18 Frugal Habits Nevadans Do That Are a Waste of Time and Money
You know that feeling when you pat yourself on the back for squeezing one more use out of a paper towel or driving across your Nevada town for a cheaper gas station?
It feels like you’re winning at life—until you realize the paper towel ripped immediately and you spent more on gas than you saved.
Being frugal can be wise. But some habits are just cleverly disguised time-wasters.
Here’s a look at some common penny-pinching tricks that backfire on Nevadans’ bank accounts.
Washing and Reusing Aluminum Foil
It’s one thing to reuse a container or a sturdy Ziploc bag. But scrubbing used aluminum foil to get another round out of it?
That’s crossing into extreme territory.
Sure, foil isn’t free, but it’s usually around 10 cents a sheet. The water, soap, and time you spend trying to flatten it out and wash off baked-on cheese?
Not worth the stress or savings.
Not to mention, reused foil doesn’t always hold up well. It can tear easily or get holes that ruin its purpose entirely. In some cases, you end up using double the foil because the old piece just doesn’t do the job anymore.
If you want to be eco-friendly and save money, it’s better to switch to reusable baking mats or containers made for long-term use. They’ll save you more in the long run without the hassle.
Driving Miles Out of the Way for Cheap Gas
Everyone loves finding a gas station with lower prices. But if you’re driving 15 minutes out of your way just to save a few cents per gallon, you might be wasting more than you’re saving.
Let’s say gas is 10 cents cheaper per gallon, and you fill up 12 gallons. That’s $1.20 in savings—but if you burn half a gallon of gas getting there and back, you’ve lost money.
Plus, the time it takes to drive out of the way matters, too. That’s time you could’ve used to do something more useful or relaxing. If you’re doing this every week, the hours add up fast.
And time is one thing you can’t get back, no matter how much you save on fuel.
Instead, it’s better to keep an eye out for reasonably priced gas stations along your regular route. Apps like GasBuddy can help you plan ahead without detouring your whole day for pennies.
Making DIY Laundry Detergent
The idea of homemade laundry detergent sounds great—save money, control ingredients, and be more sustainable.
But when you actually look into it, the math doesn’t always work out. Some DIY recipes require you to buy ingredients like washing soda, Borax, and soap bars—products that can add up fast. And they take time to grate, melt, and mix.
Worse yet, homemade detergents often don’t clean clothes as well as store-bought brands.
That means you might have to wash things twice or deal with musty-smelling laundry. You could even damage your washing machine over time since homemade blends don’t always dissolve the way they should.
In most cases, you’re better off buying a large container of detergent when it’s on sale or using a concentrated version that lasts longer. That saves both time and money without skimping on clean clothes.
Cutting Open Toothpaste Tubes and Bottles
Some people swear by cutting open the end of their toothpaste tube or lotion bottle to get every last drop. And yes, you’ll probably find a little extra hiding in there.
But unless you’re doing this with super expensive skincare or fancy products, the effort barely makes a dent in your bank account.
You might save a few cents, but it can get messy fast. Trying to scoop out the last bits with a cotton swab or your finger often leads to more frustration than savings.
And let’s be real—half the time it dries out or gets crusty before you even use it.
If you really want to stretch your dollar on these types of products, use a tube squeezer or pick items that are more affordable to begin with.
Growing Veggies You Don’t Eat
Starting a backyard garden sounds like the ultimate frugal move. And it can be—if you’re growing stuff you actually eat.
But some people get carried away planting things like eggplant or kale, even if they don’t really like the taste. Then they waste time, water, and money taking care of a plant that just ends up in the compost bin.
Seeds and soil may be cheap, but tools, watering cans, raised beds, and plant food aren’t free. And all the effort that goes into weeding and tending a garden adds up.
If you’re not enjoying the harvest, it’s not worth it.
If you want to garden to save money, start with herbs you use often, like basil, mint, or parsley. Tomatoes, lettuce, and green beans are also good picks if they’re part of your usual meals.
