54 Tips to Save Money on One Income

The Secret To How To Live On Less Income

Save Money On Eating

1. Bring Your Own Lunch.

Dining out can be costly, with meals often ranging from $10 to $15. By preparing your own lunch and bringing it to work, you can significantly reduce your monthly food expenses, potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

2. Cook Meals from Scratch.

Opt for preparing meals from fresh ingredients instead of buying pre-packaged foods. Homemade meals are healthier, tastier, and more budget-friendly.

3. Cook in Batches.

Preparing large quantities of food and freezing portions helps you avoid the temptation of eating out and saves you time on cooking.

4. Get Free Starbucks Coffee with Swagbucks.

Enjoying your favorite coffee doesn’t have to break the bank. With Swagbucks, you can earn rewards that can be redeemed for Starbucks gift cards. Complete surveys and other tasks to earn “SB,” which you can convert into gift cards or PayPal cash. Sign up today and get a $5 bonus here!

5. Save $5 Instantly on Groceries.

The Ibotta app offers cash back on grocery purchases. Snap a photo of your receipt and earn cash that can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal. New users receive a $20 gift card bonus here.

6. Buy Marked-Down Food Before Expiry.

Purchasing items on clearance, such as bread, can save you up to 50% off the original price.

7. Consider a Water Filter.

Avoid the recurring cost of bottled water by installing a water filter at home. This can save you money and provide you with clean water directly from your tap.

8. Skip Pre-Packaged Foods.

Pre-packaged foods are convenient but expensive. For instance, buying a large bag of animal crackers is cheaper per ounce than buying multiple smaller bags.

9. Find Budget Meal Ideas.

Check out this video where Ardent Michelle challenges herself to eat on a $2 daily budget for a week.

10. Choose Fresh, Seasonal Produce.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are usually more affordable. To save money, buy produce when it’s in season.

11. Don’t Skip Breakfast.

Skipping breakfast can lead to larger, costlier meals later. Start your day with a simple, nutritious breakfast to avoid unnecessary expenses.

12. Dine Out for Lunch Instead of Dinner.

Lunch menus are often less expensive than dinner. Opt for dining out at lunch to save money while enjoying a meal.

13. Roll Your Own Cigarettes.

If you smoke, rolling your own cigarettes can be significantly cheaper than buying pre-made ones.

14. Eat Home More Often.

Commit to dining at home at least five nights a week to avoid the high costs of fast food and dining out.

Cut Costs Around the House

15. Consider Downsizing or Moving to a Cheaper Home.

If your current home is larger than necessary, downsizing could lead to substantial savings on mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility bills.

16. Insulate Your Walls.

Proper wall insulation can reduce your heating and cooling costs significantly. It’s a one-time investment that pays off over time.

17. Sell Unused Items.

Clear out unused items from your home and sell them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to earn extra cash.

18. Turn Off Lights When Not in Use.

Switching off lights when they’re not needed helps lower your electricity bill. It’s a small change that can lead to significant savings.

19. Air Dry Clothes and Hair.

Reduce your utility costs by air drying clothes and hair instead of using a dryer.

20. Run the Dishwasher Only When Full.

To save water, only run your dishwasher when it’s fully loaded. This approach maximizes efficiency and reduces water usage.

21. Use Reusable Shopping Bags.

Switch to reusable bags to save money and avoid the additional fees for plastic bags at many stores.

22. Make Your Own Cleaning Products.

Creating your own cleaning products can be more cost-effective and avoid harsh chemicals. For example, an all-purpose cleaner can be made with water and white vinegar for a minimal cost.

23. Adjust Your Thermostat.

Lower your thermostat in winter and raise it in summer by a few degrees to cut down on energy bills.

24. Set a Timer for Shorter Showers.

Use a timer to keep showers brief, reducing your water and energy usage.

25. Get a Free Home Energy Audit.

Many cities offer free home energy audits to help identify ways to cut energy costs and improve efficiency.

26. Wash Your Car at Home.

Save Money While Shopping

27. Get 15% Off Toiletries with Amazon Subscribe & Save.

Never worry about running out of essentials like toilet paper or toothpaste again. By using Amazon’s Subscribe & Save, you can save 15% on these items and have them delivered directly to your door.

28. Opt for Generic Brands.

Switching to generic brands for products such as cereal, pasta, and cleaning supplies can lead to substantial savings. Store brands often match the quality of name brands but cost significantly less. The same goes for generic medications, which are typically more affordable.

29. Check Out the Sales Rack.

When stores receive new stock, the previous items often get moved to the sales rack. Start your shopping there to find great deals on clothing and other items.

30. Eat Before Grocery Shopping.

Avoid shopping on an empty stomach. Hunger can lead to impulse buying of unnecessary items. Have a meal before you shop to prevent this.

31. Shop at Dollar Stores.

Dollar stores offer everyday items at lower prices. They can be a great place to find bargains on routine purchases.

