Looking for frugal living tips and ways to save money? We have a huge list to show you an easy way or two to save extra money. Whether using gift cards to save money, saving money at the grocery store, at thrift stores, we have creative ways and the best frugal tips.
Tips For Frugal Living
Would you love to know 50 ways to save money?
Here are some general tips on how to be frugal, ways to save money in your household, with your kids, and when feeding your family. Do you have a tip for frugal living?
What does it mean to be frugal?
Frugal living is a lifestyle where you actively learn ways and go out of your way to not spend as much money and save money through the different aspects and areas of their lives. Through budgeting, using less, going without, or changing how you use things and spend money will allow you to live a more frugal lifestyle which will make more comfortable in the long run.
How To Be Frugal
To be frugal means use less money. Whether it’s a good deal or learning to use what you have, like they did in the great depression, a frugal person will avoid spending a lot of money, avoid food waste, and learn basic life skills that will help them buy less.
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Best Frugal Living Tips
1. Goal Chart
Make a goal chart and as you save the amount of money or pay off debts, mark them off and reward yourself. (Ex: we can’t get that camera until our car is paid off). The expense of the camera is minor compared to the interest I’ll save by paying off debts early.
2. Budgeting System
We do the packets budgeting system. All spending money we take out at the beginning of each month. We then pay for everything with that cash, when it is gone there is no more till the next month. This budgeting method works for us, find one that works for you!
3. Wait Before Making Large Purchases
Wait for a minimum of 24 hours before purchasing any pricey item. Oh, and see if you can find something comparable used first!
4. Fix It Before Replacing
If something breaks try to fix it or do without before going out and purchasing a replacement. Try not to hire someone to fix things, rather swap services (see Craig’s list).
5. No More Impulse Buys
To curb impulse buys, create a 30-day list. When you want to buy something, other than a true necessity (medicine or food, for example), put it on this list, with the date you added it to the list. And make it a rule that you can’t buy anything for at least 30 days after you put it on the list. And stick to it. You’ll find that you buy a lot less with this system.
6. Surround Yourself With Frugal Minded Friends
Surround yourself with frugal-minded folk. If you don’t have any friends who are willing to make a frugal journey with you try looking online, maybe get a great frugal book, or browse the websites One Income Dollar or the Prudent Housewife. Both great inspirational blogs. We found it is easier to save when we’re not surrounded by spend-happy folks.
FRUGAL TIPS FOR GROCERY SHOPPING
7. Price Sheets Comparing Prices
Use a price sheet so that you can know if a sale is really a bargain or if you can find it cheaper elsewhere.
8. Buy Manager Special Meat and Freeze It
Buy meat that is on Manager Special (expiring that day or shortly after). Cook that day and eat/freeze.
9. Make Meat Go Further
Mix ground beef with an egg and several handfuls of quick oats (makes the meat go farther). Use in meatballs, meat loaf, etc.
10. Bake Your Own Bread
Bake your own bread “ let the yeast sit in sugar water till it smells fermented and use half the yeast (the most expensive ingredient in bread). Artisan bread is the cheapest to make per loaf.
11. Make Your Milk Last Longer
If you are big milk drinkers, buy whole milk and a box of dry milk and make your own mock-2% milk by mixing half whole, half non-fat dry reconstituted milk. You have two gallons for a fraction of the cost.
12. Go Meatless A Couple Nights A Week
Go meatless 1-2 nights a week. You can substitute dry beans. They are VERY cheap and filling.
13. Make A Meal Plan
Meal plan and coordinate so that leftovers can be utilized fully, yet keeping variety. (Ex: Tacos day one, use left over taco meat day 2 for stuffed peppers).
14. Stretch Your Groceries
Try to stretch as much time between shopping trips. The fewer times you go shopping, the fewer chances you have to impulse buy.
15. Make A Shopping List and Stick To It
ONLY shop from a list. If it is not on the list DO NOT BUY IT. It is best to make a check off inventory list of all things you could need and highlight what you’re out or low on.
16. Eat Before You Shop
Eat something small before you go. It is harder to resist the temptation to over buy when you have an empty tummy.
17. Keep Your Change
Keep your change (dollar bills and coins) use this as your fun fund.