Extreme Couponing for Things You Don’t Need
Couponing can feel like a superpower. Getting $30 worth of stuff for $3? Yes, please.
But if you’re spending hours clipping coupons and organizing binders just to end up with a shelf full of things you don’t even use—like ten bottles of mustard or thirty packs of gum—you’re not saving money. You’re just stockpiling junk.
A lot of extreme couponers also end up buying extra newspapers, printing deals at home, or using gas to chase down sales.
When you add it all up, it doesn’t always come out ahead. Especially if you let items expire before using them.
It’s smarter to be a “casual couponer.” Look for deals on products you already buy. Use digital coupons or store apps to save without going overboard.
That way, you save money and time.
Making Everything From Scratch
Sure, homemade bread smells amazing. And making your own pasta can be fun once in a while.
But doing everything from scratch every day? That’s a full-time job.
Some people try to bake, pickle, ferment, and can like it’s still 1920, but that kind of old-school lifestyle can actually cost more in time, ingredients, and electricity.
Some homemade items don’t even last as long or taste as good as the store version, especially if you’re new to cooking. And the equipment—like stand mixers, dehydrators, or glass jars—can be pricey upfront.
Instead of doing everything yourself, pick one or two things to make at home, like cookies or salad dressing. Keep it fun and simple, so it feels like a hobby instead of a financial chore.
Taking Out the Light Bulbs to Save Energy
This one sounds like a joke, but some people really do unscrew light bulbs to cut down on their electric bill. It might seem like a clever trick, but all it really does is leave you sitting in the dark and squinting to read the remote.
Not exactly a great tradeoff for a few pennies.
Plus, newer LED bulbs barely use any electricity. They cost more upfront, but they last for years and use much less energy than old-fashioned ones.
Taking them out won’t save you enough to be worth the inconvenience.
If you’re looking to save on electricity, go for energy-efficient appliances, unplug stuff when you’re not using it, and take advantage of natural light during the day.
Skipping the Dishwasher to Hand-Wash Everything
A lot of folks think they’re saving money by washing dishes by hand instead of running the dishwasher. But unless your dishwasher is older than a rotary phone, chances are it actually uses less water than hand-washing does.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, ENERGY STAR dishwashers use about three gallons of water per cycle, while hand-washing a sink full of dishes can use up to 27 gallons.
Plus, most modern dishwashers are super energy-efficient. As long as you’re not rinsing every plate until it sparkles first, you’re likely saving water, energy, and time.
And let’s be honest—no one likes doing dishes by hand.
So go ahead and load that machine. Just run it when it’s full, and you’ll get clean dishes without wasting hours or gallons of water.
Hoarding Freebies You Don’t Need
It’s hard to resist something that’s free—whether it’s a tote bag, a hotel shampoo, or a pile of pens from a bank.
But grabbing every giveaway you see “just in case” can lead to a mountain of clutter. And organizing, storing, or eventually tossing all that stuff wastes both space and time.
Sometimes, the cost of a freebie is the time you spend dealing with it later. Plus, not all free stuff is useful.
You might end up with weird snacks, ugly mugs, or sample sizes that don’t do much.
Our advice? Only take freebies you’ll actually use, and skip the rest.
Reusing Single-Use Plastics Too Long
It sounds frugal to reuse those takeout containers or water bottles, but some plastics aren’t made to be used again and again. After a while, they can break down, get warped, or even leach chemicals into your food.
Not exactly worth the savings on Tupperware.
Old plastic containers can also crack in the microwave or dishwasher, leading to spills, stains, and even burns. And they usually don’t last very long, so you end up tossing them anyway.
If you pack lunches or save leftovers often, investing in good-quality reusable containers is way better in the long run.
They last longer, seal better, and are safer for your food.
Refilling Tiny Travel Bottles Over and Over
Some travelers try to save money by refilling the same mini shampoo or lotion bottles forever. But cheap bottles wear out quickly.
The caps break, the lids leak, and half the time you end up with a gooey mess in your toiletry bag.
