Dumpster-diving accountant: I've saved a fortune

A frugal woman dumpster-dives for all her food and doesn't use toilet paper in order to save money.

Kay Hashimoto, of New York City, refuses to buy toilet paper because she has to throw it away after using it, so she washes herself off after doing her business by using soap, and she also scrubs her clothes in the shower with free detergent to avoid doing laundry.

The Certified Public Accountant – who is aiming to save up $250,000 (€192,262) by next year – told the New York Post: "If I took a dump then I also grab soap, wipe myself down with the soap, then I take the water and rinse off the soap.

"I don’t believe in spending money on something that you’re just going to throw away such as toilet paper or paper towels.

"Whenever I have dirty clothes I try to wash them while I’m showering. Today I’m using a free sample of detergent I got.

"Once I’m done showering then I lather up the clothes. I think the last time I did laundry was maybe three years ago."

Overall, Hashimoto's monthly spend includes nothing on clothing, 17 cents on toothpaste and $15 (€11.54) on food, while she puts $4,000 (€3,076) into savings an $1,000 (€769) into a financial plan.