12 Frugal “Tips” That Will Make You Miserable (And Why Smart Savers Say No)

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We are all looking for the best ways to live a quality life without digging too deep into our pockets.

Many popular tips for frugality beginners work, while others may not seem so practical for real life. Some of the advice that gets passed around as “smart saving” can actually end up being frustrating, unrealistic, or even counterproductive.

Here are 12 frugal tips that often sound great on paper but might just drive you crazy in reality.

Using Coupons To Save Money

Most coupons you find online don’t work, and trying to hunt them down can be more trouble than it’s worth. Plus, the majority are for boxed, processed foods, rarely for whole ingredients like produce, meat, or pantry staples like flour. It can feel like a trap to get you to buy things you don’t actually need.

Backyard Gardening

Gardening sounds like a great money-saver, but it isn’t always practical. If you don’t already have tools, soil, and space, the initial setup can be expensive. Add in the learning curve, and it becomes time-consuming and frustrating. Buying in-season produce from a local farmers market is often cheaper, faster, and less stressful.

Saving as Much as Possible

The idea of cutting every possible corner doesn’t work for everyone, especially if you’re already on a tight budget. A lot of common savings advice is tailored to people with higher incomes who overspend, not for those already living frugally out of necessity.

Canceling Gym Memberships

Some memberships are actually a great deal. For a little over a dollar a day, you can get access to a pool, machines, weights, basketball courts, locker rooms, and even bring a guest. If you use it regularly, a gym membership can be one of the last things worth cutting.

Turning Down the AC

Turning off the air conditioning might save on energy bills, but it’s not always realistic, especially in places with extreme weather. If you’re dealing with triple-digit summers or frigid winters, staying comfortable and safe comes first, even if it means higher utility costs.

Thrifting

Thrifting can be hit or miss. If you need something specific, like a classic white blouse in your size, it’s frustrating to dig through racks and still leave empty-handed. On top of that, some secondhand items are sprayed with strong deodorizers that are nearly impossible to wash out, making them unwearable for some people.

Moving to a Low-Cost-Of-Living Area

Relocating to a cheaper city sounds tempting, but it’s not always feasible. If you’ve built a career in a certain location or have access to rent control, moving might not make sense. Plus, some low-cost areas come with fewer job opportunities and more economic risk if the housing market crashes.

Being Your Own Mechanic

Doing car repairs yourself can save money—but only if you already have the right tools, skills, and space. Tasks like changing your oil can be risky and inconvenient without a proper setup. DIY repairs often leave out the time investment and learning curve involved.

Meal Prepping and Buying in Bulk

Meal prepping can be helpful, but eating the same thing every day can get depressing. When meals get repetitive, it’s easy to lose your appetite for them, and food ends up going to waste. Buying in bulk doesn’t help if you end up tossing half of it.

Quit Eating Out

Cooking at home is great in theory, but real life isn’t always that simple, especially with kids. Busy schedules filled with school, practice, and games make fast food a useful tool, not just a lazy option. Sometimes, convenience is necessary to stay sane.

Buying Cheap Products and Clothes

Going for the cheapest option isn’t always the most frugal move in the long run. Low-quality skincare and hair products can cause more harm than good, especially for people with sensitive skin or hair. The same goes for cheap clothing: items that don’t fit well or fall apart quickly often sit in the closet unworn. Spending a little more on quality can actually save money over time.

Cutting Own Hair

DIY haircuts can quickly turn into disasters. It might seem like a quick way to save money, but a bad cut can be expensive to fix. A simple trim at an affordable salon is often worth the cost to avoid the stress (and embarrassment).