Most people think saving money requires big lifestyle changes or painful sacrifices.
The truth is, the biggest savings often come from small, stealth habits that work quietly in the background of everyday life.
Here are 12 simple, low-effort money rules that slowly but powerfully keep more cash in your pocket every single month.
1. Shop Secondhand
Secondhand shopping can yield some serious gems. It’s a practical and inexpensive way to buy everything from clothing to appliances and electronics.
2. Use Public Transportation
Taking the bus, train, or even just walking are all familiar to practicing penny pinchers. They save considerably on transportation expenses and still get where they need to go on time!
3. Start Meal Planning
There’s no way around it; committing to a practical life means more cooking to save money. Embrace it: find what you love to cook, whether it’s delicious, easy, or both, and make a lot of it!
4. Stick To Your Budget
Penny pinchers know they don’t have to squeeze nearly as hard if they’re savvy about spending. Sticking to a budget is an absolute must for a simpler, happier life where overspending isn’t an issue.
5. Make Do or Do Without
Many frugal people learn to live without the latest and greatest. Before you buy something, ask yourself whether you really need it or can do without it. Thinking this way will not only reduce your overall consumption and spending, but it’ll also make you more creative and resourceful.
6. Practice Preventive Healthcare
Diet and exercise aren’t just good for your body, they’re also good for your wallet! Routine check-ups and maintaining your overall physical and mental wellness are fantastically frugal.
7. Lower Living Expenses
Frugal individuals are always searching for ways to slash their living expenses. Whether this means investing in a programmable thermostat or cutting down on monthly subscriptions, a quick audit of your living expenses can help keep you from spending too much on things you don’t need.
8. Stay Home
Everyone loves going out to eat and catching a show. But doing it all the time just isn’t practical. Skip the Saturday-night reservation and stay in with a cheaper yet equally delicious meal made at home. You can do so many fun things at home that don’t cost a lot of time!
9. Learn Sewing Basics
Learning to sew can prevent you from tossing clothes you’d otherwise replace. It’s a big in-your-face to fast fashion too, which is a money suck and terrible for the environment.
10. Learn to DIY
The internet is an incredible resource for learning to do something yourself. Leverage it where possible and avoid paying for unnecessary services, but only where it makes sense. Some home improvement projects can be even more expensive and even dangerous if you aren’t sure what you’re doing.
11. Keep Debt at Bay
Debt is the enemy of the penny pincher; it’s an expensive spiral that keeps you trapped and unable to achieve your financial goals. Pay down debt as soon as possible and budget properly to avoid it in the future.
12. Automate Your Savings
Penny pinchers won’t have to pinch pennies that they don’t have access to. That’s why many of them will automate their savings, signing up to have cash taken directly from their checking account monthly and deposited where they can’t use it nearly as quickly.