18. Buy Generic
Buy generic “ many times this is considerably less than the alternative even if you have coupons.
19. Use Coupons
Use coupons if you prefer something name brand and only if you buy that item regularly. Also, ask if your grocery shop has double days.
20. Ask If You Can Clip The Coupons From Library Newspapers
Rather than buy a newspaper for the coupons, go to your library, usually they do not mind allowing you to clip the coupons you need ¦ and your kids can attend story time at the same time! If you are new to couponing, then this book is a helpful start.
CLEVER WAYS TO SAVE MONEY AROUND YOUR HOME
21. Do You Dishes By Hand
Wash your dishes by hand. I have a hard time with this one, I know it saves water/energy, but I love the convenience of my dishwasher!
22. Air Dry Your Clothes
Wash clothes in warm water and only if you have a full load to do. Dry your clothes on the line and if you don’t like the crunchy feel, stick them in the dryer for 5 min with a wet rag after they’ve hung out.
23. Wash Your Clothes Less
Wash your clothes inside out so they will look nicer longer and only wash if something is truly dirty.
24. Save Fabric Softener
If you like fabric softener, put some on a towel and throw it in with the dryer. A quarter size spill on the towel can do about 3 loads “ a great way to save softener! Also, to make your detergent go farther, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the load and use half the detergent. Baking soda is a soap booster and is cheaper than Arm & Hammer.
25. Use Your Dryer/Stove To Help Heat Your Home
In the winter, use your dryer and stove during the early evening to help heat your home. In the summer, use them in the very early morning (or not at all) to help keep your home cool.
26. Long Term Meal Prep
Cook all your meals for a 2-week period (esp. in the summer) so that your oven only has to do the work one time for multiple meals. Keep meals in the freezer and re-heat with the microwave “ uses less energy, and you save time. Also, having home-cooked freezer meals cut down on the tendency to order take-out when you’re having an exceptionally busy day. It is possible to do this with a refrigerator’s freezer.
27. Turning Your A/C Up
In the summer take a cold bath/wash rag to help you feel cool before bed, and keep the thermostat as high as possible or the A/C off if possible (we live in TX “ its not possible). Each degree change can save up to 3% on your energy costs!
28. Lighting A Room With A Mirror
In a room that has a tendency to be dark, put a mirror near the light to refract the light around the room. One light bulb has the power of two with this trick!
29. Unplugging Appliances
Unplug items (toaster, shaver, cell phone charger, TV) when not in use. Small amounts of electricity are still being used even if they are off, but plugged in.
30. Buy From Garage Sales Or Places That Sell Used Items
Use Craig’s List to purchase used items (furniture, etc.) or freecycle or go to garage sales. We’ve even gotten a number of items from the curb on trash day!
31. Buy Paint From The “Oops” Counter At Home Depot Or Lowes
Buy paint from the oops counter at Home Depot or Lowes. Also, if the color of your walls allows, add a faux finish over the existing color. This uses a lot less paint and allows you to spruce up more rooms at a fraction of the cost.
32. Use Cell Phone Or House Phone Not Both
Cut your cell-phone or house phone, you don’t need both. If possible, become a single-phone family. For long distance, calling cards are great! You can usually find cards with under 2 cents a min! Pay-as-you-go cell phone plans are great if you are not a big phone user.
33. DIY Cleaners
Make your own household cleaners. Vinegar, baking soda, Hydrogen peroxide, borax & bleach are all really cheap and you can make any and every household cleaner from laundry detergent to the equivalents of Windex and Comet from mixtures of those ingredients.
34. Shop Around For Insurance
Check your insurance. We were able to save $600 a year when we switched companies, combined our house and auto onto the same plan, and added $500 to our deductible.
35. Get A Programmable Thermostat
Get a programmable thermostat for your household heat and water heater. You can turn the temps down an hour or two after you go to bed, or during the warmer times of the day, or the times when you typically don’t use your hot water. No reason to heat what is not being used!
