Listen, it’s hard to do everything. I get that. There are so many frugal living tips and tricks that you want to try and keep on meaning to try, but you don’t because life is hard and busy.
That’s ok.
But… these 9 frugal living habits are so worth it that if you don’t start doing them now, you will regret it! These frugal habits are ones you wish you would have started sooner.
Meal Planning
When it comes to saving money on food, meal planning is your greatest tool.
Cooking in batches and saving pre-portioned helpings for later will not only help you resist the temptation of dining out but also save you time in the kitchen throughout the week. Make a big batch of stew, soup, or other bulk meal and divide it into containers to use as easy meals later.
You can even freeze some as a healthy alternative to a store-bought frozen dinner later.
Buying In Bulk
Although this savings tip can be tricky, it can save money in the long run to buy more of a product at once. The key is to only do this with items you are absolutely certain you will need to purchase again in a timely manner, such as toilet paper and kitchen pantry staples.
Keep stock of your items so you don’t make purchases you forget about and end up with clutter and unnecessary expenses. And, if you are trying a product for the first time, it might not be the best idea to buy in bulk until you know you will like it and use it again.
DIY Home and Car Maintenance
Instead of paying for an expensive home makeover, save a lot of money and pick up some new skills by doing it yourself.
You can watch YouTube videos to learn how to do nearly any kind of renovation project you desire, and sales associates at your hardware store will be happy to help you pick out the supplies you need.
Using Cash-Back Apps
One of the most practical ways to save money is to make your spending work for you. Download all the cashback apps you can and use them to get as much cashback as possible. Many companies offer rebates on certain purchases and will reimburse you for a portion of your purchase if you send in your receipt.
Reusing Containers and Bags
Reusable food containers are more practical than disposable bags, and they can help you live with less. Reuse as many containers as you can and as many bags as you can. Even jelly jars or other glass storage jars can be cleaned out and reused for many years.
Brewing Coffee at Home
Brew your coffee at home instead of buying expensive coffee shop drinks. You can spend a bit on good-quality beans and a reliable coffee maker and then have years’ worth of savings. You’ll also have more time in the morning.
Shopping Clearance Only
If you don’t need a product urgently, it’s worth waiting for a bargain to save some money. Always shop the clearance section first to cut down on spending seriously!
Avoiding Monthly Subscriptions
Evaluate your monthly subscriptions and cancel whatever you can. Whether it’s streaming services, magazines, or software subscriptions, eliminating unnecessary expenses is a quick win for your budget. I always recommend being “delete-happy” with these for two reasons.
First of all, you can always sign up again if you miss it (sometimes if it goes on sale), and sometimes when you try to cancel, they will offer you some free months or a significant discount.
Packing Snacks and Lunches
Pack your lunch for work instead of buying meals. This not only saves money but also allows you to control the nutritional content of your meals. If you’re a big snacker, you likely know how quickly the prices can add up. Instead of buying snack mixes at the store, try making your own with what you already have on hand.
