Way back when I was in college at the University of Florida, the local troupe of Hare Krishna devotees would set up in the Plaza offering free food to all who were hungry (which was basically all of us students!). There was definitely something to be desired about the quality of their curried offerings, though -- you can get a bit tired of ghee-soaked potatoes day in day out.

Real cheapskates ride public transportation (and they buy the discounted tickets in advance , too, but that's another post).

We're all looking for stuff to do.

But when you're jaded and broke in San Francisco, it can be a struggle. What to do? Walk out on the street and hope you run into a "6 foot 7 inch Jew" who will freestyle rap 4 you (it's been known to happen)?

When free ice cream comes a'calling, it's best to answer... and Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops are giving out free cones on Tuesday, August 29, 2008.

True cheapskates clip coupons -- we ain't too proud! And I found an online one today that some folks may appreciate:

$5 off the Wash & Fold Service

-OR-

a free Laundry Bag to hold your clothes

All this can be yours at Bernal Bubbles laundromat.

Personally, I'd go for the laundry bag. Not only is it free and reusable, but it'll save you from buying a dresser.

Those of you who are working people with kids know how difficult finding affordable, trustworthy, quality childcare is. In fact, it can be a major hassle: expensive, hard to find, and generally maddening.

The Associated Press reported today that it's "becoming cool to be frugal."

Well, I generally pay no attention to such trend pieces in the national press, but when the Cheap Bastard happens to agree with it, then that settles the matter!

If you're a home or business owner, you ought to be spending more time thinking about your toilet.

It all makes sense: firefighters need money, we need ice cream.

In 2007 we posted about where you could get free light bulbs from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Well, that offer was, as they say, for a limited time only, so I think you're out of luck.