Frugal Living: Saving Money on Personal Errands
36. Learn To Cut Hair
Get a hair cut kit and cut your hubby’s hair. I have been cutting my husband’s hair for over 20 years which has saved us conservatively $5000. Cut your kid’s hair! For yourself, if you don’t trust your husband or friend to cut your hair {I don’t}, be aware that longer hairstyles do not need to be maintained as frequently as shorter ones.
37. Buy Used Clothes
Buy clothes for your kids used “ they grow out of them so fast new is not worth it! And used usually look just as good!
38. Buy Less Toys
Limit the number of toys your children are able to have in the house. This will lower the clutter, increase the value of the toys you currently own, increase your children’s creativity as they learn to play with less, and also will decrease spending on toys.
39. Try Home Remedies For Minor Illnesses And Injuries
Try home remedies before Doctor visits. Those co-pays can add up and its amazing how a humidifier, Vitamin C & some good ole ™ rest will make the bugs go away!
40. Make Gifts For Holidays
Make gifts for holidays and birthdays, often these mean more than ones purchased at the store as they show you put time and effort into the recipient.
41. Make Your Own Personal Hygiene Products
Make your own personal hygiene products (or do without).
42. Use Cloth Diapers
Cloth diaper your kiddos. If you use this cloth diapering method your whole stash can cost less than a hundred dollars and can potentially be handed down to future kiddos. Cloth diapering also encourages early potty-training!
43. Make Your Own Baby Food
Make your own baby food by pureeing what the rest of the family is eating, or you can use dehydrated and powdered veggies “ if you like the convenience of those pricey jars.
HOW TO BE FRUGAL WITH ENTERTAINMENT
47. Don’t Eat Out
Eat out rarely if ever! If you do eat out, only drink water. Also, check your newspapers for discounts and grand openings; you can usually get more for your buck then.
48. Have Get Togethers At Home
Invite people over to your home rather than meeting them at a restaurant. You’ll have more time to chat and if you plan your meal well, will save a bundle too!
49. Watch Movies At Home
Get movies for your Friday night from the library or Netflix. They are free or a small monthly charge much less than cable/satellite. Amazon has many movies to stream for a dollar.
50. Make Popcorn At Home
Make your own homemade microwave popcorn bags! They taste better and are both cheaper and healthier!
51. Eliminate One Of Your Bills
Either eliminate or see if you can combine any of the following: Internet, Television, Long-Distance, Cell Phones “ We found that a calling card saves us tons on what would have been a long distance phone bill, and we get the TV shows we want through online streaming for free.
52. Baby Sitting Swap
Set-up a baby-sitting swap with a friend who has children. You’ll save money and know that someone experienced is watching your kids.
53. Find Events For Date Nights
Find dates that are more events than just going out to eat. These can sometimes save your budget and are usually more memorable.
54. Skip The Zoo Go To Cabella’s
See if you are near a Bass Pro shop or Cabella’s. We take our kids there instead of the zoo. It’s free to walk around and the stuffed animals don’t move so you actually get to see them! Call ahead of time and be there for the fish feeding.
BENEFITS OF BEING FRUGAL WITH MONEY
What are the benefits of frugal living?
- Less debt
- More money saved for emergencies
- Learn to choose experience over stuff
- Learn to appreciate what you have
- Waste less
- Practice life skills
- Will learn how important a budget is
- Will have a tendency to be more generous
And there are many other benefits as well!
FRUGAL LIVING FAQS
The 50/30/20 saving method is a budgeting technique that divides after-tax income into three separate spending categories:
1. 50 percent of income should be spent on needs like rent or mortgage payments, groceries and utilities.
2. 30 percent of income can be spent on wants like dining out, entertainment, travel, and clothing.
3. 20 percent of income should be saved for long-term goals like retirement or saving for a down payment on a house.
The 30-day rule helps people avoid impulse purchases. The 30-day rule is a strategy to help you save money by creating a buffer between the purchase decision and your actual payment. Under this method, when you want to make a big purchase, stop and wait at least 30 days before pulling the trigger. The 30 day time frame allows you to assess if they really need or want the item, if there are cheaper alternatives, and if you really can afford to make the purchase.
Yes! You actually can save money even if you already are leading a frugal life. Here are some things that might have been overlooked:
-Sticking to your budget.
