When every penny counts, mastering the art of frugal living can be your ticket to financial freedom. You don’t have to sacrifice your quality of life to save money; you just need to get creative and adopt some clever frugal hacks.
Need ideas? You’re in luck! In this blog post, we’re going to share a whopping 100 frugal hacks that will keep you and your wallet happy.
So, whether you are trying to save up for a fun vacation or contributing more to retirement, we’ve got a ton of easy tips for you.
Let’s dive in!
100 Frugal Hacks To Save Money
Hack 1: Create a Budget
The cornerstone of frugal living is knowing where your money is going. Monitor your spending and set aside portions for savings and necessities.
Hack 2: Cook at Home
Dining out can quickly drain your funds. Cook at home more often to save money and enjoy healthier meals.
Hack 3: Meal Plan
Plan your meals for the week ahead, create a shopping list, and stick to it to avoid impulse buys.
Hack 4: Buy In Bulk
Purchase non-perishable items in bulk to take advantage of discounts and reduce packaging waste.
Hack 5: Use Coupons
Clip coupons, download apps, and keep an eye out for online deals to cut costs on groceries and everyday items.
Hack 6: Shop Sales
Always be on the lookout for sales, and stock up on items when prices are low.
Hack 7: Buy Generic Brands
Generic brands often offer the same quality as name brands but at a lower price.
Hack 8: Cut Cable TV
Consider cutting the cord and switching to streaming services to save on entertainment costs.
Hack 9: Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Review your subscriptions and cancel those you no longer use or need.
Hack 10: Use Public Transportation
Save on gas and parking fees by using public transportation whenever possible.
Hack 11: Carpool
Share rides with coworkers or friends to split fuel costs.
Hack 12: Walk or Bike
Whenever you can, opt for walking or biking instead of driving to save money and stay active.
Hack 13: DIY Cleaning Products
Create your own cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda
Hack 14: Cancel Gym Memberships
If you’re not using your gym membership regularly, consider canceling it and finding alternative ways to stay fit.
Hack 15: Use Free Community Resources
Take advantage of free community services like public libraries, parks, and recreational activities.
Hack 16: Reduce Water Usage
Save money on your water bill by fixing leaks and being mindful of water usage.
Hack 17: Use a Programmable Thermostat
Set your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away from home to save on heating and cooling costs.
Hack 18: 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.
Hack 19: Buy Secondhand Furniture
Furnish your home with gently used furniture from thrift stores or online marketplaces.
Hack 20: Sell Unused Items
Declutter your space and make extra cash by selling items you no longer need.
Hack 21: Host Potluck Dinners
Instead of dining out with friends, host potluck dinners to share the cost of a meal.
Hack 22: Make Coffee at Home
Skip the pricey coffee shops and brew your own coffee at home.
Hack 23: Pack Lunch for Work
Prepare your lunches in advance to avoid buying expensive takeout meals.
Hack 24: Buy In-Season Produce
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season options.
Hack 25: Use a Library Card
Borrow books, movies, and even digital resources from your local library.
Hack 26: Buy Used Books
Save on reading materials by buying used books or using eReaders.
Hack 27: DIY Home Repairs
Learn basic home repair skills to fix minor issues without calling a professional.
Hack 28: Shop at Thrift Stores
Thrift stores offer great deals on clothing, home decor, and more.
Hack 29: Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances to reduce your electricity bill.
Hack 30: Cancel Magazine Subscriptions
Read magazines for free at the library or online instead of subscribing.
Hack 31: Install LED Light Bulbs
LED bulbs are energy-efficient and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Hack 32: Shop at Discount Stores
Discount stores often have lower prices on everyday items.
Hack 33: Use Cloth Napkins
Ditch paper napkins for reusable cloth ones.
Hack 34: Collect Rainwater for Gardening
Set up a rain barrel to collect rainwater for your garden.
Hack 35: Use a Clothesline
Save on energy costs by air-drying your clothes.
Hack 36: Buy Store-Brand Toiletries
Generic toiletry brands are often just as effective as name brands but cost less.
Hack 37: Repair Clothing Instead of Replacing
Learn basic sewing skills to mend clothes rather than replace them.
Hack 38: Cut Your Own Hair
Consider DIY haircuts or ask a friend to help.
Hack 39: Use Public Wi-Fi
Take advantage of free Wi-Fi when you’re out and about to save on data charges.
Hack 40: Limit Eating Out
Enjoying meals at home or bringing your lunch to work can save you a significant amount of money.
Hack 41: Use a Refillable Water Bottle
Cut down on single-use plastic bottles by using a reusable water bottle.
Hack 42: Buy Used Cars
New cars depreciate quickly; buying used can save you thousands.
Hack 43: Bike Instead of Drive for Short Trips
Opt for biking instead of driving for short errands.
Hack 44: Use a Prepaid Phone Plan
Prepaid plans often offer similar services at a lower cost than traditional contracts.
Hack 45: DIY Gifts
Get creative and make personalized gifts for loved ones.
Hack 46: Buy Rechargeable Batteries
Invest in rechargeable batteries to save money in the long run.
Hack 47: Cancel Unused Gym Memberships
If you’re not hitting the gym regularly, consider canceling and exploring other fitness options.
Hack 48: Shop at Farmers’ Markets
Support local farmers while enjoying fresh produce at competitive prices.
Hack 49: Create a Compost Bin
Reduce waste and create nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
Hack 50: Refurbish Old Furniture
Give old furniture a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint or refinishing.
Hack 51: Use Free Online Courses
Expand your knowledge with free online courses and tutorials.
Hack 52: Grow Your Own Herbs
Save on herbs by growing them at home.
Hack 53: Buy Frozen Vegetables
Frozen veggies are often just as nutritious and more budget-friendly than fresh ones.
