I'm a cheapskate mom who loves my frugal food hacks — but haters say life's too short to live this way
It's her the-struggle-is-real meal.
Sure, prices are high and money is tight — but this miserly mama's daily menu is totally forked up.
'This is what I eat in a day as a frugal person,' said the self-professed penny-pincher, an anonymous woman, exclusively known as @DiaryOfACheapskate online.
5 Money-saving mom, @DairyOfACheapskate caught social media flak for her cheapo breakfast and dinner hacks.
Drobot Dean – stock.adobe.com
Debuting her bargain-basement breakfast to over 1.4 million TikTok viewers, the married millennial, 32, from the UK, sprinkled her whole-wheat cereal with a splash of milk before adding a healthy spill of tap water to further moisten the food.
'I am trying to use less of the milk just to save a bit more money,' said the mom, who's proudly 'mortgage free' thanks to her tightfistedness. 'I've been slowly watering it down a little bit more, and I can't really taste the difference.'
'I like it mushy anyway,' she continued, 'so, it [doesn't] bother me.'
But, boy, does it bother the sickened social media sneerers who deemed her chintzy hack 'sad' and 'diabolical.'
5 Digital detractors bashed the pennywise mom's 'frugal' menu online.
Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com
'Life is too short to water down milk,' a skeeved-out commenter reminded.
'Someone tell her the war is over,' teased an equally nauseated naysayer.
'Mortgage free but watering down your milk is… a choice,' a detractor noted.
'May this life never find me,' begged a separate critic.
'This seems like framing compulsive disorder as 'frugality,' another spat. 'Nobody in their right mind would consider diluting milk with water to be a valid money-saving measure. You're saving nothing.'
5 Internet trolls blasted the self-professed 'cheapskate' for watering down her cereal and milk in an attempt to save money.
likoper – stock.adobe.com
But for frugal people worldwide, cutting costs at every corner isn't a mental health cry for help. Instead, it's a socially acceptable way to save.
An April 2025 survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that 61% of people, across all genders and generations, consider frugality 'less tacky' today than it was 10 years ago.
However, some skinflints do take economizing too far.
5 A fed-up wife on Reddit claimed that her husband dresses up in shabby gear and fakes being poor in order to get free food from local charities.
ibilyk13 – stock.adobe.com
An aggravated woman on Reddit recently claimed that her frugal-to-a-fault husband pretends to be poor to score free groceries from shops and food banks.
And a 'Moms on a Budget' Facebook group virtually scolded spendthrifts for blowing big bucks on daily treats such as store-bought coffees and going out to lunch.
'How to waste $5,000 a year…Spend $13.70 per day on things you don't need,' wrote a finger-wagging mom, who titled her rant 'Frugal thought of the day.'
5 Frugal parents on Facebook recently stirred up a hot debate over spending money on daily delights such as to-go cups of coffee.
Krakenimages.com – stock.adobe.com
'Those daily coffees people buy — boom, $7000 a year,' she said. 'Add buying your lunch another $7000 per year. $14,000 WASTED.'
Unabashed budgeters like the Facebook moms and @DiaryOfACheapstake would rather eat table scraps than eat away their cash.
The proud 'cheapskate' even admitted to eating rotten potatoes and wilted salad leaves to save a little extra green.
'I just cut the sprouting bits off and eat them anyway,' she said of the spoiled spuds, noting that most wasteful moms would toss the taters in the trash.
'The salad is a couple of days out of date,' she continued while making her stomach-churning dinner. 'But I've washed, looked at it and smelled it. I think it's fine to eat.'
