WHETHER it's changing energy suppliers or shopping around for the best price in the supermarket, we love a money-saving tip as much as the next person.
But for Stephanie Bennett, keeping her outgoings as low as possible is a way of life.
Appearing on TLC's Extreme Cheapskates series, Stephanie – who works in a doctor's office – revealed the great extents she goes to cut back on bills.
Walking viewers through her everyday routine, Stephanie explained how she collects lint from her dryer and uses it to remove nail polish and apply makeup.
"First off, it's clean," she said. "And second, I use it so I don't have to buy cotton pads."
What's more, the thrifty woman owns a single lightbulb which she moves around the different rooms in her home to save $60[£45]-a-month on electricity.
However, Stephanie's extreme money-saving methods don't just affect her – they also limit her boyfriend Patrick's behaviour around the apartment.
He said: "Stephanie has a lot of money saved up but she doesn't want to spend nothing."
Commenting on the lightbulb rule, he added: "It's ridiculous but I do it because I love Stephanie."
And if that wasn't enough, Stephanie enforces "navy showers" in their household – meaning they can only be two minutes long and they turn the water off when they're lathering up.
I don't really get to wash my full body in two minutes. I'm a grown ass man and I should be able to go in there and take a manly shower!
Patrick said: "I'm not allowed to take long showers because Stephanie likes to save money for the water bill.
"I don't really get to wash my full body, like I'm a grown ass man and I should be able to go in there and take a manly shower."
In order to enforce the rule, Stephanie carries round a baby monitor so she can tell Patrick when his time is up.
Unsurprisingly, Stephanie says her friends and family find her ways of saving money a little "out there" – and she has no issue pouring her kids' leftover pasta sauces straight back into the jar.
But that certainly comes in handy when the mum is making a lasagne for a few of Patrick's friends a few days later.
In order to cut costs, Stephanie bought beef fat to bulk out the meat content and poured the leftover sauce over the top.
She then proceeds to wrap the lasagne dish in several layers of tin foil and placing it in the dishwasher so she doesn't have to power up the oven.
"Fish, hot dogs, lasagne. I'm telling you, I [cook them in the dishwasher] all the time," she added.
After being made to turn the TV off during the commercials at his football-viewing party, a frustrated Patrick added: "She has money, I have money – what's the point of being so cheap?"
Vote for your Fabulous Mum of the Year and WIN
Do you know a mum who deserves some extra recognition? We want to pay homage to the best mums in Britain.
During the pandemic they’ve been busy juggling childcare, homeschooling and work, with the added stress of worrying about the health of elderly relatives and vulnerable friends.
It’s never been a harder time to be a mum, so this year it’s even more important to honour the amazing women in our lives.
Nominate her for our Fabulous Mum Of The Year Award and she could win an overnight stay for two at a Champneys spa of her choice complete with a Gold package, which includes four relaxing treatments for the ultimate pampering experience.
Two runners-up will Champneys goodie bag worth £50 plus a £100 M&S voucher and £200 Nutmeg at Morrisons voucher, and all three mums will enjoy a makeover with our glam squad before taking part in a photo shoot for the magazine.
And you could win a £100 Tu at Sainsbury’s voucher, £200 Florence & Fred at Tesco voucher or £250 to spend at Primark just for entering.
If you want to nominate a mum then fill in the form here.
To enter, upload a photograph of the mum you are nominating and explain why they deserve to win.
The deadline for entries is Sunday February 14 and one winner and two runners-up will be announced on Sunday March 14. Good luck – we can’t wait to hear from you!
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And axed Cbeebies star Sarah-Jane Honeywell reveals ‘best mate’ Mr Tumble ‘froze her out’ after topless pics scandal.
Plus this mum-of-eight shared her busy night time routine – and it’s SO chaotic she has to start it at 4.30pm.
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