With Trump’s new tariffs threatening to make daily life unaffordable for most Americans, there are some ways you can cut costs without sacrificing quality
Saving money shouldn’t mean forgoing quality. Fortunately, frugal people have learned that it doesn’t — here are six ways they cut back without lowering their standards.
Becoming Minimalists
You can afford more if you buy less: it’s a simple, elegant solution that many people claim has led to a happier life. Frugal people have more money to spend on important things because they’re only spending on important things. It’s a new perspective that leads you to spend on things that enrich your lives most.
Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands
Many frugal people take pleasure in making things for themselves, such as home repairs, handmade gifts, or even spending time on a simple home-cooked meal. Adopting the DIY mindset not only reminds you how capable you are if you dig a bit deeper, but it saves you money and adds a personal touch to many aspects of your life; even installing a new sink yourself will be a point of pride every time you use it.
Shopping Strategically
Frugal people don’t just shop less — they shop smart. It’s about more than just looking for the best deals and coupons. It’s about buying things at the right time and researching different prices to find the lowest rates. Plus, economically minded shoppers tend to care more about quality than brand names. Smart consumers do their homework before making a purchase — they research products and read reviews to make sure they’re getting the best value for their dollar.
Using Technology to Their Advantage
Technology can be a penny pincher’s best friend in this day and age. Virtual coupons, cashback and budgeting apps, and reward programs: they’re all accessible from your smart phone and help you do more with your money. You could even argue that meal planning apps are an incredible way to cut costs, since they help you stay organized with your grocery spending, enabling you to buy higher quality food.
Being Careful About How They Spend Their Time
Among the more surprising ways to save money without lowering quality is to be careful about how and where you spend your time. Frugal people value experiences over things, which is a big part of what makes minimalism so inviting for them. Time is a much more valuable currency, so they spend it just as wisely as they do their cash. This is one of the best things you can do for your pocketbook and peace of mind: don’t spend time (and likely money) on something that doesn’t resonate with you as a person.
Becoming Part of a Community
Imagine being part of a thriving community garden where people grow and swap produce. That’s a reality for many frugal folk, even if everyone’s “community garden” looks slightly different. It could mean joining a local concert band after dusting off an old saxophone or joining a gaming community where you play together once a week. Building community creates opportunities for quality time with people you care about, and you rarely need money to make moments like that worth something.
