What frugal thing did you do today?

[AllMostThere]

More auto maintenance for me today. DS is heading off to college this week and I wanted to do some fluid changes now rather than waiting and crawling around in the snow. He has a 2019 Chevy Trax. I did a full synthetic oil change that cost me ~ $30 for oil and filter. Next, I drained and filled the transmission fluid using Valvoline Full Synthetic ATF that cost me ~ $20 for 4.5Q of ATF. Cost me ~ $50 total and an hour of my time for something that would have cost +$300 at dealer.

[yankees60]

Got the last speck of toothpaste out before grabbing a new tube. Ha! Anyone else still doing that?

I recently realized I could use a pair of scissors to cut tube bottom off, then stick toothbrush into tube bottom to scrape ~3days more use out of it.

How is that possible if you are continually rolling up the tube?

My bad, I was unclear.
--Roll up the tube as you go (roll held in place with large binder clip). Then when you can't get any more to squeeze out...
--Unroll tube, cut of bottom near sealed end ...then insert toothbrush to get last bits out.

I have done this for my favorite hand lotion. I keep the edges shut with a binder clip. Even typing this out, I feel a bit eccentric.

And I like using this device:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MT ... UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for letting us know about it! Just bought one. Also, got a 6% rather than 5% rebate on it for choosing Saturday delivery rather than tomorrow.

[ClaireB1000]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

[Doom&Gloom]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

Good luck to you both!

[yankees60]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

Keep us updated. Certainly, hope that it does ...

[WhitePuma]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

From pet and animal lovers everywhere, thank you!!

And let’s hope karma swiftly kicks the animal abuser in the butt.

[ClaireB1000]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

Keep us updated. Certainly, hope that it does ...

Sadly he died this morning and I am surprising devastated for a little cat that I only knew for a few hours.

[yankees60]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

Keep us updated. Certainly, hope that it does ...

Sadly he died this morning and I am surprising devastated for a little cat that I only knew for a few hours.

Sorry to hear that news. Thank you for doing what you did.

[IowaFarmWife]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

Keep us updated. Certainly, hope that it does ...

Sadly he died this morning and I am surprising devastated for a little cat that I only knew for a few hours.

I am so sorry. I am a cat lover myself, and it is so hard to lose an animal, even if it is one you knew for a short time.

[DFWhoDat]

Being recently laid off and potentially retired, started a few home projects, one of which is replacing patio chair slings. Spouse was considering new patio furniture, but after seeing the cost of an entire new set; I set out to replace the fabric slings and swivels on perfectly good aluminum chairs and ottomans. Ordered slings for just 1 chair and ottoman to see if I could do it. Just recently ordered slings for 5 more chairs and 1 more ottoman. Cost for new set of furniture ~4k, cost to have someone replace slings ~1K - DIY less than $400!

[yankees60]

Being recently laid off and potentially retired, started a few home projects, one of which is replacing patio chair slings. Spouse was considering new patio furniture, but after seeing the cost of an entire new set; I set out to replace the fabric slings and swivels on perfectly good aluminum chairs and ottomans. Ordered slings for just 1 chair and ottoman to see if I could do it. Just recently ordered slings for 5 more chairs and 1 more ottoman. Cost for new set of furniture ~4k, cost to have someone replace slings ~1K - DIY less than $400!

That is FRUGAL!!!

[ClaireB1000]

Had some broken beyond repair chairs that the trash company wanted to charge me $50 a chair to pick up. So we bought a black n decker electric saw(?) and cut them up so that they fit inside the trash can.

[YeahBuddy]

I'm doing a frugal man's lawn renovation! Most lawn renovations cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Mine is currently costing me about $65 plus the cost of some extra water for a few weeks! Today, I aerated manually with a borrowed tool (saves $200). I just received in my grass seed, a steal at $10 per 3lbs (or $23 for 7lbs) Jonathan Green - FAST GROW grass seed. Seed usually costs double to triple this. This may not interest some, but I like having a nice lawn and the curb appeal. Cheers all

[ladycat]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

Keep us updated. Certainly, hope that it does ...

Sadly he died this morning and I am surprising devastated for a little cat that I only knew for a few hours.

So sorry. Love takes only a minute to spark. I hope you're comforted knowing he passed away in a safe place.

