Want to save big? Learn from the masters! Here are ten money-saving tips that frugal people swear by. The kind of smart habits that can quietly change your finances for the better.
1. Buy What You Can Actually Afford
Only buy a home you could reasonably pay off in 15 years or less. You’ll save thousands in interest, end up with a smaller, more manageable home, and keep your utility and maintenance costs lower. Then, instead of funneling all that money into your mortgage, you can invest the difference and grow your retirement savings faster.
2. Preplan Your Meals
Planning meals ahead of time is one of the easiest ways to cut grocery costs. Create a weekly menu, write your grocery list based on that plan, and stick to it. Apps like Mealime can make this even easier by giving you recipe ideas and automatically creating a grocery list for you. It’s a small step that can save a surprising amount over time.
3. Buy in Bulk
Buying staple foods like rice, beans, or meat in bulk can slash your grocery bill. A 40-pound sack of rice costs far less per pound than buying small bags, and bulk packs of meat can be portioned and frozen for future meals. You’ll pay less per unit and save yourself extra trips to the store.
4. Don’t Grocery Shop Hungry
Shopping while hungry is a recipe for impulse buys. Go on a full stomach and you’ll make more intentional choices . That means fewer snacks, less junk, and a smaller total at checkout.
One trick? Keep a quick “lazy dinner” and dessert on hand at home, so when you don’t feel like cooking, you’re not tempted to eat out.
5. Cut Back on Alcohol and Cigarettes
Cutting out alcohol or cigarettes can have an almost immediate impact on your wallet. Many people don’t realize just how much these habits cost until they quit and suddenly have extra money for savings or debt payments. Even reducing consumption can add up to hundreds of dollars saved each month.
6. Budget for Fun
Being frugal doesn’t mean cutting out fun altogether. In fact, you’ll stick to your budget better if you include room for enjoyment. Plan a set amount each month for entertainment, and before going out, look for coupons, value days, or local discounts. You’ll have fun and it will be guilt-free.
7. Steer Clear of Sales
A sale isn’t a deal if you weren’t planning to buy the item in the first place. It’s still money out of your pocket. Skip the hype of Black Friday or seasonal “must-haves” unless it’s something you genuinely need. True frugality means spending less, not spending differently.
8. Pack Your Lunch
Packing your lunch is one of the oldest and most effective money-saving habits. It adds up fast, especially if you work outside the home. Cooking more meals yourself also lets you control what goes into your food, adjust to your taste, and avoid paying for convenience.
9. Learn Basic Sewing
A simple sewing kit can save you a fortune over time. Learning how to mend small tears, replace buttons, or patch holes means you can extend the life of your clothes instead of tossing them. You don’t need perfect stitching skills, especially since if no one can see it, it doesn’t have to be pretty.
10. Maintain What You Have
Take care of what you own. The longer your belongings last, the less often you’ll have to replace them. Keep up with your car’s maintenance, clean your appliances regularly, and handle repairs early before they turn into bigger problems. Many frugal people drive their cars until they hit hundreds of thousands of miles, and that’s exactly how they stay ahead financially.
Frugal living isn’t about deprivation. It’s about being smart, intentional, and consistent. Start small with one or two of these tips, and over time, you’ll notice how much your habits shape your savings.
