107 Best Frugal Living Tips That’ll Save You Big Bucks

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Everyone wants to save more money. But these days, it’s arguably more challenging than ever before.

In fact, you can see that the overall cost of living has increased significantly over the past couple of years.

So if you’re looking to cut back daily costs and want to learn how to live frugally, then you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s dive right in.

In this article

107 Best Frugal Tips 2024

In no particular order, here are the best frugal tips for 2024:

1. Auto-Invest with as Little as $5


If you’re ready to reshape your life and work toward financial freedom then one of the best frugal tips is to start investing – any amount that you can.

I’m not talking about investing $1,000’s or even $100’s.

I’m talking about investing an amount as small as $5 through the Acorns app 👇

Acorns makes it easy (it takes no longer than 5 minutes to download and set up your account) and automatic to invest in good (and low-cost) funds.

Related: Apps that Pay You Real Money

2. Start a Budget


Before you spend another cent, take some time to sit down and 
create a budget.

  • Determine how much you earn
  • Calculate how much you spend

If you find yourself in the following 2 situations:

  • You are spending more than you earn 
  • You are spending as much as you earn

Then it’s seriously time to start a budget that’s visually easy to understand and can actually help you set your finances straight. 

Budgeting is likely one of the most important frugal living tips for singles since you are the sole income earner and should be 100% on top of your finances.

When I lived by myself on a $2,000 monthly salary in Miami, my budget was my guide in life.

My go-to choice for budgeting is You Need A Budget.

Remember that a budget can help you:

  • Realize how you are spending your money
  • Cut out excess expenses
  • Save more

To start a budget, you have to track every single cent you spend.

Be true to yourself, don’t skip over any expenses – because only then will you truly see where you can cut out excess expenses and start your frugal living journey.

3. Build Your Credit Fast


Building your credit
 (and credit score) can have a serious impact on how much you spend in interest payments:

  • The better your credit score the lower your interest rates
  • The lower your interest rates, the lower your payments

However, a large chunk of your credit score is based on your history – how long you’ve had your accounts open.

In other words, the longer you’ve had your accounts open, the more likely your credit score will be higher. 

What if you’re a recent college student or an immigrant who doesn’t have a credit history?

How do you build your credit and payment history if you can’t even qualify for a credit card?

One program that I’ve seen my friends use is Self Credit Builder 👇

Through Self Credit Builder you build your credit history (and simultaneously your FICO/credit score) even if you don’t have a credit history.

Here’s how Self can help you:

  • Apply for a “loan” (it’s not actually a loan) using a CD, which is FDIC insured
  • Make monthly payments until they equal the total CD value 
  • The total CD value will be paid to you

Why would you go through a process like this – just to pay yourself?

Because Self helps you build your payment history – and with that, your credit score.

Assuming you don’t miss any payments, Self is a super-easy way to build your credit, even when you have no credit.

While building credit might be one of the more unusual frugal tips, a higher credit score does mean more money in your wallet. And that’s what this article is all about.

4. Pre-wrap Your Holiday Gifts


Each year, Americans spend roughly $3.2 billion per year on just wrapping paper.

That’s insane!

I typically spent about $30 per year each year on:

  • Wrapping paper ($10 on average for a roll of 3)
  • Stuffing paper
  • Gift bags
  • Ribbons
  • Bows

Why would you spend so much money on something that is made to be ripped and torn apart?

Case in point: One of the best frugal living hacks is to stop buying wrapping paper. Save yourself the hassle, time, and money.

Instead, consider pre-wrapping a shoebox in wrapping paper and reuse these shoeboxes around for each holiday season.

Chances are, the people you are giving your gifts to won’t notice, remember, or care. What matters is that they spend their holidays and birthdays with you!

5. Learn Outside of the Classroom


Sometimes the things that you learn in the regular classroom just don’t always apply to life in general. 

For example, I never learned about personal finance in school. 

There are many things that you can learn outside of the classroom to:

  • Change your mindset
  • Help you save money
  • Increase your network 
  • Increase your self-confidence

All of these points can likely lead you to live a more fulfilling and wealthier life.

If you’re looking to start your frugal living journey by positively adapting your mindset, then consider checking out Udemy 👇

Udemy is the classroom outside of the classroom.

You can learn about virtually anything – from business to programming.

Remember, that the best return on investment is when you invest in yourself.

6. Sell Your E-Products on Social Media [Hint: It’s free!!]


I’m not kidding when I say that one of the best frugal tips and tricks is to increase your income – and then save (and invest) it!

And your social media account could be a top income producing asset.

Truth be told, I never liked social media, because I thought it would be a time waster and an energy drainer. 

However, social media can be a double-edged sword:

  • It can waste your time if you aimlessly scroll through your feed
  • It can make you $1,000’s if you promote a product and sell it to your audience

The top-selling products on social media include:

  • eBooks
  • Online courses
  • Coaching services

Any money that you do earn from your social media side hustle, you should consider investing in stocks, for example.

Related: How to Make Money on Twitter

7. Make Your Own Soap


Warning: This might be an example of extreme frugal living, but making your own soap still does the trick.

The average hand soap dispenser costs between $3 and $7, depending on the store and soap you buy. 

Typically, your soap will last you about 1 to 4 weeks. 

Let’s do some math to figure out how much you could spend per year:

Hand Soap

Average cost

$5

Lasts on average

2.5 weeks

Average spent on hand soap per year

$104

Average spent on hand soap in 10 years

$1,040

One of your best bets, if you want to learn how to live frugally, is to avoid buying expensive, foamy hand soap. 

It’s a luxury and your wallets will feel it over time. 

Here’s what you can do instead:

  • Take regular dish soap
  • Mix 3 ounces of dish soap with 9 ounces of water (a ratio of 1:3)
Hand Soap vs. Dish Soap

Average cost per oz. for hand soap

$0.31/oz

Average cost per oz. for dish soap

$0.9/oz

You can save $0.22 on every ounce of soap, even if you didn’t mix it with water.

Now you have foaming hand soap at a much cheaper price!

You’ll really see a difference if you multiply your savings on a 10-year basis.

While saving roughly $0.22 on every ounce of soap might not sound like a lot up front, if you consistently follow and implement my frugal lifestyle tips over time, you’ll start seeing a pretty big difference in your budget.

8. Use Binder Clips!


I use binder clips for just about everything – not just for paper or office supplies. 

My mom showed me this trick, and it’s stuck with me since I was a teenager:

Use binder clips in place for food bag clips (you save money, and you can repurpose the binder clips).

Here’s a bonus binder frugal living tip:

  • Binder clips are fantastic at holding cables in place

Just run the cord through the 2 metal loops of the binder clip and voila! 

You have a cable holder.

Talk about one of the most epic frugal ideas!

9. Cut the Paper Towels


If you’re environmentally friendly and just really hate spending money on paper towels (like me), then it might be time to simply cut out those paper towels.

Here’s what I would suggest instead: If you’re a car nerd like my husband, then you’d know that the microfiber cloths that most car guys use to polish their cars are also a great alternative to use for paper towels.

The microfiber towels are:

  • Washable
  • Eco friendly
  • Cost-effective

Win-win-win!

While microfiber towels might cost you a little bit of money upfront (typically between $12 to $25 for a set of 20+ towels), they can last you for a very long time – if you take care of them.

10. Consolidate Your Debt 


If you feel like you’re drowning in credit card debt, you are not alone.

One of the easiest ways to chop up your credit card debt is to consolidate the debt through Tally 👇

Tally makes it simple to stay on top of your credit cards.

You scan your cards. If you qualify, tally gives you a line of credit at a low APR and manages all your payments.

No late fees. No gimmicks. Just a faster way to pay down your balances.

