We’re a cheapskate family & will become millionaires by washing dishes in the paddling pool
A SELF-PROCLAIMED "cheapskate" family have revealed the extreme lengths they go to to save cash.
Melanie and Shawn O'Brien wash their dishes in their kids' old paddling pool water, to save on their water bill.
Speaking to TLC's Extreme Cheapskates, Shawn said: "We will become millionaires off it".
The family will do anything to save a few pennies, and when the handles broke off their pans, they decided not to replace them and continue to use the broken ones.
In fact, they haven't made any significant improvements to their home in 10 years, which they say has saved them over £20,000.
In the living room, the O'Brien's have hardly any furniture, and use a blue sun lounger instead of a sofa.
Read more real life stories
They also fashioned a new shower head out of an old coke bottle when there's broke.
"Some people may think our behaviour is over the top, but it just depends on your perspective" Tina said.
The family have been considering moving house for years, but this would involve doing home renovations, which they do not want to do.
After speaking to an estate agent, the couple were told to replace their carpet, but instead decided to cover up it's stains using cheap carpet samples.
They also borrowed a friend's furniture when doing house viewings, to entice more people to buy the property.
Melanie said: "I think happiness lasts longer when you know you've really tried to save and spend your money well".
"The newer something is, the quicker it gets old", Shawn added.
The couple's money saving hacks have sent people into a frenzy on social media.
Commenting under a YouTube video of the couple, one person said: "Not even poor people would do this to their children".
A second person said: "Imagine the kids pissing in the pool and before they wash the dishes in it".
Here's how to cut the cost of your grocery shop
SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from Money.co.uk about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills:
- Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry – you are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media – follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards
A third said: "Damn I feel so sorry for these kids, what an embarrassment".
A fourth added: "That shower looks like something from five minute crafts".
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.