[ladycat]

Had some broken beyond repair chairs that the trash company wanted to charge me $50 a chair to pick up. So we bought a black n decker electric saw(?) and cut them up so that they fit inside the trash can.

Reminds me of years ago when we needed a piece of custom-cut exterior wood trim for a window. Store wanted several hundred dollars for something that should have been under $100, so we bought a table saw and cut the wood ourselves for much less than their quoted price. We've used the table saw several times. Enjoy your new saw!

[ReadyOne]

I robbed a bank.

See my resent post - Need advice on how to manage recent $ windfall.

[dratkinson]

Had some broken beyond repair chairs that the trash company wanted to charge me $50 a chair to pick up. So we bought a black n decker electric saw(?) and cut them up so that they fit inside the trash can.

Reminds me of years ago when we needed a piece of custom-cut exterior wood trim for a window. Store wanted several hundred dollars for something that should have been under $100, so we bought a table saw and cut the wood ourselves for much less than their quoted price. We've used the table saw several times. Enjoy your new saw!

Can search for architectural salvage: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=architectural ... 3-1&ia=web


Currently working my way through mattress box springs using 4.5" grinder and cutoff wheels.
On Sale last week for ~$9: https://www.harborfreight.com/power-too ... 58092.html

[jaqenhghar]

I became a Boglehead after checking out the book from the library several years ago. Yesterday, I saw a brand-new, barely-opened 2nd edition of the Boglehead investing book at 50% off at our local thrift store! I immediately grabbed it and paid $4.

[IowaFarmWife]

Yesterday my daughters and I canned 16 jars of sweet pickles! Yummy!

Next weekend we will start on the tomatoes.

[557880yvi]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

Did he make it? Bless your heart. Will never understand how anyone could do that to an innocent animal.

[ClaireB1000]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

Did he make it? Bless your heart. Will never understand how anyone could do that to an innocent animal.

Sadly he did not and I am really upset which I know is daft. He was very beautiful and trusting.

[Chv396]

Got on a conference call today with my nephew (age 26, early in his young career) and taught him about 401k options, setting up an IRA using a Boglehead’s 3 Fund Portfolio. Discussed asset allocation, rebalancing, potential investment selection. He will setup his IRA tomorrow.

Will save him $ in fees over his life.

[growfolio]

Signed up for a Medical Baseline Program to get an energy bill discount based on use of a CPAP machine. While we are fortunate enough to be able to pay full freight, the California Public Utility Commission's website explains that the program "is based solely on medical conditions and there is no income requirement."

Minty, thanks for posting this! I've been on a CPAP for years and somehow forgot about this benefit. Just got my PCP's signature to enroll in this program and am waiting for it to take effect. Our average electric bill these past two months have been $400+. I'm estimating that this medical baseline discount will save us ~$100 a month. Thanks again for this frugal tip!

[Minty]

Signed up for a Medical Baseline Program to get an energy bill discount based on use of a CPAP machine. While we are fortunate enough to be able to pay full freight, the California Public Utility Commission's website explains that the program "is based solely on medical conditions and there is no income requirement."

Minty, thanks for posting this! I've been on a CPAP for years and somehow forgot about this benefit. Just got my PCP's signature to enroll in this program and am waiting for it to take effect. Our average electric bill these past two months have been $400+. I'm estimating that this medical baseline discount will save us ~$100 a month. Thanks again for this frugal tip!

$100 a month buys a lot of food at Grocery Outlet in my part of the world!

[littlerfish]

Dandelion salad for lunch, with dandelions I picked in my front yard. Not bad!

[telemark]

From my front window, watched a couple of squirrels chasing each other in a tree. Free entertainment

[ETK517]

After wasting a lot of money trying to fix a leak in my washing machine, and in the process making the problem worse, I did what I probably should have done originally and called a professional. An example of where the ostensibly frugal thing is anything but.

[sc9182]

Found an empty upstairs corner conference room with wall of windows with beautiful views of greenery and the horizon. Ate lunch there, brought from home. And a good cup of water - all for naught

Finished a few steps of walking while enjoying those views - especially with a bit of drizzle hitting the panes.

[dratkinson]

It's always something.

Back in March, we had a heavy wet snow that caused a 2day power outage.  While I'd planned for outages, a few problems were revealed and I'm slowly working my way though.

