Living frugally doesn’t mean being a cheapskate or living off beans and rice. It means getting more out of your money and what you spend it on. If you are smart and creative then you can save money easily.
Here are some clever ways to live frugally without shivering under three blankets in a cold apartment!
More Mileage From Paper Towels
Say you use a paper towel to soak up a small water spill. It isn’t really dirty, so spread it out and let it dry. Then use it to clean a window.
Check Out Goodwill and Facebook Marketplace
You can find great deals on good-quality items, and sometimes you can get them for free. You can also sell items you don’t want or need.
Estate Sales
When someone dies or there’s a need for a homeowner to quickly sell off belongings, an estate sale may occur. It’s an opportunity to get bargain rates on things that may be of great use or that might have a high resale value.
Dine In
Unless you’re preparing gourmet meals, any meal enjoyed at home will be far less expensive than one at a restaurant. You’ll save even more money since you’re not adding tips to the bill.
Libraries
Libraries still exist! You can still borrow books instead of buying them. Many libraries now also offer free or really cheap internet access.
Live Below Your Means
Living below your means is one of the most important tips ever. Pretend that instead of earning what you do, you’re really earning x percent less than that. Then budget according to that “new” salary. This will help you prioritize necessities and save money.
Eat Leftovers
Every year, people toss literally millions of dollars worth of uneaten food into the trash. It’s like throwing money away. Leftovers are great for lunches and the next night’s dinner, and they also mean less cleanup.
Automate Savings and Investments
Everyone knows they should save money for retirement and emergencies, but it’s hard to do that manually. If you have a 401K or a similar account, you can probably arrange for a certain amount from every paycheck to go into it before taxes and before the money hits your main account. Do it!
Adjust the Thermostat
Room temperature is 65 F, but there’s no law that you have to keep your house at that temperature. In the winter, lower the thermostat and get cozy with a blanket or an extra layer. In the summer, you can raise it a little and still be fine.
Loctite
Have you ever noticed that Krazy Glue and Gorilla Glue work but don’t seem to last that long? Try Loctite instead; it can make repaired items last longer and also save you on repair solutions.
Basic Car Maintenance
Are you taking your car to the shop for oil changes, fluid refills, and wiper blade replacements? If yes, why? These and other basic maintenance procedures are easy for most people and can save hundreds of dollars a year.
Freeze Food
Frozen food lasts a long time, from months to even years, depending on the type of food. When you find a good price on something perishable you eat a lot of, buy a lot of it, and freeze it (assuming it’s okay to freeze it).
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