86 Extreme Frugality Tips To Save Hundreds Every Month

Living frugally differs significantly from being cheap. While a person who is cheap may opt for the lowest-priced item without regard for quality, a frugal individual focuses on getting the most value for their money. They don’t necessarily choose the cheapest option but seek items that offer durability and good quality.

By adopting a frugal lifestyle, you can enjoy a comfortable life without splurging on unnecessary items. Explore the following frugal living tips and try a few to start. It’s best not to implement them all at once; instead, gradually integrate them into your routine.

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Frugal Living Tips To Save Money On Eating

1. Cook from scratch.

Preparing meals from scratch with fresh ingredients not only saves money but also ensures healthier and more nutritious food. Homemade meals are often more satisfying and cost-effective than pre-packaged options.

2. Bring your own lunch to work.

Eating out regularly can be quite expensive, often costing between $8 and $12 per meal. Packing your lunch can save you hundreds of dollars each month, allowing you to enjoy home-cooked meals at work.

3. Consider a water filter.

Purchasing bottled water regularly can add up over time. Installing a water filter at home can provide you with clean, filtered water and reduce the cost associated with buying bottled water.

4. Skip the coffee shop visits.

Frequent coffee shop visits can drain your wallet quickly. For example, spending $5 daily on coffee totals around $150 a month. Brewing coffee at home can save you more than $100 each month, with the added benefit of perfecting your coffee-making skills.

5. Turn the oven on once.

While using the oven, consider baking multiple items like bread, muffins, or a whole chicken. This way, you maximize the use of the oven’s energy and prepare meals for the week in one go.

6. Save on Water Usage.

To lower your water bill, consider turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, taking quicker showers, or collecting water in a container while waiting for it to warm up. By reducing your water use, you can see noticeable savings on your utility expenses.

7. Reduce Meat Consumption.

Try including more plant-based meals in your diet. For instance, use less meat in dishes such as pasta or stir-fry, and bulk up your meals with grains and vegetables. This approach not only helps to save money but also promotes a healthier eating pattern.

8. Avoid pre-packaged foods.

Pre-packaged foods can be more expensive compared to buying in bulk. For instance, a large bag of animal crackers often costs less per ounce than multiple small packages. Buying in bulk and repackaging at home can save you money.

9. Eat delicious food for $2 a day.

Watch the video where Ardent Michelle challenges herself to eat for $2 a day, demonstrating how to stick to a tight grocery budget.

10. Join Your Grocery Store’s Rewards or Coupon Program.

Take advantage of grocery store loyalty programs and coupons to cut costs on your regular shopping. These programs are often free to join and can lead to substantial savings in the long run.

11. Cut out soda or juice and switch to water.

Beverages like soda and juice can be surprisingly costly. Reducing your consumption of these drinks and switching to water can help lower your grocery expenses, potentially saving you nearly $520 a year.

12. Purchase Discounted Food Near Its Expiry Date.

Seek out food items that are marked down because they are approaching their expiration date. For instance, buying a loaf of bread on clearance can save you half of its usual cost, providing notable savings.

13. Eat at home more.

Avoiding fast food and dining out can lead to significant savings. Committing to eating at home at least five nights a week can help you manage your food budget better.

14. Dine at Restaurants with Kids’ Discounts.

Look for family-friendly restaurants that offer free or discounted meals for children. Many establishments have special promotions, like free kids’ meals on specific days.

15. Roll your own cigarettes.

If you smoke, rolling your own cigarettes can greatly reduce your monthly expenses compared to purchasing pre-made cigarettes.

16. Purchase Fresh Seasonal Produce.

Opt for fruits and vegetables that are in season, as they are generally cheaper. Make a note of what’s in season and focus on buying these items to save on your grocery expenses.

17. Don’t skip breakfast.

Eating a nutritious breakfast can prevent you from spending money on a more expensive lunch later. Simple, filling options like cereal, oatmeal, or eggs are cost-effective and keep you energized throughout the day.

18. Choose Lunch Over Dinner.

Lunch options are typically more budget-friendly than dinner menus, even if the dishes are similar. Dining out for lunch can be a cost-effective way to enjoy a meal out.

Frugal Living Tips To Save Money Around The House

19. Repurpose dish towels.

Cut dish towels into smaller pieces and use them in place of paper towels. This practice can help you eliminate the need for disposable paper towels.

20. Recycle old linens.

Transform old pillowcases into cleaning rags. This method reduces the need for disposable cleaning products and helps you save money.

21. Opt for Cloth Napkins Instead of Paper.

Choose cloth napkins over disposable ones, especially when hosting guests. Cloth napkins are elegant, can be found cheaply at yard sales, and can be reused multiple times.

22. Wash Clothes in Cold Water.

Using cold water for laundry reduces the energy needed to heat the water, which can lower your overall energy bills.