Mark Cuban once said, “If you use a credit card, you don’t want to be rich.”

While Mark Cuban is spot on – especially if you carry credit card debt – there may be times when maintaining a credit card (with a $0 balance!) is necessary.

However, remember to pay off debt as fast as possible.

Crush your credit card debt ASAP.

11. Cut the Fancy Coffee 


Some of you might cringe, but cutting the fancy coffee is one of the critical tips for frugal living that you’ll want to implement.

We are a coffee consumer society. 

the millennial money woman blog post "millennial coffee spending statistic"

Source: NGPF

Sadly, however, most Millennials seem to focus more on their coffee than their retirement and investment accounts.

While coffee could be a reason why you’re not pursuing your frugal living goals, don’t scratch coffee entirely from your list.

Just use a traditional coffee maker instead and then you can contribute those $1,000’s per year into your retirement account.

Financial freedom, here you come!

12. Make Money While Watching TV


This is one of my all-time favorite frugal tips… earning more money – the easy way!

Imagine this: You’re curled up in your bed, tucked into a blanket, watching your favorite Netflix show and you’re making easy money on the side.

It’s actually possible!

Check out the ySense paid survey platform and see how you can earn a couple of extra dollars.

From my experience, you can earn about $50 per month all while watching TV!

It might not be enough for a sustainable part-time job, but it’s certainly enough to invest, pay off debt or simply use toward something fun.

13. Make Money Playing with Dogs


Have you ever dreamed of playing with dogs – man’s best friend – 
and earn money?

With this frugal hack, you can, if you sign up with Rover 👇

With Rover, you can be a:

  • Dog sitter
  • Dog walker
  • Dog boarder

You set your own hours, provide any combination of pet services, and set your dog preferences. 

If you truly commit to working with Rover, you could earn anywhere up to $1,000 per month!

I’ve been on the consumer side of Rover and gave my French Bulldog to a Rover dog boarder and had nothing short of a fantastic experience:

  • They were communicative
  • They sent me photo updates
  • They cared about my Frenchie

If you love dogs and want to earn some spare change, this might be the app for you – to earn a bit extra as you pursue your frugal living goals.

14. Start a Blog


Guys and gals, if you:

  • Love writing
  • Are an expert in an area
  • Are decent with computers

then starting a blog is likely one of the best frugal lifestyle tips because you can earn unlimited amounts of passive income – in the long term.

I started my blog with HostGator and have never looked back.

Once you’ve set up your website, have a rough idea of what you’re going to write about, and have established a loyal audience, you may want to consider:

  • Implementing ads
  • Creating a product to sell
  • Becoming an affiliate marketer

The key, just as with blogging, is that progress will take time.

But, if your goal is to find financial freedom and pursue frugal living in retirement, blogging might be a great start.

15. Rent Out Your House or Your Room


If you’re looking for ways on how to be frugal, then consider reducing your housing costs.

Housing costs account for over 1/3 of the average American’s budget – so this is an expense we can certainly reduce if you’re looking to follow the frugal living movement.

In fact, the typical budgeting rule of thumb for housing debt expenses recommends individuals spend less than 28% of their gross annual income.

It is recommended for individuals to spend less than 28% of their gross annual income on housing debt

Some ways to reduce your housing costs include:

  • Turn off the lights and water more often
  • Rent out a spare room
  • Rent out your home

I’ve had some friends actually rent out their homes and move back to live with their parents rent-free. 

This allowed them to:

  • Have someone else pay for their mortgage costs
  • Save massively for their financial goals

Before you find a tenant, make sure you consult with an attorney or at minimum do some research before accepting someone to move into your home.

I’d also strongly suggest to sign a written contract with your tenant in the case of any disputes.

16. Earn Money through Affiliate Marketing


Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest – and absolute best ways to earn money and contribute toward living a frugal life.

Here’s why I like affiliate marketing:

  • You help other people
  • You can earn money, passively
  • Your income potential is unlimited

As with all great things, there is a caveat:

You can’t just sell products randomly. You have to have experience with the products first and know that these products are actually good so that you are not misusing the trust of your audience.

If you have a Twitter account and are ready to step into the world of affiliate marketing, I’d recommend taking the course Twitter Affiliate Mastery.

17. Earn Money via Money Making Apps


There is so much money out there for you to earn, save and invest.

That’s why I want to encourage you, for your frugal living 2024 goals, to start increasing your income with apps that make you money.

All you have to do is to find those money making opportunities.

18. Get a High-Yield Savings Account


If you have cash in your bank account, an easy way to earn a few extra $1’s is by opening a high-yield savings accounts like with CIT Bank.

Most banks just don’t pay that much interest anymore.

If you deposit money into what is known as a high-yield savings account, you would earn a higher interest rate.

It might not make a big difference, but who wouldn’t want to make extra money for doing nothing?

CIT Bank is free to set up and it’s FDIC insured.

19. Manage Your Finances and Bills


Did you know that the average American spends about $192.30 per month on recurring subscription expenses?

The average American spends $192.30 per month on recurring expenses

One extreme frugal living tip that has changed my life for the better is virtually reviewing every single recurring expense (like wifi) that I have and calling the companies to negotiate a lower price.

This frugal tip takes hours and can be pretty stressful – and sometimes with no results.

You can save money too, and for much less stress if you sign up with Rocket Money.

Rocket Money is an app that helps you:

  • Lower your bills
  • Optimize your spending
  • Manage your monthly subscription costs

Rocket Money negotiates on your behalf with major companies (like AT&T) and helps you stay on top of your finances by lowering (or canceling) your bills on a variety of services. 

With all that money you save, you can start paying off debt or investing.

20. Make Money Delivering Food


With COVID, so many families are stuck at home and can’t go out to their favorite restaurants.

What my husband and I sometimes do, is order food from our favorite restaurants to be delivered to our home. The service we use is DoorDash.

Imagine the amount of extra income you can earn by delivering food through DoorDash 👇

There is an increasing demand for food deliveries, and if you live in a city and are able to deliver during peak hours (lunch and dinner), you actually have a pretty substantial earning potential (we’re talking up to $600 per month!). 

All that money earned can be saved and invested for your frugal living pursuit!

21. Reduce Your Subscription Costs


Believe it or not, the little things often add up to major victories (or disasters).

A small leak can sink a great ship.

In finances, the “leak” in the saying could mean your monthly, recurring subscriptions – specifically as they relate to your internet, TV providers, and Cellphone bills. 

Rocket Money handles your financial situation on your behalf by negotiating with your providers to reduce the cost of your service bills. 

If Rocket Money doesn’t manage to lower the cost, you don’t pay. 

Cutting your costs is also a great frugal living tip for singles.

Take it from my first-hand experience, back when I was living on my own, I saved close to $100 per month by lowering my monthly bills!

22. Refinance Your Auto Loan


If you have a loan on your car – you can save a lot of money per year (we’re talking $100’s) if you consider refinancing your auto loan. 

Refinancing offers you 2 main money-saving options:

  • Dropping your interest rate (if you qualify)
  • Increasing the term of your car loan (which lowers the amount of money you pay per month)

You can also lower how much you pay per month by increasing your loan term (so instead of paying $10,000 for 3 years, you decide to pay $10,000 for 5 years).

Below are some ways you can qualify for a car loan refinance.

To qualify to refinance and drop your payments, you need to:

  • Prove you pay your bills on time for the last 6 to 12 months
  • Maintain a decent credit score
  • Current loan information
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of income

…Among some other documents.

Make sure to consider whether your new potential interest rate makes sense to go through the refinancing process (because it could be lengthy and time-consuming!).

23. Coupon Without Couponing


I honestly hate couponing.

