Looking for some of the best frugal living tips to help you save money? These 42 best frugal living tips are ones you need to try!
1. Create a Budget
Before you can save money, you need to know where it’s going. The first and best frugal living tip tip is to create a monthly budget to gain control of your spending. You need to track your income and expenses to understand where your money is going.
2. Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions
Do you really need those subscriptions that you barely use? Review your credit card bills and cancel any subscriptions you can do without. Anything you don’t use regularly should be cancelled. You can always sign back up if you really need to.
3. Cook at Home More Often
Eating out can be costly. Cooking at home not only saves money but also allows you to enjoy healthier meals. If you eat out frequently, start by cutting down one night a week, and then add more nights as you become more comfortable cooking.
4. Use Cashback and Rewards Cards
There is some spending that you need to do. Earn rewards for your spending with cashback and rewards credit cards. Switch your necessary spending to a credit card that gives you cashback or rewards for every purchase.
5. Buy Generic Brands
When you go shopping, choose generic brands over brand names. Generic products are often just as good as name brands but come with a lower price tag. Always choose these first when going shopping. Generic should be the default.
6. Shop for Groceries With a List
Make a grocery list before you go shopping. Plan your grocery shopping in advance and stick to your list to avoid impulse purchases.
7. Cancel Unused Gym Memberships
If you’re not hitting the gym regularly, it’s time to say goodbye to that monthly fee. If you decide to go again in the future, then you can sign up again.
8. Sell Items You No Longer Need
Declutter your home and make some extra cash by selling unused items online or at a garage sale. If you haven’t used it in years, it’s time to let it go. Of course, if you have a storage unit filled with stuff, get rid of that first!
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Join the 30 Bags in 30 Days Declutter Challenge and take the first step toward a more organized home! This free printable makes it easy to stay on track with one simple goal each day—no stress, just steady progress. Download it now and start clearing space for what truly matters.
9. Reduce Energy Consumption
Lower your electricity bill by turning off lights when not in use and unplugging appliances. Although it may not seem like much, cutting down even a bit of your electricity use can add up over time.
10. Compare Prices Before Buying
Take a moment to check prices online or in-store to make sure you’re getting the best deal. This is especially easy to do if you shop online or use apps.
11. Use Public Transportation
Save on gas and parking by using public transit for your daily commute. Start by getting to know the public transport options near your house or work.
12. Pack Your Lunch for Work
Bringing lunch from home is not only cost-effective but also lets you control your meal choices. Meal prepping on Sunday means you won’t have to add another chore to your already busy week. Even brown-bagging your lunch one day more a week can add up significantly.
13. Buy In Bulk
You can save on the items you use the most often by purchasing non-perishable items in bulk to take advantage of lower unit prices. Only do this if you are going to use the items you buy.
14. Set up Automatic Savings
Use automatic transfers to save a portion of your income each paycheck easily. This way, you aren’t tempted to spend your money.
15. Avoid Impulse Purchases
Think twice before making impulse buys. Institute a 24-hour rule before buying anything online. That means you leave an item in your cart for 24 hours before buying. Slowing down the purchase process will make you think twice before making a purchase.
16. Plan and Prioritize Big Purchases
One of the most obvious of our money-making tips is also one of the most important. Before making a big purchase, take time to plan and prioritize your needs and wants. Do you really need the item? What do you have to give up to buy it? Is it worth it?
17. Shop Secondhand or Thrift Stores
You can buy clothing, household goods, and even furniture at a major discount at thrift stores. These stores are usually cheaper (especially for furniture) and is more sustainable.
18. Use Coupons and Discounts
Clip coupons and take advantage of discounts to save on everyday purchases. You can easily download apps or web extensions to make this even easier.
19. Negotiate Bills
Call your service providers and negotiate better rates for your cable, internet, software, streaming, and utilities. You would be surprised at how often this works. You can also go online and try to cancel your services. Very often, they will then offer a deal for you to stay.
20. Avoid ATM Fees
Use ATMs from your bank’s network to avoid those pesky fees. A little bit of research can save you a large amount. Or better yet, switch to a bank that doesn’t charge fees at all.
