Many of us find ourselves scrambling to cover the basics, let alone save for the future.
This is especially true in today’s economy, where expenses seem to continually rise.
In this article, I’ll discuss some extreme frugal living tips to easily save thousands. Let’s get your financial health back on track!
1. Cook at Home
Eating out often drains budgets quickly, but cooking at home keeps money in your pockets.
Stick to simple meals and consider meal planning to simplify your grocery shopping and reduce waste.
At our house, my husband and I are all about keeping mealtime simple! It helps us buy exactly what we need and cuts down on food scrap.
When we shop, we stick to a list based on our meal plan. Sometimes, we cook big dishes like spaghetti or chili that give us lots of leftovers.
2. Freeze Your Credit Cards
If you can’t trust yourself with credit cards, here’s a cool trick: freeze them.
Put those plastic tempters in a ziplock bag, fill it with water, and stash it in the freezer. Now, every impulse buy comes with a mandatory thaw time.
But kidding aside, the best way is just to use them as little as possible.
If they’re out of sight, they’re out of mind, and that’s good for your wallet.
3. Shop at Thrift Stores
Unlock serious savings by embracing the charm of thrift store shopping.
By choosing secondhand items, you stretch your dollars and discover unique, quality finds.
You might find nearly new designer jeans or a vintage lamp, all for much less than retail prices. It’s like every visit is a treasure hunt.
For families on a budget, thrift stores are a goldmine as well. Kids grow fast, and clothes can be expensive.
Here, you can pick up outfits they’ll soon outgrow without breaking the bank.
Also, shopping secondhand is a great way to be eco-friendly.
4. Collect and Use Coupons Wisely
Maximize your savings by not overlooking coupons and cashback apps. I’ve had great success with Rakuten, which offers both.
It’s super user-friendly, especially with their Chrome extension. Plus, you start with a free 10% bonus just for signing up. It feels like getting paid to shop!
I always check for coupons there before I buy anything. Recently, I saved nearly $50 on groceries just by using digital coupons.
Rakuten also offers cashback on purchases from many of the stores we use every day. Last month, I got back $30 from buying school supplies for the kids.
It’s not just about the one-time savings, either. Using Rakuten over the year has helped us save enough for a family weekend getaway. Every little bit helps!
5. Practice Seasonal Gardening
Focus on growing vegetables that are costly at the store but cheap to cultivate, like tomatoes and herbs.
Pro Tip: Gather rainwater for your garden! It saves money on water and is better for your plants.
Basically, just set up a barrel under your downspout, and you’re good to go.
For example, our tomato plants thrived last summer, and we barely spent any money on them. We used rainwater, and they grew like crazy.
Starting a seasonal garden also means you can have fresh veggies throughout the year.
You can plant cold-hardy greens in the fall and then start seeds indoors in winter for spring planting.
6. Make Your Own Bread
Making your own bread is a cost-cutter! By baking at home, you could save around $100 each year.
Pro Tip: For a hassle-free method, try the no-knead refrigerator bread recipe. Just mix, store the dough in the fridge, and bake pieces as needed.
For instance, you can mix a big batch on Sundays. During the week, you can then bake small portions!
This ensures you always have fresh bread without daily effort.
Moreover, it’s a great activity to do with the kids. They love shaping the dough and watching it rise!
7. Reuse and Repurpose Items
Before you toss out old items away, consider their potential for reuse or repurposing.
For one thing, empty jars can become new planters for your kitchen herbs.
Old shirts don’t have to be trash as well. With a little sewing, they can turn into colorful quilts or pillow covers.
It’s a fun project and makes something beautiful for your home.
If you have scrap wood lying around, why not make it into a picture frame or a small shelf? These projects can add a personal touch to any room.
This habit of repurposing can even lead to a profitable hobby. Many people sell their crafts at local markets or online platforms like Poshmark.
8. Track Spending
Tracking your spending meticulously can reveal patterns and areas where you can cut back significantly.
Pro Tip: Discover the magic of tools like You Need A Budget (YNAB) for your finances!
Since using YNAB, I’ve taken charge of my money and even saved up for vacations!