  • It takes time
  • It wastes energy
  • I leave most of my coupons at home when I go shopping

While I never thought that I would bring up couponing as a frugal living idea, you can save some money with the right implementation.

If you’re like me and my husband, who virtually buy 90% of our items online, then consider downloading the free coupon tool called Honey.

Honey is a money-saving app that you download and it works off of Google Chrome. 

You browse as you want, go shopping for your regular items and Honey will literally point out on the webpage you are on, whether there are any:

  • Coupons
  • Promo codes
  • Ways to save money

Honey automatically indicates if there is any way for you to save money.

It’s the easiest way to coupon without actually couponing.

24. Buy Food that’s in Season


Food takes up so much of our budget.

the millennial money woman blog post "American food expenditure statistic"

Source: USDA

One easy way to hit the ground running with frugal living is to change the way you buy your food:

  • Buy food that’s in bulk (it’s cheaper because it’s mass-produced)
  • Buy food that’s in season (it’s cheaper because it’s in high supply)
  • Buy food from your local farmer’s markets (it’s cheaper due to low transportation costs)

If you are researching how to live frugally, cutting your grocery expenses could make a big difference.

25. Shop for Cheaper Life Insurance


You might be spending too much money on your life insurance if you don’t have the right kind of life insurance.

Typically speaking, when you are a millennial, you only need term life insurance.

Term life insurance is super cheap (we’re talking maybe $50 to $80 per year, for $500,000 of insurance for 30 years straight).

My husband and I have used Policygenius in the past and appreciate the online and streamlined process to buy life insurance.

The cost relative to the amount of term life insurance you receive is low and the sign-up process takes about 5 to 9 minutes.

Even if you’re not ready to buy term life yet, at least type in your information, run a free quote with Policygenius, and see how much it would cost you relative to the benefit it would give your family.

26. Repair Your Credit


Your credit score can make or break your interest payments:

  • The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate
  • The lower your interest rate, the less you pay

Since we are only human, it’s a very good idea to get your annual credit report with TransUnion (as an example).

Take some time to review your credit report and see if you notice any accounts that were opened using your credentials without your knowledge and/or permission. 

If that’s the case, it’s time to work to repair your credit with Lexington Law

Lexington Law works on your behalf to repair, build and maintain your credit, which means more money in your pocket.

27: Shop for the Best Car and Home Insurance


Similar to life insurance, you may be spending too much money on your car and home insurance.

In fact, did you know that Americans tend to overpay on their car insurance by about $21 billion per year?

Americans tend to overpay on their car insurance by about $21 billion per year

Source: MarketWatch

That’s no small number, so it’s a good idea to review your current rates and run free car insurance quotes to see how much you could be paying (and saving!).

If you’re ready to save money on your insurance bills then consider running a free quote with Insurify.

Here’s a step-by-step process:

  • Answer a couple of questionas
  • Compare the cost of the results
  • Receive discounts (if applicable)

Then it’s up to you to buy online, via phone, or simply hold off for now.

Run a quote here, it’s free and it can’t hurt to see what else is out there.

28. Generic Medicine Brands


I find myself spending north of $50 every time I go into the pharmacy to buy medicine – be it over-the-counter or subscription drugs.

There’s a way to fix your spending on medication: Instead of buying the name brands, buy the generic medication.

Did you know that name-brand medication accounts for only 10% of all prescriptions but yet, name-brand drugs make up 72% of medication spending?

72% of all costs spent on medication goes to name brands

Source: NBC News

99% of the time, generic medicine is cheaper than name brands, but still works the same wonder.

Remember to track your expenses regularly by using your budget (YNAB is an awesome budgeting tool, and the first 34 days are free).

Plus, by cutting down on medical costs, your bank accounts will be very happy too.

29. Cut the Cord


For those of you who haven’t cut the cord yet, it’s time to let go of cable.

It’s a waste of money, in my humble opinion.

Did you know that the average American spends about $217.42 per month on Cable TV?

The average American spends about $217.42 per month on Cable TV

Source: U.S. News

Instead of cable, you have Netflix, Amazon Prime TV, YouTube, and then there’s Philo.

Philo is an American internet TV company that offers you 63 channels for just $20/month.

Plus (I love this) with Philo you have an unlimited DVR recording option as well.

You could also always pick up a good book to read to further your education and pursue your goals.

30. Buy a Used Car


This is one of the best frugal tips and tricks that can help you save a big chunk of money upfront.

If you’re looking for:

  • A relatively new car
  • A car with low miles
  • A car in good condition
  • A car that still is on warranty

Then I would suggest considering buying a used car.

I bought my used car from my local car dealership.

  • It was 3 years old
  • Had 4,000 miles on it
  • Still had another 3 years of warranty left

And the best part?

I saved $11,000 versus if I had bought my car new.

31. Sell Stuff You Don’t Need


Let’s face it, we all make some financial mistakes – especially when it comes to buying trinkets or just “stuff.”

I think stuff:

  • Takes up space
  • Wastes money
  • Wastes time

So, get rid of this “stuff” by selling it on:

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Decluttr
  • eBay

Just to name a few online marketplaces you can sell your stuff and get money in return.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, Decluttr is an app that helps you get rid of old electronics (from old DVDs and CDs to computers, phones, etc.).

You can appraise the cost of your items directly on their website, and the decluttering process itself can be very relieving.

32. Ask for Extra Hangers


There will likely be a time in your life when you’ll need a clothing hanger.

Hangers break, they cost money and we just don’t have the time to go shopping for new ones.

Here’s a frugal hack: If you visit your local clothing boutique store and ask nicely for the store’s spare hangers, chances are that the cashiers will give you a box of their hangers.

While this tip might seem more of an extreme frugal living tip, it still helps you save a little bit of money in the long run.

33. Buy Products Located Away from Shelves on Eye Level 


The next time you go shopping, take a look at the prices of items that are displayed at your eye level versus at the very top and very bottom of the shelves.

Eye level is buy level.

This is a very popular quote in the marketing industry as it relates to grocery stores.

What the quote means is that you are much more likely to purchase products that are visible to you versus those products that are hidden away from your eye level.

Chances are, the lower you look and the higher you look, you’ll find generic products, non-name branded items.

They are still good quality, but typically at a much lower cost.

34. Ask the Experts, Pay Less


If you’re looking for an expert’s advice but don’t want to spend the time and hourly bills that your typical expert requires, then you may want to check out
Just Answer.

You’ll find experts including:

  • Doctors
  • Lawyers
  • Veterinarians
  • Computer Tech wizards

All you do is simply ask your question, Just Answer will find an expert to help you (experts are available 24/7), and your question will be answered.

Your question can be anywhere from $5 to $90 – depending on the industry.

35. Buy from the Smaller Stores


Although larger, national store chains are easily accessible – it might make sense to buy from the smaller stores, instead.

Smaller stores can offer cheaper products because:

  • They sell surplus products
  • They sell products close to expiration

And believe it or not, most smaller stores also tend to be local so buying products from smaller stores also keeps your money within your community.

Buying local is becoming a much larger trend as 70% of consumers are supporting local businesses.

70% of consumers support local businesses

Source: Mint

And don’t forget, after every time you save money, make sure you record it in your budget!

36. Use the Best Credit Card Rewards Programs


Sometimes frugal living makes you think that credit cards are the worst thing possible. 

And you could be right – if you carry credit card debt and don’t pay it off.

But don’t forget, some credit cards offer good cash back rewards programs.

If you’re sick of applying for new credit cards, then consider downloading Ibotta.

The cash back bonus points can help cut down on your regular living costs and provide a way to keep up your frugal living momentum.

