While the phrase frugal living has gotten a bad reputation and is confused for being cheap, it’s a lifestyle that can help you live more sustainably and achieve your financial goals. Contrary to popular misconception, frugal people are not cheap but are more intentional and mindful of their spending habits.
Here are 14 frugal-expert-approved items to exclude from your shopping list.
Brand-Name Cleaning Products
Purchasing cleaning products regularly can drain your finances quickly, especially if you only buy brand-name cleaning supplies. Frugal shoppers exclude expensive cleaning products from their shopping list and make their cleaning supplies using vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap.
Homemade cleaning products are less costly and gentle on hands as they don’t contain harmful chemicals.
Pre-Packaged Vegetables
Although pre-packed vegetables and fruit make your meal prep easier and faster, they are costly. Frugal individuals instead prioritize longevity and freshness by opting for whole produce and portioning it at home. That allows them to enjoy healthier meals without breaking the bank.
Disposable Diapers
Frugal people avoid buying disposable diapers, as their ongoing costs can quickly accumulate. Instead, they opt to pay the upfront cost of purchasing reusable cloth diapers, which helps them save money in the long run. With proper care, you can use cloth diapers with multiple children, which makes them a more cost-effective choice.
Condiments
Fancy store condiments are appealing and often have a premium price tag compared to their basic counterparts. Frugal shoppers will skip gourmet condiment versions and stick to a standard bottle of mustard or ketchup. Some make their version of artisanal condiments, which allows them to have complete control over the flavor and quality of the final product.
Salad Dressing
Store-bought salad dressings are convenient but also contain unhealthy oils, sodium, and sugar and are expensive. Frugal people make their salad dressing at home using pantry staples like vinegar and olive oil, allowing them to control their ingredients and cut costs.
Bottled Coffee
While bottled coffee is convenient, it’s expensive and contains many unhealthy additives. Frugal shoppers skip bottled coffee and make it from scratch using ground beans and quality coffee makers.
Individual Snack Packs
Frugal people exclude individual snack packs from their shopping list as they are more costly per unit than buying larger quantities and portioning them at home. Alternatively, they may make their snacks at home, like granola or protein bars, and pack them in reusable containers to save money.
Bottled Water
Frugal shoppers never purchase bottled water as it’s more expensive than tap water. They prefer to invest in a quality water filtration system and a reusable water bottle to cut costs and reduce plastic waste.
Brand-Name Pet Food
Packs of brand-name pet food are expensive. Research shows that while premium pet food is popular, it’s not better for your pet. Frugal shoppers exclude brand-name pet food from their shopping list and instead make their dog food, such as rice soups and chicken. They will also make pet treats such as biscuits, chews, and cookies at home to save money.
Disposable Wipes and Paper Towels
The average American spends $17.50 monthly on disposable paper towels and wipes. Frugal people understand this is a waste of money as these items are not reusable and further degrade the environment.
Instead, they will use reusable clothes or sponges to clean up skills and old rags for the floor. These items will help you save money for other essential purchases.
Brand-Name Medications
Frugal people will never waste money on brand-name drugs. They opt for generic medicines, which have the same active ingredients as brand-name medications and are cheaper. Most states have a generic version of most medications, and your doctor can advise you on whether to stick to brand-name drugs or switch to a generic version.
Fancy Cocktails and Mixed Drinks
Hosting friends and family is exciting but expensive when you want to impress with fancy cocktails and mixed drinks. Frugal people skip the fancy cocktails at the store and make unique mixed drinks at home with affordable liquors. Frozen juices are more cost-effective than buying bottled juice.
Name-Brand Boxed Cereal
Although Cheerios and Kellogg cereals are colorful and cute, they can be costly. Frugal people exclude name-brand boxed cereals from their shopping list and instead choose generic brands. Some will opt for healthier breakfast options that are homemade to cut costs.
Pre-Packaged Granola
Buying pre-packaged granola at conventional stores is expensive. Frugal people make their granola at home as it’s more cost-effective and allows them to customize the flavor. You can also make it in bigger batches to last longer than store-bought granola.