The gross grub may go down without a fight. But will the churlish girl's expired eats stay down? Only time will tell.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
If You've Never Been A Dress Person, These 30 Options May Change Your Mind
A lantern sleeve mini I'm sure Belle would wear for a summertime jaunt to the library in 2025. A floral maxi dress can satisfy the Debbie Jellinsky part of your personal style. (Joan Cusack is such an icon in Addams Family Values). A floral mini dress if you've gotta look really cute, really fast after flying over The North Pole to get wherever you're vacationing. A long-sleeve boho dress to help you realize your easy-breezy spring style after you've been wrapped up in all sorts of cozy layers. A belted ruffled dress will help cut back on the math you have to do to figure out if a top will tuck neatly into a dress. This gives you that look for half the effort. A one-shouldered frock prime for that May wedding you've got on your schedule where you'll see a ton of old college buds and, therefore, will have a horde of pics from it after. A *pocketed* maxi will be super easy to wear, even if your plans for the day is to just roll around on the floor with the puppy. (Am I invited?) An easy, breezy patchwork mini dress to wear when you need to look cute but want the least amount of fabric possible touching your skin. A knee-length halter dress available in a range of colors and prints so you'll probably wanna snag a few for all kinds of seasonal photo ops. A floral midi built to impress — especially if a babydoll or nap dress shape isn't your thing. A drawstring bodycon dress with some major versatility — you can adjust the drawstring for the perfect length and look, then throw all kinds of outerwear over it as needed. (There are sooo many pregnant reviewers who love it!) A chic mini dress that reviewers say is lightweight and breathable, so it'll prob end up in the top of your rotation come late-sprint. A tiger-print dress passersby will assume you bought on a luxurious, tropical vacation. Go ahead. Let 'em assume. But then if they ask, be super helpful and point them to this Etsy shop chock full of dresses in glorious prints. A linen babydoll dress you can have custom-made to fit your measurements. Plus, that super cute low back will be the perfect excuse to go bra-less. Life is short. Bra bands are too tight. A halter-neck sundress in a maxi silhouette and a variety of patterns to help elevate your grand entrance — even if it's just popping in the store to buy some TP. A graphic maxi dress for a chic, dramatic statement. Pregnant *and* non-pregnant reviewers are raving about it! A wrap dress will let ya show lots of leg to the period piece beaus you're currently binge-watching. A cherry-picked frock in case you need yet another '90s-inspired thing in your closet. Yes, yes you do need it. Trust me, I bought it a few summers ago and have worn it at least a dozen times since. A midi corset dress that'll help scratch that cottagecore itch for the TikTok-famous House of CB Carmen dress. Except for nearly $200 less. A ladylike polka-dot number that tbh you could wear to brunch with your great-aunt and then out day-drinking with your roomies after. But it also has accommodating stretch, barely wrinkles, and will look so nice in any photos where you wanna look fab but don't wanna upstage your surroundings. A flowy boho style you'll get a ton of use out of in other seasons. It'll look equally amazing with cowboy boots or sandals. Cue to you in a piazza in Rome rocking this with your favorite accessory, a cone of gelato. A showstopping mesh dress you can use as a base for basically any special event's ensemble. Hello, Summer Goth. An airy nap dress I own and plan to wear as much as possible. It's super easy to adjust the puff sleeves from on- to off-the-shoulder to fit your mood. A tie-strap beaut in an ankle-grazing length for those moments when you've GOTTA stoop down and play with a puppy. This has you covered. A striped cap sleeve midi — it might be the next best (and comfiest) thing to wearing a night gown out and about. A floor-length gown will look soooo pretty whether you're wearing it as a bridesmaid in your friend's wedding or in impromptu photo shoot by your pal who just got a new camera. A casual striped option with some ruffled sleeves to make it feel a bit special but not super dressy. We're keeping it casual rn. A versatile tiered maxi dress to layer with your longer-sleeve tops so you can comfortably sit in your chilly office. A flared vintage-inspired dress you'll wanna buy after your next Hairspray is always a great idea. A pom-pom strap maxi for a stylish twist on the "nap dress" style we all rely on to keep us cool and chic when the sun starts to bake. Twirling in this is, in fact, mandatory, and lack of twirl is punishable by nap dress law.
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
What happens to an annuity when a person dies?