37. Cut Eating Out and Meal Prep


Eating out can be a blast – especially because you don’t have to take the time to cook and clean the dishes – but it can also drain your budget. 

Drastically.

the millennial money woman blog post "American spending on going out per year statistic"

Source: Money Under 30

Instead of eating out – or getting take-out – consider meal prepping the weekend before your busy week. 

Every Sunday, my husband and I cook a bulk amount of food, apportion the food in little bins and plastic containers and store them in the freezer to be eaten each weekday.

Meal prepping an entire week in advance might not be everyone’s cup of tea:

  • You may not like frozen food
  • You may not like the same lunch/dinner every day for a week

But, this strategy really does help you pursue frugal living and save some time and a lot of money.

38. Quit Expensive Vacations


Vacations can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful.

the millennial money woman blog post "American cost per day on vacation statistic"

Source: ValuePenguin

Frugal living is about being frugal (duh).

So drop those fancy vacations and instead make a staycation or find something that’s more in your price range.

Just spend less than $50 per day and you’ll already be saving close to $100 per day over the average American.

Remember to keep track of your expenses by following your budget.

39. Cut Out Department Stores


This frugal living tip reminds me of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ song “Thrift Shop.”

I think these lyrics are awesome when it comes to a frugal living perspective because I agree:

Who in their right mind would spend $50 for a t-shirt?

You could get the same t-shirt for just $5 (and sometimes even less) at a thrift shop! 

Chances are, you’ll actually find a few new clothes at the thrift store – never used and with the price tags still on.

So, put on your speakers, listen to “Thrift Shop” and go out thrift shopping.

40. Cut the Jewelry and Sell what you Don’t Need


Every woman (and man) loves jewelry – myself included.

But if you’re pursuing frugal living, you may want to cut out the unnecessary jewelry in your life.

You can sell jewelry you don’t need on platforms like Worthy so you get the best price.

I’m not saying that you should sell your wedding ring or your prized heirlooms.

But I am saying that if you’re wondering how to live frugally, then you might want to consider selling the jewelry that you don’t need to make some extra money to invest, save or pay off debt!

41. Buy Last Season’s Hot Electronics


Instead of buying the hottest, sexiest electronics this season, a frugal tip could be to consider buying the electronics from last season.

Chances are, they’ll be discounted because they are no longer considered “hip” or “new.”

In fact, buying a TV that’s last season can lower the price by up to 34%.

34% is the potential price cut if you buy last season’s TV

Source: Business Insider

Similarly, smartwatches dropped by 27% in price and smartphones dropped by 21% if bought the following year, after their initial release.

While you are buying “older” products, they still work and still have the latest technology.

I’ll give you an example:

  • 1 year ago, I had my phone screen replaced 
  • A few weeks ago, I had my phone screen replaced 

again – for $100 less!

Why?

Because the phone repair store said that my phone is so outdated that they receive the phone parts at massive discounts.

Case in point: Buy 1-year old (or older) electronics to save money.

42. Avoid the Souvenirs, Take Photos Instead


We all love trinkets when we go traveling – be it domestically or abroad.

But, my friends, trinkets:

  • Are easily forgotten
  • Take up space
  • Cost money

My quick and easy remedy for avoiding souvenirs is simply take as many photos as possible and of course enjoy the moment with your loved ones!

Stop buying trinkets (let’s face it, they are pretty useless) and start taking in the memories, instead.

43. Cut the Fancy Cards


When you are invited to:

  • Birthday parties
  • Holiday parties
  • Weddings

Do you buy cards for $5 a pop or do you make your greeting/congratulatory cards?

Instead of spending $3 to $5 a card, make your own cards from cardboard paper or from your computer.

Believe me: You can design some pretty cool cards from your computer.

  • It saves you time
  • It saves you money

It likely means more than a store-bought card and most importantly, your card recipients will still appreciate it.

Even if you save $5 on birthday cards, you invest those $5 in the stock market with apps like Acorns.

It might not sound like a lot of money today, but with compounding interest, those $5’s could turn to $100’s in the future.

44. Cut the Mani/Pedis


I get it, manicures and pedicures are so relaxing and sometimes essential, especially after a long and stressful week.

But – these can be costly and they can really drain your frugal living budget. 

In my book, these are no-go, but you can still enjoy a manicure / pedicure.

For example, I ask my husband to give me a foot massage while I paint my own nails!

Although he does not look at me amused and most often rolls his eyes at me, it still works, is fulfilling, we get some quality time together, and I save a lot of money!

45. Stop Using Credit Cards with No Super Saver Deals


If you’re using credit cards and know you’re someone who won’t carry a credit card balance because you pay it off monthly, then it might be time to consider getting a cash back credit card.

Cash back cards essentially collect “points” with every purchase you make.

After each month, you can submit your points for actual cash to either:

  • Help pay toward your credit card
  • Buy products/services such as air miles
  • Deposit back into your bank account as cash

Start earning money on your every-day purchases and win at frugal living!

46. Use Newspaper


Planning to give a bigger gift?

No problem.

Instead of buying expensive wrapping paper (that will be thrown away, anyway)… find a cool newspaper!

In fact, to make the gift wrapping even more unique, consider wrapping the gift with the cartoon section. 

Talk about lightening up the mood 🙂

47. Take Your Coupons on Vacation


Whether you’re vacationing in the United States or abroad, check out your coupons. 

Look at international and national companies like:

  • CVS
  • Target
  • Costco
  • Walmart
  • Walgreens

Chances are, you’ll probably encounter one of these stores during your travels. 

That’s why it’s always a good idea to bring your coupons on the road.

48. The Last Ounce


Get the very last ounce by cutting open containers. 

You can do this for:

  • Ketchup
  • Shampoo
  • Handsoap
  • Toothpaste
  • Other foods

I’ve done this with my toothpaste many times.

While it might only save you a few cents now, over the next 30 years, that could equate to $50+!

49. Dispute ALL Medical Bills


Believe it or not, hospitals can and probably will bill you incorrectly.

In fact, there are times when incorrect hospital bills have cost people up to 10X more than what they should be charged.

Yikes.

That’s why you HAVE to review each and every bill carefully.

Here’s what you have to do:

  1. Take careful notes of your procedure and conversation with your doctor 
  2. Review the bill carefully
  3. Request for a bill with detailed line item information
  4. Talk to the billing department
  5. Give them a number that you could pay
  6. Negotiate with the billing department

So many times in life, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

The same concept applies to reducing your medical bill. 

Believe me – they want you to pay.

Even if it’s less than what you were charged.

So they will work with you 9 times out of 10.

50. Get Your Estate Documents Online


Estate planning is critical for anyone with any amount of wealth.

Estate planning could mean:

  • Will
  • Trust
  • Power of Attorney
  • Health Care Surrogate

Estate documents direct your money and other assets (like jewelry) to the beneficiaries you want, after you die.

If you go to a professional white collar estate planning attorney to draft your documents, you can typically expect to drop $2,000+.

And that’s typically worth it!

But if you don’t have $2,000+ right now and STILL want to draft your first estate documents, there IS an alternative.

It’s called Trust & Will.

Trust & Will is an online company where you can literally draft a customized trust within minutes.

You can do this from the luxury of your own home and typically you’ll pay between $600 to $800 to get both your trust and Wills completed. 

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

51. Get an HSA & Make Money!


If you have a high deductible health plan (aka HDHP), then you could qualify to put money into a health savings account (aka HSA)!

A high-deductible health plan is one that:

  • Has typically lower premiums
  • Has fairly high deductibles, starting at $1,500

If that matches with your health plan, then consider opening an HSA.

HSA Growth Projection

An HSA is the BEST investment account.

Period.

