I get it. It’s not easy to save money and live frugally. There are so many expenses, and everything is so expensive. It’s hard to stretch every dollar.
Frugal living is all about living intentionally, not just about stretching the dime. It’s about cutting down expenses on things that aren’t important and that you don’t like, so you can spend it on things that are important, including security and peace of mind.
These 50 simple, realistic tips can help you start saving money today without feeling deprived.
I’ve used many of these tips to help me save my first $1,000, and you can too! Check out the $1,000 Savings Challenge and sign up for a guided, step-by-step approach today.
50 Best Frugal Living Tips
The best way to start saving money is not to try to incorporate all 50 frugal living tips at once. They may not even all apply to you! Pick a few to start trying (3-5 is a good start) instead of doing too many. Don’t forget that small habits add up and consistency matters than perfection.
Save Money on Groceries
Shop With a List and Stick To It
Always make a shopping list before you go shopping. Plan your purchases in advance by creating a shopping list. Stick to the list to avoid impulsive buying, saving you money in the long run.
Meal Plan Around Sales and Seasonal Produce
Plan your meals for the week and save money by planning your meals around sales and seasonal produce. You can check your favorite store’s apps and websites to see what’s on sale before you plan.
Use Cashback and Coupon Apps
There are several apps on the market that will give you cashback for things you were already planning on buying. It’s like free money! Clip coupons or use coupon apps to get digital coupons to unlock discounts on your everyday purchases. Many retailers offer loyalty programs and apps that can help you save money effortlessly.
Buy Store Brands Instead of Name Brands
Buy store-brand products instead of name-brand products. The ingredients and materials are often identical, so you won’t miss out on quality by saving money this way. They often provide the same quality as name brands at a lower cost, helping you save money on groceries and household essentials.
Use Your Freezer To Prevent Food Waste
Your freezer is your best friend when it comes to saving money. You can cook in bulk and freeze portions for quick, cost-effective dinners. You can also freeze any leftovers to use later and to keep things from going bad.
Shop Once a Week To Avoid Impulse Buys
Try to reduce the amount of times you go to the store by having a designated shopping day. Fewer trips mean fewer chances for impulse spending.
Cook From Scratch More Often
The cost of pre-packaged food can add up quickly. Pre-packaged foods tend to be more expensive and often come in smaller portions. Start to learn how to cook from scratch, and you can have delicious food at a fraction of the cost (see above tip about freezing leftovers and batch cooking).
Track Grocery Spending Monthly To Find Patterns
By tracking your grocery spending monthly, you gain a clear picture of where your money goes, allowing you to make informed decisions and prioritize savings. That way, you can decide where to shop, how much, and where you can try to save the most.
Save Money at Home
Turn off Lights and Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Turning off lights when you’re not using them is simple and good for the planet! Plus, you’ll save on electrical bills. Also, make sure to unplug electronics when not in use. Many electronics continue to consume energy when plugged in but not in use. Unplugging can help save on energy costs, especially if you will be out of the house for a long time.
Use Energy-Efficient Bulbs
LED bulbs are energy-efficient and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Switching once can make a big difference over a long time period of time and it’s super easy to do. Make sure to find bulbs on sale or that have a coupon for even more savings.
Lower Your Thermostat by a Few Degrees in Winter
Keep the temperature lower to save a significant amount on your power bill. You can always wear a sweater or layer up. The best way to do this is to get a programmable thermostat that allows you to automatically lower or raise the temperature of the house when you are sleeping or not at home. For example, set the thermostat to a lower setting when you leave the house for work so you aren’t wasting money heating an empty house.
Caution! Don’t shut off the heat completely if you live in very cold weather. This can cause the pipes in your house to freeze, and you’ll end up with an even larger bill!
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Have you ever considered washing your clothes in cold water as opposed to hot water? This helps save clothes as well as power. When the water doesn’t have to be heated, your clothes will last longer, and your power bill will be smaller.
Hang Dry Laundry When Possible
This is an easy way to air-dry your clothing. It’s simple to use, and it works anytime it isn’t raining. Your clothes will smell fresh naturally, and you’ll save power. You can hang your clothes on a clothesline outside or on a drying rack inside.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Cleaning products can be unnecessarily expensive. You can make your own with just a few ingredients and for a fraction of the cost. Check out some DIY recipes here to try!
DIY Simple Home Repairs Instead of Calling a Pro
Labor costs are expensive for any work you need to do at home. Save on that cost by doing your repairs yourself. There’s a YouTube video available on how to fix virtually anything, so give it a try and see what you can do!
Use What You Have
“Waste not, want not” should be the motto. We’re too quick to waste things because it’s too convenient to replace them, even if it’s more expensive. Apply this mindset to everything and get creative with what you have before you worry about what you don’t.
Use and Reuse Containers
Instead of tossing out empty jars or plastic containers, consider how they can be repurposed. Glass jars can be used for storing dry goods, homemade sauces, or even as planters for small herbs. Plastic tubs can serve as organizers for toys, craft supplies, or office materials. By reusing containers, you not only save money on storage solutions but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Get Stuff for Free
Cutting down on spending doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do without things you need and want. There are so many easy ways to get stuff for free if you use a little creativity and know where to look. Reach out to friends and online groups for items, especially clothes, that people are giving away. Join swaps and trade with friends to share things you need.
