Embracing frugality doesn’t mean sacrificing quality of life; instead, it’s a conscious decision to optimize resources, minimize waste, and prioritize what truly matters.
But some frugal living tips are not worth the extra time and effort you must put in. It’s ok to spend money on the things that are too annoying and frustrating for you to deal with on your own. So, how do you know which frugal tips actually work and which ones are just a waste of time and effort? You read these 18 tips that actually and truly work to save you money!
Here are 18 frugal living tips that are simple and really work!
Prioritize Your Purchases
Get a list of things you know you genuinely want and decide on the most impactful thing you can get with the money at your disposal. Purchases become more meaningful for you, and the value of a dollar becomes more apparent.
Live in a Place You Can Afford
Buy/rent the housing option you can afford to live in and maintain.
House rent is usually your largest monthly expense. Once you have that bit covered, you can handle the other expenses comfortably without pressure.
Develop Cheap Hobbies
Not all hobbies are expensive. For instance, you could develop a reading habit that requires you to visit the library instead of going to social functions. You are sure to spend money during these social functions- buying drinks, food, and other stuff. You can do all the reading you want for free at the library.
Know the Difference Between ‘Want’ and ‘Need’
Know and internalize the difference between “want” and “need”. Take care of all your needs. Treat yourself to wants when it makes sense, and enjoy them with gratitude. Missing a need is a crisis that should be addressed. Missing a want rolls right off your back, even if you want it.
Learn To Fix Things
If it is genuinely hopeless, call a professional. Use YouTube videos to learn how to DIY and do simple repairs around the home. You will save a lot of money this way.
Buy a Less Expensive House
Buying a less expensive house than you can afford or are approved for can make a huge difference. If you lose or quit a job, you can still easily continue to pay the mortgage without too much pressure.
Marry Well
Find a partner who matches your goals. Partners can either derail or push you to achieve your financial goals faster. Get a frugal partner who understands what you want to accomplish and shares the same vision.
Buy a Reliable Car
Buy late-model but reliable cars that last for decades with minimal repairs. New cars start depreciating immediately after you drive out of the yard. Look for a second-hand but well-maintained vehicle where you can pay a good price and keep the vehicle running for a long time.
Do Not Hop Onto Trends
When you try to keep up with the Joneses, you will dig a hole in your pocket by buying things that go out of fashion within a short while. Buy classic stuff to decorate your home. Such stuff (carpets, rugs, seats, etc) will remain timeless without going out of style.
Learn To Cook
This is a cliche, but it does save money. Learning how to cook gives you the freedom to eat whatever you want without spending too much. Make everything from scratch so you are only shopping around the perimeter of the supermarket. Break down whole chickens and inexpensive cuts of meat like bone-in-shoulder roasts so you can make stocks. Meal prep and make liberal use of your freezer. You will eat better and save money on doctor’s visits because your health will improve by cutting processed fats and sugars from your diet.
Host Things at Your Home
A meal for 4-6 people at home costs less than a meal for 2 at a restaurant. You get to pick the music, and you can tell your friends to bring wine/dessert if you commit to doing the same when you go to their place. You can also stay to chat much longer than you would at a restaurant, and if you pull all of your nice/fancy things out of storage, you’ll be fine dining in style.
Hang Dry Your Clothes
When you air dry your clothes, they don’t fade or stretch. Use the dryer for socks, underwear, towels/sheets, and pj’s only.
Check Out Your Local Library
Libraries have much more to offer besides books. For instance, some contain sports equipment, baking equipment, board games, museum passes, park passes, camera equipment, toys for kids, telescopes, all kinds of hobby gear, free classes and groups every week, and helpful librarians who perform magic for the kids.
Don’t Make Large Hasty Purchases
Make a brain dump of everything you need to handle/fix/buy, and then prioritize them based on urgency. Color code everything to make it fun. This gives you time to shop around and find coupons, sales, or giveaways that you can use to save money on your purchase.
Meal Prep
The amount people spend on eating out is bananas. Meal prepping saves so much money. It also is an anti-stresser because you don’t have to think about what you will eat daily.
Chart Your Spending
Find where you spend too much and figure out how to reduce this expense. For instance, if you spend a lot on housing, you can consider getting a roommate, renting rooms to B & B, working as a caretaker where housing is provided, or getting a job where you will be traveling all the time.
Cut Your Hair
Haircuts can be expensive. Buy clippers and ask a family member to cut your hair for you. Calculate how much you save in that session and multiply by the sessions you get a haircut annually.
Increase Your Income
Get that training, degree, and experience you need to upgrade your earning potential. The higher the income, the higher the capacity to save, invest, and grow. While you do that grab some extra shifts or some side jobs and get some more money in your pocket.
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