That’s because HSAs offer a TRIPLE tax benefit:

  • Contributions are fully deductible
  • Investment growth is tax deferred
  • Any withdrawals for medical expenses are not taxed

But here’s a better strategy:

Instead of withdrawing money from your HSA every time that you have a health event….

…Use your HSA as another investment account!

Let your money grow tax deferred until you’re age 65, and then you can withdraw money even for non-medical expenses without a penalty (you’ll just have to pay taxes on any investment growth at that time). 

Are you ready to take advantage of the ONLY triple tax benefit account? 

Open an account NOW with Lively HSA.

It takes minutes to set up your Lively HSA account. 

Once you have enough cash in your HSA account, typically the minimum is $1,000, then you can invest the rest in the stock market. 

Talk about long term wealth!

52. Always Check Your Credit Score


If you have a good credit score, you can get lower rates for:

  • Mortgage
  • Car lease
  • Apartment rent

…And the list goes on!

So basically a good credit score can help you save A LOT of money down the road. 

That’s why you need to keep track of your credit scores. 

Now you can – for free – with Credit Karma.

In addition to accessing your credit score for free, Credit Karma will also match you with tools that can help you build your credit.

So if you’ve just had a divorce or are getting out of some bad debt you’ve had (congrats!!), Credit Karma will be your BFF.

53. Make Money Watching Videos


You read that right!

You can literally make money watching videos from the comfort of your own bed.

Here’s how:

  • Make an account on ySense
  • Start watching videos
  • Answer surveys
  • Play games
  • Get paid

It’s really that simple.

Now… disclaimer!

You WON’T get rich with surveys.

But you can earn an extra $5 to $10 every week, which can be gas money or shopping money!

54. Get the Best Insurance Rates


Friends, you won’t BELIEVE how much money I’m spending on insurance living in Florida. 

In fact, my car insurance bill recently jumped up by $100 PER MONTH. 

And fun fact… did you know that Florida is the THIRD most expensive state for car insurance? 

Lucky me. 

NOT.

That’s when I knew it was time to change. 

So I checked out Insurify.

You don’t have to buy anything from Insurify.

But you really should check car quotes on the platform to see if you can save money.

Once you check out the quotes, you can either sign up right away, or just wait until something better comes along.

55. Don’t Pay a Financial Advisor


I can’t believe I’m saying this, especially because I was a financial advisor in the past.

But you don’t HAVE to pay a financial advisor. 

Yes, I think having one is always a good idea (of course, I’m biased, too). 

But do you feel confident in your financial ability?

Do you want to have the investment information right at your fingertips?

If yes, then check out Seeking Alpha.

Seeking Alpha is an information platform.

Seeking Alpha Homepage

That means it tracks news, quantitative data, analytics, and so on.

The Seeking Alpha algorithm then compiles that data for you in easily digestible pictures like the one above for Tesla.

You’ll even see if the Tesla stock (or any stock for that matter) is a recommendation to:

  • Sell
  • Buy
  • Hold

These recommendations are based on:

  • Wall Street traders
  • The Seeking Alpha algorithm
  • The Seeking Alpha expert contributors

Either way, Seeking Alpha will help distill the facts for you so you can make an informed decision on whether you should invest.

56. Get Cash Back Deals from Ibotta


Who doesn’t like making extra money?

Now you can with cash back apps like Ibotta.

Ibotta is available via both mobile app and desktop. 

Every time you go shopping for:

  • Groceries
  • Restaurants
  • Everyday items

…You can use Ibotta and earn money back on the things you bought!

It works by:

  • Uploading a receipt and earning points; or
  • Buying your products through the app itself, online

You’ll get cash back deals as long as you shop at one of the 100’s of Ibotta partners.

57. Lower the Price of Labor


Have you ever had a leaky faucet?

Or worse, air conditioning that shuts off in the MIDDLE of summer?

Well guess what – I have… and not having cool air while the Florida humid air soared to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) was AWFUL. 

I did NOT have the patience to watch a YouTube video to get my air conditioning fixed. 

That’s when I got out the Thumbtack app and hired a contractor within the day.

Thumbtack is an app where you submit a work request to all licensed contractors in your area. 

Typically, within minutes, these contractors respond to your request with a quote of how much they would charge. 

All you do is find the cheapest quote for the best offer!

58. Rent out your Extra Space


Look around your home. 

Do you have an empty:

  • Drawer
  • Bedroom
  • Driveway
  • Attic space
  • Garage spot
  • Spot on your lawn

The answer is you probably do…

…so why not make money from that empty space?!

Now you can thanks to an app called Neighbor.

Neighbor Storage in Miami Florida

Basically, any extra space that you have in your home – whether you own or rent – can be used to make extra cash. 

All you do is sign up to Neighbor, list your space, and wait for the offers to come in!

59. Make Money Exercising


Yes, you read that right. 

You can make money exercising if you download the app Healthywage.

All you do is place a bet with yourself. 

For example, you can bet that you’ll lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks.

If you win the bet, you make $100.

If you lose the bet, you lose $100. 

You’ll have to front the cash and if you win, the app will actually give you a bonus on top of your money. 

Many people find it hard to stay motivated exercising, but when their own money is involved – and a potential profit – then things change!

60. Slash Your Moving Costs


If you’ve ever moved before, then you know how much of a hassle – and cost – it can be.

The worst part is hiring the right people to move your stuff. 

Now you can slash your moving costs with an app called Bellhop.

With Bellhop, you can hire:

  • Just drivers
  • Just movers
  • Movers & drivers

If you’re located in a more populated area, typically the cost goes down since many movers and drivers will be close by.

61.Make Money Playing Games


If you just want to have a lazy Sunday but still make money, then why not make money playing games?

In fact, there’s an app called Mistplay that you can download for free and simply start playing and earning.

Mistplay Rewards

#playandearn

Yes, it’s that simple.

But don’t get any false hope here.

While you’ll probably make $5 per week, you won’t get rich off of this app.

62. Pass Your Frugal Lifestyle to Your Kids


Think about the legacy you want to leave your kids (if you have them. 

Often, parents want to share their money values with their kids but don’t know how. 

Remember the mantra, “learning by doing?”

Well, it often applies to kids. 

That’s why one of the best ways to instill your frugal lifestyle in your kids is by getting the Greenlight App.

Greenlight Interface

Greenlight is an app that you share with your kids.

With Greenlight, you can pass down your passion for:

  • Saving
  • Earning
  • Investing
  • Charitable giving

Your kids would receive their own debit card, which is linked to their own cash account (which you monitor and regulate). 

You, as the parent, can “pay” your child if they do:

  • Chores
  • Pass the biology exam
  • Save $X in their debit account

This is your child’s way of learning money management hands-on.

You can also set spend controls, such as the type of store and the daily spend limit.

Plus, if you’re charitably inclined, Greenlight gives you and your child an option to directly donate to the charity of their choice.

Finally, your child can even start investing in their own account (this would be titled a custodial account, since the child will likely be under age 18). 

If you want to pass down your frugal living habits, start by preparing your heirs.

Recommended Reading: Greenlight Review

63. Get Paid for your Jewelry


Us gals (and guys!) often have jewelry just lying around. 

It’s probably:

  • Wasting space
  • Collecting dust
  • Possibly wasting money

Why not send your jewelry to the Worthy app for an appraisal? 

Worthy checks out the quality of your jewelry and sends you a quote. 

If you want to move forward, then Worthy will list and promote your jewelry on its auction exchange platform, reaching 1,000+ professional buyers, who will start a bidding war. 

Typically, jewelry is sold on the exchange within a few days. 

You’ll receive a majority of the sale, while Worthy will take a small cut too.

64. Find a Higher Paying Job


If you’re living frugally, then you’re obviously saving a TON.