Current problem.  The garage door openers didn't work without power, so unlatched smaller door from lift mechanism to exit garage and clear snow.
--Problem.  Smaller door didn't clear lift mechanism attachment point.  Why?  Replaced both doors a few years back with insulated (thicker) doors.
--Temporary solution.  Used larger door to exit garage.  It worked.  Why?  I'd damaged it recently and had a garage door technician out to fix it.  In the process, we noticed when opening it manually that it didn't clear the lift mechanism attachment point*.  Technician fixed that problem by using 2x "L" brackets, attached by 4x lag screws to 2x12 header above garage door, to raise the chain track wall attachment point.  (* Missed opportunity: didn't think to check smaller door for same problem.)
--Permanent solution.  Thought I could apply same fix to smaller door.  So went to metal salvage yard to find stuff to fix problem.  I found some "L" brackets, and a better lift arm* with adjustment holes spaced ~1" apart (mind had no adjustment holes).  Total cost for these treasures was $10.  I had some lag screws left over from another project.  (* Discarded garage door opener system.)

Fixed the problem.  I lifted the chain track wall attachment point ~2", so lift arm attachment point is now higher---clears manually lifted door.

Pro tip.  With the chain track attached to door by lift arm (now ~1" longer), it's held vertically ~2" higher against the garage wall, so all I had to do was screw the 2x "L" brackets into place to make a rigid wall attachment point.  Sometimes I get lucky.



2x 2" lag screws each, attach "L" brackets to 2x12 wood header above garage door.  The way the garage door opener is attached to the ceiling, it's putting light pressure through the chain track, onto the wall attachment point ...so attaching lag screws low on "L" brackets was easy, works well; it's the same way garage door technician fixed this problem on larger door.

N.B.  Can't see it in picture, but chain track wall attachment point is now above the 2x12 wood header board*---only sheet rock behind---that's why the "L" brackets are needed, to provide a raised attachment point above header board that is stronger than sheet rock. (* Same for larger garage door.)

I'm guessing I saved ~$200 on a service call.

[Hot Sauce]

From my front window, watched a couple of squirrels chasing each other in a tree. Free entertainment

Just like Milton from Office Space! Watching the merry squirrels.

[YeahBuddy]

I obtained a "cheap" oil change at the dealership. Fully synthetic oil change is around $110 at most places. Dealership price is $80. $25 off coupon. Total was $58.95. Process: Dropped off vehicle. Scored my free bottled water. Free LYFT to my gym. Nice 2.5 hour workout (45min cardio and 1.5hrs weights). Declined all "recommended" services. This included an unnecessary $139 alignment, $84.95 balance and rotation, and $213.24 brake fluid exchange. Free LYFT back to dealership. Free complimentary car wash. Only complaint is it should not take 2.5hrs to complete a scheduled oil change, but I make the best use of the time.

[neilpilot]

I obtained a "cheap" oil change at the dealership. Fully synthetic oil change is around $110 at most places. Dealership price is $80. $25 off coupon. Total was $58.95. Process: Dropped off vehicle. Scored my free bottled water. Free LYFT to my gym. Nice 2.5 hour workout (45min cardio and 1.5hrs weights). Declined all "recommended" services. This included an unnecessary $139 alignment, $84.95 balance and rotation, and $213.24 brake fluid exchange. Free LYFT back to dealership. Free complimentary car wash. Only complaint is it should not take 2.5hrs to complete a scheduled oil change, but I make the best use of the time.

I like my method better. Synthetic oil & filter diy for $30, in 30 min. Discount tire will do free balance & rotation, another 30 min with appointment.

ps - my other car never needs an oil change

[A440]

3 easy repairs, each for under $10.

Repaired our gas dryer. It was having intermittent heat. I tested the thermal fuse, cycling thermostat and gas coils with a multimeter. All tested fine, however, I learned that gas coils can test fine and work at the start of a cycle, but fail a few minutes into the cycle. So I purchased some new ones on Amazon for under $10 and after a 3 minute repair it works great.

Repaired a popping sound on our Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerator door. I purchased a door cam on Amazon for under $10 and after a very short repair the sound is gone. As a bonus, we cleaned all the door bins while the door was off.

Repaired a vacuum breaker on a Mansfield frost-proof hose bib that was leaking. I purchased a replacement on Amazon for under $10. Easy repair and leak is gone.

