How to be a High End Cheapskate

Photo: Petit Poulailler

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Here at Wise Bread, we’re not just about saving money and reducing budgets. We’re also about providing ways to live a more luxurious lifestyle within a reduced set of financial parameters. In other words, we show you how to be a high end cheapskate. Want some ideas? Read on.

Decanters.

Don’t feel like justifying your brand choices to new acquaintances? Prefer the look of fine crystal or cut glass to bottle labels? Decanters are a great way to add class to your bar or entertaining area and make sure the brands of spirits you choose are nobody’s business but yours.

Heirloom and Estate Jewelry.

Here at Wise Bread, we’re not just about saving money and reducing budgets. We’re also about providing ways to live a more luxurious lifestyle within a reduced set of financial parameters. In other words, we show you how to be a high end cheapskate. Want some ideas? Read on.

Decanters.

Don’t feel like justifying your brand choices to new acquaintances? Prefer the look of fine crystal or cut glass to bottle labels? Decanters are a great way to add class to your bar or entertaining area and make sure the brands of spirits you choose are nobody’s business but yours.

Heirloom and Estate Jewelry.

Whether it’s handed down, purchased at auction or picked up at pawn shops, previously owned jewelry is a great way to establish a nice collection for a significantly reduced price. Think pearls and studs for women, pocket watches and tie clips for men.

Maximize High End Gourmet Purchases.

The way I see it, there are two ways to get the biggest bang for your gourmet buck.

• Stretch them as far as possible as an accent ingredient.  This can be done with truffles, shaved specialty cheeses for pasta dinners, sliced steak salad to serve four people on one piece of meat, etc.
• Combine one or two high end items as featured meal elements or a high end side / appetizer. Examples? One pound of shrimp can make a decadent dinner for two, or shrimp cocktail for several folks. While this isn't the cheapest meal you can make, it is WAY cheaper than eating out.

DIY.

Got some great skills? Architecture, carpentry, gourmet  cooking, vehicle restoration, custom interior painting, landscaping, gift wrapping, gardening, flower arranging, crafting, furniture restoration, artistry, photography, sewing . . . you get the idea. A personal area of expertise can really bump up your lifestyle a few notches.

Bartering.

While swapping casseroles for homemade jellies is great (I do it myself.), consider stretching your parameters a bit. How about a custom interior paint job in exchange for a bathroom remodel minus the cost of supplies on each? A few quarts of gourmet hummus swapped for an hour of professional massage therapy? Refurnished serving buffet for a professionally painted family portrait? Using those DIY skills as a form of currency can help you get what you want without laying out cash.

Using Unexpected Budget Ingredients in a High End Manner.

Frozen spinach for a Mediterranean cheese log, boxed wine for marinades and mulling, basic dry goods for biscotti on the cheap, repurposing and refinishing thrift furniture, salvage and hardware materials for custom storage and DIY pot racks . . . lots of options are out there to implement the unexpected for a high end result.

The Classics.

Whether you pay closer to full price and own fewer clothing items or hunt for classic wardrobe items online and at thrift stores, the styles will be stable and the quality above par.  Having fewer items to take care of that will stand the test of time is in my humble opinion, the way to go. You can also apply this strategy when power shopping for vehicles. Certain classic models (even used) hold their value better than others. An example? Volvo.

Explore Every Penny Pinching Method Available.

Particularly when they are methods that won’t necessarily show, like perfume or brand changes on basic items. Some other great resources and ideas?

• Buying in bulk, whether generally, for the freezer, or with an assembly cooking strategy in mind, can be a great way to carve out extra cash. 
• Visit the Frugal Duchess. The Frugal Duchess blog has some great ideas for savings including multi purpose uses for your French coffee press that would make any gourmet tea lover proud.  
• Philip Brewer’s recent post. It’s all about healthy frugal eating and how some may find it challenging in this country. 
• Xin Lu’s recent articles on seven ways to get free shipping materials and how to make your own flavored water.

Got any more ideas for luxury level tightwaddery? Chime in and share the love!