Cheapskates Corner

[Mad Mike]

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Bit esoteric but given the insane growth of Ozempic and other glutide drugs this might affect some and savings can be substantial..
Here in Queensland Australia my cost is $7.70 for a 4 week supply...peanuts ....I save more than that in reduced food cost.

Without insurance coverage it is usually $150-200 or so a month here.
In Ontario $4-500 a month and the US as high as $950 a month
So the yearly cost could range $1800 to $4800 to over $10k+ if you are uninsured in the US....a big cost for many.
WHO just put out guidance approving the drug category for weight loss and poor people suffer worse as they often can not afford to eat better quality food.

Now all these type drugs come in various doses the doc prescribes and I lost my 60 lb on the lowest dose of .25 mg but supplies of that are unobtainium at the moment.
Doc moved me to 1.0 mg ....four times the dose as it is readily available however I'm not thrilled with the somewhat increased side effects...no appetite at all in particular.
The pen it comes in injects a set amount depending on the script but it is dialed in by clicking through until you reach your dose - the clicks are unmarked but users have worked out that 18 clicks = .25 mg.....that makes a single pen go much further - up to four times.
You only get four needles tho. Easily fixed - 100 needles cost $30.
The savings for many can get substantial especially where it s not prescribed for weight loss ...that's the case here and in Ontario.

I was pre-diabetic when I started a couple years back so I got on the train early...I'm not anymore but have maintained the script eligibility.

It's easy to see how much can be saved by making the four week supply go much further.....hundreds and even thousands of dollars savings annually. In theory you could sterilize the supplied needles for reuse but 30¢ for a fresh one appeals.

Is Ozempic Covered by OHIP in Ontario? (Updated 2025 Guide) - Viva Health Pharmacy

Everything you need to know about accessing Ozempic in Ontario, including costs, coverage, and eligibility

www.vivahealthpharmacy.com

This topic could morph to a new thread

Proof ....I'm a lot less round...
While I don’t have before and after pics but this is me at 77 years old 60 lbs lighter and slowly dropping further. Click on pic for full length
View attachment 76918
My hacking attempt on dose did not work.
I tried to game the Ozempic dose to 0.25mg but ended right back with intense food cravings. I increased the dose just now to about 0.5 - half of prescribed to see if that will knock down the cravings. Lucky it's too hot to ride to get a kg of wings.
Summer peas and mac n cheese in a packet filling the void.
Last week on the new full 1.0mg dose I could simply not finish food at all. Somewhere in between is the correct spot.

Glad to see it’s working for you.

My 2025 resolution was 25 in ‘25, meaning I wanted to slim down 25 lbs last year. I managed to loose 30 (although I found 5 of those in the fridge over the holidays.) Another 15 in ‘26 is the goal.

No meds used, just more walking and better eating habits.

Benefits? A1C from 5.8 to 5.5 kept me away from needing Ozempic or other.

 

[MacDoc]

Good stuff...I detest exercise as any sort of goal. Have flat feet so any walking distance is out. Controlling the food noise is the primary advantage for me.
Considering an eBike again for a bit of cardio or an indoor exercise bike....I can watch and exercise....will see what comes up on FB

 

[MacDoc]

Treat for me at long last. 1 year warranty and lots of drive space

MacBook Pro (2020) 13.3-inch - Apple M1 Chip: 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU - 16GB RAM - SSD 2TB
A$1099

​

Been happy with the 2022 version of the same model but paltry drive 256 ssd.
2TB will likely outlive me. ...need a bigger backup drive tho.
In an odd twist my 2022 is worth more on the used market that the 2020. I'll use my existing 2018 laptop for riding and keep the much improved 2020 for home use.
New one won't keep me warm on chilly nights.

 

[Shaman]

Now all these type drugs come in various doses the doc prescribes and I lost my 60 lb on the lowest dose of .25 mg but supplies of that are unobtainium at the moment.

Wait until retatrutide becomes the norm, along with peptides that simulate body hormones that grow skeletal muscle and raise metabolism (they're coming fast, probably two years) using the same chemical signals that working out does.

