Couponing, budgeting, winterizing your home, all pretty common ways to save a few bucks. But what about some of the more “non-mainstream” ways to save some cash. Some might consider them weird or even completely asinine. But wherever you fall on the spectrum you have to applaud the effort. Here are five that I had heard about but were too lazy to actually research, until now that is…

1. Paint Your Roof

Consider painting your roof white and watch your energy costs go down, up to 20%.

Bill Clinton actually wrote an article for Newsweek a couple years ago detailing the benefits, “Every flat tar-surface roof anywhere (should be painted)…you could recover the cost of the paint and the labor in a week. It’s the quickest, cheapest thing you can do.”

The color white has long been known to reflect heat, while black, the color of most roofs, absorbs heat from the sun.

The options go beyond a flat tar roof as well.

This doesn’t only apply to flat-tar roofs, you can also paint a metal roof and tile roof white and notice a savings in your summer cooling bill.

Side-note: I wonder if you’d lose any savings in the winter when you don’t have a black roof absorbing and holding in heat.

PRO TIP: TIME YOUR PURCHASES WITH THE RETAIL CALENDAR

A more conventional way to save money involves timing your purchases according to the retail markdown calendar.

This can easily save you hundreds, if not thousands, throughout the year.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best times to buy specific items, based on annual sales cycles, clearance events, and seasonal shifts.

Major Appliances – Buy in September & October. New models are released, so stores discount the previous year’s versions. The absolute best days to find a deal include Labor Day and Black Friday. Exception: Refrigerators go on sale in May, not in the Fall.

Vacuums – Buy in March & April. New models launch in early spring, so older models get steep discounts.

Furniture – January & July. Furniture stores release new styles in February & August, so clearance happens a month before.

Mattresses – May (Memorial Day Sales). Biggest markdowns happen around Memorial Day Weekend, but you’ll also find good deals on Labor Day and Black Friday.

See Also: 8 Highly Clever Ways to Save Money on Amazon

2. Permanent Make-up

According to the UK Daily Mail, the average woman spends $14,000 on makeup in her lifetime.

Some women have been saying goodbye to the never-ending costs associated with lipstick, eye shadow, and mascara and opting for permanent cosmetics.

Three of the most popular procedures include eyebrow tattoos, permanent eyeliner, and permanent lipstick.

The costs varies depending on the skill of your technician, but according to former fashion model, turned permanent makeup artist, Stephanie Drumright, expect to pay $400 for eyebrows, $600 for full lips, and $400 for a shadow liner to cover wrinkles.

Always research your technician and make sure they are educated, certified, and operating in a licensed facility.

3. Potty Train your Cat

300 bucks a year, minimum. That’s what it costs to have your cat crap in a plastic tub.

Tired of cleaning your cat’s litter box and buying and hauling 25 pound bags of kitty litter? Consider training your feline to squat on your commode and save a bunch of money over the course of the cat’s lifetime.

According to CatHabits.com, you can buy a training system for around $150 and within a few weeks the costs associated with the litter box will be a thing of the past and you’ll be officially sharing your crapper with your cat.

The website recommends the “Litter Quitter” system and says success is greatly increased in younger cats.

Also, the more sociable your cat is, the better chance for success.

Side-note: I’m not sure I could share a toilet with a cat. Unless, of course, I could also train it to flip the fan on when it left.

PRO TIP: LEARN TO HAGGLE DOWN YOUR BILLS

Even if you think you can’t, call your internet, cable, or even medical bill providers and politely ask for a discount or promotional rate.

The 2 keys to your success involves asking to talk to the “retention” department, and mentioning competitor offers and using that as leverage.

Say things like the following:

• “I’ve been a customer for [X] years, and I noticed my bill has gone up. I’m considering switching to [Competitor Name], which is offering a lower rate. Is there a way to match or lower my bill?”
• “Spectrum is offering the same speed for $30 less per month—can you match it?”
• “Are there any other promotions available that I might qualify for?”
• “I love your service, but my bill keeps increasing. I saw that new customers get [X price]. Can you offer something similar to keep me as a customer?”
• “My budget is tight, and I need to cut costs. What can you do to lower my monthly bill?”

4. Host a Fashion Swap

Another money saving trend gaining traction these days are fashion swaps.

While this one is not ridiculous, it definitely is awesome.

Organize and host a group of 10-15 swappers and send out an invite a few weeks in advance so they have plenty of time to clean out their closets.

Have guest presort their clothing so when they arrive you don’t end up with an unorganized mess.

The idea is to not bring anything that you wouldn’t give to a good friend.

Once the fashion swap starts, guests are free to peruse the offerings, try them on, and start trading outfits.

To host a swap all you need a large room, garage, or backyard. Donate all items that don’t get swapped to a local charity.

See Also: 9 Brilliant Ways to Save Money at Walmart

5. Reuse Pet Hair

The next time you give your poodle a trim or comb your cat, don’t throw the fur away, instead turn it into something usable.

Many Americans, well at least 2 or 3, are teaching others how to knit with dog hair.

Just visit YouTube and perform a search for “knitting with dog hair” and you’ll be inundated with tutorials from the pros. Essentially they turn the hair into usable yarn that can produce socks and sweaters.

Also, if you have a garden, spread cat fur and dog hair around to deter skunks, rabbits, and deer.

The hair is also completely organic and is a good additive to your compost heap as it provides an excellent source of calcium and protein for your fruits and veggies.

Ask the Reader: So what say you? Could you share your toilet with a cat? Or how about wear a dog sweater?

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)