YouTube is your friend

[YeahBuddy]

I obtained a "cheap" oil change at the dealership. Fully synthetic oil change is around $110 at most places. Dealership price is $80. $25 off coupon. Total was $58.95. Process: Dropped off vehicle. Scored my free bottled water. Free LYFT to my gym. Nice 2.5 hour workout (45min cardio and 1.5hrs weights). Declined all "recommended" services. This included an unnecessary $139 alignment, $84.95 balance and rotation, and $213.24 brake fluid exchange. Free LYFT back to dealership. Free complimentary car wash. Only complaint is it should not take 2.5hrs to complete a scheduled oil change, but I make the best use of the time.

I like my method better. Synthetic oil & filter diy for $30, in 30 min. Discount tire will do free balance & rotation, another 30 min with appointment.

ps - my other car never needs an oil change

This was the first time my oil change cost over $25... but I must ask...

Is your method DIY? Or a cheap / discount place? Because DIY involves laying on ground in my driveway, trying not to get dirty and oil everywhere, then later disposing of oil, etc. Also it usually takes me 45min to find the tools I always lose. Then I stained my shirt so $30 down the drain because I can't get the stain out. Been there done that, not going back.

Costco does my free tire rotations. And my next car may be EV but it's much cheaper to stick with the hybrid and do yearly oil changes vs buying a different car. Insurance quoted much higher rates for the EV I want. Also, need an electrician to install level 2 charger. But may also need to upgrade panel. A friend bought the same vehicle I was leaning towards in 2022 and has lost over $30k in depreciation. Not frugal at all. So I'm holding out, for now. Might just go used Toyota, Honda, or Lexus for next.

[TomatoTomahto]

Totally threw frugal out the window today. A kitten (10-12 weeks old estimated) got chucked into the middle of a very busy intersection. Picked him up and took him to my vet. Not sure he’ll make it yet

Did he make it? Bless your heart. Will never understand how anyone could do that to an innocent animal.

Sadly he did not and I am really upset which I know is daft. He was very beautiful and trusting.

It’s not daft; well, not more daft than usual for caring humans. We have a feral cat that we’ve been sheltering, feeding, and sneaking medications into. He (seems like a male) lets us get within 10 feet of him on a good day, but we worry about him when we hear coyotes howling. He has a heating pad in his little shelter.

I’m sorry your little kitten didn’t make it. Don’t feel daft.

[RickBoglehead]

A few months ago, we got new HVAC systems. I asked what they do with the old systems, and they said scrap them. I asked if they would scrap them if I held them for a few months and then brought them over, and they said yes.

Sold one AC unit for $450, the other for $360. Have both furnaces for sale with many inquiries.

Bought a new grill, display model, clearance $225 ($400 in store during season, $500 online). Sold old grill for $180 on Craigslist yesterday, net cost of new grill with new natural gas adapter kit, about $85.

Bought new bikes last year. Sold one of our old ones for $145, second recently for $135.

[yankees60]

After wasting a lot of money trying to fix a leak in my washing machine, and in the process making the problem worse, I did what I probably should have done originally and called a professional. An example of where the ostensibly frugal thing is anything but.

Which is why I never try and call the professional immediately.

[WoostaGal]

I am so impressed by many recent entries on this post!

Immediately after replacing my roofing shingles at another house, I watched a squirrel eating the shingles on my garage.

With that in mind, and in the spirit of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, this morning I used my pole pruner
to remove several branches which over time will grow close to my garage roof and enable my furry friends to easily access
my garage roof and cause mischief.

[AlohaBill]

Yesterday, we had to pick up our grandchildren at school. Instead of the usual city street driving, I took I 80 to and from. This cut off about 10 minutes driving and also increased our MPG. I was a little surprised by this. I also drove about 65 mph. I didn’t buy a 65" lg oled tv either. Will watch NFL tonight on the "old" 55" inch lg oled again this year.

[quantAndHold]

A few months ago, we got new HVAC systems. I asked what they do with the old systems, and they said scrap them. I asked if they would scrap them if I held them for a few months and then brought them over, and they said yes.

Sold one AC unit for $450, the other for $360. Have both furnaces for sale with many inquiries.

Bought a new grill, display model, clearance $225 ($400 in store during season, $500 online). Sold old grill for $180 on Craigslist yesterday, net cost of new grill with new natural gas adapter kit, about $85.

