Amid inflation and the rising cost of living, research shows that more middle-class Americans are struggling to make ends meet. Their income can no longer sustain the increased cost of living, further necessitating some frugal measures.
Here are 12 extreme frugal tips that middle-class Americans are using to save more.
Decluttering and Embracing Minimalism
Middle-class Americans who are focused on extreme savings adopt minimalist lifestyles. They focus on essentials and avoid unnecessary spending on material things. By getting rid of excess clutter, the middle class can save money and live a more sustainable and contented lifestyle.
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Negotiating Prices on Products and Services
Extremely frugal middle-class people are not afraid to negotiate prices on products or services to get the best deal. They will ask for discounts on furniture and request lower rates on their data plans or phone bills to save money.
Making Most Items Instead of Purchasing Them
The middle class will have access to most items by making them from scratch. They will skip the cookies and crackers at the store and bake them at home. Frugal individuals will also make their detergents, grow their food in the backyard, and prepare salad dressing from scratch to save money.
Downsizing Their Living Space
Downsizing your home can help you save on utilities and rent or mortgage payments. Some middle-class individuals will move to smaller apartments or get into tiny houses to free up funds for other expenses and priorities.
Homeschooling Children
Frugal middle-class people will choose to save on school and childcare costs by homeschooling their children. While this extreme measure is time-consuming, it can save hundreds of dollars annually, as you don’t have to spend on tuition fees, transportation, school supplies, or extracurricular activities.
Upcycling and Repurposing Items
A common practice among frugal-minded middle-class individuals is upcycling and repurposing. They will take old items and convert them into something valuable. That can include creating shorts from worn-out jeans, using readily available bottles for home decor, or using leftover wooden crates or old tires as planters.
Shopping at Yard and Garage Sales
Thrifting and shopping at garage/yard sales and consignment stores is a popular habit among frugal-minded people. Middle-class Americans will choose to purchase gently used items like household goods, furniture, and clothes to save money and reduce environmental impact.
Handwashing and Air Drying Clothes
Some individuals in the middle-class income bracket stop using the washing machine and dryer and instead, handwash and air dry their clothes. That saves money on energy bills and reduces the wear of clothes.
Skipping Restaurant Dining and Takeout
Regular restaurant dining and takeouts can cost you up to $3,500 annually. Middle-class individuals focused on saving a lot more and skipped frequent dining and takeout. Instead, they opt to shop for groceries in advance and prepare their meals at home.
Wearing Clothes for Longer Before Washing Them
Another extremely frugal tip that some middle-class people practice is wearing their clothes for longer. By wearing their clothes for longer, they can cut down on electricity and water bills by a certain amount. Additionally, the clothes last longer, reducing the need to buy clothes often.
Have Hair Cuts at Home
Some middle-class individuals try extreme savings by cutting their hair or trimming their beard at home. They use a good comb, scissors, and clippers to trim their hair and save on barber costs.
Using Discounts and Rewards
The middle class uses discounts and rewards to free up money for other things, such as saving, investing, and debt payoff. They look for discounts when shopping for groceries, store supplies, and other needs. Deals like Cyber Monday or Black Friday are favorite times for the middle class to shop.
These are some of the extreme frugal tips middle-class Americans use to save more money. By implementing the above tips, they can stretch their dollar further and build a more sustainable and secure future.