Hack 54: Use a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are energy-efficient and can turn budget ingredients into delicious meals.
Hack 55: Batch Cook Meals
Cook in bulk and freeze portions for quick, cost-effective dinners.
Hack 56: Purchase Refurbished Electronics
Consider refurbished electronics for substantial savings compared to brand new.
Hack 57: Cut Out Sodas and Sugary Drinks
Opt for water or homemade beverages to save money and improve your health.
Hack 58: Cancel Newspaper Subscriptions
Get your news online for free or at a reduced cost.
Hack 59: Use Hand-Me-Downs for Kids
Pass down clothing and toys within the family to save on children’s expenses.
Hack 60: Shop at Discount Grocers
Discount grocery stores often have competitive prices on essentials.
Hack 61: DIY Home Decor
Get creative and decorate your home on a budget with DIY projects.
Hack 62: Use Public Parks for Recreation
Enjoy outdoor activities at local parks instead of expensive recreational facilities.
Hack 63: Avoid ATM Fees
Plan your cash withdrawals carefully to avoid ATM fees.
Hack 64: Repair Electronics Instead of Replacing
Fix minor electronic issues instead of buying new devices.
Hack 65: Shop at Warehouse Clubs
Buy in bulk and save on groceries and household items at warehouse clubs.
Hack 66: Use a Fan Instead of an AC
On hot days, opt for fans instead of running the air conditioner constantly.
Hack 67: Set Up Automatic Bill Payments
Avoid late fees by setting up automatic bill payments for your regular expenses.
Hack 68: Use a Bike Share Program
Many cities offer bike-sharing programs, providing a cost-effective way to get around.
Hack 69: Buy in Bulk and Split with Friends
Pool resources with friends or family to buy in bulk and share the savings.
Hack 70: DIY Pest Control
Address common household pests using DIY methods before calling an exterminator.
Hack 71: Learn Basic Car Maintenance
Master simple car maintenance tasks to save on mechanic fees.
Hack 72: Use a Reusable Shopping Bag
Bring your reusable shopping bags to reduce plastic waste and save on bag fees.
Hack 73: Cancel Unused Magazine Subscriptions
Eliminate subscriptions you no longer read or enjoy.
Hack 74: Shop During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid crowds and potentially score discounts by shopping during off-peak times.
Hack 75: Use Free Financial Apps
Take advantage of free budgeting and financial management apps.
Hack 76: Negotiate Bills and Fees
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with service providers to lower your bills.
Hack 77: Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Create your cleaning solutions using common household items.
Hack 78: Cancel Unused Streaming Services
Review your streaming subscriptions and trim down to what you actually watch.
Hack 79: Use Cashback Rewards
Earn cashback rewards on credit card purchases to get money back on everyday expenses.
Hack 80: Repair Shoes Instead of Replacing
Extend the life of your shoes by repairing them when they show wear and tear.
Hack 81: Buy Seasonal Clothing on Clearance
Shop for clothing at the end of the season when prices are reduced.
Hack 82: Use a Bike Trailer for Groceries
Carry groceries on your bike with a trailer to save on gas and parking.
Hack 83: Host Movie Nights at Home
Instead of going to the movies, host movie nights at home with friends.
Hack 84: Buy Used Sports Equipment
Save on sports gear by buying gently used equipment.
Hack 85: Use a Prepaid Debit Card
Prepaid debit cards can help you stick to a budget and avoid overspending.
Hack 86: Cancel Unused Club Memberships
Review your club memberships and eliminate those you no longer use.
Hack 87: Borrow Tools from Neighbors
Instead of buying specialized tools, borrow from neighbors when needed.
Hack 88: Shop at Outlet Stores
Find discounted brand-name items at outlet stores.
Hack 89: DIY Car Wash
Wash your car at home instead of paying for a car wash.
Hack 90: Buy Store-Brand Pet Food
Store-brand pet food can be just as nutritious as name brands but at a lower cost.
Hack 91: Cancel Unused App Subscriptions
Review your app subscriptions and eliminate those you don’t use regularly.
Hack 92: Use a Rain Barrel for Gardening
Collect rainwater in a barrel to water your garden and save on water bills.
Hack 93: Make Your Own Beauty Products
Create your beauty products using natural ingredients.
Hack 94: Use Public Wi-Fi for Work
If possible, work from places with free Wi-Fi to save on data costs.
Hack 95: Shop at Discount Online Retailers
Explore online retailers that offer discounted prices on a wide range of products.
Hack 96: Repair Small Appliances
Fix minor issues with appliances instead of buying new ones.
Hack 97: Swap Childcare with Friends
Share childcare duties with friends or family to save on babysitting costs.
Hack 98: Use a Library for Movies and Music
Borrow movies and music from the library instead of buying or renting.
Hack 99: Cancel Unused Online Memberships
Scrutinize your online memberships and keep only the ones you actively use.
Hack 100: DIY Holiday Decorations
Get crafty and make your holiday decorations to save money and add a personal touch to your celebrations.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve shared 100 frugal hacks to help you embrace the frugal lifestyle and start saving more money. From budgeting and meal planning to reducing waste and finding hidden savings, these tips cover a wide range of strategies to help you save big without sacrificing your quality of life.
As you implement these frugal hacks into your daily routine, you’ll discover just how much money you can save. Remember, frugality isn’t about deprivation; it’s about making conscious choices that align with your financial goals.
So, go ahead and start putting these hacks into action, and watch your savings grow!
Read More:
Robyn Goldfarb
Hi! I am a millennial mom with a passion for personal finance. I have always been “into” personal finance but got inspired to start my blog after a period of extended unemployment. That experience really changed the way I viewed my relationship with money and the importance of accessible personal finance education.