There are some habits that are just ingrained in us.
We do these without thinking. It used to be that these frugal habits were things that didn’t even need to be talked about.
We just did them without thinking. Now things have changed, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still be doing these habits.
Creating a habit is just a matter of repetition. keep doing it again and again until you are so used to it you don’t even think about it. So start doing these frugal habits and see how your life changes!
Want to read more about starting helpful habits? Read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Turning off Lights When Leaving a Room
While electricity costs very little money these days, every dime counts. Get in the habit of shutting off lights when you leave the room and especially before you leave the house. This will not only save you money but also be good for the environment.
Packing Lunches Instead of Buying Them
Make packing lunches for school or work part of your morning or evening routine. Having lunch already made means you won’t be tempted to buy it. This is healthier and significantly cheaper.
Mending Clothes
Something rips? A button falls off? Instead of buying something new, grab your sewing kit and fix it. Set a time where you sew and fix all the clothes that need fixing. Make it a habit and you won’t need to buy new clothes so often.
Reusing Jars and Containers
Instead of tossing old jars and containers, just toss them in the sink or dishwasher so you can reuse them instead. This is especially great for glass jars and bottles because you can use them again and again.
Planning Meals Ahead of Time
Planning meals is a great way to make sure you actually cook at home and will help you cut down on grocery store trips (the more times you go to the store, the more opportunities for impulse spending). Make it a weekly or monthly habit to plan out your meals.
Grab this free meal plan printable and shopping list now!
Shopping With a Strict List
As part of the above, as soon as you plan your meals, make a shopping list of all the things you need. Then go shopping and stick to the list. You can easily do this online as well, because you can make sure your cart matches the list. Use the free meal plan printable and shopping list to make this even easier.
Comparing Prices Between Stores
Don’t just grab the first item you see; use shopping apps to compare prices. This is even easier now when you can easily look at each store’s pricing on the apps on your phone. Make a sample cart at both Target and Walmart, for example, and see which comes out cheaper.
Avoiding Impulse Purchases
That little treat you always buy yourself? Turns out it’s kind of wrecking your budget. While there is no problem in buying yourself something, make sure the habit is not to buy, but instead have a habit of buying. Get yourself out of the habit of clicking buy and into the habit of waiting and making mindful purchases. You’ll be happier this way.
Sharing Tools With Neighbors
Sharing is caring. Get in the habit of asking neighbors to borrow and of sharing your items with others. Obviously, take great care in anything you lend and borrow, but this way you can avoid pricey purchases and help others as well.
Using Things Until the End
Use it up! We sometimes get frustrated at the end of a container and are ready for a new one. Get in the habit of using something until the end before building a new one. Cut open the package or use a spatula to get the last bits of whatever it is, and use every drop.
Saving Spare Change
So many people use credit cards rather than cash that pennies and dimes seem to be obsolete (and, in the case of the penny, actually becoming obsolete). But that spare change adds up, after all, every dime saved is a dime earned! Toss all your spare change into a container and use it to buy these small treats we talked about.
