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!
#3, waiting for 24 hours before I buy something, is pretty crucial for me. Actually, it’s best for me to wait at least three days. 😉 These are great, doable tips. We do most of the tips from the Entertainment section. This week a friend is watching our children so we can go to my husband’s office party, then I am returning the favor the next night for their office party. It saves big bucks! I think doing half or more of these tips *could* allow someone who wanted to to go from two incomes to one – or pay down debt, if possible.
Thought this was great and helpful! I even spotlighted it on http://www.bleditor.com. Keep up the work!
I think you’re spot on about surrounding yourself with like-minded folks. We have a VERY consumer-happy culture, and most of the people I know couldn’t even fathom the idea of not stopping for fast food or $5 coffee drinks daily (or more), and “going out” or “having fun” always involves restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping, etc.
My family is on a one-person income since in this economy, even my graduate degree isn’t getting me any opportunities that would still earn us money after childcare. It’s just not feasible for us to be spending constantly on all this superfluous “stuff.” I’ve learned to make my own household cleaners, soaps and detergents (WAY cheaper, eco-friendly, and just as effective if not more), significantly reduced our paper goods trash & consumption by using reusable and washable rags, dusters, etc., I bake & cook (and can and freeze) at home, and have learned a plethora of ways to entertain (and mentally stimulate) my 3 year old at home just by recycling common household trash (cardboard cereal boxes, egg cartons, milk jugs, etc) into kid friendly crafting, as well as replaced commercial tempura paints, water colors, clays and play doughs with homemade versions–all safe, non-toxic, and cheap, plus she gets to “help” me cook these up.
The “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” mantra is useful for more than just being planet-conscious–it was an inherent way of life for our homesteading predecessors– just go ask your grandparents!
I’d change #22 to be wash in COLD water as much as possible.
Love your list, but have something to add. When I buy my kids clothes, I buy new and get better prices than at consignment/thrift. I have gotten everything from dress clothes, tshirts, and pants for my boys to dresses, shoes, and accessories for my daughter by knowing when to shop. I follow clearance sales at retailers and never pay more than $3 for a shirt and $4 for pants (sometimes even less). My kids wear Children’s Place, Crazy 8 and Target clothes. I already have shirts for my 9yo son for next year: all were $3 on clearance at Target. Whenever I’ve gone to consignment/thrift stores, they want $5-6 for shirts from the same retailers. I wouldn’t mind buying used, but with three boys, it’s great to buy new for the oldest and let the next two wear it instead of buying something used (at a higher price) and having it wear out too soon.
Also, find a friend and do clothing swaps. I haven’t bought a single thing for my daughter in this size: it was all given to me from a friend. Score!
Totally agree…outlets for Children’s Place or Online have way good deals frequently and they look better and are better prices that consignment! I get new shirts for 1-2 dollars frequently!
One thing: DO NOT BUY BEDDING, MATTRESSES or bedroom furniture from second hand stores or take them off the side of the street. We are having an EPIDEMIC of bed bugs in the US and I promise you, you will not save money if you have to pay an exterminator. It takes weeks of treatments, during which you will be living out of plastic bags, etc. It is horrible. My best friend got a bedroom set off Craig’s list- a very fancy one indeed for $450 which was a bargain. She has spent over ONE THOUSAND dollars in fumigation. You cannot get rid of the little buggers on your own. Bedbugs don’t just live in mattresses, they crawl into the spaces between the wood in the bedframes and bed side stands and lay their eggs. For that matter, they are in many hotels – even good ones, all over the US so check bedbugwatch.com before you go stay anywhere. And put your luggage in the bathroom and check for the bugs before you do anything else.
I don’t know if anyone has mentioned this but it’s really important. It DOES NOT save money or water to wash your dishes by hand. The dishwasher is a lot more efficient at cleaning dishes and using water than you. Just make sure to fill it up all the way and only run it when it’s full. Generally services are much more energy efficient than doing them yourself.
For those of you who don’t have a clothesline outside to dry, try this. Dry clothing long enough to get it nice and steamy then shake it out and place on hanger (I use the shower rod) and allow to dry. Eliminates ironing and your clothes look great and have no static since you don’t dry them completely.
Great tips! Just a comment regarding not wanting to buy used clothing, I call this selective squeamishness. Some won’t wear something that someone has previously worn yet they’ll stay at a hotel where hundreds of people have slept in the sheets. I just think it’s funny. 🙂
Just found your post on Pinterest. Great tips. We use a lot of these tips, especially the entertaining at home tip. When did people get away from that? It’s homier, more comfortable, slower and probably healthier as well as cheaper. We have young children and invite friends over with children and they play outside if the weather is good, running around the farm, playing with the animals, building forts and generally having a good time.
I could add to barter for goods and services. It works for us! And gardening. We grow a lot of produce in the summer and freeze what we can. I make huge batches of marinara sauce for the freezer to get us through the winter, as well as when I cook up hamburger for the freezer (I buy from a local farmer for $.99/lb) I use our garden produce to bulk it up and make it tasty. I use the food processor to chop onion and garlic, grate carrots and zuchini and cook it all up together and drain off the fat. I package this in freezer bags and pull it out whenever I need ground beef for pasta sauces, etc. Sometimes I will spit the large batches of this and cook some as taco meat with taco seasoning, some as sloppy joes and some as chili. I put everything in the freezer bags, lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze them flat and voila – many meals nearly made, just requiring a small amount of assembly and everything fits flat in the freezer. Plus my kids never notice the extra veg in the hamburger mix!