Bought new bikes last year. Sold one of our old ones for $145, second recently for $135.

A few years ago, we got central air for the first time, and replaced a couple of window AC’s that had only been used for one or two summers. We live in a place where the real hot weather always comes in September, when the stores are all out of fans and air conditioners. We threw the air conditioners in the basement for several months, until one of those heat waves hit, then put them on Craigslist the third day of the heatwave, when all of the other AC’s had been sold, and we had the only ones for sale. I put them up at 7 am, and a guy came at 8, paid what we paid for them new, and we were done.

[neilpilot]

I obtained a "cheap" oil change at the dealership. Fully synthetic oil change is around $110 at most places. Dealership price is $80. $25 off coupon. Total was $58.95. Process: Dropped off vehicle. Scored my free bottled water. Free LYFT to my gym. Nice 2.5 hour workout (45min cardio and 1.5hrs weights). Declined all "recommended" services. This included an unnecessary $139 alignment, $84.95 balance and rotation, and $213.24 brake fluid exchange. Free LYFT back to dealership. Free complimentary car wash. Only complaint is it should not take 2.5hrs to complete a scheduled oil change, but I make the best use of the time.

I like my method better. Synthetic oil & filter diy for $30, in 30 min. Discount tire will do free balance & rotation, another 30 min with appointment.

ps - my other car never needs an oil change

This was the first time my oil change cost over $25... but I must ask...

Is your method DIY? Or a cheap / discount place? Because DIY involves laying on ground in my driveway, trying not to get dirty and oil everywhere, then later disposing of oil, etc. Also it usually takes me 45min to find the tools I always lose. Then I stained my shirt so $30 down the drain because I can't get the stain out. Been there done that, not going back.

Costco does my free tire rotations. And my next car may be EV but it's much cheaper to stick with the hybrid and do yearly oil changes vs buying a different car. Insurance quoted much higher rates for the EV I want. Also, need an electrician to install level 2 charger. But may also need to upgrade panel. A friend bought the same vehicle I was leaning towards in 2022 and has lost over $30k in depreciation. Not frugal at all. So I'm holding out, for now. Might just go used Toyota, Honda, or Lexus for next.

I’ve used a Mityvac oil extractor for years, on many different cars. No need to lay on ground, no drain plug to remove. Oil is vacuumed out dip stick, and oil filter for current car (as well as previous few cars) is removed from top side as well. Only tool required other than extractor is a special socket that fits my Mercedes oil filter housing.

My other car is an EV I purchased 3 years ago, and the insurance was no higher than the ICE it replaced.

[A440]

I am so impressed by many recent entries on this post!

Immediately after replacing my roofing shingles at another house, I watched a squirrel eating the shingles on my garage.

With that in mind, and in the spirit of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, this morning I used my pole pruner
to remove several branches which over time will grow close to my garage roof and enable my furry friends to easily access
my garage roof and cause mischief.

I used our pole pruner to cut the telephone wire that came from the street to our house. Birds kept perching on it and used it for target practice on our vehicles in the driveway.
We use VOIP now so no need for the telephone cable. When we used it, the quality of the calls was terrible and unreliable in bad weather.

[Claudia Whitten]

Played with my retirement spreadsheet rather than clicking "Buy It Now."

[Lalamimi]

Went to lunch with DH and our dog, dined on patio of WIllie's Grill and Ice House . Used my rewards for a free entree for my very good salmon, mixed veggies and coleslaw entree. Came home, deposited my $26 Rakuten rebate check. Earned points for the $20 we spent on his lunch and 2 teas.

[MoreTaxes]

I canceled our cable TV, internet, and phone. It is replaced with Sling TV streaming, AT&T fiber, and no landline phone, for about $150/month savings. Not counting the amazing $250 sign up bonus AT&T gave us. I don't know why I waited so long.

[YeahBuddy]

I obtained a "cheap" oil change at the dealership. Fully synthetic oil change is around $110 at most places. Dealership price is $80. $25 off coupon. Total was $58.95. Process: Dropped off vehicle. Scored my free bottled water. Free LYFT to my gym. Nice 2.5 hour workout (45min cardio and 1.5hrs weights). Declined all "recommended" services. This included an unnecessary $139 alignment, $84.95 balance and rotation, and $213.24 brake fluid exchange. Free LYFT back to dealership. Free complimentary car wash. Only complaint is it should not take 2.5hrs to complete a scheduled oil change, but I make the best use of the time.

