1. If the post office does not cancel a stamp, do you save it for later?
a) yes b) no
2. Have you ever asked for a discount?
a) that is SO tacky b) every time I buy c) only if I’m feeling lucky
3. When a bottle of shampoo or cleanser is almost gone, do you turn it upside down to get the last drops out?
a) absolutely b) not worth my time c) if I remember
4. At home if I am cold I:
a) turn the heat on low and put on a sweater b) blast the heat c) hang out in my sleeping bag
5. Paying retail makes me:
a) happy b) unhappy c) depressed
6. At the grocery store I know what a “good” price is for:
a) milk c) everything on my list c) milk, eggs, and cereal
7. I like the Internet because:
a) it helps me keep in touch with my friends b) it has free porn c) it helps me find deals
8. What do you do when you want a shiny new bauble?
a) wait 30 days before making a decision b) pause before charging it c) already bought it!
9. When traveling I prefer to:
a) crash on a friend’s couch b) book a room at my favorite hotel c) haggle with the hotelier until I get 40% off
So, how cheap are you? Keeping reading for your score.
1. a = 2 b = 0
2. a = 0 b = 2 c = 1
3. a = 2 b = 0 c = 1
4. a = 1 b = 0 c = 2
5. a = 0 b = 1 c = 2
6. a = 0 b = 2 c = 1
7. a = 0 b = 1 c = 2
8. a = 2 b = 1 c = 0
9. a = 2 b = 0 c = 1
0-6: You are not a lost cause (you are reading this after all), but you currently lack the drive to be a cheapskate. Accept this fact, then re-examine your saving goals to provide motivation to cut back your spending.
7-12: You have cheapskate potential, but lack frugal focus. You occasionally slip up and splurge – hey, it happens. But overall you want to save money and make thrifty decisions. Good job.
13-18: You are my bargain soul mate! If I ever need a week off from writing Bargain Babe, I know who to tap. Keep up the cheap work, my friend!
13-18: No one is that cheap!
I scored 11.5 … couldn’t choose between ‘a’ or ‘b’ on #8, so averaged the total of the two. I don’t think I have the mind-set to be a total cheapskate, but I do my best to economize in my life.
Ellie, economizing is a worthy goal. Thanks for sharing your score!
Dear Bargain Hunter Babe,
After reading your tips on how to ask for a discount, I asked a cabbie to cut me a deal last Saturday. I don’t think I would have without your words in the back of my mind. I talked him down from $12 to $10 and it felt GREAT!!!
Thanks,
Aicha
That’s great!! I’m glad you got up the nerve to ask. I love the feeling of clinching a deal. Let me know what happens next time you haggle!
I hit 16, baby… let me know when you need a vacation.
Sweet! A colleague asked me today how I ever planned to take a vacation and I was totally stumped. It’s really not something I have thought about. But now I can call you!
I hit 14…