This post may include affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Frugal Living Tips to Help You Save Money
Learn the best frugal tips to try now if you’re struggling to save money!
And if you need a quick and easy way to make money, get paid to take surveys with Swagbucks and Survey Junkie!
Are you ready to live a more frugal lifestyle so you can start saving money?
Living frugally is something I happen to know a lot about–but I also know that it can be easier said than done sometimes.
You might be living paycheck to paycheck and feeling like there isn’t anything else you can cut from your budget.
Or you have the best of intentions when it comes to tracking your spending but your money just seems to get away from you.
And for some people, not being able to save is the result of losing a job or getting laid off from work.
But saving money and living more frugally doesn’t have to be impossible. You just need a plan for making it work!
What Is Frugal Living?
You might assume that living a frugal life means you have to be a total tightwad and pinch every penny.
But that’s so wrong!
Once upon a time, I thought frugal living meant you had to be an extreme couponer. I’d see these moms triumphantly buying 100 packs of toilet paper for $5 and I assumed that’s what being frugal meant.
Now I know better.
Because living a frugal lifestyle isn’t really about scoring the best deals on bulk toilet paper purchases or being a total cheapskate. It’s more about intention — what you do with your money and what you don’t.
Frugality is a choice and once you get into the habit, it’s a pretty easy one to make.
It’s not about deprivation or lack or bare-bones living, either. Putting frugal living tips into practice can open you up to abundance in unexpected ways.
And this is something anyone can do; it just takes commitment and a little creative thinking when it comes to spending and saving!
Benefits of Living Frugally
If you’ve never tried putting frugal living tips to work before, you might be wondering why you should even bother.
The truth is, being frugal can yield a ton of amazing benefits!
For example, when you choose to start following frugal living tips, you can:
- Pay your bills each month without worrying whether you’ll run out of money
- Finally get out of debt
- Break the paycheck to paycheck cycle and grow your emergency savings
- Plan for retirement or save for college expenses
- Start building wealth and reach financial freedom!
That all sounds good, right?
Those are all financial goals I’ve achieved or am working on right now. And it’s all because I decide to make frugal living tips a part of my regular money routine.
Ready to do the same?
Then this post is just for you. It’s packed with money-saving tips to help you enjoy your frugal living journey!
Frugal Living Tips to Save Money at Home
When it comes to saving money, there’s no better place to start than at home.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite frugal living tips to help you save big on household expenses!
1. Cut your cable TV and start streaming with Amazon Prime and Hulu.
2. Unplug electronics whenever you’re not using them to save on electricity.
3. Set your thermostat two degrees higher than you normally would in summer and two degrees lower in winter to control heating and air costs.
4. Or invest in a programmable thermostat so you can set it and forget it.
5. Get rid of your contract phone and switch to a prepaid cellphone.
6. Ditch your landline phone if you don’t need it.
7. Avoid washing and drying clothes at peak energy usage times for your area.
8. Wash clothes in cold water and use the most energy-efficient setting on your dryer.
9. Or buy a clothes drying rack and skip the dryer completely.
10. Swap out paper towels for reusable hand towels.
11. Keep your fridge and freezer full so they run more efficiently.
12. Change out your air filters regularly and consider buying in bulk to get a lower price per filter.
13. Have your heating and air system professionally cleaned and serviced twice a year to cut down on energy costs.
14. Cancel newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Read the news online and check your local library for magazines.
15. Reduce, reuse and recycle as much as you can. Challenge yourself to try zero-waste living for one week to see what you can save.