However, you really only can save as much as you’re making.

So if you’re making $2,000 a month, you can’t SAVE more than $2,000 a month.

The math is that simple. 

So if you want to save more, why not get a better job?

Check out online job recruiting sites like ZipRecruiter.

With thousands of jobs to choose from, you could even make money online!

65. Recycle More


Stop throwing away stuff!

It’s time to think creatively and outside of the box.

You can recycle and reuse a lot of things in the household.

For example, you can:

  • Use old clothes for rags
  • Use old buttons as earrings
  • Use plastic bottles as bird feeders
  • Use plastic containers as organizers
  • Use coffee grounds as a garden pest repellent

Believe it or not, you can use virtually ANYTHING in your home (like an old non-electric toothbrush!) and repurpose it. 

…Still wondering about what to do with that old toothbrush?

Let me fill you in:

  • Cut off the bristles of the toothbrush 
  • Start boiling a pot of hot water
  • Put your toothbrush in that pot of water until the plastic
  • starts bending
  • Bend the toothbrush into a bracelet for yourself 

…Now that’s a bit extreme even for me – but hey, to each their own!

66. Learn How to Bargain


If you’ve ever traveled to places like Italy, Spain, France, or somewhere in Eastern Europe, then you know about the bargaining culture!

They bargain EVERYWHERE.

In fact, it’s almost taken for granted that the sale price is NEVER the end price.

When I was traveling through Europe, I embraced the bargaining culture and started bargaining myself.

At first, I failed miserably.

People started laughing at me!

But I soon got better with my bargaining tactics to the point where I was able to reduce the cost of a dress by 50%!

If you live in America, bargaining might be a little harder if you’re going into a clothing store, but you still have bargaining power if you’re buying:

  • A car
  • A house
  • An apartment
  • Lawn maintenance

Don’t be shy to bargain, because you could save MASSIVE amounts of money.

67. Stop Spending on Furniture


Furniture is a RIP OFF.

Especially with sky-high prices. 

Start shopping at cheaper locations such as:

  • Kaiyo
  • Goodwill
  • Habitat for Humanity Restore

You could literally buy furniture from these stores with prices slashed by 80% or more.

68. Learn Frugal Fashion


In my humble opinion, buying clothing for everyday events is the BIGGEST waste of money out there.

Here’s why:

  • It costs a lot of money
  • It’s a depreciating asset
  • There’s typically no guarantee

You can buy equally nice clothing from consignment stores.

And sometimes the people haven’t even WORN the clothing at these consignment stores.

A few days ago, I went shopping at Goodwill, and some of the clothes I bought still had their PRICETAGS on!

And I’m talking about NICE clothing (think Coach, Juicy Couture, and Kate Spade).

If I can do it, you can too.

69. Become Frugally Fit


Yes, going to the gym is fun.

But it’s not fun for your wallet. 

So to live frugally either:

  • Don’t go to the gym
  • Use a DVD and work out
  • Use the sidewalk and a pair of running shoes

If you are COMMITTED to joining the gym, then here’s what you have to do:

  • Get a membership at the month end
  • Get membership when temperatures are SUPER hot where you live (sales typically slow down but associates still have to sell)

If you’re REALLY committed to joining the gym, then you may want to check out the gym at the beginning of the month and get to know the associates there.

By expressing your interest (but not yet getting a membership), you’ll make the associates eager to close…

…Which means you’ll probably get a better price!

70. Join a Frugal Cell Phone Plan


Cell phone plans can be a rip off.

So to live frugally, you need to join a frugal cell phone plan.

I use Mint Mobile and it only costs $15 per month!

Of course, if you typically are only indoors, then it might just make sense to ditch cell phone plans in general.

That’s when you can resort to apps like WhatsApp and message friends across the globe, just using your wifi.

71. Make Frugal Travel Plans


If you and your family are ready to travel – but want to keep living frugally – then check out some of these frugal travel tips.

Here’s how I’ve saved money in the past: 

  • Walk, don’t take taxis
  • Travel during the off season
  • Travel to cheap destinations 
  • Get a hotel room with a kitchen
  • Talk to the locals for the best deals
  • The cheapest day to fly is Tuesdays
  • Book flights between 12 to 3 weeks before your trip
  • The next cheapest days to fly are Sundays and Wednesdays

Some of these tips could save you $1,000’s!

72. Freeze Your Cards – Literally!


If you find yourself using your credit cards TOO much, it’s time to take drastic action.

I’m talking about literally FREEZING your credit cards.

That’s right. 

Take a glass of water, put your credit card inside that glass and put it in the freezer. 

Yes, you CAN resist using your credit cards. 

Instead, give yourself a cash allowance. 

And if you REALLY need your credit card, you can still access it.

73. Turn Down Your Temp


I’m always very picky when it comes to the temperature in the house. 

But my pickiness faded away the SECOND I saw the bill.

To give you an example, to cool a house in Florida in the MIDDLE of Summer, it cost about $300 per MONTH.

Yikes. 

When I saw that bill for the first time, I knew it was time to change my preferences. 

And I adapted!

So can you. 

Turn down your temperature in the Winter and turn up your temperature in the Summer to lower those costs.

74. Use Rags not Paper Towels


If you want to start living frugally, then STOP using paper towels!

Typically, one roll of paper towels costs around $1.50. 

And depending on your family size, you can go through 100+ paper towels a YEAR. 

That means you’re spending $150 or more on paper towels every 12 months. 

Save your money and instead use washable rags (maybe made from old clothes).

Not only are you saving money, but you’re also living more sustainably!

75. Cut Your Use of Laundry Detergent


I’m not saying STOP using laundry detergent.

All I’m saying is CUT your use of laundry detergent. 

Believe it or not, your clothes will STILL get washed and cleaned if you cut the amount of laundry detergent by 25% to 50%.

If you think 50% is too much of a leap, then start by cutting it by 25%.

76. Air Dry Your Clothes


If you don’t need your clothes dry ASAP, then air dry your clothes!

This frugal living tip works especially well if you live hot.

Think about it: 

On average, you’re spending about $0.50 to $0.57 PER LOAD in the drier (this is assuming your drier is from 2022). 

So, if you’re doing 4 loads a week X 52 weeks a year, that’s about $104 per year you’re spending on drying your clothes.

The best alternative:

Let your clothes air dry!

77. Make your RV your Home


If you’re living in a house (like me), then you’re probably spending money on:

  • Mortgage
  • Lawn care
  • Property taxes
  • Home maintenance
  • Homeowner’s insurance

And even if you pay off your mortgage, then you’re STILL left with the other expenses.

Yikes. 

If you’re renting, then you just have to pay rent – but you’re not actually building equity. 

So what’s ANOTHER way to live frugally?

Buy and LIVE in an RV. 

Good RV’s cost about $50,000 to $150,000+ to buy up front.

Recurring costs include:

  • Annual Gas ~$1,200+
  • Annual utilities ~$3,600+
  • RV campground ~5,000+
  • Annual maintenance ~$1,200+

So the costs EXCLUDING the initial purchase come out to about $1,000 per month. 

On the upside, you get mobility and save some money (e.g. you don’t have to put on a new roof). 

On the downside, it’s a small amount of space, you don’t build equity, and an RV is a depreciating asset. 

Take the pros with the cons and determine if this is best for you.

78. Stop the Flushing!


Think about the amount of water (and money!) you flush down the drain every time you use the toilet. 

In fact, the average American uses the toilet about 7 times a day. 

That’s about $0.10 per day in flushing water.

Here’s how to live frugally:

Find a glass jug and fill it with water or pebbles, for example.

Place that glass jug into your toilet tank…

Why?