23. DIY Repairs and Maintenance.

Instead of calling a handyman for every small repair, try learning how to fix things yourself. Platforms like YouTube offer numerous tutorials for a wide range of repairs.

24. Sell Unused Items Around the House.

If you have items that you no longer use, consider selling them. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and eBay are great places to list these items for sale.

25. Layer Up Instead of Using the Heater.

Wear sweaters, socks, and use blankets to stay warm. Reserve the heater for when it becomes excessively cold, saving on heating costs.

26. Switch Off Lights When Not Needed.

It might seem small, but turning off lights when they’re not in use can result in noticeable savings on your electricity bill in the long run.

27. Toilet Train Early.

Early toilet training can significantly cut down on the cost of diapers. For example, some parents have managed to eliminate diaper use entirely with early training.

28. Air Dry Clothes and Hair.

Air drying your clothes and hair reduces energy usage, leading to lower utility bills.

29. Consider Downsizing Your Home.

If your current home is larger than necessary, downsizing could reduce your mortgage, property taxes, and utility bills. It’s a significant decision but can lead to substantial savings.

30. Run the Dishwasher Only When Full.

The water usage of a dishwasher remains the same whether it’s full or half-full, so wait until it’s fully loaded to run it.

31. Opt for LED Light Bulbs.

LED light bulbs consume less energy and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, which can lead to cost savings over time.

32. Bring Your Own Reusable Shopping Bags.

Avoid fees for single-use plastic bags by using reusable shopping bags. Many stores charge for plastic bags, so bringing your own helps you save money and cut down on waste.

33. Use Rechargeable Batteries.

Rechargeable batteries, though initially more expensive, can be used multiple times, leading to savings over purchasing disposable batteries regularly.

34. Use a Rain Barrel to Collect Water.

Set up a rain barrel to gather rainwater for watering your garden and other household needs. This can help lower your water bills and make efficient use of natural resources.

35. Make Your Own Cleaning Products.

DIY cleaning products can save you money and reduce chemical exposure. For example, a simple all-purpose cleaner can be made with:

• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups white vinegar (a 64oz bottle costs around $2.52 and makes 8 bottles)
• Total Cost Per Bottle: $0.31

You can also add essential oils for a pleasant scent.

36. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings.

Raise your thermostat by 2 degrees during summer and lower it by 2 degrees in winter to cut down on energy expenses.

37. Use a Timer for Shorter Showers.

Set a timer to help limit your shower time, reducing water and energy consumption.

38. Get a Home Energy Audit.

Many cities offer free home energy audits to identify ways to save on energy costs, helping you reduce your utility bills.

39. Air-Dry Your Laundry.

Opt for drying clothes on a rack or line instead of using a dryer to reduce energy consumption and lower your utility costs.

40. Utilize Wood Heat.

If you have a wood stove, use it for heating instead of relying solely on electric or gas heaters.

41. Dye Your Hair at Home.

Consider dyeing your hair at home rather than visiting a salon to save on hair care expenses.

42. Wash Your Car at Home.

Wash your car yourself to save on the cost of commercial car washes.

Frugal Living Tips To Save Money On Shopping

43. Eat Before You Go Grocery Shopping.

Shopping while hungry can lead to buying more than you need. Have a meal or snack before heading to the store to help you stay focused and avoid impulse buys.

44. Shop at Dollar Stores.

Dollar stores often have everyday items at lower prices, making them a good place to find bargains.

45. Ask for Discounts.

Always inquire about discounts such as senior, student, or other applicable discounts to save money on your purchases.

46. Stick to Your Grocery List.

Ensure you shop strictly from your grocery list. It’s common to end up purchasing extra items from supermarkets. Without a list, it’s easy to forget essentials and buy unnecessary items instead.

47. Buy Non-Perishables in Bulk.

For items with a long shelf life, consider buying in bulk. Stock up on canned goods, pasta, and rice. Compare prices for bulk purchases versus smaller packages to see the savings.

48. Opt for Second-Hand Items.

Not everything needs to be brand new. Explore secondhand stores for discounted finds on clothing, furniture, books, and more. These stores offer great deals on used items.

49. Use a Smaller Shopping Cart.

Large carts can encourage you to fill them up and lead to impulse buys. Stick with a smaller cart to limit unnecessary purchases.

50. Avoid Trendy Fashion.

If your closet is overflowing and you still feel you have nothing to wear, the issue may be with your shopping habits. Focus on staples rather than trendy items, and consider how new purchases will fit with your existing wardrobe.

51. Shop at Different Stores.

Don’t limit yourself to one store. Prices can vary, so visiting multiple stores might save you $1 – $2 or more per item. Explore different stores to find the best deals.

52. Try No-Spend Weekends.

Save money by having no-spend weekends. Opt for free activities and enjoy quality time with family without spending extra.

53. Check Out Garage Sales.

Garage sales often offer items in great condition or even new at significantly reduced prices. They can be a great source for bargains.

