If you actually want to save a serious chunk of change without turning into a total hermit, you’ve gotta dig a little deeper.
And that’s exactly what we’re doing with these five frugal living secrets that more people should be talking about.
Use Your Electricity Wisely
Saving on electricity isn’t just about turning off the lights when you leave the room.
There’s a whole other level to this game that most people don’t even know about. You can use your heavy-hitting appliances (like dishwashers and washer/dryers) at off-peak hours, which for most will be after 9 PM.
This move isn’t just good for your wallet. It’s also a little win for the environment, since you’re easing up on grid demand.
Become a “No-Buy” or “No-Spend” Master
Yeah, it sounds kinda intense, but hear us out first.
These challenges are way more doable than you’d think, and the payoff is huge. Pick a period that feels doable for you. Maybe one month, maybe just a week, or even just a weekend, if you’re new to this concept.
During that time, you have one goal: only buy essential things.
This is fantastic for those wanting to be more frugal, as it forces you to acknowledge just how much mindless spending you do out of habit or even sheer boredom. So in the future, when you do need to spend, you’re way more intentional.
Get Creative With Reusing and Repurposing
People love to toss stuff out the second it’s not shiny and new.
That’s a rookie mistake that will cost you a fortune throughout your life. Get creative with jars; use them for food storage or for holding smaller items, like screws and pens.
Reuse plastic bags as garbage can liners, especially in places like the bathroom or your office. This cuts down on waste, saves you money you didn’t even realize you could save, and (like any other upcycling hack) helps the planet, even if just a little.
Find More Free or Cheap Stuff To Do
It might sound odd, but you don’t actually have to drop half your paycheck every weekend to have a good time. Most people who live in larger cities would be gobsmacked to learn just how much is going on that they could fill their calendars with.
Even if it means just spending time taking a walk with your friend through a park, that’s still a way to enjoy spending time with them that doesn’t involve Venmo’ing them $50 for a subpar bottle of wine.
Know the Difference Between Deals
Everyone loves a good deal, but there’s more to it than clipping coupons. Too few people are comparing unit prices rather than ticket prices. Unit price will tell you the cost of each item or the value of how much is in the product.
For example, a “more expensive” can of tomatoes might be cheaper per ounce than a smaller can that’s technically a dollar less. This helps you stretch every dollar way further while also getting to the bottom of what the actual best deal is, even if there’s a coupon for it.
