One thing that stands out and perhaps
unites all Indians living in USA is frugality. It cuts through the entire social
barriers and divide. Irrespective of what gender, religion, looks, color an
Indian belongs to, frugality in USA really unifies us as one. It gives us a
sense of pride and achievement. We squeeze in every penny. We have been doing
it for so long that it has become part of our DNA. I am sure, by now even few
of our genes have altered itself as part of human (Indian) evolution.
First reaction of a marine on hearing the word “go” would be
to grab his gun. For us, the first and natural reaction is Groupon. We do not
do buy anything in spur of moment. We plan it, meticulously. Like a military
operation. It does not matter how much, every penny counts. We can spend hours
looking for ways to get five dollar off on a five-dollar purchase. It is not
easy. It is a tight walk between being a cheapskate and profligate.
You name a service or a category and we have saved money on
it.
Netflix Subscription: Four or five family shares the same
subscription. Making it almost free. As if you bought the subscription from
Dollar tree.
Phone lines: I would say more the merrier. Ten or twenty
people group together and get a phone connection. It brings down the cost. What
is interesting is, they are not part of same family. A ten-line phone connection
would be saving money for at least five families.
Credit Cards: We love opening new credit cards. Every time
we have to make a trip to India. Open a new credit card, which has no interest
for the first year. In addition, look for a card, which gives cash backs or
credits for spending a certain amount in first three months.
Referral Bonus: We love this. From apartment rental referral
bonus to bank account opening referrals to new electricity connection
referrals. You name it and we have done it. It is a major revenue stream for many
of us.
Free inaugural subscription: Many video streaming websites
offer first few weeks’ free subscription. We are sucker for such offers. To
give you a perspective, you can watch the entire “Game of thrones” on HBO now
by using their first month free subscription. Cancel it after a month and then
wait until the season nine comes. Then create a new email id and whola you are
all set.
Rounding off dollars: We save every penny even when it comes
to tip at restaurants. If the bill amount with tip is 20.72 dollars. Then it is
20.72. Not 21 not 23 not 25. We have got so good at calculation 10 or 15
percent of any amount. We are correct and precise to the last decimal.
The list if just never ending. Nevertheless, it is fun. At
the end of the day, every dollar saved is a dollar saved. Not that we are not
paid enough, it is just the way we are wired. If we have to look at the bigger
picture, all third world struggling economies can take some inspiration and ideas
from us and save a ton of money. No austerity drives, no tax hikes. Just follow
the damn Indian way.
In the spirit of full confession, I am an integral part of
this thriving community in USA who are on a mission to save money.
Hope you
liked the post. If you have your experiences and thoughts to share, I will be
happy, as long as it does not cost me money.
Happy Reading.
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