Roy Haynes says he’s a major cheapskate who "resists the call of the mall." I saw his ABC segment and I was flabbergasted. Haynes assembled a home gym out of discarded items. He really doesn’t work. He refurbishes and sells stuff he gathers along his journey. He splits his toilet paper. EWWWWW. He *GASP* refuses to buy newspapers, opting to read newspapers discarded by others. Wait, a lot of people are doing that now. 
On the good side, he’s gotten free iPods, bluetooths and other coveted items from his thrifty ways. People love to throw out perfectly good things.
I don’t know. I like that Haynes lives the simple life. But why rage against toilet paper? I posted on another cheapskate, Jeff Yeager, who calls himself "The Ultimate Cheapskate".
I’m thinking that Haynes makes Yeager seem like Donald Trump when it comes to spending!
What do you think about Haynes? Do you know anyone like this? If so, I bet they are secretly rich! How cheap will you go? I think malls are overrated, but is it too much to use two-ply paper?
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I buy all my clothing at second hand shops.I drive a 1994 vehicle on which I do any necessary repairs.I know the difference between want and need.I purchase only what I need.I have no debt.I built my own home at a substantial savings.I never go out to eat.There is no tv here.For recreation I have a canoe and I have paddled it thousands of miles over the years.Pretty cheap transportation.I don’t smoke or drink.In fact I drink only water or one cup of coffee a day.Absolutely no junk food.I live well but I don’t live foolishly.My one luxury is this computer.I don’t need it,but I do want it.
I once lived next door to a couple who picked up furniture folks threw out. They did a little sanding, oiling or varnishing and once a year had a yard sale. One year they netted $800 after taxes and bought a great pond setup. The next year’s sale paid for redecorating their bathroom. I also knew another couple whose mom taught the kids how to spot upscale clothing in thrift stores, how to clean it and repair it so it looked good as new and to sell it in consignment stores. Their oldest child has graduated from college without having to pay off a loan.
I have a problem with “freegans”, primarily because I was on the receiving end of a cockrach infestation by some particularly dirty “freegan” neighbors. So I don’t like the idea of going through people’s trash.
However, the comments show people legally and ethically finding ways to creatively make money (and not cheat on taxes), which I think is wonderful!
Umm, that toilet paper thing — disgusting! I’m all for shopping second hand or whatev, but what about just using one ply or something?
It’s all about balance. I have a few perfectly good garbage picked items. (A chair, a pizza pan and a swiffer.) But my food comes from the store.
Being cheap can be miserly or it can be an exchange of generosity.
-Katy Wolk-Stanley
The Non-Consumer Advocate
http://thenonconsumeradvocate.com
Funny, I watched the segment and Roy saves bottle caps like I do. I have done numerous blogs on my obsession with Coke Rewards. And I have gotten everything from free Blockbuster rentals to Delta Skymiles. People make fun of me for saving the caps. And I’m actually tired of entering the codes so I’m giving it up.
It seems a good direction, but perhaps rather extreme… living here in Mexico it is good to observe the non-discarding side of the culture…everything is re-used and repaired and recycled