PENNY PINCHER
I’m a cheapskate dad & make my family of 6 share one sandwich, the kids think I’m ruining their lives, but I don’t care
Watch the video to see more of the family's money making tips
A CHEAPSKATE dad has revealed some of the extreme lengths he goes to to save cash.
Raul Pinto makes his family of six share one sandwich between them when they go out, and his frugal antics are driving his children insane.
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When Raul and his family go and get their car cleaned, they ask to look through the vacuum cleaner, pretending that Raul's wife Patricia has lost her earring.
Instead, the family root around and look for valuable items that have been hoovered up out of other people's cars.
Speaking to TLC's Extreme Cheapskates, Patricia said: "The kids love going to the car wash, because it's like a treasure hunt for them.
"We have found earphones, jewellery, change."
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However, the children don't seem to impressed and revealed that the activity "grosses them out".
When the family are out, the kids order tap water with a slice of lemon in it.
They then pour free sugar packets into the water, and make their own lemonade for free.
Meanwhile, the parents order one coffee between them, and quench their thirst by taking advantage of unlimited refills.
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"Going to the diner with my dad is one of the most embarrassing things ever," one of Raul's children complained.
Only one person in the family orders a meal, and they split one club sandwich between the six of them.
I’m a cheapskate mum-of-10 - we eat ROADKILL to save cash and I feed my kids weeds too
"Diners are great because they usually give you huge portions", Raul said.
The family also make sure to take any complimentary packets of sauces or milk home from restaurants, so that they can feed themselves for free.
"I don't think my habits are extreme", Raul said. "It's just the way I am."
Raul hates it when his family leave the fridge open for too long, as he worries about how much energy they are wasting.
How to save money eating out
THERE are a number of ways that you can save money when eating out. Here's how:
Discount codes - Check sites like Sun Vouchers or for any discount codes you can use to get money off your order.
Tastecard - This is a members club where you pay to have access to discounts worth up to 50 per cent off at thousands of restaurants. It costs £4.99 a month or £34.99 for the year.
Loyalty schemes - Some restaurants will reward you with discounts or a free meal if you register with their loyalty scheme, such as Nando's where you can collect a stamp with every visit. Some chains like Pizza Express will send you discounts for special occasions, such as your birthday, if you sign up to their newsletter.
Voucher schemes - Look out for voucher schemes offered by third party firms, such as Meerkat Meals. If you compare and buy a product through CompareTheMarket.com then you'll be rewarded with access to the discount scheme. You'll get 2 for 1 meals at certain restaurants through Sunday to Thursday.
Student discounts - If you're in full-time education or a member of the National Students Union then you may be able to get a discount of up to 15 per cent off the bill. It's always worth asking before you place your order.
Therefore, he only allows everyone to open the fridge once a day, and has put a 24 second timer above it, to limit the time the door is allowed to stay open for.
"Anytime we exceed that time, he charges us", said Raul's son.
"I save about $25 a year by doing this", Raul said.
"Despite how cheap he is, I love him to death", said Patricia.
"He is the cheapest big heart I know.
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Meanwhile, another dad is being trolled for the dinners he serves his family.
Whilst other parents are rushing to Aldi's middle aisle to grab a bargain that's "perfect for kids lunches".
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