I tend to shy away from extremes. I don’t think that starting extreme behaviors is healthy, and honestly, the behaviors don’t last anyway. These frugal habits may look extreme, but they actually work shockingly well.
Give them a try and see what you think.
No-Spend Days
Do your paychecks seem to be gone almost immediately after they arrive? Consider scheduling no-spend days into your week to make your money last longer!
I promise: you can still have fun without breaking the bank.
Line Drying Clothes
Dryers are expensive to purchase or repair and use a lot of electricity. Why not try out the old-fashioned way? A clothesline is easy to assemble and dries your clothes just as well as any modern dryer.
Collecting Spare Change
The government may have stopped printing pennies, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them. Take all that extra change that you have and put it in an old coffee canister. Use that money for little treats like a coffee or a soda.
Buying Secondhand Everything
Thrifting is not only good for your wallet, but it’s also better for the environment.
You can score great deals on clothes, furniture, kitchenware, electronics, equipment, and more by purchasing them secondhand. And you don’t have to rely on a brick-and-mortar thrift store to have what you need – websites like Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay all offer a huge selection of gently used products that cost a fraction of the original price.
Keeping the Heat and AC Low
Lowering the thermostat during colder weather is a good way to prevent heat loss and save energy.
Increasing the thermostat during warmer weather is a proven way to reduce your overall energy consumption. Experts recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re away for maximum energy savings.
Using Only Cash
Allocate a fixed amount of cash for discretionary spending each week. This helps you stick to your budget and avoid overspending.
The cash envelope system is a budgeting technique gaining popularity. You budget money for each spending category, put it into an envelope, and spend only what’s inside. If you’re looking to get into budgeting, this is a great place to start.
Cooking From Scratch
Eating out might be enjoyable, but it’s expensive, too! By cooking meals at home, you can save money. Bonus points for learning how to cook better!
Reusing Household Items Creatively
There are so many ways to reuse household items creatively. Old clothes can be rags. Old containers can be used again. Plastic containers can become toys. Be creative and reuse whatever you can.
