Indiana Mom Shares Her Most Unhinged Money Saving Hacks That Actually Work

Indiana Electric Bills Are Up and Hoosiers Are Getting Creative

Hoosiers in both the Indianapolis and Evansville areas have seen dramatic increases in electric bills over the past few years. And let’s be honest, it’s forcing a lot of people to get creative with their finances.

The other day, I saw a Facebook post where a woman said she needed an extra $300 just to pay her bills, and people were suggesting she sell her plasma.

Yikes.

I Have Always Been a Little Too Good at Saving Money

I’ve always been a thrifty person. Sometimes people make fun of me for it, which is fine. I know I can take it a little far. One of my favorite "influencer" is Economikat, a self-proclaimed "de-influencer." She encourages people NOT to buy stuff they don't need.

Desperate times call for creative measures, so here are some of my favorite and possibly unhinged ways I save money.

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I Drive an Old Car and Refuse to Give Up on It

I drive a 2007 Ford Edge. There’s a leak in the AC, so I just keep refilling it. It has over 200,000 miles, but fixing it is still cheaper than a car payment. Until a wheel falls off, I’m riding this thing into the sunset. I even got her a new set of headlights last year for a cheap makeover.

I Reuse Things Most People Would Throw Away

Yes, I wash and reuse Ziploc bags, as long as they didn’t hold raw meat or anything greasy. I also reuse parchment paper if it’s not dirty. Judge quietly.

Thrift Shopping Is My Cardio

I thrift shop regularly, and sometimes I’ll wear items a few times and then resell them at the World Wide Mission Store or on Poshmark. It’s like a fashion timeshare.

I Use AI to Save Money on Groceries

I use ChatGPT to meal plan, specifically asking for budget-friendly meals and money-saving grocery tips. Turns out robots are excellent at telling you how to stretch a pound of ground beef.

Eating at Home Saves a Lot More Than You Think

I don’t eat out very often. I make dinner at home. It’s not glamorous, but my bank account appreciates it.

My Teen Is on the Payroll

Instead of hiring a cleaning service, I pay my 13-year-old $10 an hour to help clean the house. Life skills are being learned. Money is being saved. Everyone wins.

Laundry Happens Less Than You Think

I wear outerwear clothes multiple times before washing. Not gross. Just efficient.

Keep reading for 45 MORE ideas! 

This Is Where We’re At Now

Between rising electric bills and everyday costs creeping higher, a lot of us are doing things we never thought we would. Some of these habits might sound extreme, but if it keeps the lights on and avoids selling plasma, I’ll take it.

If you’re doing something equally unhinged to save money right now, just know you’re not alone. And honestly, I might steal your idea.

I recently saw a Facebook post asking people for their most unhinged way to save money. Here were my favorites!