19 Things Frugal People Always Buy to Save Money

Curious about the secrets behind the smartest purchases of frugal folks? Here’s a round-up of 19 items they always buy to save more money.
By Cassie Smith - Financial Advisor
6 Min Read
Things frugal people buy to save money

Frugality doesn’t mean avoiding purchases altogether. Sometimes, buying more can actually save you cash!

In fact, frugal individuals invest in things that offer long-term value and savings, such as energy-efficient appliances, durable clothes, and even board games.

In this article, I’ll list 19 items frugal people buy to save money. Keep scrolling!

1. Eco-Friendly Grocery Bags

In a single year, the average person uses 140 plastic bags. It’s a staggering amount that could stack up as high as an 18-story building! 

Swapping out these disposables for eco-friendly grocery bags like this from Etsy is a simple switch that will surely help you save money over time.

Many stores now charge for plastic bags, so bringing your own reusable ones can keep a few extra dollars in your pocket each trip.

2. High-Quality Shoes

Generally, frugal people know it pays to invest in high-quality shoes.

After all, shoes that are well-made last longer and ultimately save money on replacements.

Pro Tip: Personally, I make the most of my shoe shopping by using Rakuten for cashback and coupons.

It’s easy to use, especially with their Chrome browser extension, and you can start with a free $10 bonus just for joining!

3. Board Games

Skip costly entertainment options in favor of board games. These games provide endless hours of fun without repeatedly denting your wallet.

To stretch your dollars even further, try hunting for used games at thrift stores or online marketplaces. 

Additionally, the variety of games available ensures that everyone can find something they love.

4. Portable Slow Cookers

Meal prepping rather than dining out pays off by significantly cutting food expenses.

Basically, a small investment in a portable slow cooker makes sure you can enjoy homemade meals at work or anywhere else.

Using my Crock-Pot, I’ve discovered the beauty of one-step prep. I toss all my ingredients in at once, which cuts down on both preparation and cleanup time.

Moreover, the pot cooks in large quantities. It allows me to freeze leftovers for effortless future lunches and dinners.

This handy kitchen gadget has really changed the game for my meal prep and budgeting!

5. Prepaid Phone Plans With Unlimited Data

Frugal individuals often choose prepaid phone plans with unlimited data to save money.

I, for one, have switched to Mint Mobile! Their service includes a mobile hotspot, which has saved me more than once when Wi-Fi was unavailable.

I also take advantage of their free calls to Mexico and Canada, as I have family there.

Note: Right now, Mint Mobile is offering a special deal — $15/month for the first three months!

6. Secondhand Books

Books can quickly become a costly habit if you buy new ones.

That’s why frugal readers usually turn to secondhand books to satisfy their literary cravings without breaking the bank.

Local thrift stores, online marketplaces, and used bookstores are excellent sources for finding novels at a fraction of retail prices.

Pro Tip: You can also grab refurbished E-readers and access free books through Hoopla and Libby with an online library card!

7. Premium Mattresses

Investing in a premium mattress is an excellent move for frugal people because it’s something you use daily.

A good night’s sleep on a comfortable bed prevents aches and boosts your overall health and productivity.

From personal experience, spending more on a mattress that meets your specific needs and pays off over time is worth it.

Think of it as a foundation for good days ahead — well-rested and ready to tackle challenges.

8. Reusable Paper Towels

Reusable paper towels, or “unpaper towels,” are a frugal favorite for handling messes without contributing to landfill waste.

They’re washable and can be used repeatedly.

9. Reusable Water Bottles

Frugal people avoid buying single-use water bottles due to their cost. Instead, they opt for reusable water bottles.

This is also the reason why I switched to reusable water bottles like the Polar Insulated Bottle. They’re tough, keep my drinks cold for hours, and I love that I’m helping the planet.

I got to customize my own bottle, which made switching to a sustainable option a lot more personal and fun.

10. Cloth Diapers

Without a doubt, cloth diapers are a major cost-cutter for families. They are a practical choice for budget-conscious parents.

Pro Tip: Many find these reusable diapers for free or at minimal cost through community networks, friends, or local garage sales.

11. Homemade Bread-Making Supplies

Making your own bread is both simple and cost-effective.

In minutes, load ingredients, press start, and voilà! Fresh, homemade sandwich bread every week for you to enjoy!

When I switched to homemade bread, I saved a lot.

Store-bought bread costs me $120 annually, but homemade bread runs about $36 a year for the same quantity.

After the initial setup costs, which I recouped in about 13 months, I’ve been saving $84 each year.

12. Rechargeable Batteries

Frugal people know the value of rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries drain wallets with their continuous replacement costs.

By switching to rechargeable ones like this from Amazon, you make a one-time purchase that pays off as you use the batteries repeatedly.

13. Portable LED Reading Lights

Interestingly, frugal shoppers continually choose portable LED reading lights due to their energy efficiency.

According to experts, LED bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than traditional lighting! This leads to noticeable savings on power bills.

14. Kilowatt Meter

A kilowatt meter like this one is a frugal purchase that reveals the exact amount of watts an appliance uses over time.

Simply plug the meter into an outlet, then connect your appliance to the meter to start tracking.

Doing so can help you identify which devices are driving up your power bill.

15. Bicycle

Frugal individuals buy new or secondhand bicycles as a cost-effective mode of transport.

After all, bikes lower commuting expenses and are eco-friendly.

Pro Tip: Consider taking a low-cost course on bike maintenance, too. Learning to fix your own bike can further reduce costs and extend its lifespan.

16. Reusable Q-Tips

Yes, reusable Q-tips exist, and they are a game changer for those looking to save money and lessen waste.

These durable, eco-friendly alternatives can be washed and reused multiple times!

17. Coffee Mugs

Investing in a good coffee mug, especially one that’s travel-friendly, can save you a considerable amount of money.

For one thing, bringing your own coffee from home avoids the daily expense of coffee shops.

In addition, these mugs keep your drink hot or cold for hours.

This lessens the need for frequent reheating, which can help you save on electricity bills in the long run.

18. Heated Socks

For those with perpetually cold feet, heated socks are a frugal way to stay warm without cranking up the thermostat.

But if heated socks aren’t your style, consider investing in wool socks instead. They offer natural warmth and breathability.

19. Reusable Silicone Cups

It may come as a surprise, but reusable silicone cups are a thing!

They’re durable and flexible, and you can use them over and over again. So, you can now say goodbye to disposable paper liners for good.

I hope this list has helped you! Do you have any favorite frugal finds or smart strategies? Feel free to share your questions or experiences below!

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By Cassie Smith Financial Advisor
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Hey there! I'm Cassie Smith, the founder of Love to Finance. With a bachelor's degree in finance, I share insights and tips on personal finance, frugal living, budgeting, and other financial advice that can make a difference through this blog. My aim is to make finance approachable and fun for everyone. Outside of the blog, you'll find me hiking with my rescue dogs, Lucy and Frankie, enjoying the simplicity and beauty of nature.
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