-Cutting back on luxuries or finding cheaper alternatives.
-Automate your savings with automatic transfers.
-Maximizing your use of discount and loyalty programs.
-Cut out unnecessary recurring expenses like gym memberships, cable subscriptions, etc.
-Barter, negotiate and shop around for things you do want to buy.
-Find extra money with a side hustle or freelance gig.
Frugal behavior involves making informed decisions about spending and managing money.
MORE FRUGAL LIVING TIPS FROM KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG
Looking for more money saving discounts and tips? We have some more! We hope these tips help you and your family save money this year. We have a few more ideas on how to be frugal. Take a look at these additional ideas for frugal living:
- Save Money on Free Educational Apps for Kids
- How to Be Frugal on Vacation
- Teach Kids about Frugal Living
- Meal Planning can save you so much money.
- 12 ways to save money with kids.
- How to save money as a stay at home mom.
- These budgeting tips can help you save money.
- Save money while school shopping!
- Check out these piggy bank tips for kids!
What money saving tip do you have? Share it with us in the comments section!
While I appreciate your creativity, most of these would not work for my family. One suggestion we do take advantage of that you might find near you is what is called “first tuesday”, the local museum, art gallery, children’s museum offers free admission the first tuesday of every month so we plan a family outing on that day.
I know that not all readers are 100% convinced that these tips are helpful, but I have actually tried most of them. Here is my savings experiences.
-Couponing/Buying store brands have saved me at least 60% on my grocery bill. $250 saved per month.
-Hand washing my dishes/ Only washing clothes one day per week only in cold water saves $15 per month on my water bill.
-Hanging my clothes up to dry has saved $12 per month (I live in an apartment and have no outside area to hang my clothes so I hang them on my shower rod. )
-Eating in as much as possible has helped save around $100 a month.
Just by doing these 4 things I’m saving my boyfriend and I close to $400. And this is no exaggeration.
(Note: To determine what amount I would actually save on my utility bills I began hanging my clothes up to dry, hand washing my dishes, and washing clothes once a week when the billing cycle began.
Now if you just put that $400 into your ROTH IRA each month, you will have no problem retiring when you are 65. Great job.
There were a lot of great tips. I can’t believe how many rude comments there were. Enjoying life has NOTHING to do with spending tons of money. We are tight with our cash because we don’t want any debt and we would like to be able to retire one day and not be stressed about money at that time. Living with tight budget is also a great way to teach your kids the value of money. My kids can spend an hour in a toy store without asking me to buy a single thing. They understand the value our time over our money. Also, I feel like our family is closer because of our frugality. My kids are also VERY easily entertained. We love going down to Cabelas or Sheals on a Sunday afternoon. There is so much to look at and no one in our family hunts. I also loved the babysitter trade. Thanks for putting the list together. Ignore the haters, they’ll learn the value of budgeting once they hit age 65.
Amen
Oh and as for the dishwasher, maybe like some of us it’s an older model which uses a ton of water, etc. and I usually have to rerun half my dishes anyway.
Or we actullally hate to deal with loading and unloading the dishwasher, but find it relaxing to do the dishes by hand.
This is great. My 2-year old loves going to Pet Smart to see the turtles, etc. The zoo is a 45 minute drive through ridiculous Houston traffic. And once at the zoo, it’s over 100 degrees outside. My little boy will take the pet store or a outdoor store any day of the week! And, not only do i save admission money, but also gas, frustration, and I don’t have to pack a million things like snacks, lunch, additional extra diapers, cloths, etc.
I think most of the people making negative comments haven’t ever had to live so frugally. Our budget is $150 a month away from me being able to quit my job and be a stay-at-home mom. I will do any “weird” thing it takes to be with my children. I’m not above any of these.
I only turn on my water heater for 15-30 minutes each day, usually between 6 and 7 p.m. When I take my shower at 5 or 6 the next morning the water is still scalding hot. If washing dishes I will wait until 15 minutes after the load is finished to power down. My current power billin my apt is under $35 and in the house I own in another city the bill is less than $80. It actually does work.
You can get a Gray Box at Home Depot that attaches to the water heater. Program it as to the time of day you want hot water, and there is no heating water all night or all day when you are at work — great savings.
