Frugal mum’s unusual ‘hobby’ that saves her $420 a month on groceries
A frugal mum of four has revealed how she saves more than $420 a month on groceries.
Stacey Cole, from the US state of Utah said growing up her family struggled to make ends meet but they found a way to make the most out of “taking what others discarded”.
Ms Cole is a dumpster-diver and has been searching through garbage bins since April 2019.
Her children, River, 12, Molly, 10, Thomas, eight, and Wesley, six, all love the lollies she finds during her nights spent dumpster-diving.
“Wasteful, entitled mindsets always confused me. People threw away hours of their labour by simply having a disconnect from the fact things equal money,” she said.
“We are extremely frugal and don’t have any shame in picking through rubbish to get good, useful stuff to enrich our lives.”
The 33-year-old also sells items for “fun money”, which is used for “eating out” and other activities.
“This is a crucial supplemental income,” Ms Cole said.
“It varies a lot, but we seem to have enough for a little fun each month.
“Being frugal is really the only hobby I have, aside from working out and I’m just fine with that. I would not buy the things I find, more often than not.”
‘It’s very fulfilling’
The mum said items she’s found include household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, along with soap, toothpaste, party supplies, clothing and toys.
She also sells things online and at garage sales.
If something’s not needed, it goes to a new home, is provided to charity or is given as a gift.
Some friends even have requests.
“It’s a very fulfilling hobby so I feel amazing contributing in this way to our family’s wellbeing and finances,” Ms Cole said.
“I take the edge off my husband’s stress behind providing for us. I am happier and my kids and hubby love it.
“I get a rush every time I go and every time I give something away or sell something; it has changed my life for the better for sure.”
Anything contaminated gets thrown out. Stacey said that the process of dumpster-diving has been a challenge sometimes due to having to go at night to avoid run-ins with workers outside supermarkets, but she loves it.
“I haven’t managed too many meals with food from dumpsters because most grocery type stores have trash compactors so you can’t dive there.
“I go at night to avoid running into anyone working there (when they’re closed). I park where I am allowed to park and not in ‘employee only’ parking.”
She added “everyone” knows her for being frugal.
“They usually have to hear about my finds on some level if they are family or friends. I think most of them don’t mind,” Ms Cole said.
“I don’t think my family understand it entirely; my mum and dad do the most because they’ve been doing similar things all their lives. I’m sure diving at businesses for food creeps people out.”
However, she hopes to convey that a “simple, frugal way of living is just as rewarding, or more so, than ‘having it all’”.
- Australscope
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