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. An annuity can provide reliable retirement income, but it's important to know whether it will continue to pay your loved ones after you die. Getty Images In today's uncertain financial climate, many Americans are turning to annuities as a way to guarantee income during retirement. With inflation cooling but still problematic, market volatility causing jitters and traditional pensions nearly extinct, annuities offer something rare: predictable, steady payouts for life. But while retirees often understand the basics of how annuities work during their lifetime, there's one question that doesn't always get asked soon enough: What happens to that annuity when the person who owns it dies? It's an important question, especially if you're counting on that annuity to support a surviving spouse or want to leave something behind for your children. And, the answer depends on several factors, including the type of annuity purchased and the options selected at the time of signing the contract. That's why understanding the potential outcomes ahead of time is key. If you don't plan ahead, that stream of income could dry up, and in some cases, the insurer might keep the remainder of the money. So, whether you're shopping for an annuity, currently receiving payouts or managing a loved one's estate, it's critical to know what happens to an annuity after the annuitant dies. Find out how to add an annuity to your retirement portfolio today. What happens to an annuity when a person dies? What happens to an annuity after death depends largely on the type of annuity and the contract terms set in place. Here's what happens with the common types of annuities after the person who owns it dies: Single life annuity : If the annuity is a single life annuity, meaning that it's set to pay income only for the life of the annuitant, the payments usually stop once the person dies. That means even if the annuitant dies early into the payout period, the insurance company keeps the remaining balance. This might sound harsh, but it's part of the tradeoff for getting higher monthly payments while the person is alive. : If the annuity is a single life annuity, meaning that it's set to pay income only for the life of the annuitant, the payments usually stop once the person dies. That means even if the annuitant dies early into the payout period, the insurance company keeps the remaining balance. This might sound harsh, but it's part of the tradeoff for getting higher monthly payments while the person is alive. Joint and survivor annuity : Joint and survivor annuities are a common option for married couples who want to make sure both spouses are covered. If the annuity was structured as a joint and survivor annuity, payments continue to the surviving spouse or named joint annuitant after the original annuitant passes away. That said, the amount may be the same or reduced, depending on the contract. : Joint and survivor annuities are a common option for married couples who want to make sure both spouses are covered. If the annuity was structured as a joint and survivor annuity, payments continue to the surviving spouse or named joint annuitant after the original annuitant passes away. That said, the amount may be the same or reduced, depending on the contract. Fixed period or period certain annuity : Some annuities include a "period certain" feature, which guarantees payments for a set number of years — like 10 or 20 — regardless of whether the annuitant is alive. If the annuitant dies before that period ends, the remaining payments are made to a designated beneficiary. : Some annuities include a "period certain" feature, which guarantees payments for a set number of years — like 10 or 20 — regardless of whether the annuitant is alive. If the annuitant dies before that period ends, the remaining payments are made to a designated beneficiary. Refund options: Other annuities include refund provisions. For example, a cash refund annuity ensures that if the total amount paid out doesn't equal the original investment, the remaining amount is refunded to a beneficiary. This helps ensure that some of the money goes to heirs, even if the annuitant dies early. It's worth noting that in most cases, any payments made to a beneficiary after the annuitant dies are considered taxable income. However, the taxation details depend on whether the annuity was qualified (funded with pre-tax dollars) or non-qualified. Compare your annuity options and secure a reliable retirement income stream now. How to make sure your annuity benefits your loved ones If you're worried about your loved ones' ongoing financial needs, there are steps you can take to make sure your annuity continues to support your family after you die. That said, it takes a bit of upfront planning and a clear understanding of the contract terms to get it right. Start by carefully reviewing the death benefit provisions in your