Recently, Tim and I started watching Sons of Anarchy on Netflix. We’re binge watchers, so we’re already through Season 3. And I can’t help but notice they have some pretty frugal habits:
#1: They save on gas.
Motorcycles get far better mileage than cars. In fact, some of them get as much as 80 mpg. I doubt the guys’ bikes are that good. Still, the guys have to be saving big by tooling around on two wheels.
#2: They have side hustles.
Running guns in the Sons’ main gig. But they also offer protection runs for precious cargo and recently branched out into the porn business, which is definitely a profitable industry.
#3: They ask for discounts.
The club was very clear with Lin about getting a discount on the guns they needed. Given the sheer amount of pot smoked in any given episode, they’ve got to be getting a deal on that too.
#4 They barter.
The Sons took Zobelle’s first protection payment out in cigars. And when they couldn’t pay Lin for the guns, they offered an appearance of their, er, actresses at his function.
#5 They save on haircuts.
Most of the men in the club wear their hair at least shoulder length. Just think of all the money they save by stretching the time between trims!
#6 They use prepaid cells.
Sure, prepaids make it easier to avoid calls being tracked or tapped. But the guys also nicely avoid being beholden to a two-year plan of high monthly rates. Nope, they pay for exactly what they use and not a cent more.
#7 They save on clothes.
Club members mainly wear t-shirts, jeans and leather jackets. Leather and denim generally hold up well and don’t need to be replaced much. Meanwhile any of their old t-shirts could probably be turned into bandanas.
#8 They carpool.
On the occasions when they do use the tow truck or van, there’s always more than one person inside. They’re getting more bang for the gas buck. Oh, and when they had to go to Belfast? They rode along with some cargo in a friend’s jet, saving a bundle on airfare.
#9 They save on prescriptions.
Gemma did it by just not taking her meds. Granted, she did it because her swollen feet wouldn’t fit into her beloved boots. But rather than buy new pairs — which, with Gemma’s taste — would have been a pretty penny, she just stopped using (and therefore paying for) prescriptions. Meanwhile, Piney made the acquaintance of a lady who sold black market prescription meds. He saved a bundle on his own medical needs and helped Bobby get some cheap inhalers for his kid.
#10 They avoid identity theft.
Granted, thieves probably aren’t chomping at the bit for identities tied to a bunch of crimes. Still, it’s always good to be careful. They buy most things in person, not online, giving thieves less access to credit card information. They also keep their wallets on chains, deterring pickpockets. Plus, they won’t forget their wallets somewhere and allow people access to their cards.
lake livin' says
This cracked me up. We're watching the current season now. I thought of another one: they save on groceries by getting themselves incarcerated. Think of all that free prison food! And medical care! And toiletries!
Abigail says
That's true. They're clearly saving machines!
Ro in San Diego says
This is pretty funny. But they need to be frugal because they spend more than the average person on expenses like bail and lawyers fees. Tee Hee.
Abigail says
So true!
Kelsie says
Nice! I’m a binge tv watcher too. I think I just found my next show!
Abigail says
It’s pretty good, as long as you have a stomach for violence. Acting is amazing though. And Katie Sagal rocks!
@WillChenEsq says
Katie Sagal is amazing. She deserves every award in the universe for her acting in SOA. Also I just found out recently that she started her career as a backup singer for famous acts like Bob Dylan and Bette Midler!
Abigail says
Really? Well, it makes sense. Apparently the version of “Preacher Man” was her singing. It’s on the soundtrack.
Donna Freedman says
I didn't recognize Katey Sagal when I watched the show at my brother's house. He had to point her out to me. She's great, but I'm missin' that Peg Bundy updo…..
Abigail says
We all miss it.
Kat says
Me thinks the only money issue would be that they can't get life insurance due to high risk occupations, and they're mainly a cash economy. So if one of them takes that last ride, the family is probably going to be in dire straights.
I've been meaning to watch the show- I will watch Ron Perlman in just about anything, and it love Kate Sagal. The way she portrayed grief on 8 Simple Rules was so powerful. Right now I'm immersed in the glut of new shows, so I'm not marathon watching as much. I'm so happy James Spader has returned to TV… And in a way where he gets to be gloriously BAD!
Abigail says
Yep, we’re dipping our toes into the various new shows. Blacklist is on there for sure. So far, Sleepy Hollow has some promise, so we’ll see if it lives up to it. And of course we loved Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Kat says
My two favorite moments in the S.H.I.E.L.D. Pilot were "She's one of those fan girls that dress up and hang out around Stark Tower" "I… Uh… Ugh… One time!" and when Loki was referred to as the Asgardian Machiavelli.
Abigail says
Oh, and yeah the life insurance thing would be an issue, since these guys rarely seem to put money aside. I’m sure the ex-wives and kids don’t help either.
@bitfs says
HAHAHA! I watched Seasons 1 and 2 right at the end of Season 2, so I still need to catch up. Great points! I do hope they get a good deal on their pot…
Abigail says
Well, in season 4, you find out one of the members has an interest in a weed shop. I’m guessing they get the friends & family rate there.
Season 3 was interesting but also frustrating because they get so stymied at every turn. Still, I recommend it.