If keeping track of your finances has felt overwhelming, then you’re in good company. The rising cost of living has many people looking for ways to save more money without having to lower their quality of life. Here are eight frugal living hacks that help you do just that. And fortunately, they’re deceptively simple to get into!
Meal Prep
You don’t have to become a kitchen whiz to start meal prepping; even just getting breakfasts or dinners together in advance can save you serious cash. Meal prepping also makes it easier to shop in bulk and waste less food!
Use Cashback and Rewards Programs
Making cashback and reward programs a part of your shopping routine is an excellent way to save. There are many credit cards that give you cash back on purchases, and numerous apps that offer rewards on things you’re probably already buying. Just remember to pay off your credit card balance in full monthly to avoid costly interest!
Read More: 12 Best Cash Back Apps To Earn Rewards in 2025
Ditch the Gym Membership
Gym memberships can be shockingly pricey, and way too many people end up paying for services they barely use. Either swap to a cheaper membership if possible or focus on free exercise; running, hiking, biking, and online workout videos all cost little to no money and will still help you break a sweat!
Shop Secondhand
Whether it’s electronics, furniture, or clothing, secondhand is a viable way to shop. Check online marketplaces or thrift stores and you’ll likely find gold mines of lightly used things for a fraction of what they cost new. It’s both an eco-friendly and cost-efficient way to shop for what you need!
Cancel Unused Subscriptions
This is a good time to look over your monthly subscriptions and cancel any that you don’t need or use. Everything from streaming services to subscription boxes can squeeze your budget too tightly, making it difficult for you to put away cash for savings.
DIY When You Can
Not everything needs the hefty price tag of an industry professional. If you can give it a go with video tutorials or other resources, you’ll save yourself a considerable amount of money. Just know when to throw in the towel; DIY doesn’t always translate to savings, especially if you have to call in a plumber after trying that “life hack” you saw.
Try a “No Spend” Challenge
“No spend” challenges are a fun and effective way to break the cycle of buying things you don’t need. You don’t have to do it for any set amount of time: even a week or two is enough to help you be more conscious of your spending and save a little on the side.
Automate Your Savings
Are you finding it challenging to put away money into your savings account? Don’t make it harder on yourself than it needs to be; simply set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to a savings account once a month. Treat it as a non-negotiable expense, and you’ll have a financial cushion before you know it.
Read More:
- 30 Ways To Get Free Stuff (That Aren’t Scams)
- 12 Best Coupon Apps To Help You Save Money
- 13 Ways To Earn Money From Paid Surveys [At Home, Online & More]