It’s available on various devices, including tablets, phones, smartwatches, and even Alexa devices. This makes it super accessible, no matter where I am.
What’s more, YNAB connects directly with my bank and credit cards to automatically track transactions.
Further, it supports up to six users per account. In short, the whole family can get involved in budgeting.
9. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is a proven way to reduce the cost per unit, especially with dry goods such as rice, beans, and flour.
For instance, buying a large bag of rice can cut the cost per pound in half compared to smaller packages. This means big savings over time.
Pro Tip: Store these goods in airtight containers to keep them fresh and safe.
Think about other items that are practical to buy in bulk, such as toilet paper or cleaning supplies. These are products people always need, and they don’t spoil.
Here’s a list of everyday items I always buy in bulk to save more money.
However, plan your storage space before buying in bulk. Make sure you have enough room to keep everything organized and accessible.
10. Pack Lunches
If you’re already into meal prepping, taking the extra step to pack lunches can lead to even more savings.
By bringing your own meals to work or school, you avoid the high costs and unhealthy options of dining out.
Get creative with your lunches, though!
Try wraps, pasta salads, or homemade soups. These are all easy to prepare in advance and delicious to eat the next day.
11. Use Old T-Shirts as Rags
Instead of spending money on paper towels, turn your old T-shirts into cleaning rags.
After all, fabric rags can be more durable and absorbent for tough spills and cleanups.
To start, simply cut your old T-shirts into squares. Any size works, but a good standard is about the size of a hand towel. This makes them easy to store.
Use these rags for wiping counters, cleaning windows, or dusting. They’re especially great for messy jobs because you can just wash and reuse them.
12. Practice Zero-Waste Cooking
Get into zero-waste cooking by using every bit of the food you buy.
For example, use vegetable peels for stock, roast meat bones for rich broths, and transform stale bread into croutons.
Even leftover fruits can be put to good use. Overripe fruits are great for smoothies or baking.
You can turn them into a delicious treat rather than letting them go to waste.
Additionally, consider composting food scraps to further reduce waste and nourish your garden.
13. Sell Your Clutter
Turn clutter into cash by selling unwanted and unused items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and online forums.
Start by sorting through your home for things you haven’t used in a year. Old toys, clothes, and electronics are usually in demand.
However, make sure they’re clean and take good photos to attract buyers.
Then, post your items with clear descriptions and fair prices. Being honest about the condition of what you’re selling helps build trust with buyers.
Pro Tip: Engage with local buyers to avoid shipping costs and make quick sales.
14. Avoid Convenience Foods
Steer clear of convenience foods to cushion both your health and your wallet.
These items often come with a high price tag and are packed with harmful additives.
Better yet, try making your own snacks at home instead of reaching for pre-packaged ones.
Homemade trail mix or cut-up veggies and dip are healthier and cheaper options.
15. Drink Tap Water
Switching to tap water and investing in a simple water filter like Brita can lead to substantial savings.
Just fill it and let gravity do the work! No more buying bottled water.
Pro Tip: I’ve found Brita’s elite filters to be a game-changer!
I’ve been using these elite filters, and honestly, they’re worth the extra cost.
They filter water quicker and last three times longer than regular ones. Plus, they reduce a lot of contaminants like lead, chlorine, and asbestos.
16. Repair Instead of Replace
By learning basic maintenance skills, you can extend the life of electronics and appliances.
Simple online tutorials can guide you through many common repairs.
Just ensure you’ll invest in a basic toolkit at home.
This should include screwdrivers, pliers, and other hand tools. With these, you can tackle most minor repairs without needing extra help.
17. Participate in Local Swaps
Engage in local swaps to exchange goods and services within your community.
Bartering or trading can help you acquire items you need without spending money.
Start by finding swap meets in your area. Community centers, schools, and local Facebook groups are good places to look.
Note: During the swap, be open to different types of trades.
Maybe you can exchange a lamp for a set of kitchen tools, or some of your homemade jam for a couple of books.
18. Create a Change Jar
Start a change jar to save money effortlessly. Simply toss in any spare change you find lying around the house or in your pockets.
