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Welcome to the ultimate guide for people who hear "call a professional" and think "YouTube tutorial instead." We've gathered 23 money-saving switches that turn expensive problems into DIY victories. Because while everyone else is dropping serious cash on simple fixes, you're out here learning that most clogs surrender to a simple drain snake faster than they do to expensive plumber visits. This isn't about being cheap – it's about being smart enough to know when the expensive option is actually just the lazy option in disguise.

The real flex isn't showing off your latest splurge – it's casually mentioning how you haven't bought paper towels since 2022 because your reusable alternatives work better anyway. These aren't just random money-saving tips; they're lifestyle upgrades that have your bank account sending thank-you notes. From transforming kitchen scraps into garden gold instead of trash, to mastering basic repairs that make handymen ghost you, each swap proves that sometimes the best solution isn't the one with the highest price tag. Consider this your playbook for turning "I can't afford that" into "I don't need to afford that because I found a better way."

Vacuum hose in dryer collecting lint, showcasing a money-saving tip from the cheapskate playbook.

Review: "I can never fit my hand into my lint catcher to clean it. This is a great invention! Now I do not worry about my link cleaner getting too full." - Toni

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Daman dan
Community Member
8 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where a I live, high schools no longer have shop classes. When we were in school in the 90's, junior high was once a week home-ec and woodworking. Then high school was a general shop class...automechanic, carpenty and machine shop. Everyone learned basic skills from darning sock and sewing a button to changing oil and replacing a flat tire. I feel 1000 years old saying this, but these, many days young adults don't have the most basic skills to open up the lint catcher dryer duct and clean them out. And it's not their fault, it's their parents' fault!

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    #2

    Don't Get Caught In The Downspout Of High Gutter Cleaning Costs - Use This Handy Gutter Cleaning Kit To Clear Out Debris And Save Yourself The Expense Of Hiring A Pro

    Orange gutter cleaning tool removing leaves, showcasing an effective cheapskate tip for maintaining clean gutters.

    Review: "This is sturdy enough when coupled with a long pole that you do not need to get on the roof or ladder any more to clean the gutters. It is a life saver." - S. Wellborn

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    Warren Peece
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You already posted all of these. Are you actually this desperate for money?

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    Before and after bathroom floor cleaning comparison, showcasing cheapskate cleaning methods.

    Review: "I used this grout pen on our guest bathroom shower tiles. Easy to use, great results, so I'm doing our main bathroom." - RobinB

    amazon.com , Jessica Report

    SMom
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No hours of scrubbing, just hours of tracing grout lines that might not turn white.

    #4

    Don't Let Clogged Drains Drain Your Wallet - Learn To Clean Out Your Pipes Yourself With A Trusty Drain Snake And Save Hundreds On Plumber Fees

    Drain cleaning hack using a DIY snake tool to remove hair clog in a bathtub, showcasing cheapskate plumbing solutions.

    Review: "Omg, how do I have any hair left?! I can't believe the clog that was slowing down my tub 🤢 This thing made super quick work of pulling out what looks like a teacup Yorkie from my bathtub drain. I'd say it works!" - Misskittygirl

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    Reusable snack bag filled with pretzels, illustrating a cheapskate strategy for eco-friendly snack storage.

    Review: "A fellow nurse recommended this product & I was so excited to finally get some! Super convenient to pack my lunches for work or for a hike/camping. Love the different sizes. Seals well & easy to clean." - Alexis

    amazon.com , Alexis Report

    Matthew Jolly
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can reuse zip lock bags. I have some that are a year old

    #6

    Ditch The Disposable Dryer Sheets And Opt For A Sustainable Alternative With These Reusable Wool Dryer Balls - Not Only Will You Save Money, But You'll Also Reduce Waste And Enjoy Softer Clothes Without The Chemicals

    Basket of penguin-themed dryer balls, a cheapskate DIY alternative.

    Review: "These dryer balls are fantastic! Just throw them in the dryer with your clothes and you’re done. No need for dryer sheets as no static cling. Very soft so noise level is barely noticeable. The penguin design is cute! Fast 2 day shipping with Amazon Prime. Great value." - Mike W

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    Wooden deck tiles arranged in a pattern, showcasing a budget-friendly renovation idea.

    Review: "They may be a bit pricey, but they are 1000% worth it! Make my basement floor look great after a flood while keeping my laundry area feeling clean." - Jenna

    amazon.com , Scarf Lover , john wise Report

    Reusable food huggers on fruits and a banana, demonstrating cheapskate tips for reducing plastic waste in the kitchen.

    Review: "I have only been using these food huggers for a short time, but so far I am very happy with them. At this point I would say they are worth a try." - Pappy

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    PunchinelloTX
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Uhhh… these look very… contraceptive-y.

