We live in a time when stretching every dollar matters. Many of us work hard just to cover basic expenses, so finding small ways to save can genuinely make a difference.
But then there are people who push frugality far past the reasonable limit—those who drift from “careful with money” to outright “cheap.” And sometimes, it’s their kids who end up stuck dealing with the fallout.
Story 1
When my dad first moved into his place, he scheduled a free demonstration for an under-sink water filtration system. The salesman used a bar of soap during the pitch and left it behind afterward.
My dad then called four more companies just to get additional free demos—only so he could collect the free soap bars. He never had the slightest intention of actually buying a filter.
He pulls stunts like this all the time, and it’s only gotten worse as he’s gotten older. At this point, I’ve just accepted that this is who he is.
Story 2
My dad guards paper towels like they’re made of gold. Even now, at 21, he still expects me to ask permission before using one because he can’t stand the idea of “waste.” When I was younger, I honestly thought a single roll cost a hundred dollars based on how he acted.
He’s so cheap that he ends up spending more in the long run—constantly buying the lowest-quality items that break or malfunction.
One day, my girlfriend and I were at his house when I accidentally spilled an entire gallon of milk. She grabbed a roll of paper towels and used the whole thing to soak it up.
I felt guilty just helping her, but when Dad realized we’d gone through an entire roll… the look on his face was unforgettable. He didn’t yell—he’s too polite to make a scene in front of my girlfriend—but you could see the pain, anger, and heartbreak building inside him over that “lost” roll.
Story 3
Dads can be unbelievable. Mine despises paying for electricity, so he air-dries his clothes outside all year—even when the temperature drops below freezing.
Whenever we cleaned our rooms, he’d rummage through our trash hunting for “treasures” we might’ve tossed out, like loose change or recyclables.
He’s obsessed with saving on gas. I once sat in the passenger seat while he drove around for thirty minutes comparing prices, just to save a few cents. And whenever we drove downhill, he’d shift into neutral, open the car door, and push the car along with his foot to “conserve fuel.”
One time at Burger King, he refused to let me order a burger because it was “too pricey,” so I was only allowed to get chicken fries.
Story 4
My father absolutely abused Costco’s return policy. He once returned an outdoor furniture set that we’d been using for nearly eight years. It was worn out, sun-damaged, and several pieces were literally broken.
Costco still accepted the return. He walked out with a refund big enough to cover most of a brand-new patio set. It was unbelievable.
Story 5
While my parents lived in luxury, I was left with nothing. After my grandmother passed away, they quietly stole the inheritance she meant for me. Every year, all they send is a $50 Walmart gift card. I’m so broke I don’t even own a phone.
Meanwhile, they buy multiple luxury cars every year and jet off to the Maldives like it’s nothing.
Then one day, everything changed. They were away on a cruise when I received a letter. On the envelope were the words: “Do not open this when they’re around.”
I glanced around, tore it open immediately, and started reading.
“Mary, this is your real father. I’ve been trying to find you for years. Your grandmother left you a large inheritance, and I’ve been fighting to get it back for you. Meet me at the address inside. It’s time for you to reclaim what’s yours and finally change your life.”
