Frugal living isn’t really a bad idea. Embracing frugal living does not mean you have to restrict yourself from enjoying and experiencing things to the fullest. This means having fun but saving more money at the same time and not completely sacrificing quality. You just need to be very intentional with your spending.
I bet many individuals are skeptical about frugal living, believing that they are losing a lot of things and experiences just for the sake of saving. This is actually not the case. Frugal living, if done properly, can actually add more value to your life. As long as you embrace this living positively and strategically, you will be able to appreciate the essence of frugal living.
I have gathered my top 20 frugal living tips also to help you get started:
Table of Contents
Start Budgeting
Creating a budget and sticking into it is the foundation of your success financially. Though budgeting is not really easy and fun, this is a critical component of frugal living. Within the budget you create, you can prioritize the things that really matter and cut out the ones you don’t need. There is nothing wrong if you splurge on things that you like occasionally. Luckily, there are a number of strategies you can try out to start budgeting the right way.
Avoid Buying, Borrow if You Can
One of the frugal tips I followed when I embrace frugal living isto avoid buying but just borrows if I can. Taking, for instance, if you are hosting a party, instead of purchasing new supplies, ask around. Maybe your friends already have the supplies you are looking for, such as serving bowls, cake stands, platters, and other supplies that you can use. But make sure to thank them for backing you up.
Swap
There are things in your home that are just sitting probably around the corners for years now. One effective frugal living tip is swapping items with your friends. You will not just get the chance to get together or spend quality time with a friend but able to clear your space as well. You can also get some items from your friends that they are no longer using or items that their kids have already outgrown. Swapping eliminates the need to buy most of the time. This means saving cash as well.
Buy Second Hand
I really love second hand or thrift stores. I got to purchase items from these stores that are seldom being used such as snow pants and coats. But I have to admit that I need these clothes once in a while, so I purchase them still. You can certainly find items at a cheaper price in thrift stores but are still in great condition. Aside from clothes, there are other items that you can buy at affordable rates, such as furniture. One drawback is that you cannot really tell when to find these items but second-hand stores surely have them.
Shop Sales and Clearance
There are particular times in a year that products go on sale. In some months, items like lines, storage items, fitness and equipment, and more are available at discounted prices. You can take advantage of these times and shop from clearance sales. You can check out a list of things to buy, depending on the life cycles. Do yourself a big favor. Wait until products are on sale.
Ask for Gifts and Gift Cards
While I do appreciate gifts given to me by someone, I often list gift cards for places that I enjoy. This is simply because I can save on items I truly have an eye for. In also can enjoy things that I would not otherwise have enough money to afford to. If you are into a frugal living, then ask for gifts and gift cards. You can enjoy products and extra privileges without making your pockets burst. Also, if you are expecting upcoming bigger expenses, ask for gift cards so you can add into your savings fund.
Combine Your Gift Cards with Coupons
It cannot be denied that gift cards are great, but if you combine them with coupons, these can go further. I used to save my milk tea gift cards when the store offers half the price for the drink or offers to buy one take one promo. There are many different restaurants offering coupons the moment you sign up to their email list. This is one of the effective frugal living tips to live by.
Look for Free Activities
Now that social media has become widespread and popular. It turns a lot easier to find free activities in your area. You can check out schools, libraries, and park boards for free activities. Even toy stores have free events for the kids on different occasions. Free activities mean that no need to spend money just to experience a fun time.
Cut on Your Subscriptions
These days, people definitely live in a world of subscription. Meal plans, phone internet, streaming services, and delivery services are just a few. Having subscribed to Netflix myself, and I really don’t know what to do without it. But come to realize that if you are really serious about frugal living, you need to cut on your subscriptions now, especially the ones you seldom use.
Meal Plans
It can surely be a waste of time and money if you do not plan your meals. I have experienced them myself. Constant trips to the grocery stores will put your money down the drain. To save money, make your meals simple. It need not be very elaborate and costly. As long as your meals are healthy, that would be fine. You can also cook from scratch. It might surprise you how much money and time you can save.
Make Your DIY Cleaning Supplies
Instead of buying cleaning products every now and then, you can consider making homemade laundry detergents, disinfectants, and other environmentally friendly cleaning products. You may not know it, but the supplies and ingredients that you need might just be sitting inside your home.
Use Loyalty or Reward Programs
I must say that this will not stop you from spending money in the same way that other hacks and tips do. But you can put your money back into your pocket if you use loyalty or reward programs properly. To save money, you can make use of grocery rewards programs. These programs give you cashback or points for your purchases.
Keep Your AC or Heater Low
Keeping your AC or heater can make a big difference in your cooling and heating bills. During winter, you better wear a sweatshirt or sweater instead of cranking the heat at a high level. During cold days, try to engage in baking to warm up your house somehow while giving your family deliciously baked homemade treats.
Use Libraries
I love reading, and I am usually in a hurry to purchase new books. But I came to realize that using libraries are much better and cheaper than always buying new books. What is more, libraries are such a happy place, and you can read all you want without spending lots of money.
Consider Home Haircuts
Instead of going to an expensive salon, you can just ask your neighbor or someone in the family who knows how to a hair cut to do a home service. Home haircuts do not just save you time and effort but save you money too.
Change Rooms
Changing rooms is also one of the effective frugal living tips that you can consider. It’s a smart move to stay and spend more time in comfortable areas in your home. You can fully enjoy the coolness of your basement during summer. On the other hand, enjoy sunny rooms during winter.
Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances
Buy only energy-efficient appliances to save more money on your utility bills. There is no doubt that you can save money on appliances.
Plan Your Trips Outside the Home
When shopping and running errands, you better create a strategic plan. Keep your stops in the same common area. Consider keeping your errands on the same day rather than going out a few times every week.
Seek Out for Freebies
Freebies are ultimately fun and can be excellent ways to save your money. You can sign up for freebies or free samples and fill your mailbox with something instead of bills. You can use freebies for free meals and even for free vacations.
Take Care of Your Health
Some individuals don’t realize it but eating healthy and working out regularly helps a lot so you will not be stuck with paying for costly medical bills later on. Other than frugal living, of course, you need to aim for healthy living.
Frugal living does not need to be giving yourself a life of deprivation. This means being a responsible steward of resources and using them as practically and wisely as possible. All the frugal living tips given above can help you get started.