I like my method better. Synthetic oil & filter diy for $30, in 30 min. Discount tire will do free balance & rotation, another 30 min with appointment.

ps - my other car never needs an oil change

This was the first time my oil change cost over $25... but I must ask...

Is your method DIY? Or a cheap / discount place? Because DIY involves laying on ground in my driveway, trying not to get dirty and oil everywhere, then later disposing of oil, etc. Also it usually takes me 45min to find the tools I always lose. Then I stained my shirt so $30 down the drain because I can't get the stain out. Been there done that, not going back.

Costco does my free tire rotations. And my next car may be EV but it's much cheaper to stick with the hybrid and do yearly oil changes vs buying a different car. Insurance quoted much higher rates for the EV I want. Also, need an electrician to install level 2 charger. But may also need to upgrade panel. A friend bought the same vehicle I was leaning towards in 2022 and has lost over $30k in depreciation. Not frugal at all. So I'm holding out, for now. Might just go used Toyota, Honda, or Lexus for next.

I’ve used a Mityvac oil extractor for years, on many different cars. No need to lay on ground, no drain plug to remove. Oil is vacuumed out dip stick, and oil filter for current car (as well as previous few cars) is removed from top side as well. Only tool required other than extractor is a special socket that fits my Mercedes oil filter housing.

My other car is an EV I purchased 3 years ago, and the insurance was no higher than the ICE it replaced.

First time I heard of this, thanks! Will check it out. What do you do with the used oil after?

[AlohaBill]

It’s back to the 100s again, nothing like Phoenix, of course. I’ve been reusing my ice cubes when I finish a drink. I put the glass in the freezer and take it out when I need to drink again.

[neilpilot]

I obtained a "cheap" oil change at the dealership. Fully synthetic oil change is around $110 at most places. Dealership price is $80. $25 off coupon. Total was $58.95. Process: Dropped off vehicle. Scored my free bottled water. Free LYFT to my gym. Nice 2.5 hour workout (45min cardio and 1.5hrs weights). Declined all "recommended" services. This included an unnecessary $139 alignment, $84.95 balance and rotation, and $213.24 brake fluid exchange. Free LYFT back to dealership. Free complimentary car wash. Only complaint is it should not take 2.5hrs to complete a scheduled oil change, but I make the best use of the time.

I like my method better. Synthetic oil & filter diy for $30, in 30 min. Discount tire will do free balance & rotation, another 30 min with appointment.

ps - my other car never needs an oil change

This was the first time my oil change cost over $25... but I must ask...

Is your method DIY? Or a cheap / discount place? Because DIY involves laying on ground in my driveway, trying not to get dirty and oil everywhere, then later disposing of oil, etc. Also it usually takes me 45min to find the tools I always lose. Then I stained my shirt so $30 down the drain because I can't get the stain out. Been there done that, not going back.

Costco does my free tire rotations. And my next car may be EV but it's much cheaper to stick with the hybrid and do yearly oil changes vs buying a different car. Insurance quoted much higher rates for the EV I want. Also, need an electrician to install level 2 charger. But may also need to upgrade panel. A friend bought the same vehicle I was leaning towards in 2022 and has lost over $30k in depreciation. Not frugal at all. So I'm holding out, for now. Might just go used Toyota, Honda, or Lexus for next.

I’ve used a Mityvac oil extractor for years, on many different cars. No need to lay on ground, no drain plug to remove. Oil is vacuumed out dip stick, and oil filter for current car (as well as previous few cars) is removed from top side as well. Only tool required other than extractor is a special socket that fits my Mercedes oil filter housing.

My other car is an EV I purchased 3 years ago, and the insurance was no higher than the ICE it replaced.

First time I heard of this, thanks! Will check it out. What do you do with the used oil after?

I drive over to the town’s nearby used oil tank. But, at least where I live, any store that sells motor oil takes used oil back irrespective of if you bought it there.

[cheesepep]

Charged my Tesla for free at the local Costco today.

[YeahBuddy]

Yesterday I returned my bottles and cans ($8.50), a pool store item ($45), and a moldy loaf of bread ($4.50). On my way to billionaire status!