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.
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 ha.