Worse, the plastic gets cloudy and gross, and you can never seem to clean it properly. After a few trips, it’s more hassle than it’s worth.
If you travel often, it makes more sense to buy sturdy, reusable travel containers—or even better, buy travel-sized items in bulk and refill a few quality bottles that don’t crack or clog after one use.
Saving Pennies but Ignoring High-Interest Debt
Clipping coupons and skipping coffee runs might save you $20 a month. But if you’ve got high-interest credit card debt piling up, that’s where the real money is leaking out.
Saving a few dollars while paying 20% interest on a balance is like trying to bail water out of a sinking boat with a spoon.
Instead of focusing only on tiny savings, it’s smarter to tackle debt first. Paying off credit cards, personal loans, or anything with high interest frees up way more money than any DIY cleaning spray ever could.
Once you’ve knocked down your debt, then it makes sense to look for smaller ways to save.
But don’t miss the forest for the trees.
Buying Cheap Instead of Buying Quality
It feels smart to grab the cheapest version of something—like $1 flip-flops or a no-name phone charger.
But when it breaks after two uses, you’re stuck buying it again. And again. And again.
Suddenly, your “cheap” item costs more than the good one you skipped over.
This happens a lot with clothes, tools, and kitchen gadgets. Zippers break, handles fall off, and buttons pop. All that stuff ends up in the trash way sooner than expected.
Sometimes, spending a little more up front actually is the frugal choice.
Buy less, but buy better. You’ll thank yourself later.
Refusing to Use the Air Conditioner
There’s nothing wrong with trying to keep your electric bill low, but refusing to use the AC during a 100-degree heatwave can be downright dangerous.
Heat exhaustion and dehydration are no joke, especially for kids, older adults, and pets. Sweating it out just to save a few bucks isn’t worth the risk.
Plus, extreme heat can damage electronics, melt food in the pantry, and even warp furniture or flooring. So any savings you get from skipping the AC might cost you more in repairs or replacements later.
A better plan is to use your AC wisely. Set it to a reasonable temp, close blinds during the hottest parts of the day, and run ceiling fans to help circulate cool air.
Refinishing Old Furniture That’s Falling Apart
Refinishing old furniture can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. But not all pieces are worth the effort.
If a dresser is missing drawers or a chair is wobblier than a baby learning to stand, it might not be the best use of your time—or your money.
Paint, sandpaper, glue, brushes, and hardware all cost something. If the finished product still isn’t usable or safe, you’ve just spent hours and cash on something that’s headed back to the curb.
Unless the piece is solid, structurally sound, or has sentimental value, it’s often better to pass on fixer-uppers.
Look for secondhand furniture in good shape that needs less work.
Skipping Routine Car Maintenance
Some frugal folks put off oil changes or tire rotations to avoid spending money. But this “saving” method can end up being a financial disaster.
Neglecting your car’s basic needs can lead to bigger problems, like engine damage, tire blowouts, or failing brakes—all way more expensive to fix than the simple stuff.
It’s like skipping doctor visits to save money—until you end up in the ER. Cars are investments, and they need regular upkeep to keep running safely and smoothly.
That $40 oil change can prevent thousands in repairs.
If money is tight, look for coupons from your local mechanic, or try learning how to do basic maintenance yourself with the help of YouTube tutorials.
Stocking Up on “Deal” Items You’ll Never Use
Buying in bulk sounds like a smart move—more product for less money, right? But it only works if you actually use what you buy.
A lot of people fall for bulk deals on stuff like giant ketchup bottles, massive jars of pickles, or a year’s worth of dried beans—then end up throwing most of it away when it goes bad or sits untouched.
Wasting food isn’t frugal. It’s frustrating and costly. And having your shelves packed with stuff you’re never going to eat just clutters up your kitchen.
It’s better to stock up on pantry staples you already use often—like pasta, rice, or canned tomatoes—and leave the mega-sized mayo for someone who eats sandwiches every day.
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