Reta is a GLP3 agonist - GLP1, GIP, Glucagon. And it makes some alcohol (particularly beer) taste like floor cleaner. That combined with the exercise analog peptides is going to make obesity a thing of the past.

 

[MacDoc]

KFC’s 10 for $10 Hot & Crispy Boneless Deal Is Back on 20 January 2026 | Frugal Feeds

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, KFC Australia is bringing back one of its most popular promotions — 10 pieces of Hot & Crispy Boneless Chicken for just $10.

www.frugalfeeds.com.au

Riding to get that deal rain or shine ...will get 3 feeds from this.
Make that 4 feeds as it turned out 24 gm of protein per.

Buddy likes his McDs chicken ....waaaaaay too little value for money
ALL above $10 - between 17 and 25 gm per burger.....

• McCrispy: ~$10.10
• McCrispy Deluxe: Features 100% Aussie chicken breast, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ranch sauce.
• McChicken: ~$17.75 (often listed in menu sets, price can vary by location).

 

[backmarkerducati]

The cost of paint rollers if high enough now I started washing them out... In the past the most I would do is put them in the fridge to reuse as the project goes on and toss them when I was done with that paint, now I spend the time to wash them out to reuse over and over until they are wrecked...

It is still a big PITA but it saves enough money to be worth it now.

 

[Mad Mike]

The cost of paint rollers if high enough now I started washing them out... In the past the most I would do is put them in the fridge to reuse as the project goes on and toss them when I was done with that paint, now I spend the time to wash them out to reuse over and over until they are wrecked...

It is still a big PITA but it saves enough money to be worth it now.

I use paint rollers and brushes for a single color then toss them. If the painting goes over a few days, I just plastic bag the wet brush and roller, they stay workable for up to a week.

I find latex paints dry do fast they become hard to clean. Toss em!

 

[nobbie48]

KFC’s 10 for $10 Hot & Crispy Boneless Deal Is Back on 20 January 2026 | Frugal Feeds

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, KFC Australia is bringing back one of its most popular promotions — 10 pieces of Hot & Crispy Boneless Chicken for just $10.

www.frugalfeeds.com.au

Riding to get that deal rain or shine ...will get 3 feeds from this.
Make that 4 feeds as it turned out 24 gm of protein per.

Buddy likes his McDs chicken ....waaaaaay too little value for money
ALL above $10 - between 17 and 25 gm per burger.....

• McCrispy: ~$10.10
• McCrispy Deluxe: Features 100% Aussie chicken breast, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ranch sauce.
• McChicken: ~$17.75 (often listed in menu sets, price can vary by location).

I once designed a heater for a massive tank that was going to be used to bleach dark meat white.

I can't recall the name of the comedian that commented he wasn't going to eat chicken nuggets until they told him what part of the chicken was the nugget.

 

[backmarkerducati]

I use paint rollers and brushes for a single color then toss them. If the painting goes over a few days, I just plastic bag the wet brush and roller, they stay workable for up to a week.

I find latex paints dry do fast they become hard to clean. Toss em!

I used to toss brushes until I tried actual quality ones (and learned how to clean them), I am not going to toss a $20 to $30+ brush per room (I am not that baller) out of my laziness and no way I will go back to the cheap crap for quality painting.

I have brushes that are now a decade+ old, no issues with cleaning them. Some get demoted to lower duties as time goes on (mostly due to wear). Pretty much the same for rollers for me now when buying better ones, there is good info online to teach one how to clean them and the roller/brush cleaning tool helps a lot if interested. I don't expect a quality roller to last as long as my brushes (and they don't cost as much) but a half dozen uses, before they are demoted to rolling drywall mud and/or the trash works for me, YMMV. You can still get the $3 ones (totally disposable) but better results are had with better rollers.

Tip, you can get a month+ for rollers if you put them in a bag and also in the fridge. Brushes are really so easy to clean I don't bother, just clean them after each use.