It may seem small, but over time, those coins add up to significant savings.
Every once in a while, though, count the money you’ve collected. You might be surprised by how much there is.
Then, you can deposit it into your savings account or use it for a special purchase.
Pro Tip: Involve the whole family in this simple strategy. It’s a great way for kids to learn about money and the value of saving.
19. Learn Basic Sewing Skills
Learning basic sewing skills can save you thousands by avoiding the expense of buying new items.
Moreover, it’s a handy skill to have when making personalized gifts or alterations.
My advice is to begin with simple tasks like sewing buttons or mending tears.
You can find tutorials online or even take a local class. This will help you get comfortable with more complicated sewing.
20. Skip the Gym Membership
Save money by skipping the gym membership and opting for home workouts.
With countless online tutorials and fitness apps available, you can access a variety of exercises without leaving your house.
But to enhance your home workouts, you can also invest in a few basic pieces of equipment, like dumbbells or a yoga mat.
Then, set a regular schedule to keep yourself on track, just like you would go to the gym.
21. Create Homemade Baby Food
Cut down on expenses while raising kids by making homemade baby food.
Pro Tip: Simply overcook vegetables and blend them into a puree.
However, start with single-ingredient purees like sweet potato, carrot, or apple.
As your baby grows, you can then mix flavors and add proteins like cooked chicken or beans.
22. Switch to LED Bulbs
Cut your electricity costs by switching to LED bulbs. Running a single LED bulb for two years costs only $3, compared to $32 for an incandescent bulb.
Pro Tip: Make the change gradually by replacing one bulb at a time.
Interestingly, LEDs are available in various brightness and colors, so you can find ones that fit the mood of each room.
Another benefit is that they don’t produce as much heat, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer.
23. Make a Shopping List and Stick to It
Making a shopping list and sticking to it can be tough, but it’s important for saving money.
Before you go shopping, check what you already have at home. This prevents buying duplicates and helps you use up items before they expire.
Bring your list to the store and resist the urge to buy anything that’s not on it.
With discipline, you’ll avoid overspending and stay on track with your budget, ultimately saving you thousands over time.
24. Bring Water to Work
Skip single-use water bottles to save cash. Instead, go for reusable ones like Polar Insulated Bottles.
It’s durable and really does keep my water chilled all day long!
Most importantly, it’s also a greener choice. Using reusable bottles reduces plastic waste, which is good for the planet.
25. Do Your Own Manicures and Haircuts
Save big by doing your own manicures and haircuts! Although the initial cost of tools may seem high, it pays off in the long term.
You’ll skip pricey salon visits and have the convenience of grooming at home. In addition, mastering these skills can be empowering and fun!
For haircuts, simple styles are easier to manage. Practice trimming on family members who are not too fussy about their hair.
For manicures, invest in some quality nail polish and a few essentials. You can experiment with different colors and techniques like French tips or nail art.
26. Implement No-Spend Weekends
Cut expenses by implementing no-spend weekends. Instead, engage in free activities like hiking, picnics, or DIY projects.
You can also use items you already have at home for entertainment!
Board games, movies, or even books can provide hours of fun without costing a dime.
By sticking to this habit, you’ll see considerable savings over time without sacrificing fun.
27. Dry Clothes on a Line
Air-dry clothes instead of using the dryer. To be specific, hang clothes on a line outdoors or use a drying rack indoors.
The sun can naturally bleach and freshen your clothes while saving you money on energy bills.
Pro Tip: Hang your clothes early in the morning! This allows them to dry throughout the day.
Make sure to also space them out properly for quick drying and to prevent any mildew smell.
28. Try Quick Showers
Save water and money by timing your showers. For instance, you can install a shower timer to limit your shower time to 15 minutes or less.
Get everything ready before you turn on the water, too. This means having your towel, clothes, and toiletries lined up.
By being organized, you’ll spend less time in the shower.
Another tip is to turn off the shower while you shampoo your hair or soap up. This method, which is known as a “navy shower,” can save gallons of water.
