12 Super Practical and Frugal Ways For Average Americans to Save Money

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We all want to save money and going into 2024 is a great time to readjust our spending habits for the coming year.

Looking for new ways to save money in 2024? Here are some great practical and frugal ways to save money and build that savings account a little more!

1. Use Free Entertainment Options

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A fun night out doesn’t have to be expensive; there are many free entertainment options, no matter where you live. Instead of going on a date in a restaurant, pack a romantic picnic. Rather than buying concert tickets, search online for free live music playing in your area.

2. Sell Unused Gift Cards

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There are several online markets, such as CardCash, CardKlip or GiftCash, that will let you sell or trade your unwanted gift cards. You can also ask friends and family if they would take your unused gift cards off your hands in exchange for cash.

3. Buy Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

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You can save money on your electricity bill by using energy-efficient light bulbs. They also need to be replaced less frequently, cutting down on the cost of the light bulbs themselves.

4. Cook Larger Batches of Food

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The more of a food product you buy, the cheaper it usually is. You will save both time and money by cooking in bulk and freezing some food for later.

5. Reduce Home Security Costs

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You can reduce costs by ditching subscription security system plans and choosing one that has a one-time, flat fee. You can also comparison shop for the lowest price on a home security system.

6. Avoid High-End Fashion

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Generic brands are often just as high-quality as designer labels, but a fraction of the price. If you absolutely have to have your fashion fix, search for secondhand options.

7. Limit Alcohol at Restaurants

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One of the most practical ways to save money while dining out is to limit your alcohol consumption. Opting for water, tea, or soda will significantly reduce your bill.

8. Use a Library for Movies and Music

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It’s free to get a public library card, and most libraries have a plethora of movies and music you can borrow. They also have online options so you may not even have to go into the library building to check out the entertainment you’re looking for.

9. Buy Store-brand Cleaning Products

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Store-brand cleaning products contain nearly identical ingredients to the name-brand ones, just in different packaging.

 

10. Use Free Financial Tools

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You can learn practical ways to save money without spending more money. Don’t pay for financial tools and apps; there is almost always a free alternative that works just as well.

11. Avoid Extended Warranties

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Sales representatives can be awfully convincing when it comes to pushing you to purchase extended warranties, but most of the time they aren’t really necessary.

12. Prioritize Needs Over Wants

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If you want to maximize your savings, carefully consider every purchase you make. Weigh the item or service in your mind and ask yourself, do I really need this, or do I just want it?

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I’m super frugal, and one of my passions is sharing my frugal living tips with everyone.

Here are some of my absolute favorite frugal tips to help you get started on your journey to frugal living.

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Saving money doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to life’s little indulgences. With a few smart tweaks, you can stash away cash for that dream vacation, rainy day fund, or splurge-worthy purchase without feeling like you’re on a constant budget patrol.

Think of it as a side hustle that pays off without the extra hours. Whether you’re looking to conquer debt or simply boost your bank account, these tips are guaranteed to put more money in your pocket, painlessly.

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