Everyone has their own tricks for saving a few bucks, but some methods go far beyond clipping coupons or skipping takeout.
A whole world of ultra-frugal strategies stays hidden, either because they’re a little unusual, a little quirky, or just too personal to share.
Some of them get raised eyebrows.
Walking over an hour to work? Tearing the stems off your vegetables?
As odd as they sound, small habits like these add up. There’s frugal, and then there’s really frugal.
Here are eleven extreme habits that really do put money back in your pocket. You can try them or skip them: it’s all up to you!
Take Home Leftovers From Work
One clever way to save on groceries? Working somewhere that gives away leftover food.
In a hospital kitchen, after meals are served, the remaining food often goes unclaimed, and it’s not uncommon to be allowed to take some home. The same is true for some food establishments.
With enough access, it’s possible to coast through an entire summer without spending much, if anything, on food.
Every workplace has its own rules, so it never hurts to ask what happens to the extra food at the end of a shift.
Walk To Work, Even if It Takes Over an Hour
Commuting on foot isn’t unusual, but doing it for over an hour each way without ever mentioning the distance? That’s dedication.
It’s a great way to save on gas, reduce wear on a car, and stay in shape.
When you add up fuel, parking, and maintenance, the savings can be significant.
Some people even find the walk becomes the best part of their day, a chance to clear their head before and after work.
Tear the Stems off Your Produce
Every gram counts at the grocery store, especially when produce is priced by weight. One easy (if slightly meticulous) trick is removing vegetable stems before checkout.
It doesn’t seem like much, but over time, the savings add up. Think of broccoli, celery, and leafy greens. You’re only paying for the parts you’ll actually eat, and the stems often end up in the trash anyway.
Reuse the Free Shopper Papers at Your Door
Those free shopper papers that pile up in driveways? They’re more useful than they look.
They’re great for tasks like cleaning windows, protecting surfaces during messy jobs, or scooping cat litter. The bags they come in are an added bonus.
Newspaper works on glass because it doesn’t leave lint behind, and it makes a fine drop cloth for painting or a craft project. Instead of buying paper towels or plastic sheeting for these jobs, you’re using something you already have.
Sew Reusable Cloth Pads
DIY solutions can cut down recurring expenses.
For menstrual products, sewing reusable cloth pads not only saves money but also adds a touch of personality and comfort.
They’re easy to clean, fun to customize, and eliminate the need for constant repurchasing.
This one isn’t for everyone, but for people who like a little sewing and want to cut a monthly cost, it’s a creative fix that pays for itself quickly.
Turn Leftovers Into Stew
Nothing goes to waste when money is tight.
Even partially eaten food, like leftover steak, can become a perfectly good meal with a little creativity. With some trimming and seasoning, leftovers can be transformed into a hearty stew.
Cut the leftover meat into small pieces, add vegetables, broth, and whatever seasonings you have, and let it simmer. Stews are forgiving, and they stretch a small amount of meat into a meal for the whole family.
Fill a Flask Once
Boiling a full kettle every time you want a cup of tea or coffee adds up over a year.
Instead, boil once in the morning and keep the hot water in an insulated flask.
You’ll have hot water on hand all day without running the kettle again. It saves electricity or gas, and it saves time, too.
Set a Shower Timer
A long, hot shower feels wonderful, but it uses both water and the energy needed to heat it. Setting a timer for a few minutes keeps the habit in check.
Many people find that two to five minutes is plenty once they get used to it. Because you’re paying for water and heat, shorter showers cut into two bills at once.
Wear Clothes Until They’re Truly Worn Out
Some people take pride in wearing clothes until they’re practically falling off.
Every extra year you get out of a shirt or a pair of jeans is a year you don’t spend money replacing them.
Just be honest about what’s presentable. Save your most worn pieces for home, gardening, or painting, and keep a few good ones for work and social settings. There’s frugal, and then there’s forgettable.
Shop the Clearance Bin for Near-Date Food
Some people wait for discounts on food that’s close to its date and stock up on whatever they can find to stretch their grocery budget.
The savings on marked-down meat, bread, and dairy can be real.
The key is knowing the difference between dates. “Sell-by” dates are guidance for stores, and many items are fine for a while afterward if you freeze or cook them promptly. “Use-by” dates deserve more caution. When in doubt, throw it out.
Let It Mellow
Saving water (and money on utilities) can come down to changing habits. One common method is to skip flushing the toilet after every light use. The old saying goes, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow.”
It may not be glamorous, but it works. It only makes sense if everyone in the house is on board, and guests deserve a fresh flush. Still, it’s one of the easiest ways to trim a water bill without spending a dime.
Read More:
- 20 Old-Fashioned Frugal Boomer Living Tips That You Should Still Be Doing Today
- 13 Things Frugal People Won’t Buy Ever
- 15 Ways To Live With Very, Very Little Money
