20 Creative Ideas for Frugal Living
You don't have to go without things to live frugally. Instead, you can choose to make the most of what you have. You can make small changes that will add up over time, like cutting back on daily costs and coming up with clever ways to reuse and recycle. You can make your budget go further, save money, and live a more environmentally friendly life with these 20 clever ideas.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
It’s more important than ever to be smart about your money these days. This article provides useful tips and tricks that can help you save money while still enjoying life. These ideas will help you live a more frugal life, whether you want to lower your energy bills, cook more at home, or find new uses for old things. The ideas are easy to follow and can be changed to fit any lifestyle. They will help you get the most out of what you have without feeling like you’re missing out.
1. Plan Your Meals Ahead
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Planning meals can help you avoid buying things you don’t need and waste less food. Make a buying list every week based on the meals you want to cook. This not only saves money but also speeds up and organizes food shopping.
2. Cook in Bulk and Freeze
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It’s smart to cook a lot of food and freeze it to save time and money. You can eat out or order food less often if you make a lot of meals at once. You’ll always have healthy, home-cooked food on hand this way.
3. Use Coupons and Discounts
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Before buying something, always check for coupons and deals, whether shopping in a store or online. Many shops have sales that can help you save money on everyday things. You can get deals that make a big difference in your spending if you plan ahead.
4. Buy Secondhand
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You can find many used things at yard sales or thrift stores. Things like clothes and furniture can be found for a lot less than they would cost new. Buying used stuff in good condition saves you money and reduces waste.
5. Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions
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Check your orders often and get rid of the ones you don’t need. If you’re not careful, services like memberships, streaming services, or magazines can add up fast. You can save every month by getting rid of services you don’t use.
6. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
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Buying less energy-efficient appliances can save you money on your power bills over time. These small changes, like getting an LED light bulb or a high-efficiency washing machine, can help you use less energy. The savings will be greater than the starting cost over time.
7. Use Public Transportation
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You can save money by taking the bus or train instead of driving. There are cheap choices in many cities that make commuting easier and better for the environment. You might also save time by not having to drive through traffic and not having to have a second car.
8. Grow Your Own Garden
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Growing your own herbs and vegetables is an enjoyable and cost-effective way to get fresh food. Plants can be grown in tiny places, like rooftops or window sills.
9. Borrow Instead of Buying
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If you need something briefly, you might want to borrow it instead of buying it. When you borrow something, you can use it without paying for it outright. This is true for tools, books, and equipment. Many libraries and other neighborhood groups offer lending programs that make this possible.
10. Make Homemade Gifts
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You don’t have to buy expensive gifts from stores. Instead, make something unique and caring. Gifts that you make yourself, like baked goods, candles, or crafts, can be just as important. They not only save money, but they also show that you care and put work into it.
11. Use Cloth Instead of Paper
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You can save a lot of money on paper goods by switching to cloth towels, napkins, and wipes. Clothes may cost more at first, but they can be used repeatedly and last for years. This easy change will save you money and reduce waste over time.
12. Buy in Bulk
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Bulk buying can save time, money, and packaging waste. Look for things that don’t go bad quickly, like rice, pasta, and canned foods that can be kept for a long time. People who use a lot of basic items save a lot of money when they buy in bulk.
13. DIY Cleaning Supplies
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It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on cleaning supplies when easy things you can do yourself work just as well. Lemon, vinegar, and baking soda are things you probably already have at home that can clean almost anything. The cleaners you make yourself are not only cheaper, but they are also better for the environment.
14. Cut Your Own Hair
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You can cut your hair or ask a family member to help you instead of spending money at the barber. A lot of simple haircut videos can be found online, which can save you money. It’s easy and saves money to follow this tip for living frugally.
15. Reduce Your Water Usage
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Your energy bills can go down if you watch how much water you use. Small changes, like taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, or using products that use less water, can save a lot of money. Making these small changes also helps make life more sustainable.
16. Use Reusable Bags
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Get rid of single-use plastic bags by buying ones that can be used more than once. Cloth bags are strong, good for the earth, and can hold a lot more than regular plastic bags. A lot of shops will even give you money back if you bring your own bags.
17. Make Your Own Coffee
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Buy a good coffee maker instead of getting pricey coffee drinks every day. You can make coffee at home for a lot less money and enjoy it just as much. You can also try different tastes and create your own unique blends.
18. Limit Eating Out
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Going out to eat can really blow your budget, so try to save it for special events. Cooking at home saves you money, and you also have more say over what goes into your food. It’s simple and cheap to make meals that are healthy and tasty.
19. Sell Unused Items
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You might want to sell things you no longer need that you find around your house. You can get extra money by selling things you don’t use, like clothes, furniture, or electronics. This is a great way to get rid of junk and save money at the same time.
20. Reduce Impulse Purchases
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Take a moment to think about whether you really need the thing before you buy it. If you can help it, wait 24 hours before getting something unnecessary. This break can help you resist the urge to spend money without thinking and make more thoughtful decisions.