Let’s face it: saving money isn’t always glamorous.
While some frugal hacks feel effortless, others can push you way out of your comfort zone.
But here’s the thing: sometimes it’s those uncomfortable, inconvenient, or even downright weird habits that save the most cash.
If you’re willing to get a little creative (and maybe raise a few eyebrows), these 16 frugal living tips might just help you hold onto more of your hard-earned money.
Here are some frugal living tips that push the limits, even for the most seasoned savers.
Save on Gas by Consolidating Errands
It’s not the most extreme move, but planning all weekly errands for one day can make a noticeable difference. By combining trips, you reduce fuel use and avoid extra wear and tear on your car.
Keeping the Heat Uncomfortably Low
Heating and cooling costs can quickly inflate energy bills. Instead of relying heavily on the thermostat, bundling up with layers of throw blankets is a common tactic to stay warm while keeping those utility bills in check.
Cutting Lotion Bottles in Half
A “used-up” lotion bottle often still has plenty of product stuck inside. By cutting the bottle in half, you can scrape out every last bit. Sometimes enough to last another week or more.
Freezing Chicken Bones To Make Broth
Nothing goes to waste. Chicken bones and leftover veggie scraps get frozen and later turned into homemade broth. Even bread ends find a second life in hearty casseroles made with eggs, milk, and sautéed onions.
Re-Using Gallon-Sized Ziploc Bags
Ziplock bags can often be reused multiple times. While it’s best to avoid reusing them after storing raw meat, rinsing and drying bags used for dry or non-greasy items can stretch your supplies much further.
Buying Powdered Versions of Sauces
Powdered condiments like soy sauce, cheese sauce, and marinade mixes have a longer shelf life and are often cheaper per serving than their liquid counterparts. They’re great for minimizing waste and maximizing pantry space.
Keeping All Windows Open at Night
Rather than cranking up the AC, opening the windows at night allows cooler air to circulate. Add a fan to keep things comfortable, and you might not need the air conditioner at all during mild summer nights.
Using Clothing Instead of Paper Towels
Paper towels are a single-use luxury. Swapping them for inexpensive terry cloth towels or old T-shirts saves money and reduces waste. These cloths can be washed and reused over and over again for cleaning and spills.
Unplugging Appliances
Even when turned off, appliances can draw phantom power. Unplugging them when not in use may not save hundreds overnight, but over time, those tiny savings do add up.
Cutting Your Own Hair
Haircuts are a recurring expense that can add up quickly. Cutting your own hair (or swapping services with a friend) can save hundreds each year. It might take practice, but YouTube tutorials make it easier than ever.
Using a Two-Tea System
A clever way to stretch tea bags: steep briefly in one mug, then transfer the same bag to a second cup or thermos for another round. You still get the flavor while making the most of every bag.
Not Showering Daily
Skipping daily showers may not be for everyone, but spacing them out to every few days can lower water and heating bills. With the help of grooming wipes and strong antiperspirant, it’s possible to stay fresh between washes.
Dumpster Diving for Food
It’s definitely on the more extreme end, but some people dig through grocery store or bakery dumpsters to find packaged food past its sell-by date but still safe to eat. It’s a major money-saver but not for the faint of heart.
Re-Using Oil
Cooking oil can often be filtered and reused several times. After frying, strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a clean jar to remove crumbs and debris, and it’s ready for another round of use.
Going Thrifting for Date Nights
Dinner and a movie don’t have to cost a fortune. A creative and frugal alternative is thrifting together, grabbing inexpensive snacks or meals, like gas station burgers or Costco food court pizza, and turning it into a fun, low-cost outing in the park.
Eating Salads for Lunch at Work
Packing your own lunches can lead to serious savings. Prepping salads at home and assembling them fresh each day from inexpensive ingredients can save over $1,000 a year compared to eating out daily. Bonus: it’s healthy and quick.
Some of these methods may seem extreme, but for dedicated savers, every penny counts. Whether it’s reusing what others would throw away or skipping modern conveniences altogether, these creative tactics prove that frugality has no limits.
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