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    Financial wisdom meets practical innovation as we explore more ways to outsmart unnecessary expenses. These next alternatives demonstrate how a little creativity and YouTube courage can transform budget-draining habits into wallet-friendly victories. Because sometimes the best way to save money isn't earning more – it's spending smarter.

    Furniture touch-up marker being compared to table leg, highlighting cheapskate solution; curious cat inspects markers.

    Review: "I didn’t think these things would work, but I was wrong. I fixed so much of my furniture and it looks like it was never damaged. I’ll be keeping these close by for future damages!" - Amazon Customer

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    #10

    Rub Out The Repair Shop Bills And Take Matters Into Your Own Hands With This DIY-Friendly Car Scratch Repair Kit - Easily Buff Out Scratches And Scuffs, Saving You Time And Money On Costly Detailing And Repair Services

    Truck with scratches before and after repair, showcasing a cost-effective cheapskate solution.

    Review: "I rarely write reviews, but I just had to say something about this. It worked like magic on scratches and paint transfer marks. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!" - Rachel S.

    amazon.com , Bee K Report

    #11

    Cut Down On Waste And Save Some Edge By Sharpening Your Knives Instead Of Replacing Them - This Handy 2 Stage Knife Sharpener Will Keep Your Blades Razor Sharp And Extend Their Lifespan, Saving You Money In The Long Run

    Knife sharpener next to a kitchen knife on a countertop for cheapskate solutions.

    Review: "Cheap but effective, sharpens well and very easily, a little small busy the non slip helps it stay put. Easy if you need a quick cheap sharpener, recommend the diamond version." - X3R0

    amazon.com , Steven Report

    Kit Black
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've had one of these for about five or six years, and it's still going strong, and works great

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    #12

    Chill Out Food Waste And Save Some Dough By Freezing Your Leftovers In These Convenient 1 Cup Freezer Moulds - Perfect For Portioning Out Meals And Reducing The Amount Of Food That Ends Up In The Trash

    Homemade frozen bean bars in a blue silicone mold, showcasing a cheapskate's creative money-saving strategy.

    Review: "My nutritionist recommended these. Definitely worth the price! Holds more than it looks. Everything I have made popped out easily." - Rachel Eddinger

    Are leftovers your jam? Check out these 22 Brilliant Leftover Hacks to keep your 2nd round strong.

    amazon.com , E Mensch Report

    Grm Moore
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I use a small plastic container - with plastic bag in it. Freeze, take bag out of container. Keep bag in freezer.

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    #13

    Paws For A Moment And Consider The Savings - Switch To These Eco-Friendly And Cost-Effective Washable Pee Pads That Can Be Used Again And Again, Reducing Waste And Saving You Money In The Long Run

    A dog on a patterned mat, illustrating frugal alternatives from the cheapskate playbook.

    Review: "These pee pads are beautiful and of excellent quality. I bought a few in different colors. So much better than disposable pee pads. They wash and dry well too. Really, no complaints." - Mleon

    amazon.com , Mleon Report

    camomooey
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't understand pee pads. Why would you encourage your pet to pee in the house? If you can train them to pee on a pad, can't you train them to let you know they need to go outside? (Our dog does.) Unless you live in an apartment....?

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    Cheapskate kitchen with marble-like counters, white cabinets, neatly organized spices, and modern appliances.

    Review: "This contact paper looks and works as advertised. Note that covering things perfectly smoothly is a bit tricky but doable; take your time and slowly unstick the paper from the backing and "squeegee" out any air bubbles." - NewMacinBrooklyn

    amazon.com , Danielle Report

    Gigi
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For a long time, the only thing you could get in our area was marble-patterned self-adhesive wallpaper, so everyone used it to cover their broken furniture, including doors, washing machines, and refrigerators. For me, it's synonymous with poverty.

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    Two cats with a hair removal brush, showcasing a cheapskate-friendly grooming hack.

    Review: "I wish I had bought it earlier, a lifesaver. I love it, it works great, picked up all the hair on my pillows, sheet, beanbag, and clothes. Overall I am very satisfied with this product. I would buy again!" - Angel

    amazon.com , Angel Report

    PunchinelloTX
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a good product. I use one of these daily and even with my two cat friends, there’s very little extra cat fluff on things or on me.

    #16

    Give Your Kitchen A Fresh New Look Without Breaking The Bank By Refurbishing Your Cabinets With This Amazing Kitchen Makeover Kit - Save Thousands On A Full Reno And Still Achieve The Kitchen Of Your Dreams

    Before and after kitchen cabinets transformation shows cheapskate makeover ideas in action.

    Review: "I used this to repaint my cabinets (previously a bright green). I prepped by cleaning the cabinets with TSP and doing some light sanding. It took only two coats of paint. The paint went on smooth and was really easy to apply. There was no odor and I only used one can for my cabinets." - Samantha F.