32. Stick to Your Grocery List.

Create and follow a grocery list to avoid buying extra items you don’t need. This helps keep your spending in check.

33. Try No-Spend Weekends.

Plan regular no-spend weekends where you engage in free activities. Enjoy quality time with family without spending extra money.

34. Shop at Discount Stores.

Instead of the mall, check out discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Ross for savings on clothing and home goods.

35. Buy Christmas Gifts Year-Round.

Spread out your holiday shopping throughout the year. This helps you avoid last-minute spending and take advantage of sales and discounts.

Save Money on Travel

36. Choose Affordable Vacation Options.

You can still enjoy vacations without overspending. Consider alternatives like rental properties on Airbnb or Booking.com, or explore local destinations to save on airfare.

37. Adjust Flight Dates for Savings.

Changing your flight dates by just a day or two can often lead to significant savings. Use flexible date options on booking sites to find the best rates.

38. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons.

Traveling during mid or off-peak seasons often results in lower costs and less crowded destinations.

39. Find Cheap Flights.

Book flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for lower rates. Consider budget airlines like Spirit and bring your own snacks to save further.

Save Money on Entertainment & Personal Expenses

40. Focus on Preventive Care.

Preventive care can help you avoid costly medical expenses. Schedule regular checkups and maintain healthy habits to minimize healthcare costs.

41. Maintain an Emergency Fund.

Having an emergency fund is crucial, especially on a limited income. Keep this money in a separate savings account for unexpected expenses.

42. Skip Warranties.

Instead of purchasing warranties, save the money you would have spent. Many credit cards offer purchase protection, so check your card benefits for coverage.

43. Set Up Auto Pay for Bills.

Avoid late fees by setting up automatic payments for your bills. This helps you manage your finances more efficiently and saves time.

44. Use Wi-Fi Instead of Mobile Data.

45. Exercise at Home or Outdoors.

Save on gym memberships by working out at home or running outside. There are plenty of effective exercises you can do without a gym.

46. Cancel Cable TV and Opt for Streaming Services like Amazon Prime.

Other Frugal Living Tips

47. Utilize Spare Time to Earn Extra Money.

Even if you’ve trimmed your budget to the bone, you might still need extra cash. Consider leveraging your spare time to make money from home. I’ve covered various ways to earn from home in several posts, which you might find helpful:

• How to Make an Extra $1000 Fast (20 Real Ways)
• Surveys for Cash: 13 Best Survey Sites That Pay Through PayPal
• How to Make $100 a Day: 55 Creative Real Ways
• 15 Best Stay-at-Home Mom Jobs That Pay Really Well

48. Use Free Apps for Cash Back and Discounts.

Several apps and services offer opportunities to earn or save money. Here are some of my top picks:

• Upside: Earn cash back on gas and redeem via PayPal or gift cards. Use promo code AFF20 for a sign-up bonus. Download Upside.
• Capital One Shopping: Find coupon codes and compare prices while shopping online. Get Capital One Shopping.
• Dosh: Link your credit and debit cards to earn cash-back rewards at participating retailers. Download Dosh.
• Scott’s Cheap Flights: Receive email alerts for discounted flights. Try a free 14-day trial.
• Rakuten: Get alerted to cash-back and coupon opportunities with the Rakuten browser extension. Get Rakuten.
• Insurify: Compare insurance rates for potential savings. Find better rates with Insurify.

49. Embrace Extreme Frugality.

Consider trying some extreme frugal living strategies. Extreme frugality isn’t as challenging as it sounds. Some tips, like making your own shampoo or starting a garden, are easier than you might think.

50. Sell or Limit Your Car Usage.

Evaluate whether you need more than one car. If your family’s primary income earner is staying home, consider selling one vehicle to save on expenses.

The average annual cost to own a car is approximately $9,282, according to AAA. Reducing this cost could be a significant saving.

51. Monitor Your Car’s Tire Pressure.

Low tire pressure can decrease fuel efficiency. Regularly check and maintain your car’s tire pressure to save money on gas.

52. Stay Consistent with Savings Goals.

Avoid getting discouraged by focusing on your savings goals. Trust your plan and let your savings build over time. Be productive, rest adequately, and minimize distractions like excessive social media use.

53. Participate in Online Surveys for Extra Cash.

54. Read Money Books.

Books on personal finance can transform your approach to managing money and enhance your financial situation.

How to Live Frugally on One Income and Still Be Happy

Making it on one income is possible with careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. Start by implementing a few tips at a time. As you gain control, gradually incorporate more changes. These steps will help you build a financially rewarding life.

Final Words

With these 54 tips for frugal living on a single income, you’re well-equipped to manage your finances effectively. You’ll be on your way to mastering frugal living in no time.

Over to You

Do you have any additional tips for living frugally on one income? Share your favorite strategies for thriving on a single income lifestyle. I’d love to hear from you!