sales person as possible. Try on all the sizes, test all the features… whatever you can get. Make them think you are going to buy. When it comes to the final point unleash the lie! ” I’ll think about it and be back later”. Then go home, do a little bit of research and purchase the same item from a cut price on-line retailer.

5. Can I Make a Quick Call?

Make excuses to pop by a friends house if you have a few calls to make. You may be able to get most of your calls done for free. Just ask nicely if you can make a quick call. Use this time to make a few calls.

6. Get More Power at Work

Most people have a few plug sockets or an extension cord under their desk at work. This is a very handy thing… Sneak all your electronics to work (Laptop, Ipod, Mobile Phone) and plug them in to charge at work… They will never notice the difference in their electricity bill…. And besides, I am sure you feel a little undervalued!!

7. I’m sorry, it didn’t fit and rides right up my crotch!

So it’s the 4th party in a row that you have worn that sexy little black number or the shirt with the comical collar and people are starting to talk! Go down to your local outfitters buy a nice new shirt and then return after the party or event…. you will have to find an excuse for that red wine stain though!

8. Sorry Mum, Something Has Popped up at Work!

Need a baby sitter while you get away for that dirty weekend? Save yourself a few pennies and send the kids to the parents… Say it will only be a night and you have been called in. Maybe feign that your partner is already out of town on a conference or visiting a friend.

9. Oh darn it, I forgot my wallet

Meeting some pals for a quick drink? Pretend you forgot your wallet…. and say you will pay them back. You have better chance of this working if you turn up when they are already drunk! A unethical frugality expert could get a whole night of drinks for free this way!

10. Doing a runner!

This is a classic in England, my home country. One of the most unethical of all, exhilarating, yet illegal ways to save money. The idea is that you and a group of friends go out for a big meal… often at an Indian restaurant. You enjoy, take your time and when bill time comes… Wait until the waiter isn’t looking and all run out of the door. The waiter’s and maybe a knife wielding chef are likely to come running after you so be quick on your feet. Sometimes a member of the party will get caught, penalty is that they pay the bill and apologize as much as possible.

Please do let me know if you have any more to add :)…. and get some free stuff too! Just sign up to Quality Health.

Take care.

Forest.

Original content: FrugalZeitgeist.com

Tags: comedic ways to save, funny ways to save cash, save momney unethically, unethical ways to save money, ways to be frugal

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 at 11:49 pm and is filed under General Articles, Saving Money & Finances. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.