For oil base, the very rare instances I need to do it for interior work I use a disposable brush.

 

[Mad Mike]

I used to toss brushes until I tried actual quality ones (and learned how to clean them), I am not going to toss a $20 to $30+ brush per room (I am not that baller) out of my laziness and no way I will go back to the cheap crap for quality painting.

I have brushes that are now a decade+ old, no issues with cleaning them. Some get demoted to lower duties as time goes on (mostly due to wear). Pretty much the same for rollers for me now when buying better ones, there is good info online to teach one how to clean them and the roller/brush cleaning tool helps a lot if interested. I don't expect a quality roller to last as long as my brushes (and they don't cost as much) but a half dozen uses, before they are demoted to rolling drywall mud and/or the trash works for me, YMMV. You can still get the $3 ones (totally disposable) but better results are had with better rollers.

Tip, you can get a month+ for rollers if you put them in a bag and also in the fridge. Brushes are really so easy to clean I don't bother, just clean them after each use.

For oil base, the very rare instances I need to do it for interior work I use a disposable brush.

I’m at the cheapskate corner on brushes, not worth my time to clean and store a $5 brush.

I’m the other way around on oil brushes. Those I do spend on because they clean up easy. And because I use oil based paints for everything but drywall.

 

[nobbie48]

I used to toss brushes until I tried actual quality ones (and learned how to clean them), I am not going to toss a $20 to $30+ brush per room (I am not that baller) out of my laziness and no way I will go back to the cheap crap for quality painting.

I have brushes that are now a decade+ old, no issues with cleaning them. Some get demoted to lower duties as time goes on (mostly due to wear). Pretty much the same for rollers for me now when buying better ones, there is good info online to teach one how to clean them and the roller/brush cleaning tool helps a lot if interested. I don't expect a quality roller to last as long as my brushes (and they don't cost as much) but a half dozen uses, before they are demoted to rolling drywall mud and/or the trash works for me, YMMV. You can still get the $3 ones (totally disposable) but better results are had with better rollers.

Tip, you can get a month+ for rollers if you put them in a bag and also in the fridge. Brushes are really so easy to clean I don't bother, just clean them after each use.

For oil base, the very rare instances I need to do it for interior work I use a disposable brush.

If it's oil paint you can put the brushes in a plastic bag along with a damp rag and the brush will be fine the next day. The high humidity keeps the paint from drying.

You can also put paint gear in the freezer if you don't mind a bit of Varsol odour in your food.

 

[MacDoc]

Got my Ozempic dialed in better - finally started moving down ...102 after stuck at 106 for a while.
...
Good discovery in the $10 meals category

Afternoon everyone I have some $10 meals left over that can be picked up from the shop this afternoon
10 x beef bacon potato stew w mash
6 x Thai chicken curry and rice
3 x Mediterranean chicken pasta

Tre's Carvery is located in the food court of the Mt Sheridan Plaza Shopping Centre in Cairns, QLD. It is situated on the south side of Cairns and serves roast meals and hot food.
Facebook +4

• Location: Mt Sheridan Plaza, 106 Barnard Dr, Mount Sheridan QLD 4868, Australia (in the food court).
• Specialties: Hot roasts, roast chicken, gravy rolls, and daily specials.
• Contact: 0473 623 811 (Tre's food to you).
  Instagram +2

The carvery operates within the plaza's regular shopping hours, offering dine-in and takeaway options

Tre's food to you | Cairns QLD

Tre's food to you, Cairns. 4,586 likes · 381 talking about this. new catering business delivering chef quality food to your door

www.facebook.com

 

[nobbie48]

Funny tho... with all the money saving things I do. I dont seem to ever have more money.
Weird.

Take up smoking. You'll save a fortune when you quit.

 

[MacDoc]

A good day at the cheap skates scoring.
Free cheeseburger at Hungry Jacks ...
Free small flat white as well. Brought it home and had with Tim Tams.

Scored the entire 8 seasons of Game of Thrones on DVD for $50

 

[nobbie48]

I’m at the cheapskate corner on brushes, not worth my time to clean and store a $5 brush.