Also, cold water washes most clothes just fine.
The dryer is expensive to run, but lowering the heat level to “low” dries most clothes just fine. It is the high heat of the dryer that shrinks clothes and wears them out. A lower heat in the dryer makes clothes last longer and look good longer — more savings.
instand of criticizing what this woman is doing …maybe you should take the time and find out about different ways to save..I for one safe more and more on my electricity..by unplugging things that I am not using…because when u leave stuff plug in it still uses the electricity…like hair blowers ,curling irons..toasters coffee pots…it does not stop just because u turn it off…and has far has washing dishes by hand ..I am sorry but it does save money if you wash the dishes in one sink and put 5 0r 6 dishes in the next sink and then rinse them off..but if your going to let the water run while your doing the dishes then no ..you are not going to save money…and it does not matter how many kids someone has ..Has long has they are taking care of the kids and not on welfare..and they have a Mother and father that loves them..who cares..I also find that if you make stuff yourself like laundry soap ..softener ..and other stuff that I have find on Pinterest..you can save a lot of money….so the ones that are criticizing this lady for what she is doing get off your high horse and come back to earth…
I totally agree! If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all! I have five kids, all grown now, and a loving home is the best thing you can give them.
Some great tips I don’t think anyone is going to agree with any article on any website you take what you need from it and if it doesn’t apply to you then well you see that little x up there in the upper far right corner you click that and all your worries are over about the article some people are more hard core then others when it comes to saving she is trying to let you know to think outside oft he box about spending money I don’t have any children and am underemployed have been for about 4 years now I have a bf that makes a LOT more money then I do he has a 401k and benefits to build his future some of us don’t have that and the simple things like eating out or going to the zoo can set you back from the main things that we need to do to maintain our lives like eating so great article think outside the box gang and don’t be so quick to down someone that you have never met because it so easy to do online
YES.
never ever buy soda at a restaurant. it’s bad for your body.
but if you must, just go to the store and get a two liter to share with your family.
i work at Burger King. our large size soda is 32 ounces, which is bigger than some places’ cups, but it costs like more than two dollars. for that price, you could get TWO two liters and have the soda for a few days, rather than just one meal.
undoubtedly, soda has the highest profit margin of any item in a restaurant. it’s just sugar, syrup, and fizzed water and they gouge you for it!
Once when we went through the drive-thru, then went home, we got one large drink (with a coupon, as we don’t normally but drinks at restaurants) and poured it into 4 smaller glasses. It’s amazing how much was in that cup. Sticking to water definitely saves you money when you eat out.
Some of these are good tips but a lot are pretty unreasonable. For those of us who live in MN and not Texas there are few months of the year where we can dry our clothes outside, they majority of the year they will just freeze on the line. I think it makes more sense to buy an energy efficient gas drier after all these appliances were invented to save us time that we can then spend on what’s more important. However suggesting you should avoid seeking medical care to same money is a very dangerous assertion. Medical care is a necessity if you kid has a fever or you have a mole you’re worried about our a long term cough go get the attention you need, it could cost you much more than a copay in the long run.
I agree that there are times you definitely need to go to the dr. But there are times where if it’s not necessary. I think that’s the point she is trying to make. For a cold you don’t need to go to the dr right away. Try some home remedies first. If the symptoms get worse or there is another underlying issue by all means get medical help. Antibiotics can cause problems when used too much. There have been times my kids complained about an earache and I put peroxide in their ears and leave it in for several minutes then let it drain out. I do it 3 to 4 times a day. If it doesn’t clear up in a couple of days or gets a lot worse then I’ll take them to the dr. Just use common sense.
I for one had all the money we needed. Ate out alot, bought on a whim and bought a new car every year or two.
But some things have happened in the last year and if I would have lived like I was broke I would have been able to make it another year just on my savings..Only had enough for 9 months and some do not have that.
Every single Penny really counts now to be able to keep our home and car and try not to file bankruptcy..that wont help anyway. Money no matter how small adds up you have no IDEA till you are there.
So my advice is live like this ..like you have no choice you never know when you might be next.
And my son has learned so much from this experience as well as my husband and I.