Ep 1. Rick & Karissa / Torski

Rick & Karissa / Torski - In this episode of Extreme Cheapskates, we meet two families who take frugality to the next level. First, we are introduced to Rick and Karissa, a couple who are on a mission to save as much money as possible. They both work full-time and have two young children, but they refuse to spend money on anything that isn't absolutely necessary. They recycle everything, including dental floss and disposable razors, and they never eat out or buy new clothes. Instead, they rely on their own resourcefulness to get by.

Next, we meet Torski, a single mother who is raising three children on a shoestring budget. Torski is so thrifty that she dumpster dives for food and clothing. She also refuses to pay for utilities, so she and her children live in a trailer without running water or electricity. Torski believes that by living this way, she is teaching her children the value of hard work and self-sufficiency.

We follow Rick and Karissa as they plan their son's birthday party on a budget of only $10. They scour the thrift stores for decorations and party favors, and they even bake the cake themselves. Despite the challenges, they manage to put together a fun and memorable celebration for their son.

Meanwhile, Torski takes us through her daily routine. She shows us how she collects rainwater to use for drinking and washing dishes, and how she uses a solar panel to power a single light bulb in the trailer. She also takes us along on a dumpster diving expedition, where she scores a bounty of food that she plans to turn into a nutritious meal for her family.

Throughout the episode, we see how these extreme cheapskates make sacrifices in order to save money. While some of their tactics may seem drastic, they are determined to make their dollars stretch as far as they can. Whether it's baking their own bread or foraging for wild plants, these families have found creative ways to live frugally and still enjoy life.