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    PunchinelloTX
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The funky avocado green looked kind of cool. Now it is sad greige.

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    The revolution against needless spending continues with solutions that prove expensive isn't always better. Our following switches show how rethinking standard approaches to everyday problems can keep more money in your pocket while often delivering superior results. Because there's nothing more satisfying than solving a problem yourself while watching others throw money at it.

    #17

    Nip Those Nasty Cracks In The Bud And Avoid A Costly Windshield Replacement With This Handy Car Windshield Repair Kit - Fix Small Cracks And Chips Before They Spread, Saving You Big Bucks On A Whole New Windshield

    Before and after of a car windshield repair, illustrating an effective cheapskate move.

    Review: "My car windshield was slightly broken by a rock, so I bought this product and followed the instructions. I was more satisfied than I could have imagined. Now, the broken part is almost impossible to find." - Ed

    amazon.com , E Tex Dude Report

    Peter Rosenberg
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    check your car insurance, this repair may be covered. I have had mine repaired professionally at no cost, twice. Insurance company would rather pay the small cost vs replacing the windshield when cracks develop later.

    Before and after of a sofa with a stain removed, showcasing a cheapskate cleaning hack.

    Review: "This is the best red wine stain remover I've ever used. While it is more expensive than grocery store stain removers, it ALWAYS works! I buy in quantity so that I can give as gifts & still always have some when a stain happens! I've even taught my husband how to use it!! EXCELLENT PRODUCT!" - beachygirl

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    person (i think)
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weirdly, white wine can get out red wine stains.

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #19

    Wipe Out The Waste And Save Some Cash By Ditching Paper Towels For This Economical 12 Pack Of Microfiber Cloths That Can Be Used Again And Again For A Sparkling Clean Home

    Person polishing a glass decanter with a pink cloth, showcasing a frugal cleaning method.

    Review: "The microfiber cloths I received were exactly as described. Well worth what I paid for them." - Amazon customer

    One small change can go a long way to make your home more eco-friendly! We have another 21 Home Swops To Help You Save The World and have a clean conscience.

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    Kit Black
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only things I find microfiber cloths useful for are windows & mirrors. They don't absorb water very well, so you can't wipe up a spill with them easily, and they are too soft to clean anything that requires any scrubbing.

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    #20

    Don't Get Blinded By The Cost Of Professional Headlight Restoration - Use This Easy And Effective Headlight Cleaner Kit To Shine Up Your Car's Headlights And Save Big Bucks On Salon Prices

    Car headlight restoration results, showing before and after cleaning as a cheapskate alternative.

    Review: "Impressed! I could hardly see any light even on high beam and thought I was gonna have to replace the whole headlight system but this product saved the day." - Amy

    amazon.com , Irwin Electronics Report

    #21

    Brew Up Some Savings By Ditching The Daily Coffee Shop Run And Making Your Own Quality Coffee At Home With This Convenient Keurig Coffee Maker - Enjoy Your Favorite Coffee Flavors Without Breaking The Bank On To-Go Cups And Fuel Your Caffeine Habit For A Fraction Of The Cost

    Keurig coffee maker with a mug that reads "I love my grandma," and a carousel of coffee pods in a kitchen setting.

    Review: "Came quick and as described, not to mention it made a perfect cup of coffee to help me start my day!!" - Mrs. "K"

    amazon.com , Mrs. "K" Report

    Stephen Lyford
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ...and generate tons of unnecessary garbage with one-use throwaway K-Cups. Do what I did: I bought a Keurig, and I bought a metal mesh reusable basket to put my own coffee grounds in. Don't have to buy K-cups, just get whole-bean coffee, grind fresh, only garbage is coffee grounds! (put it in your garden). Even inexpensive beans taste good when freshly ground. DON'T BUY WASTEFUL K-CUPS.

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    Blue sink plunger as an effective cheapskate alternative in a stainless steel kitchen sink.

    Review: "Y’all, this thing is amazing! My kitchen sink was completely clogged for 4 days. I’ve been trying to clear the drain with a different sink plunger that I already had and it didn’t do diddly squat. I was about to give up and call a plumber. Then I decided to order this one and it just arrived… it completely cleared the drain in like 3 minutes." - JNeen

    amazon.com , JNeen Report

    #23

    Elevate Your Reading Game Without Weighing Down Your Wallet With These Clever Floating Bookshelf Panels - Add Storage And Style To Your Space Without The Bulk Or Expense Of A Traditional Bookshelf

    Person using a drill to install creative book shelves, demonstrating a cheapskate DIY hack.

    Review: "I had these bookshelves about 20 years ago and while moving several times, I lost them. I found them on amazon and bought them again because they are so functionable for my lifestyle. Perfect minimalistic bookshelves." - Ellen

    amazon.com , Christian V , Angie Bagdasarov Report