With frugal being the new Fendi and saving being the new sexy, many bloggers, writers and finance gurus are coming out with their own signature line of Saving Tips. Now I’m all for personalized style and being unique, however some people are taking frugality to a new extreme. The following are some tips that have made the “Fabulous & Financially Savvy Top Ten Trashy (Not Classy) Ways to Save” list:

1. Do you travel? Collect the free soap bars, shampoo bottles and shower caps from hotels. They make great stocking stuffers at Christmas.

Taking them for your own personal use is one thing. Taking them to re-gift is another.  I could just imagine sis’ face when she opens her cucumber lotion a la’ Motel 6.

2. Don’t throw out those old boxer shorts! Recycle them as dishrags.

No, really. Throw them out. What ever happened to the days of recycling old t-shirts? When did used underwear become the new trend?

3. Separate the Two-Ply.

Well… since I have nothing better to do while I’m sitting around.. Let’s not even get into the ramifications of what using “one ply” means and say that your time is better spent making a mental shopping list or reading a magazine. Maybe, if you’re feeling really wild – clip some coupons.

4. Don’t eat on a Monday.

Huh.. why not Tuesdays? Why not shoot for 48 hours while you’re at it? Maybe stop drinking fluids.. see how long until your body gives out on you. Awesome idea. Really. Ingenious.

5. Save your soap slivers. You can mush them together into a new bar.

I recently mentioned this one on my Twitter (@FabFinclySav). I guess my main problem with this (if one were to entertain the idea) would be the amount of time it takes between slivers… it could be months, even years before actually being able to create a bar. Doesn’t bacteria become a factor here? I can imagine the conversation: “Sure, you can use my shower. Oh that soap? Sure, go ahead. I’ve been working on it for months now…”

6. Why go to the car wash? Save money by using the free squeegees and paper towels at the gas station.

I say if you’re going to go this route, do it full force. Make sure you’re out there in your bikini while scrubbing down those tires. Hey, maybe you can attract some new customers?

7.  Make love standing up. Keep your feet in the exact same spot every time. Less wear and tear on your bed means you won’t have to replace the mattress as often.

I’ll admit, this one is more ‘kink’ than ‘trash’, but I just had to throw it in the mix to recognize the great thought and insight people put in to these lists… What do you think, ladies? Written by a man??

8. Rub pine needles under your arms instead of buying deodorant.

If I were dating Tarzan, then yes, maybe this could work. But… I’m not. Thanks for the tip though. In case I’m ever stranded in a forest, I’ll make sure to smell “piney” fresh for my rescuers.

9. Take extra napkins from fast food restaurants to save on toilet paper.

Napkins to keep in your car for spills, yes. To keep for actual napkin use, yes. To use as a tissue? If I must. To use as toilet paper when I could easily buy some? No.

10. Stuff your pockets with free ketchup, salt or any other condiments you can get everytime you’re in a fast food restaurant. Then go home and squeeze them out into regular jars.

We’re all guilty of taking extras. However, the extra time spent squeezing the contents into their respective jars may be better spent elsewhere… Like re-thinking your budget, perhaps?

This above list is meant to complement my recent post, Saving is Sexy and show you that:

a) there really is some terrible advice out there and

b) nobody expects you to adjust your lifestyle this drastically.

Taking the time to make minor adjustments to your lifestyle will be empowering on its own.  In fact, the time you’re taking right now to read this blog is a huge feat in itself. You are choosing to educate yourself. You are choosing to take control. Granted, it may take some time before you begin to implement some of the tips you find in here, but education is key. Making sure you understand the issues involved with budgeting, saving, your credit report , etc. is the first step in becoming Financially Savvy. So don’t be afraid to ask questions, demand answers and go after what you think you deserve. Be it a better interest rate, a lower APR, a pay raise or a refund for that sale shirt you just bought. Remember that you are in control. You are Fabulous… and well on your way to becoming Financially Savvy.