Watch Extreme Cheapskates

Extreme Cheapskates is a television series that aired on TLC starting in 2011. The show follows individuals who take penny-pinching to the extreme, giving viewers a glimpse into their daily lives and the creative ways they save money. The show focuses on a variety of strategies for frugality, from reusing dental floss to eating roadkill. Each episode highlights a different individual and provides a snapshot of their unorthodox methods for saving money.

The first season of Extreme Cheapskates featured Nicholas Pinto, a New York resident who was determined to live without spending money. He dumpster dives for food and other necessities, such as toiletries and cleaning supplies. Pinto also saves money on rent by sleeping on a makeshift bed in his friend's closet. He even brews his own beer to avoid buying alcohol at the store. Alongside Nicholas, the Pinto family was also featured, with Francesca and Monica Pinto sharing their tips and tricks for saving money.

In one episode, Francesca Pinto revealed that she and her family reuse paper towels by washing and hanging them out to dry. She also demonstrated how to make her own laundry detergent, using ingredients such as borax, washing soda, and soap. Meanwhile, her sister Monica Pinto showed viewers how she saves money by buying expired food at a discount and reusing household items, such as using a coffee filter as a dryer sheet.

The show's focus on frugality can often be shocking and even disturbing, as some of the practices are downright unsanitary. However, Extreme Cheapskates provides a unique perspective on how people can live with very little money, and the creative methods they use to survive. For some individuals, it's a necessity due to financial hardship, while for others it's a form of personal challenge or lifestyle choice.

Throughout the series, Extreme Cheapskates showcases individuals who take pride in their ability to save money, often at the expense of their own comfort and hygiene. Some go to extreme lengths to avoid spending money on things like heat, electricity, and air conditioning. One woman featured on the show lives without running water and instead showers at the gym or uses a bucket to collect rainwater.

Despite the unorthodox practices, the show often results in heartwarming moments as family members come together to support each other through difficult times. It sheds light on the struggles that many people face when it comes to finances and the ways in which they try to overcome them.

Overall, Extreme Cheapskates is an interesting and eye-opening portrayal of people who live on the fringes of society, pushing the boundaries of what it means to live a financially sound life. The show is not for the faint of heart, as some of the methods used by the featured individuals are unorthodox and even disgusting. But for those interested in discovering how people survive on little to no money, it's a fascinating watch.

Extreme Cheapskates is a series that ran for 3 seasons (29 episodes) between October 16, 2012 and on TLC