16. Seal up cracks around windows and doors to better insulate your home and keep a lid on heating costs in winter.
17. Turn off lights when you leave the room and invest in energy-efficient bulbs.
18. Use a timer to help you take faster showers.
19. Wait until you have a full load to run your dishwasher.
20. Make sure you have your hot water heater tuned to the most energy-efficient setting.
21. Use Billshark to find expenses you can cut from your household budget.
22. Consider refinancing your mortgage to get a lower interest rate and save money.
23. Declutter your home to get rid of things you don’t need, then commit to not filling it back up with “stuff”.
24. Learn to handle basic home repairs yourself instead of hiring someone to do it for you.
25. Buy rechargeable batteries you can reuse over and over.
26. Plan a frugal family staycation instead of spending money on a trip.
27. Set up a change jar to stash your change and $1 bills.
28. Raise your homeowner’s insurance deductible, which can lower your premium.
29. Bundle your homeowner’s and car insurance together to get a discount on premiums.
30. Find ways to work out at home and take a pass on pricey gym memberships.
31. Review your budget once a month to see if there are any expenses you can cut.
32. Consider rotating your kids’ toys. It cuts down on clutter and old toys may seem new again.
33. Try creating a capsule wardrobe and re-wear items a few times before washing them.
34. Learn how to make your own cleaning supplies. (Cheaper and eco-friendly!)
35. Use refillable soap dispensers instead of wasting money on disposable soap.
36. Try Amazon Home Services to save money on small tasks you need to outsource.
37. Cut unnecessary purchases out of your budget.
38. Invest in an energy-efficient shower head to save on water bills.
39. Cancel your newspaper subscription and read the news online.
40. Set up a rain barrel to collect water for watering plants.
41. Cut your grass instead of paying someone else.
42. Clean out your gutters in the fall. Clogged gutters can lead to water leaks and damage, which means big money headaches.
Frugal Living Tips to Save Money on Groceries and Food
43. Always shop at the grocery store with a list.
44. Download the Ibotta app if you haven’t yet to save money on groceries. (Get up to $20 in bonuses now!)
45. Save on everyday grocery essentials with Amazon Pantry.
46. Learn how to meal plan, which can save you both money and time. (Try $5 Meal Plan if you need some quick inspiration!)
47. Check the unit prices as you shop and compare whether it’s cheaper to buy in bulk.
48. Don’t be afraid to switch name brands for store brands.
49. Sign up for your grocery store’s rewards or coupon program.
50. Use your store’s online shopping and curbside pickup so you’re not tempted to make impulse buys. (Or better yet, get your groceries delivered with Instacart!)
51. Try meatless Mondays to cut down on grocery costs.
52. Learn to grow your own indoor herb garden.
53. Try some easy recipes using veggie scraps.
54. Batch cook using your crockpot or Instant Pot.
55. Store away some inexpensive freezer meals for those nights when you’re too busy to cook.
56. Learn how to make your favorite restaurant recipes at home.
57. Cut out soda or juice and switch to water. (Bonus points for using a sustainable water bottle instead of plastic bottles!)
58. Learn how to make your own bread, cakes and cookies instead of buying store-made versions.
59. Learn how to can jams, jellies, fruits and vegetables.
60. Purchase a food dehydrator to store foods for the long-term.
61. Shop seasonally and take advantage of your local farmer’s market.
62. Or visit farms that let you pick your own fruits or produce.
63. Shop your pantry before hitting the grocery store.
64. Buy markdown and clearance food items that are still within their expiration date.
65. If you have to go out to eat, try to stick to “Kids Eat Free” promotions.
66. Join your favorite restaurants’ birthday clubs or rewards programs to get money-saving coupons and deals.
67. Go potluck when hosting dinners at home for friends and family.
68. Purchase dry goods, such as rice, beans and flour, in bulk if your store offers bulk bins. Take your own reusable containers to fill up.
69. Shop the outside of the grocery store and skip the center aisles, which are packed with processed and pricey foods.
70. Consider whether it makes sense to invest in a deep freezer. If you can’t keep it full, having it plugged in can run up your energy costs. (Learned that the hard way!)
