Poor people are the best at being frugal because they really don’t have a choice.
Out of necessity comes “frugal hacks” that they just call life. Learning from people who grew up poor is probably the best way to learn how to save money.
Here are some great “poor people” frugal hacks that you can use to save money!
Slow-Cook Cereals and Prep Meals in Bulk
Cooking cereals and other simple meals in bulk at the start of the week ensures you always have something to eat without spending extra money or energy every day.
Meal prepping is one of the easiest ways to cut food costs and save time.
Shop for Groceries on Random Days
Grocery stores and butchers often mark down meat that’s close to its sell-by date.
By shopping on random days, especially later in the evening, you can score great deals on quality cuts. Once you grab a bargain, look up recipes online to cook and store the meat properly so nothing goes to waste.
Grab Free Condiments from Fast Food Joints
If you live near a fast food restaurant, you don’t need to buy sauces, salt, or pepper from the grocery store.
Simply order the cheapest item on the menu and pick up free sauce packets, salt, pepper, napkins, and even plastic silverware while you’re there.
Cut Your Dryer Sheets in Half
You don’t need a full dryer sheet to get the job done.
Cut each sheet in half before use, and you’ll effectively double your supply, stretching one box over several months without any drop in performance.
Take Full Advantage of Your Local Library
The library is one of the most underrated money-saving resources out there.
Beyond free books, most libraries offer free audiobooks, internet access, e-books, and even sewing machines and tools you can borrow to repair worn-out clothing. It’s completely free. All you need is a library card.
Grow Your Own Herbs
Fresh herbs from the grocery store can be surprisingly expensive. Instead, grow your own on a kitchen windowsill: basil, oregano, cilantro, and others are easy to maintain and thrive in small spaces.
You can even set up a simple hydroponic planter if you have limited room. Always save seeds from what you grow to replant next season.
Freeze Vegetable Scraps for Broth
Don’t throw away your vegetable peels, stems, and scraps. Collect them in a bag in the freezer, and once you have enough, simmer them into a rich, flavorful broth.
This is a simple way to get more out of your groceries and avoid waste.
Use a Power Strip for Your Electronics
Plugging your TV and entertainment devices into a power strip makes it easy to cut power to everything at once when you’re not using them.
Many devices draw electricity even in standby mode, so this simple habit can noticeably reduce your electricity bill over time.
Shop Early in the Morning at Walmart
Walmart often discounts rotisserie chickens and baked goods early in the morning to move leftover inventory from the day before. Shopping early gives you access to these markdowns before they’re gone.
Visit a Farmer’s Co-op
Farmer’s co-ops are a hidden gem for budget shoppers.
Farmers sell directly to the public, including products like honey, specialty meats, and seasonal produce that often don’t make it to grocery stores.
You get fresher food at lower prices, while supporting local farmers at the same time.
Pay for Online Orders with PayPal Linked to Your Bank Account
When you pay for online orders through PayPal using your bank account (not a credit or debit card), the charge can take one to two days to actually clear your account.
This gives you a small buffer if you’re waiting on a paycheck or transfer to come through.
Use Coupons Consistently
Couponing takes a little effort, but the savings can be significant; some people save over $100 a month, especially on household and personal care items.
Look for digital coupons through store apps, coupon websites, and browser extensions that automatically apply promo codes when shopping online.
Time Your Bill Payments Strategically
If you pay a bill through your bank on a Saturday, the payment is processed, but the funds may not be deducted from your account until Monday or Tuesday.
This gives you the weekend to make sure your balance is covered.
Just make sure not to rely on a debit card for this. Debit transactions pull money immediately.
Shop at Salvage Stores
Salvage grocery stores sell overstock, discontinued, and near-expiration products at a steep discount.
You can find meat, cheese, canned goods, sauces, rice, and more for a fraction of regular grocery store prices.
It’s worth finding one in your area if you want to stretch your food budget as far as possible.
Read More:
- 12 Items Frugal People Proudly Exclude from Their Shopping List
- 9 So-Called “Frugal” Habits That Are Actually a Waste of Time and Money
- 10 Stupid Scams People Won’t Stop Falling For