Save Money on Food
Batch Cook and Freeze Meals
Batch cooking is when you make a lot of food at once, then store most of it for later use. Not only does this save you time, but it can also help you save money on grocery shopping. Freeze the meals for those days when you are tempted to order takeout.
Repurpose Leftovers Creatively
Leftovers get a bad rap, and that’s only because people don’t use them properly. Instead of just tossing them into the microwave or eating them cold (unless you love that), be creative in repurposing them. Just a simple rotisserie chicken can be turned into a minimum of ten different recipes.
Make Coffee at Home
Those daily or weekly trips to the coffee shop may seem insignificant, but the cost adds up over time.
Brew your coffee at home instead of buying expensive drinks from coffee shops. You can get some good coffee beans and a programmable coffee maker to make it easy to make coffee at home. Plus, you’ll save time in the morning by skipping the extra errand.
Pack Lunches Instead of Eating Out
Cut down on daily expenses by preparing and bringing your lunch to work. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also allows you to make healthier food choices. And remember the “repurpose leftovers” thing? Well, leftovers are a great thing to bring for lunch that won’t cost you a lot of money.
Host Potlucks Instead of Dining Out
It’s important to make time for friends and family, and you can do it without having to spend money on dining out. Host a potluck dinner where everyone brings food to share. It’s cheaper and more fun!
Get a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot for Easy, Cheap Meals
At the end of a long day, you may want to reach for your phone and order some pizza or Chinese food. But what if instead you had a hot dinner waiting for you when you got home? Making dinner in a crockpot or Instant Pot in the morning makes sure you have a warm, filling, and cheap meal when you get home. But don’t run out and get the most expensive crockpot you can find! Shop secondhand or ask friends and family if they have one to give away.
Grow Herbs or Small Vegetables at Home
There’s nothing quite like fresh, homegrown vegetables. A small vegetable garden will practically grow itself as long as you check on it daily. And it’s a great way to save on groceries! And no, you don’t have to buy all the fancy pots and accessories. Get creative with what you already have.
Learn To Take Inventory
Restaurants often take inventory of what’s in pantries and fridges so they don’t buy too much food for the upcoming week. You can do the exact same thing. Building your meal plan around existing ingredients is one of the best ways to make sure you’re using everything efficiently and before it expires.
Use More of Each Ingredient
Are you throwing away veggie scraps, unused herbs, and chicken bones? You’re throwing money away, plain and simple. Let’s look at the rotisserie chicken. You can use the meat in multiple ways, like chopping some up into chicken salad and eating some of the breast meat with roasted vegetables, and then using the bones to make a rich broth for free.
Eat Less Meat
Your reliance on meat is driving up your grocery prices. Even if you’re not ready to commit to a vegetarian lifestyle, simply making a conscious effort to eat less meat will make your next grocery receipt significantly less shocking. And if you are eating meat, reduce the amount per meal and stretch it with vegetables and healthy grains.
Create and Stick to a Meal Plan
Creating and sticking to a meal plan is one of the most effective ways to reduce your food expenses. Meal planning is simple once you figure out a system that works for you.
Then you just have to start filling in your family’s favorite meals. Easy, right?
Use Cashback Grocery Apps
Cashback grocery apps are so much easier than clipping coupons. Paper coupons will save you money; however, clipping coupons can be time-consuming.
Two top-rated cashback grocery apps are Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. They are both straightforward to use and offer great cashback deals.
Shop Online for Groceries
If you want to get serious about saving money on groceries and sticking to your food budget, shopping online is the way to go.
You will avoid impulse buys by not going into the store. You can also easily remove groceries from your cart if your total is more than your budget allows. Plus, you can hook your grocery account to apps like Ibotta or Fetch and save money with cashback.
Save on Transportation
Combine Errands To Save Gas
Do all your errands in one handy trip instead of spreading them out throughout the week! This can save money on gas and keep you from spending too much money.
Carpool or Use Public Transportation When Possible
Do you and a coworker work similar shifts every week? Try asking them for a ride to save on gas money. Split the driving or the gas to make it cheaper for everyone. Alternatively, see when and where you can take public transportation to save money on car expenses.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated To Improve Fuel Efficiency
Properly inflated tires use up less fuel while driving, polluting the environment less and saving you gas. Many tire shops will inflate your tires free of charge, or you can do it yourself at many gas stations.
Use Apps To Find the Cheapest Gas Nearby
Gas can be expensive, but luckily, there are different apps that can tell you where to find the cheapest gas and even some that will give you cashback on gas. Plus, if you have Walmart Plus, then you can get ten cents off at certain gas stations, so definitely check that out.
Upside is an app that easily gives you cashback when you buy gas, so make sure to download it and use it today! Get it now!