Because the jug displaces water in the toilet tank.

The next time your toilet tank fills up, you won’t be using as much water (meaning you save money) because the jug is already taking up so much space!

Especially in a big family (think 5+ kids), this trick could actually make a BIG difference in a year. 

Plus… it’s also sustainable living!

79. If you don’t ask, you don’t get


Big corporations expect you to be quiet.

They expect you to consume. 

So that’s why you have to AGAINST the crowd to save money and live frugally. 

Here’s how:

  • Pick up the phone
  • List your favorite companies
  • Find the customer service phone number and call your
  • companies and ask for coupons 

It NEVER hurts to ask. 

Ask for their latest coupons, their best deals, etc. 

Chances are, they’ll either email them OR they’ll send them to your mail. 

And worst case? 

The answer is no.

80. Use the Dishwasher


Believe it or not, the dishwasher actually uses LESS water than handwashing dishes. 

Why?

Because the dishwasher washes in bulk.

In fact, you can save 100+ gallons of water a WEEK (which also means saving money) by simply switching to the dishwasher – and using the short cycle.

81. Cut Prescription Costs


If you haven’t used GoodRX yet, then it’s time. 

GoodRX is a website where you can search for your prescription drug coupons.

The coupons vary based on the store you use them for (like Walmart vs. CVS vs. Walgreens).

When you find the best coupon for your favorite pharmacy, just download the coupon and start saving money!

The best part?

GoodRX is FREE.

82. Water is Your Friend


Drink water.

If you want to live frugally, cut out:

  • Soda
  • Coffee
  • Smoothies
  • Fruit drinks

I know it sounds extreme, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. 

Water is your friend. 

And think about it:

Drinking water saves you money AND it will probably also help you lose weight if you stop drinking sodas or other sugary drinks. 

It did for me!

83. Check the Price Per Unit


When you go shopping at the grocery store, don’t just look at the absolute price value of a product. 

Instead, check out the price per unit. 

The price per unit ACTUALLY breaks down the cost of the product based on the unit value, which could be:

  • Ounce
  • Pound
  • Widget 

Once you see the price per unit, THEN make your purchase decision.

84. Get the Generic Drugs


Medication is SO expensive. 

When I drove to my pharmacy, I learned an important lesson that day. 

Medical drugs are listed in levels or tiers:

  • Tier 1 = Generic, low cost
  • Tier 2
  • Tier 3
  • Tier 4
  • Tier 5 = Name brand, specialty medication, highest cost

In fact, I had asked for a Tier 5 drug, and when the lady at the counter told me the price ($85), I almost had a heart attack.

Then, I proceeded to ask her how much the Tier 1 drug cost.

You will NOT believe it. 

The Tier 1 drug was 94% less expensive than the Tier 5 drug. 

Unbelievable.

So if you can, ALWAYS go with the generic brand.

In fact, almost all generic drugs are AT LEAST 85% cheaper than name brand drugs.

85. Look for Past Promo Codes Online


Here’s a sneaky trick I’ve always done…

If you’re shopping online and about to buy whatever is in your “checkout cart,” STOP.

Check if there is a promo code section. 

If there is a promo code section, then do this trick:

Search in Google for “the company you’re buying from” promo codes.

So for example, I’d look for “Starbucks Promo Codes” and find coupons online that normally would not be advertised on the website. 

In fact, you might even get lucky…

For example, let’s say you find a promo code that says “Pumpkin2020.” 

Just type in the same promo code and update the year to reflect the current year “Pumpkin2023.”

Chances are, the promo code works.

86. Google for Coupons


Another thing I’d always do BEFORE going into a store is Googling for coupons online.

For example, whenever I’d get my car checked at the local car dealership (which was a national chain store), I’d Google their current coupons. 

Why?

Because many times, the chain stores won’t give YOU the full list of available coupons. 

They want to make money. 

So I literally did a quick Google search, found some coupons that were not yet expired and handed them to the cashier. 

The cashier was SO perplexed that I had found this coupon (it was 30% off my service request!), they had to first VERIFY it was legit… which it was. 

Talk about using the internet for your frugal lifestyle!

87. Don’t Fuel up on Thursdays


If you’re planning your week ahead, then make sure you AVOID THE GAS PUMP on Thursdays. 

Why?

That’s when the prices go up the most. 

Instead, fuel up on Mondays or Fridays, when fuel is typically the cheapest.

88. Change Your Air Filter


When was the last time you checked your air conditioning air filter? 

If it’s been more than 3 months… DO IT. 

In fact, changing your air filter could save you up to 50% in your energy bill. 

When I changed my air conditioning filter regularly, I saved about 15% – which was a HUGE difference, since I live in hot Florida!

89. Inflate Your Tires


Yes, inflating your tires can ACTUALLY make a difference. 

I’ve spoken to car mechanics, who have verified this as well. 

In fact, inflating your car tires can:

  • Reduce drag
  • Lower your fuel consumption
  • Increase the lifespan of your tires

Think about it…

If you inflate your tires, then less of the tire will touch the road.

So, you’re actually increasing your tire life.

You’re also lowering your fuel consumption because there is less friction (since less of the tire is touching the road). 

Of course, make sure you don’t OVERINFLATE your tires, either.

That’s a whole different issue!

90. Drink on Mondays


I’m joking…

But seriously, get your beer and wine on Mondays.

That’s when they’re typically the cheapest. 

Don’t shop for alcohol on Fridays or the weekends – as you can imagine, that’s when it’s most expensive.

91. Grocery Shop on Sundays or Wednesdays


Even grocery stores have their own agendas. 

If you want to live frugally, then you’ll also have to plan your grocery shopping tours. 

In fact, the 2 cheapest days to go grocery shopping are:

  • Sundays
  • Wednesdays

And make sure to ALWAYS bring a grocery list.

Another pro tip?

Eat a meal before you go grocery shopping, so you’re not inclined to buy EVERYTHING on the shelves.

92. Eat out on Monday & Tuesday


Just like grocery stores, restaurants hike up their prices as well. 

If you want to enjoy life by eating out but still stick to your frugal living habits, then eat out on:

  • Mondays
  • Tuesdays

Restaurants tend to be most expensive on Fridays and the weekends (for obvious reasons).

93. Buy the Name Brands at the Dollar Store


You don’t ALWAYS have to avoid the name brands.

In fact, if you’re shopping at the Dollar Store, I’d say get the name brands!

You’re already buying at a discount since you’re at the Dollar Store, so why not get the discounted name brand?

You’ll probably get quality while saving money and still living frugally.

94. Keep Your Receipts & Answer the Feedback Surveys!


Have you ever looked at the bottom of your receipts? 

Chances are, you probably have glanced at your receipts, before crumpling them up and throwing them out. 

STOP THAT HABIT NOW.

If you want to live frugally, here’s what you have to do:

  • Ask for a receipt
  • Keep it
  • Answer the feedback surveys you’ll find at the BOTTOM of the receipts

Typically, you’ll find these feedback surveys on the bottom of receipts for grocery stores. 

You may get $5 off your next purchase – or even more!

95. Ask for Free Makeup Samples


I was SHOCKED when I found out about this frugal living tip.

It. Works.

Popular mainstream makeup companies like Sephora actually OFFER customers free makeup samples. 

They structure their makeup samples into what they call “worlds.”

These “worlds” include:

  • Fragrance
  • Skincare
  • Color

You cannot request free makeup samples for mascara, pencil, lipstick, or pressed powder (unfortunately). 

The best news? 

You can get up to THREE free samples PER WORLD. 

So in total, you could get 9 free samples, which can save you A LOT of money.

96. Re-dye Faded Solid Colors


I LOVE solid color shirts.