I’m the other way around on oil brushes. Those I do spend on because they clean up easy. And because I use oil based paints for everything but drywall.

Be cheap with the Varsol as well. BTW the generic name is Stoddard solvent.

When I clean a brush with Varsol I pour the used stuff into a liter jar with a lid. The pigments and heavy carriers settle out leaving just dirty Varsol on top.

The next time I clean a brush:

1) I squeeze out as much paint as I can with a rag or paper towel.

2) Pour some used Varsol into a separate container and rinse the brush in the used Varsol. Don't let the settled crap get into the mix.

3) Repeat if it seems worthwhile

4) Dump the re-used Varsol back into the storage jar

5) Use fresh Varsol to clean the brush

6) Use full strength Lestoil to emulsify any remaining paint and wash in soapy water

7) Dump any used Varsol into the storage jar for future cleanups.

8) At some point you dump the solids and start again.

 

[MacDoc]

Really happy with these - bought 3 more pairs.

poat glasses - Buy poat glasses with free shipping on AliExpress

Quality poat glasses with free worldwide shipping on AliExpress

www.aliexpress.com

.....
missed my shake n win deal but had this in reserve

First time I've had their chicken ...very thick, hearty and moist. 36 gm of protein is excellent.
Actually close to the picture in real life- lettuce and mayo.
$8 with a free flat white coffee was "okay" . complete lunch for me and under $10 which is target price and getting hard to hold to especially with any drink. I always have a can of Pepsi in the tank bag.
Hate the little ketchup squeeze sleeves....so hard to open and messy
These are better

 

[John4852]

I can own a bike because of much of the following.

1) CIBC was charging me nearly $25/mth in fees. Switched to no-fee EQ Bank but there are others as well. They pay me interest too. . . .

2) Stopped buying prepared foods, even at Costco. This has cost me a lot of TIME but has brought my grocery bill down to several years back.

3) Making lentil soup with some NYT recipies, totally cheap eating. One to two vegetarian meals a day will save you buckets.

4) Bought a MASSIVE bag of dried chickpeas and now live off hummus for pennies compared to the dollars I used to spend.

5) A Costco membership. Seriously, you should be rioting outside of one to get a membership. Why, why do you tolerate grocery store prices? I don't understand.

Their sandwich roast beef is still $21.99/packet: the same price it was nearly ten years ago. And if you're hardcore with lots of storage space, you can use their business centres and shop with the restaurants to bring your bill back to pre-COVID levels.

5) Baking my own bread. Learnt how to do so. This and potatoes save me a ton of cash. I was eating $15/wk of bread, now, a fraction of that.

6) Amazon Prime. I get stuff to watch AND free shipping on inexpensive clothes, (T-shirts, etc.), food, and cooking ingredients. I find every month I need to buy department and grocery store items (like falafel mix). They have them all cheap! So cheap with free shipping now I replaced Netflix.

Falafels, BTW, are like $5 for seven meals' protien.

7) I made a RULE: no eating out alone except when necessary, and then it's a slice of pizza. Seriously, even a wrap is virtually $20!

8) This rule has been tightened. Additionally, with friends we only eat out now on special occasions (like birthdays). This isn't strange. I grew up doing this. We're moving back to a time when people didn't waste their money.

It was $25 for two pints at the pub last night. We were laughing at the thought of having eaten as well.

9) The next step is chilling at each others places instead of the pub. If we watch a movie and shop from the LCBO, it'll save me the 3 x $13 for a can of Lugtread!

10) If you're paying $200/mth for internet you really don't need . . . Costco internet, Teksavvy (DSL resurrected!).


Honestly, I was addicted to buying, I really was. I had to force myself to not spend money when I woke-up or walked home from work past many businesses. "It was a tough day, I'd live one of their sandwiches?" "This place is new I should try it?" "Shouldn't I be supporting local businesses?" (Yes, but not to my detriment).