29. Buy Generic Brands
Next time you’re at the grocery store, compare the ingredients and nutritional information between generic and name-brand products.
You’ll likely find them to be nearly identical. For example, generic cereal can taste just as delicious as the pricier brands.
When it comes to household items like cleaning supplies and toiletries, generic versions can be just as effective.
Generic medications are another area where you can save big. They contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs but are much more affordable.
30. Purchase Refurbished Electronics
Don’t overlook refurbished electronics. They are thoroughly tested and restored to like-new condition.
A few examples are E-readers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and game consoles.
Pro Tip: When purchasing refurbished devices, make sure to buy from reputable sellers or directly from the manufacturer.
This ensures that you’re getting a quality product with a warranty or guarantee.
31. Negotiate Bills Where Possible
Negotiate your bills to slash expenses. Basically, don’t hesitate to push back on rates and explore better deals.
Whether it be internet, cable, or utilities, bargaining can lead to thousands of savings.
Pro Tip: Consider bundling services or switching to a different plan that better suits your needs and budget.
For example, bundling internet and cable services with the same provider can result in substantial discounts.
32. Get a Deep Freezer
Say goodbye to food waste and hello to frugal living by upgrading your kitchen with a deep freezer.
It’s a smart investment for stocking up on bulk purchases.
Additionally, a deep freezer allows you to preserve leftovers and meal prep in advance.
Instead of throwing away food that you couldn’t finish in time, simply freeze it for later use. This saves you from having to buy lunch or dinner on busy days.
33. Swap Babysitting With Neighbors
Save big on childcare by swapping babysitting duties with neighbors.
Here’s how it works: coordinate schedules with your neighbors and take turns watching each other’s children.
For example, you can babysit your neighbor’s kids on Friday night while they watch yours on Saturday afternoon.
It’s a win-win! You get free childcare while giving back. With daycare costs soaring, this simple arrangement can save you thousands annually.
34. DIY Gifts for Special Occasions
Handmade gifts show thoughtfulness and creativity.
For example, I once made a photo album filled with memories for a friend’s birthday, which meant more to her than any store-bought present.
The bottom line is to get creative with your DIY gifts.
Consider crafting homemade candles, baking cookies or cakes, knitting scarves or blankets, or creating custom artwork.
35. Review Your Cell Phone Plan
To cut costs without compromising service, explore the best cell phone plans available.
I, for one, was frustrated by hefty bills, so I switched to Visible.
With them, I get unlimited data, reliable coverage, and even hotspot access — all for just $25 a month. Yep, you read that right!
No hidden fees or surprises, just straightforward, affordable service.
Moreover, their customer service is top-notch, so if I ever have any questions or concerns, they’re always there to help.
36. Adjust Your Thermostat
Save up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling bills by adjusting your thermostat back 7° to 10°F for eight hours daily from its normal setting.
During colder months, lower your thermostat while you’re asleep or away from home as well.
You’ll barely notice the difference in temperature, but you’ll see the impact on your energy bill.
In warmer weather, though, raise the thermostat setting during the coolest parts of the day.
It’s a simple tweak with significant savings potential.
37. Cut Your Laundry Detergent Use by 25%
To save money, use 25% less laundry detergent per load. Simply fill the measuring cap slightly below the recommended line.
By doing this, you’ll stretch your detergent further, getting more loads out of each bottle and cutting down on laundry expenses.
Pro Tip: Alternatively, consider making your own laundry products for even greater savings.
There are plenty of DIY detergent recipes available online using simple ingredients like soap, baking soda, and essential oils.
38. Stay Proactive With Your Health
Yes, prioritize your health to avoid costly medical bills later on. Regular check-ups and preventive care can save you thousands in the long run.
For one, you can take advantage of preventive services covered by your insurance, such as annual physicals, vaccinations, and screenings.
Similarly, maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
Pro Tip: Consider investing in health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to help cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Hopefully, these hardcore frugal tips have given you some new ideas to tackle your finances in more effective ways!
Do you have any thoughts, personal experiences, or questions about frugal living? Feel free to share them in the comments below!