21. Cut Out Expensive Habits
Not only is it healthier, but quitting costly habits can save you a significant amount of money. This can mean smoking, drinking, gaming or really anything that costs a lot of money. This is where you need to take a long, hard look at where exactly your money is going.
22. Carpool or Rideshare
Share rides with others to save on gas and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. This works great if you have a coworker who lives near you or school-aged children. Switch off driving so everyone gets a turn.
23. Switch To Energy-Efficient Appliances
Upgrade your appliances to energy-efficient models to save on electricity bills. If you have to buy new appliances, then look for ones that are the most efficient.
24. Buy Used Cars Instead of New
New cars lose value quickly, so consider purchasing a reliable used car instead. Despite what American car culture tells you, old cars work just fine, and you don’t need a brand-new truck.
25. Pack Snacks in Your Purse
Always keep a few healthy, non-perishable snacks in your purse, car, diaper bag, or other bag. This will keep you from having to buy a snack in the middle of the day or when running errands.
26. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Program your thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when you’re not home, saving on heating and cooling costs. This is especially useful if you work outside the home and are gone for long stretches of time. Adjust the temperature when you leave and right before you come home, and you’ll save money without even noticing.
27. Refinance High-Interest Loans
Do you have high-interest loans eating away at your income? Take a look at refinancing. Reducing interest rates, especially on large amounts, can save you significant sums over the life of a loan.
28. Repair Instead of Replacing
Fix broken items instead of buying new ones whenever possible. Many items that we’ve been “trained” to think to replace can actually be easily fixed (or used broken).
29. Use a Reusable Water Bottle
Ditch single-use plastic bottles and save money while helping the environment. While you might have to spend money initially (you can also check a thrift store or if anyone is decluttering), you’ll save on all those “quick drinks” out of the house.
30. Buy Discounted Gift Cards
If you shop at a particular store frequently, consider buying gift cards at a discount to save on future purchases. Don’s use this as an excuse to spend more, though!
31. Shop During Sales and Clearance Events
Take advantage of discounts during sales and clearance events to score great deals. Keep a running list of things you really need and then keep an eye on deal sites to grab them when they go on sale.
32. Drink Water
Get used to drinking water instead of flavored drinks or soda. It’s healthier and certainly cheaper! If you struggle with this, start by slowly cutting down or by using cheaper drink powders to make it easier.
33. Use Public Parks and Free Activities
Take advantage of free outdoor activities and community events. Not only will you save money, but you will show the program coordinators that the community benefits, so they will be able to make even more of them.
34. Use a Library Instead of Buying Books
Borrow books and other materials from your local library instead of buying them. Libraries are free and fun!
35. DIY Gifts and Crafts
Create thoughtful gifts and decorations at home instead of buying expensive ones. Most people don’t need more stuff, and you can save money and give a way more thoughtful gift than another Amazon purchase.
36. Rent Tools Instead of Buying
Save money and space by renting tools for occasional DIY projects. You can also see if your library or city has a lending library for tools.
37. DIY Landscaping and Gardening
Maintain your garden and outdoor space yourself to avoid landscaping costs. Get rid of the idea of a perfectly manicured lawn and let yourself enjoy the nature of your own handiwork instead. Or, make your kids do it.
38. Downsize to a Smaller Home
Housing is usually the most expensive bill. Consider moving to a smaller, more affordable living space if it makes sense for your lifestyle. When looking for a place to live, remember that even a small savings on a house or apartment will add up over the course of your lease or mortgage. $100 savings every month is much more significant than saving $100 on a one-time purchase.
39. Buy Store Brands for Medications
Generic medications can be just as effective as name brands but cost significantly less. Ask your doctor to prescribe you the cheapest option.
40. Switch to a Cheaper Cell Phone Plan
Shop around for a more affordable cell phone plan that meets your needs. No, you don’t need a new phone, and a cheap phone plan, like Mint Mobile, can save you a lot of money when combined with your old phone.
41. Cancel Cable or Satellite TV
Cut the cord and choose one streaming service to save on entertainment costs. You can continuously cycle through services by signing up for a month or two and then canceling.
42. Make Your Coffee at Home
Brewing your coffee is not only cheaper but also allows you to customize your cup just the way you like it. And it tastes better.