It's a Depression people, when will we all see it? Do you really think they'll allow deflation so your money will have value again? Do you see our very own Canadian Thatcher Years coming? You sure?

Some of you are old enough to remember Queen & Yonge Streets in their heyday. Have you seen them now? Do you see the decay we live in? Walk around Etobicoke and count the empty industrial buildings.

Every cent you save now while times are still good- to-ok will pay dividends as things get worse.

 

[nobbie48]

I can own a bike because of much of the following.

1) CIBC was charging me nearly $25/mth in fees. Switched to no-fee EQ Bank but there are others as well. They pay me interest too. . . .

2) Stopped buying prepared foods, even at Costco. This has cost me a lot of TIME but has brought my grocery bill down to several years back.

3) Making lentil soup with some NYT recipies, totally cheap eating. One to two vegetarian meals a day will save you buckets.

4) Bought a MASSIVE bag of dried chickpeas and now live off hummus for pennies compared to the dollars I used to spend.

5) A Costco membership. Seriously, you should be rioting outside of one to get a membership. Why, why do you tolerate grocery store prices? I don't understand.

Their sandwich roast beef is still $21.99/packet: the same price it was nearly ten years ago. And if you're hardcore with lots of storage space, you can use their business centres and shop with the restaurants to bring your bill back to pre-COVID levels.

5) Baking my own bread. Learnt how to do so. This and potatoes save me a ton of cash. I was eating $15/wk of bread, now, a fraction of that.

6) Amazon Prime. I get stuff to watch AND free shipping on inexpensive clothes, (T-shirts, etc.), food, and cooking ingredients. I find every month I need to buy department and grocery store items (like falafel mix). They have them all cheap! So cheap with free shipping now I replaced Netflix.

Falafels, BTW, are like $5 for seven meals' protien.

7) I made a RULE: no eating out alone except when necessary, and then it's a slice of pizza. Seriously, even a wrap is virtually $20!

8) This rule has been tightened. Additionally, with friends we only eat out now on special occasions (like birthdays). This isn't strange. I grew up doing this. We're moving back to a time when people didn't waste their money.

It was $25 for two pints at the pub last night. We were laughing at the thought of having eaten as well.

9) The next step is chilling at each others places instead of the pub. If we watch a movie and shop from the LCBO, it'll save me the 3 x $13 for a can of Lugtread!

10) If you're paying $200/mth for internet you really don't need . . . Costco internet, Teksavvy (DSL resurrected!).


Honestly, I was addicted to buying, I really was. I had to force myself to not spend money when I woke-up or walked home from work past many businesses. "It was a tough day, I'd live one of their sandwiches?" "This place is new I should try it?" "Shouldn't I be supporting local businesses?" (Yes, but not to my detriment).

It's a Depression people, when will we all see it? Do you really think they'll allow deflation so your money will have value again? Do you see our very own Canadian Thatcher Years coming? You sure?

Some of you are old enough to remember Queen & Yonge Streets in their heyday. Have you seen them now? Do you see the decay we live in? Walk around Etobicoke and count the empty industrial buildings.

Every cent you save now while times are still good- to-ok will pay dividends as things get worse.

Addictive buying is fanned by Wall Street. There are no new foods just new sauces. When TH advertizes a new donut, chocolate with peanut butter glaze, it might make you wonder what it's like. Use your imagination instead of buying one. You know what cocolate tastes like and what peanut butter tastes like. You can't be too far off the experience.

Kids won't eat cheese unless it's in the shape of dinosaurs. It's bloody cheese and lousy cheese at that. Food doesn't have to be a fun experience every meal. Save those for special occasions.

Having friends in for meal has numerous benefits.

1) The cost is a third or less.

2) If someone has one too many they don't have to risk their license of life because it's closing time.

3) There's no rush to clear the table for the next party.

4) If someone has a larger place the guy with the 400 SF condo can offer to bring the protein. Or do pot lucks.

5) Seconds are optional as are take home containers.

6) It's often quieter

7) You know if it's appropriate to hit on the staff.

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