They are easy to maintain… and the best part?

If I spill something on my shirt (which happens more than once!), I can simply buy the right dye color and RE-DYE my shirt!

Dyes like Rit Dye work extremely well. 

And, it’s cheap!

97. Save those Condiment Packages


We’re probably being a bit extreme here, but living frugally sometimes requires an extreme method.

Whenever you go to restaurants – or even fast food joints – save those condiment packages.

You can save the:

  • Salt
  • Relish 
  • Pepper
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Parmesan cheese

…The list goes on!

They often give you too many ANYWAY, so why not save them?

Plus, you can probably ask for more at the counter, and they’ll likely give the packages to you… FOR FREE!

98. Collect Free Envelopes


Every time you get bills in the mail – or even advertisements – take a closer look. 

Every so often, you’ll get these white envelopes in the mail.

They are return envelopes and expect you return them with a check, or subscription sign-up, etc. 

Instead of throwing these envelopes out, SAVE THEM.

Just white-out the company name on the back of the envelope, and make sure to attach a stamp to it as well (just in case). 

Then reuse the envelope for whatever purpose!

99. Use Vinegar & Baking Soda for Cleaning


You don’t have to buy cleaning products. 

They are expensive and can contain harmful chemicals for children and pets. 

PLUS they don’t help your frugal lifestyle. 

Instead, turn to vinegar and baking soda. 

Here’s how:

  • Dilute vinegar with water to clean and polish glass surfaces
  • Dilute baking soda with water for more abrasive cleaning needs 

The baking soda and water mixture can be used to clean:

  • The inside of a refrigerator 
  • Your bathtub
  • Your sink

These are ALL homemade cleaning supplies that help your wallet. 

100. Check Your Food Labels


Have you ever noticed the dates on your food products?

Check them closely, because each date means something different.

Here’s your cheat sheet:

  • Sell By – Advises the STORE know how long to display products. The product (typically meat or poultry) should be purchased before the “Sell By” date.
  • Best if Used By – Advises the consumer for the best TASTE or quality. It is NOT for safety concerns
  • Use By – Advises the consumer when a product’s quality will be compromised 

Knowing these differences can save you $100’s over the year!

101. Cut the Broccoli


The next time you’re in the grocery store and you’re buying the broccoli, check out how you’re charged. 

More often than not, you pay for broccoli by the POUND.

Since most people don’t eat the stalks of broccoli anyway, just cut off the stems IN THE STORE.

You keep living frugally by saving money, while you get the best part of the broccoli.

102. Read the Price Tags


The next time you go shopping at one of the big retail stores, take a closer look at the ending number on the price tags. 

That’s right – look at the CENTS and not the dollar. 

The cents will tell you whether you’re actually getting a discounted product. 

Here are some examples: 

  • Costco – discounted items end in $-.97
  • Target – items at their lowest cost end in $-0.04
  • Gap – discounted items end in $-.97
  • Walmart – items at their lowest cost end in $-.00
  • JCPenny – discounted items end in $-.97
  • Kohl’s – items at their lowest cost have a square in the upper right-hand corner

If you know how to read price tags, then you can save EVEN MORE money!

103. Ask for the Ugly Produce


The next time you go grocery shopping, find a produce representative. 

Instead of buying the produce that’s readily available, ask the produce representative if they have any “ugly” produce. 

Typically, this “ugly” produce is not displayed.

It’s “ugly” because it might have been squished, bruised, or dented during transport. 

But often, ugly produce is still ok to eat!

So, see if you can buy the ugly produce for a discount!

104. Use a Foil Ball


Stop using clothing softener.

One of the best frugal tips I’ve received was using a foil ball to soften clothes while they’re in the dryer.

Find your aluminum foil and build a roughly 3 inch ball in diameter. 

Put that aluminum foil ball into the dryer the next time you dry your clothes, and you’ll feel a difference – for less!

105. Get a Cold Sub


Believe it or not, if you’re treating yourself to a subway sandwich, go for the cold subs. 

Why?

There’s a rule where there is no sales tax levied on cold subs!

For example, in California, hot prepared foods (like hot subs) will levy a 7.25% California state sales tax PLUS a local district tax rate. 

Yikes!

106. Buy Holiday Items AFTER the Holiday 


You probably already guessed it:

Start shopping for your holiday directly AFTER the current holiday ends. 

Why? 

Because the more expensive holiday items are typically discounted by 75% to 90%!

Some examples include:

  • Cards
  • Decorations
  • Wrapping paper

I typically start shopping for my next Christmas on December 28. 

Virtually everything is discounted then!

107. Don’t Always Delay Spending


This frugal living tip might go against the grain, since everyone is telling you to DELAY spending. 

But think about inflation!

Inflation erodes our dollar’s purchasing power. 

So if you delayed buying a house (for example), the cost of a house probably increased MASSIVELY while you were delaying.

Sometimes, if you see a good deal, GO FOR IT.

the millennial money woman blog post "frugal living benefits"

Benefits of Frugal Living


There are so many hidden benefits when it comes to frugal living, some of them include:

  • Early retirement
  • Financial happiness
  • Increased net worth
  • Decreased financial stress
  • Ability to weather the storm
  • Increased quality time with friends and family

In fact, you can even practise frugal living in retirement!

Ultimately, the most important benefit is that the frugal lifestyle will help you achieve your financial goals.

That’s the beauty of frugal living: You tailor it to your own financial goals.

Keep in mind that every time you decide to:

  • Invest 
  • Save money
  • Cut out unnecessary expenses

…You are moving 1 small [but consistent] step closer to your financial goals.

how to start living frugally

How to Live a Frugal Lifestyle


Anyone can start a frugal lifestyle – but the trick is to continue living frugally, which you do by making only minor adjustments in your frugal lifestyle. 

These small changes will compound and add up to major savings down the road.

Frugal living is like dieting, if you make 1 major change, it might last for a few months. But chances are, you’ll revert back to your old habits.

Reverting to your old not-so frugal living habits of course would be detrimental to your financial picture. 

Below are some basic tips to start living a frugal lifestyle:

  • Cook at home
  • Consolidate debt
  • Focus on the “why” 
  • Take low-cost experiences 
  • Negotiate as much as you can
  • Cut out monthly subscriptions
  • Gift DIY projects instead of objects
  • Buy high quality so that it will last last
  • Only purchase used items (cars, clothes, etc.)
  • Shop and buy new, more cost-effective insurance

Just keep in mind: Don’t start living in squalor on day 1. Your frugal living plan could backfire drastically.

FAQs

Frugal living is assigning a purpose to every single cent. If done correctly, frugal living can help you prioritize your spending habits, cut back on unnecessary living costs, and move you closer to your financial goals.

Anyone can become frugal – it’s just a matter of starting out slow and making minor adjustments to your current lifestyle. Over time, these minor adjustments will compound and you’ll see a big (positive) difference in your wallet.

Absolutely! Frugal living helps you live a satisfied and stress-free life because you’ll be accomplishing your dreams. Frugal living is the stepping stone you need to accomplish your major life goals.

Frugal living can help set you up to build your wealth, increase your net worth, and overall practice healthy financial habits that will improve your financial lifestyle in the long run.

Closing Thoughts


Frugal living is a life habit that will help you move 1 step closer to making your financial goals a reality. 

Contrary to popular belief, frugal living does not mean you live in absolute poverty. 

It means:

  • Moderation
  • Understanding your “why”
  • Moving closer to your financial goals

Like dieting, You can only win with frugal living if you make small adjustments incrementally and over time.

Start today, be consistent, and you will achieve financial independence.

Your bank accounts will thank me later!

Now it’s your turn:

What are your favorite frugal tips?

Let me know in the comments section below!

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