annuity. If you're still in the accumulation phase (i.e., you haven't started receiving payments yet), check whether your contract includes a death benefit rider. This rider can guarantee that your beneficiaries receive the greater of your account value or the total premiums paid, even if your investments have declined. If you've already annuitized (meaning you've started receiving regular income), it's important to confirm whether your contract includes features like a joint payout option or period certain. These choices can't be added after the fact, so what you selected at the start is what determines how much, if anything, your beneficiaries receive. You should also take the time to review and update your beneficiary designations. Life changes, like divorce, remarriage or the death of a previously named beneficiary, can create complications if you haven't kept your documents current. And make sure you name contingent beneficiaries too, in case your primary beneficiary isn't able to inherit. Ultimately, an annuity doesn't have to be a "use it or lose it" investment. With the right setup, it can offer long-term peace of mind for both you and the people you care about. The bottom line Annuities can offer powerful income protection during retirement, but without the right planning, they might not offer the same protection for your loved ones after you're gone. But what happens to your annuity when you die depends largely on the structure of the contract, whether you've chosen survivorship options and who you name as your beneficiaries. To avoid unwanted surprises, take the time to understand your annuity's terms and make sure your designations reflect your wishes. With a few thoughtful decisions, your annuity can serve as more than just a retirement paycheck. It can also be a meaningful part of your legacy.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
'Martha Stewart aesthetic' is the trend of the summer, according to Pinterest report
It's been 49 years since Martha Stewart left Wall Street, and the lifestyle maven is as influential as ever. According to the 2025 Pinterest Summer Report, the 'Martha Stewart aesthetic' is poised to take over, with searches up 2,889 per cent on the platform. From her vegetable garden (+72 per cent) to dinner recipes (+45 per cent) and chicken coop (+22 per cent), Stewart continues to inspire. 'It's going to be a Martha Girl Summer,' the Martha Stewart Instagram account posted. 'As we've seen, our founder is influencing the influencers, with many embracing her iconic lifestyle by throwing dinner parties, cultivating home-grown produce and raising backyard chickens.' The nearly three-thousand-fold increase includes Stewart-specific search terms, such as 'Martha Stewart chicken coop,' and more general ones that Pinterest attributes to her sway, including 'fresh summer recipes.' Stewart's estate in Bedford, New York, spans 153 acres. When she bought it in 2000, it was 'a blank canvas,' according to a Facebook post. Today, it's filled with rose beds, daffodils, orchards, vegetable plots and a greenhouse dedicated to begonias. 'My father taught me that you can do it all from scratch, starting from seeds or cuttings, and if you nurture them, they will produce,' she said. 'For me, gardening is all about scent, colour, and variety, variety, and more variety.' In the spirit of Stewart's DIY philosophy, Pinterest users are gravitating toward harvest recipes (+680 per cent), urban farming (+374 per cent), flower gardens (+259 per cent), small backyard vegetable gardens (+246 per cent) and garden-to-table cooking (+117 per cent). 'This back-to-basics approach not only fosters a reconnection to nature but also pairs seamlessly with the rise of summer detox drinks, with searches up 566 per cent on Pinterest,' according to the report. As people have started drinking less alcohol, especially young adults, functional beverages have filled the gap. These drinks, particularly popular among millennials and Gen Z, are designed to deliver health benefits beyond hydration and may be infused with herbs, vitamins and minerals, protein or CBD. Green juices for gut health (+316 per cent) — which Stewart drinks every morning — flavoured water drinks (+289 per cent), spinach smoothies that taste good (+227 per cent), anti-inflammatory drinks (+289 per cent) and herbal infusion recipes (+71 per cent) are among the summer detox drinks quenching Pinterest users' thirst. Whether low-alcohol, non-alcoholic or boozy, 'The popularity of savoury cocktails reflects a curiosity for innovative beverage experiences, marrying fresh produce and herbs with creative cocktail concoctions for a refreshing twist on traditional summer sips.' Cook This: 3 recipes for sharing from Family Style, including crispy devilled tea eggs These 9 restaurants gained Michelin stars in the first-ever Quebec guide Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our cookbook and recipe newsletter, Cook This, here.