Keep Up With Oil Changes and Maintenance To Avoid Costly Repairs
Sometimes you have to spend small amounts of money to avoid having to spend even more money. Taking care of your car, if you have one, is a great example of this. Make sure to keep up with oil changes and regular maintenance; otherwise, your car will break down, and the cost of that will be gigantic. You can even try to learn how to do basic tasks yourself, like oil changes, patching a tire, pumping up tires, and checking fluid levels.
Save On Family and Lifestyle Expenses
Swap Babysitting With Friends or Family
Babysitting and nannying fees are expensive, and it can be scary leaving your kids with someone you don’t know. Talk to your friends or neighbors about swapping childcare responsibilities with each other. This is especially great for date night. On Friday night, you babysit for a friend, letting them enjoy the night out, and on Saturday, they babysit for you, so you can head out. If you pair this with a free date idea, then you have a truly free night out.
Borrow or Rent Rarely Used Items Instead of Buying
Try borrowing items from friends, family, or neighbors before buying them. You never know who might be willing to lend you what you’re looking for! Of course, if you have something that you can lend out, then you should do that as well. That is how you build a village based on mutual aid.
Use Your Local Library for Books, Movies, and Even Tools
Instead of paying for streaming services, borrow movies and music from your local library. Many libraries offer a wide selection of entertainment options, including online options! Some libraries even lend out tools and equipment that are not entertainment-related. Check out your library’s website or go in to see what they have to offer.
Give Thoughtful DIY Gifts Instead of Expensive Ones
Consider using handmade gifts and cards for your friends and family. You’ll save money, and they’ll appreciate how thoughtful you are. There are some cheap and great things you can make, especially consumables, that will be more appreciated than another Amazon wishlist purchase.
Celebrate Holidays Simply — Focus On Memories, Not Money
Holidays are a time when the push for consumerism goes into overdrive. The ads and the social media bombardment will have you falling into the trap of thinking that the holiday will become more magical or peaceful if you spend money. We all know this isn’t true, but you sometimes need to be reminded of it. Write down on a piece of paper, “Focus on memories, not money,” and put it somewhere where you can see it all the time.
Shop Secondhand
You can often find secondhand items for less than half the price if you bought them new. No matter what you need, you can usually always find it secondhand, and many times, you don’t even have to sacrifice quality.
Budgeting & Money Management
Track Every Expense for One Month
The best way to cut down your spending? By knowing exactly where your money is going. The only way to do that is by tracking your every expense. Try this for a month (where does every dollar go?) and then you can have a clear picture of what you need to do.
Automate Savings
Automate your savings by setting up regular transfers to a dedicated savings account. This ensures consistency and helps you grow your savings effortlessly. If you send the money to savings as soon as your paycheck hits, you won’t even miss it.
Use a Cash Envelope System for Problem Categories
The cash envelope system is a budgeting technique that’s growing in popularity. You budget money for each spending category, place it into an envelope, and only spend what’s inside. If you’re looking to get into budgeting, this is a great place to start.
Cancel Unused Subscriptions
We all have that one subscription we never use but keep forgetting to cancel. Take a few minutes out of your day and run through all your subscriptions and cancel the ones you don’t use. You can always sign up for them again if you miss them.
Review Bills Yearly for Better Rates (Insurance, Phone, Internet)
Sometimes we just click renew on those big bills. But that’s also where we can get the big savings. Spend some time reviewing your big bills and seeing where you can save. this can be by switching providers, asking for a discount, or shopping around for something else.
Try a “No-Spend” Week or Month
A no-spend week is a short-term money challenge where you commit to spending nothing beyond essential necessities for seven days. The goal is to hit pause on unnecessary purchases, reset your spending habits, and become more mindful about where your money goes.
During a no-spend week, you typically pay only for things like rent, utilities, and basic groceries you already have planned for. That means no takeout, coffee runs, online shopping, or impulse buys. You can use it as a reset to save money quickly, clean out their pantry, and get creative with what they already own.
Do this for a week or a month and see what happens!
Set Realistic Short-Term Savings Goals
Having a goal is a great way to motivate yourself to save money. Set realistic short-term goals that you can probably reach and do your best to make them happen. Once you reach that goal, celebrate and then continue to the next goal.
Reduce Credit Card Interest Rates
You may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate with your credit company. Do some research and be prepared to present your case before calling the customer service number on the back of your card or going into your bank. You could also try moving your debt to a balance transfer card, which is designed to help you get out of debt at a lower or 0% interest rate.
Mindset Shifts That Make Frugal Living Easier
Frugality isn’t about being cheap. It’s about being intentional. The more you focus on what truly matters to you, the easier it becomes to skip the rest.
Remember:
- Focus on gratitude instead of comparison.
- Remember: saving money is about freedom, not restriction.
- Redefine “enough” — you’ll feel richer instantly.
Pick a few tips and start today! Focus on progress, not perfection.
Don’t forget to save up for the $1,000 Savings Challenge now!
Read More:
- 7 Financial Goals To Achieve Before 40
- Breaking Free From a Poverty Mindset
- 16 Bad Money Habits You Need To Break ASAP
