13 Purchases Thrifty Wisconsinites Skip to Save Money
We all know that one person who stretches a dollar so far it practically snaps. These folks aren’t just thrifty—they’ve got a sixth sense for avoiding unnecessary spending.
And honestly, sometimes they’re onto something. Why blow cash on stuff you don’t really need?
Here are some of the top things cheap Wisconsinites refuse to drop their hard-earned money on.
Brand-Name Groceries
Why pay extra for a fancy label when the store-brand stuff tastes the same?
Cheap folks swear by generics—cereal, pasta, peanut butter, you name it.
A lot of times, these products are literally the same thing ingredient-wise, just in different packaging.
Frugal people are all about practicality. Spending more just for a name?
Nah, they’d rather pocket the savings and smile all the way to the bank.
Bottled Water
Paying for water? Get outta here. Cheap shoppers see bottled water as the biggest scam going.
Why fork over cash for something that comes out of the tap for free?
Instead, they invest in a good reusable bottle and maybe a filter if they’re feeling fancy.
Free tap water often tastes just as good (sometimes even better), and their wallets stay happy.
Extended Warranties
The second a cashier asks, “Would you like an extended warranty?” the answer is already a hard no.
Frugal Americans know these things are just a sneaky way for stores to squeeze out more cash.
Most stuff doesn’t even break within the warranty period. And if it does, such thrifty people will often find a way to fix it themselves.
Instead of wasting money on some “just in case” scenario, they take care of their things and hope for the best. And if something breaks?
Well, time to DIY or find a cheap repair.
New Cars
Nothing makes a cheap person cringe like the idea of buying a brand-new car and watching its value nosedive the second they drive off the lot.
That’s why they stick to used cars—preferably ones that are a few years old, reliable, and way more affordable.
For them, a car is just a way to get around, not a status symbol. Flashy features and that new car smell? Overrated.
As long as it runs and doesn’t guzzle gas, they’re good.
Cable TV
Paying $100+ a month for channels they don’t even watch?
Nope. Cheap people have cut the cord and aren’t looking back.
They go for streaming services, free TV antennas, or even just hitting up the library for movies.
And if they do sign up for Netflix or Hulu, you bet they’re mooching off a family member’s account or rotating free trials.
No shame in the game.
Expensive Coffee
Dropping $5 on a single coffee?
That’s a big ol’ nope.
Frugal folks make their own coffee at home for pennies on the dollar. They’ve got their drip machines, French presses, or even an old-school percolator.
Some of the real hardcore money-savers even reuse coffee grounds. Waste not, want not, right?
They figure a good thermos of homebrew beats a fancy café any day.
Gym Memberships
Who needs a gym when you can work out for free? Cheap people know they can jog outside, do push-ups at home, or lift heavy things around the house without spending a dime.
If they do go to a gym, it’s gotta be the cheapest option around. No frills, no smoothie bars, just the basics.
Fancy memberships? Not in the budget.
Restaurant Meals
Eating out is fun… until you see the bill. Cheap folks would rather cook at home where they can control the cost.
When they do eat out, they’re scouting for deals, using coupons, and maybe even splitting meals.
And you better believe they’re taking leftovers home. If they’re paying for it, they’re eating every last bite—even if that means repurposing last night’s dinner into today’s lunch.
Latest Tech Gadgets
New phone every year? Not a chance. Frugal people hold onto their gadgets until they’re practically held together with duct tape.
If the screen cracks, they’ll slap a screen protector on it and keep going.
When they finally do upgrade, they’re hunting for used, refurbished, or older models. No need for the latest and greatest when last year’s version works just fine.
Fancy Clothing
Designer brands? Hard pass.
Cheap Americans know you can get the same look for a fraction of the price.
Thrift stores, clearance racks, and discount outlets are their jam.
They’re all about practical clothing—comfortable, durable, and reasonably priced. Why spend $100 on a hoodie when a $20 one keeps you just as warm?
Haircuts at a Salon
Paying $50+ for a haircut? No way.
Cheap folks either go to the discount chains, cut their own hair, or have a friend do it.
Some even stretch out their haircuts as long as humanly possible to save cash.
If they do go to a salon, you better believe they’re using a coupon. Fancy styling and treatments? That’s what YouTube tutorials are for.
Paper Towels
Paying for something just to throw it away? Yeah, frugal people aren’t about that lifestyle.
They use rags, old T-shirts, or even cut-up towels instead. Wash, reuse, repeat.
It’s cheaper, better for the environment, and honestly, paper towels just aren’t worth the money when there are free alternatives.
Name-Brand Medicine
Why pay extra for the same exact thing?
Cheap folks go straight for the generic meds because they know they work just as well as the name-brand ones.
Pain relievers, allergy meds, cold medicine—it’s all the same stuff inside. They check the ingredients, grab the cheaper bottle, and call it a day.
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