54. Shop After Holidays.

Post-holiday shopping often comes with significant discounts, sometimes as much as 70% to 80% off clearance items. Take advantage of these sales for major savings.

55. Avoid Malls; Shop Discount Stores.

Skip the mall and head to discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, or Ross for better deals.

56. Choose Fresh Foods Over Processed Snacks.

Instead of buying processed snacks, offer fresh fruits and vegetables to your kids for healthier, cost-effective options.

57. Find Alternatives to Shopping.

If you find yourself window shopping or browsing online often, seek out hobbies that don’t involve spending money.

58. Repair Clothes Instead of Replacing Them.

Rather than buying new clothes, mend and repair ripped garments to extend their life.

59. Utilize Your Local Library.

Instead of purchasing books, take advantage of your local library’s free borrowing services.

60. Buy Christmas Gifts Throughout the Year.

Spread your holiday shopping across the entire year. This strategy helps you avoid the rush and capitalize on seasonal discounts.

Frugal Living Tips To Save Money On Travel

61. Be Flexible With Flight Dates.

Adjusting your flight dates by even a day or two can result in significant savings, often over $100. Use flexible date options on booking sites to find the best rates.

62. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons.

Opt for travel during mid or off-seasons to avoid the high costs associated with peak travel times.

63. Opt for an Airbnb Stay.

Airbnb often provides a more cost-effective lodging option compared to hotels, with the added benefit of more space and extra amenities.

64. Use Public Transportation.

Save money by using public transportation instead of renting a car during your travels.

65. Avoid All-Inclusive Packages.

While all-inclusive options seem convenient, they can be expensive. Consider buying groceries upon arrival and dining out sparingly to save money.

66. Search for Cheap Flights.

Book flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for lower fares. Consider budget airlines like Spirit for additional savings, even if it means bringing your own snacks.

Frugal Living Tips To Save Money On Entertainment & Personal

67. Cancel Unused Subscriptions.

Eliminate magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, or other services you no longer use. If you have a landline, consider canceling it as well, since smartphones suffice for most communication needs.

68. Negotiate Insurance Bills.

Don’t hesitate to negotiate your car and home insurance rates to potentially lower your monthly premiums.

69. Opt for Home Movie Rentals.

Instead of paying for movie tickets and expensive concessions, rent movies from services like Redbox or stream them on Netflix for a more affordable option.

70. Pay More Than the Minimum on Debts.

Whenever possible, pay more than the minimum on your debts. Even an extra $10 a month can accelerate your journey to being debt-free.

71. Pay Bills Online.

Utilize online bill payments through your bank. Enrolling in a paperless system can often lead to discounts.

72. Set Up Your Bills on Auto Pay.

Automate your bill payments to ensure they’re paid on time and avoid late fees.

73. Reduce Your Gas Expenses.

Utilize GasBuddy to compare gas prices in your area and locate the most affordable options by inputting your location.

74. Limit Cellphone Data Usage.

Consider using Wi-Fi exclusively or switch to a more affordable cellphone plan.

75. Exercise at Home or Outdoors.

Save money by working out at home or running outside instead of investing in a gym membership.

76. Cut Cable TV and Opt for Streaming Services.

Switch to streaming services like Amazon Prime to reduce entertainment costs.

Other Frugal Living Tips

77. Take Walks or Ride Bikes as a Family.

Enjoy quality time together with free outdoor activities like walking or biking.

78. Participate in Online Surveys to Earn Extra Income.

Sign up for legitimate survey sites to make additional income from home.

79. Read Money Books.

Books on finance can transform your approach to money, helping you gain control and improve your financial situation.

80. Use Cash or a Debit Card Instead of a Credit Card.

To avoid accumulating debt and interest charges, opt for cash or debit card payments.

81. Buy a Used Car Instead of a New One.

Consider purchasing a used car to save on the initial cost and depreciation.

82. Rotate Tires Regularly and Maintain Proper Inflation.

Regular tire rotation and keeping them properly inflated can improve their longevity and boost your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

83. Brush and Floss Regularly.

Proper dental hygiene can reduce the need for frequent dental visits.

84. Consider Switching Banks if You’re Paying High Fees.

If your bank fees are significant, it might be time to explore other banking options with lower charges.

85. Say No to Expensive Kids’ Activities.

Kids often need fresh air and unstructured play, which can be free. Limit costly activities and encourage free play.

86. Invite Friends Over Instead of Going Out.

Host gatherings at home to save on the cost of dining out or entertainment.

Final Words

If you’re ready to embrace a frugal lifestyle, start by implementing a few tips from this list each week. By trying two or three tips a week, you could save hundreds every month!

Focus on cutting costs in areas that matter less to you, so you can allocate funds to what’s important.

Frugal living is about finding a balance between your financial goals and enjoying life.

Do you have any frugal living tips to share? Leave a comment and let me know!