Hey there, are you on the lookout for smart ways to cut back on spending and stash away more cash?
Well, frugal living is the name of the game—it’s all about spending your money wisely. It’s like a financial superpower that helps you spend only on what you truly need.
But, if you’re wondering, ‘Where do I even start?’
Don’t worry!
We’ve got your back. Let’s jump into 30 frugal living tips so you can start saving big today!
1. Cut Your Own Hair
We all know how pricey salon visits can get. If all you’re looking for is a quick cut, consider doing it yourself. Even better, enlist the help of a friend with some experience!
2. DIY Home Repairs
From paint jobs to lock changes, the price of home repairs can add up. Try doing some basic repairs yourself, instead. You’ll even pick up a new skill or two.
3. Barter or Trade Services
Are you great at babysitting, but you need someone to fix your sink? You can trade services with neighbors, friends, or family. Everyone gets what they want – and it’s practically free!
4. Free Entertainment
You’ve likely heard that “everything costs money these days.” But that’s not entirely true. Some forms of entertainment are free compared to others. Things like hiking, going to the library, or volunteering are completely free. And they’re fun, too!
5. Buy Clothes on Clearance
Does your wardrobe need a serious overhaul? Shop the clearance section first to seriously cut down on spending!
6. Mend Clothing
Little rips in clothing can be fixed – and you can even do it yourself! Grab a cheap sewing kit and learn how to sew if you don’t already know how. It’s an easy and practical life skill that you won’t regret.
7. Limit ATM Fees
Limit inconvenient ATM fees by going to an in-network ATM through your bank.
8. Use Free Online Resources
The internet is filled with handy online resources, many of which are available for free. From recipes to music, there’s no limit to what you can find online.
9. Avoid Bottled Water
Bottled water is expensive, bad for the planet, and usually has to be purchased regularly. Instead, invest in a refillable water bottle that you can clean and reuse every day.
10. Use a Clothesline
Dryers are expensive to purchase or fix and use up large amounts of electricity. Why not try out the old-fashioned way? A clothesline is easy to assemble, and air dries your clothes just as well as any modern dryer could.
11. Repair Appliances
Is your oven not getting hot enough, or is the refrigerator running too cold? Don’t immediately run and buy a new one! Try troubleshooting your appliances at home – or even consulting with an expert.
12. Plan No-Spend Days
Do your paychecks seem to be gone almost immediately after they arrive? Consider scheduling no-spend days into your week to make your money last longer!
13. Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Make your cleaning supplies at home instead of running to the store to buy new ones. You can find plenty of simple ideas for free online.
14. Use a Slow Cooker
A slow cooker uses very little energy and can turn a few cheap ingredients into a delicious meal. Start dinner before you leave for work, and it’ll be ready by the time you get home!
15. Carpool With Coworkers
Save on gas charges by carpooling with your coworkers to and from your shifts.
16. Rent Instead of Buying
Considering purchasing a product you won’t use often? Why not try renting it instead? Renting is a reliable, short-term option to try out new or little-used products.
17. Host Potluck Dinners
So you love going out with your friends, but you’re trying to save money. Consider hosting a potluck dinner – plenty of food to go around, and you aren’t paying!
18. Avoid Unnecessary Bank Fees
Avoid bank fees by always making your payments on time and by setting up alerts for suspicious activity.
19. Use a Refillable Water Bottle
A refillable water bottle is an eco-friendly way to save money (and the planet).
20. Cut Down on Meat Consumption
Not only is meat expensive, but too much meat in your diet isn’t always the healthiest. Cutting down on meat consumption is a great way to save on grocery costs.
21. DIY Gifts and Cards
Consider using handmade gifts and cards for your friends and family this year. You’ll save money, and they’ll appreciate how thoughtful you are.
22. Limit Impulse Shopping
Try limiting impulse shopping trips by knowing what you need before you leave to go shopping. Make sure you only get what’s on your list.
23. Cancel Magazine Subscriptions
Still spending money on magazine subscriptions that you rarely look at? Cancel the subscription and save more money annually.
24. Use Public Parks for Recreation
Public parks are free and open for anyone to use. Why not take advantage of the local parks in your area, and enjoy any recreational activities there?
25. Repair Electronics
Struggling with some glitchy electronics at home? Instead of buying new tech, try getting your devices fixed instead. It’ll be cheaper, and you might even learn a thing or two!
26. Do Your Own Landscaping
Why hire someone to mow your lawn when you can do it yourself? Plus, doing your own landscaping means you’re always happy with the result.
27. Make Your Own Snacks
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.
28. Buy In-Season Produce
Produce is typically cheapest when it’s in season: plus, it tastes better, too!
29. Reduce Water Usage
Reduce your at-home water usage by taking shorter showers and always remembering to turn off the sink!
30. Use a Library for DVDs and CDs
Are you a big movie or music buff? The library has tons of DVDs and CDs that you can borrow – just remember to return them when they’re due!
