The best path to wealth?
It’s not through skipping your morning latte, it’s through investing, smart budgeting, and cutting down on major living expenses.
But that doesn’t mean you should ignore the little stuff.
Small habits can quietly build big savings over time.
These frugal living tips may seem tiny, but they can lead to major results.
Pick the ones that work for you and start stacking those savings!
1. Make Your Own Coffee
Making coffee at home is cliché advice, but for good reason: it works. No, skipping your latte won’t make you a millionaire overnight, and I’ll never tell you to cut the one small luxury that brings you joy. If that coffee shop run is your daily boost, by all means, keep it.
But if it’s just a habit or done out of convenience, it might be time to reconsider. A basic coffee machine costs less than $20. Compare that to a $7 coffee shop order, and the math starts to make sense quickly. You’re not giving up joy but you are gaining control.
2. Brown Bag Your Lunch
Buying lunch every day adds up fast. Even fast food is rarely under $10 anymore. Instead, I prep my own lunches: bread, lunch meat, snacks, and a veggie or two, for the week. It costs less than one takeout meal and feeds me for days.
Saving $40–$50 per week may not seem like much, but over time, it adds up to hundreds or even thousands saved.
3. Freeze Your Bread
I love good bread. The problem? Fancy bread goes bad fast. I used to waste a lot of money tossing out moldy loaves, until I discovered the power of freezing.
It turns out that if you reheat bread correctly, by microwaving it first and then finishing in the oven, it tastes just as fresh as the day you bought it. That extra step makes all the difference, and now I never waste a loaf of bread.
4. Make Your Own Chicken Stock
Leftover chicken bones, veggie scraps, herbs- these go into a pot and become homemade chicken stock. It’s a smart way to reduce food waste and save money, especially since store-bought broth can be expensive and high in sodium.
Homemade stock freezes well and tastes better.
5. Run Water Through Shampoo/Soap Bottles
When a bottle is nearly empty, don’t toss it: rinse it. Add a bit of water, shake, and you’ll get several more uses out of shampoo, conditioner, or body wash. Even dish soap and hand soap stretch a little further this way.
Just be careful not to dilute it too much. A little water goes a long way in making products last.
6. Don’t Buy Travel Size
Those tiny travel bottles? Overpriced. Instead, invest once in a few reusable travel containers and fill them from your full-size products. It’s more economical in the long run and far less wasteful.
7. Use a “Keep the Change” Program
Many banks offer programs that round up your purchases and deposit the difference into a savings account. It’s a hands-off way to grow your savings without even thinking about it.
Over the years, I’ve saved thousands using this feature, literally by doing nothing but spending normally.
8. Save Your Spare Change
Cash users, this one’s for you. Toss your coins into a jar and forget about them. After a while, you’ll be shocked at how much you’ve saved. I’ve cashed in jars worth over $200, and I usually use that money as guilt-free vacation spending.
9. Pick Up Dimes
Ever see some change on the ground? Pick it up! Every cent counts. I’ve found everything from pennies to quarters just sitting in parking lots or sidewalks. It’s money so why not take it?
10. Roll Your Coins Instead of Using CoinStar
Coin machines are convenient, but they take a hefty cut, up to 12%. If you want to keep your full amount, roll your coins and take them to the bank. It takes a little more effort, but you’ll avoid fees and can deposit directly into your savings.
11. Don’t Use Instant Pay
Instant transfers from apps like Cash App or Venmo can cost you a few bucks each time. If you can wait 1–3 business days, use the free standard transfer option instead. It might only save a couple of dollars at a time, but it adds up.
12. Use Your Bank’s ATM
ATM fees are brutal. You’re charged by both the machine and your bank for using an out-of-network ATM. Stick with your bank’s ATMs when possible to avoid these fees.
If that’s not realistic where you live, consider switching to a bank with a larger ATM network, or one that reimburses ATM fees.
13. Know Yourself
The best way to curb impulse spending is to understand your triggers. For me, it’s junk food: chips, cookies, random candy bars. I now shop with a list and eat beforehand to avoid giving in to cravings.
Knowing your weak spots is the first step to controlling them.
14. Conserve Power
Reducing your electric bill takes effort, but even small actions can lead to savings. Run appliances during off-peak hours, use cold water for laundry, and unplug devices when not in use.
It’s hard to track exactly how much you save, but every little bit helps, especially if you make these habits consistent.
15. Examine Your Subscriptions
Subscriptions are sneaky. It’s easy to forget about the ones you no longer use. Go through your recurring charges, cable, streaming, software, etc., and cancel what you don’t need.
You can always sign up again if you see you really miss it.
If you hate negotiating, use a service that cancels or negotiates on your behalf. It’s an easy win.
16. Buy Generic
Generic isn’t just for groceries. I choose store-brand cleaning supplies, medications, paper goods, and even shoes. Over time, these “small” choices have saved me thousands.
17. Save Plastic Bags
If you’re still bringing home plastic grocery bags, don’t throw them away. I reuse mine for everything, cleaning the litter box, lining small trash bins, or packing lunches. It’s one less thing I need to buy.
And if you don’t use them? Consider donating them to pet shelters or recycling centers that can put them to good use.
18. Use Coupons
Coupons aren’t just for extreme savers. Nowadays, you don’t even need scissors, just a smartphone. Check for digital coupons before checking out, whether in-store or online.
It takes 30 seconds and can save you 20% or more on the spot.
19. Drink Water from the Tap at Home…
Bottled water might seem cheap, but if you’re buying it weekly, the costs add up. Tap water is practically free and just as safe in most areas. If you’re concerned, use a filter pitcher or install a faucet attachment.
It’s a small switch that can save hundreds per year.
20. …and at the Restaurant
Drinks are one of the biggest markups on restaurant menus. A soda that costs the restaurant 10 cents can cost you $3 and that’s on the low end. Multiply that by everyone at your table, and the savings from ordering water instead really add up.
It’s a small sacrifice that could cover an extra meal out by month’s end.
21. Earn Savings Account Interest
Interest rates aren’t what they used to be, but some high-yield savings accounts still offer decent returns. Even 1% is better than 0%, and having money set aside for emergencies is essential.
Instead of stashing cash in a drawer, let it earn you a little something.
22. Use a Cash Back App
Cash back apps like Ibotta might only give you a few cents at a time, but those cents add up. Some days you’ll get a big rebate, other times it’s just a dime. Either way, it’s free money.
There are tons of apps out there for groceries, gas, and online shopping: find the ones that work best for your habits and start saving passively.
No single tip on this list will make you rich. But together? They create a strong foundation for smarter spending and long-term savings. The key is consistency. Small steps taken every day lead to big results over time.
So go ahead: pick up that penny. Drink the tap water. Freeze the bread. It all counts.