71. Stop buying processed snacks and offer your kids fresh fruits and veggies instead.
72. Learn how to make your own doggie treats for your pets from simple ingredients you already have.
Frugal Living Tips to Save Money on Shopping
73. Use Swagbucks, MyPoints and ShopAtHome to earn free gift cards on shopping.
74. Sign up for your favorite stores’ email lists and rewards programs to get coupons and deals in your inbox.
75. Consider whether you can buy secondhand or repurpose something you already have before making a new purchase.
76. Instead of buying kids’ clothes, get together with some other moms and host a clothing swap.
77. Use the Paribus app to find price matches when shopping online and get the money refunded to you automatically.
78. Install the Honey browser extension to automatically apply coupon codes when you shop online.
79. Sign up for Target Circle to get access to exclusive savings. Consider applying for a REDcard to get 5% back when you shop at Target stores or online.
80. Sign up for Rakuten to earn up to 40% cashback on shopping! (And get up to $20 in bonuses now!)
81. Download the Dosh app to earn cash back on dining, shopping and travel.
82. Get Ibotta to earn cash back and save money on groceries and shopping! (Get up to $20 in bonuses!)
83. Learn how to stack cash back rewards if you shop with a rewards credit card.
For example, you can get up to 10% back at Amazon when you shop through Rakuten, plus any cash back you earn with your card. (Ge a $10 cash bonus when you sign up!)
84. Use less detergent when washing your clothes to help them last longer. (I just learned about this a few weeks ago and it was a game-changer!)
85. Shop the dollar store for party favors, gift wrap and other inexpensive items. Then learn how to turn them into amazing DIY home decor!
86. Sign up for Acorns to invest your spare change each time you shop. (And get a $5 bonus when you use this link!)
87. Use sites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com to check for coupons and promo codes before shopping.
88. If you’re shopping for the holiday season, plan your budget well in advance. Consider setting up a separate savings account just for the holidays.
89. Consider making your gifts for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions.
90. Try a no-spend week or month to see if you can avoid spending money on shopping and other nonessentials.
91. If you’re shopping online, stick with sites that offer free shipping and free returns.
92. Learn to shop seasonally and wait for end-of-season deals.
Frugal Living Tips to Save Money on Entertainment
Having fun as a family doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here are some of my favorite ways to save money and have frugal fun!
(**Note: Some of these ideas may not be possible with social distancing requirements in place.)
93. Find frugal and low-cost activities you can do as a family during the fall and spring when it’s nice enough to spend plenty of time outdoors.
94. Institute some inexpensive family traditions for the holidays.
95. If you go to the movies, check to see if your theater offers a rewards program. I’ve saved almost $300 over the past few years using AMC Premiere rewards.
96. Stay home and stream movies using Amazon Prime instead.
97. Check your local parks and rec for free family-oriented activities throughout the year. For example, our town does free movies in the park all summer long and during the holidays.
98. Consider investing in a family annual membership to your favorite museum, theme park or other local attraction to save money.
99. Have a weekly family game night.
100. Take walks or ride bikes as a family.
101. Learn an inexpensive hobby together.
102. Instead of having big blowouts for birthdays, consider having a smaller family party at home. Or skip the party and let your child choose one inexpensive activity they’d like to do for the day.
103. Limit the number of gifts you buy for holidays or birthdays. The rule of four is a good one to follow for gifting.
104. Volunteer together as a family. You can save money and give back, which is great for teaching kids about gratitude.
105. Look for low-cost activities offered by volunteer-driven organizations. For instance, my kids take a monthly art class that costs just $10 through our county arts council.
106. Check out free festivals and concerts offered in your town. Our local sheriff’s department does a free fall festival each year that we always look forward to.
107. Pull out the arts and crafts supplies and let the kids create their own art gallery at home.
108. Drop the kids off at the grandparents once a month and have a cheap date night at home.
109. If you have smaller kids, check out everything your local library has to offer. Storytime was always a hit with my kids and our library also does craft hours and book clubs for older kids.
Frugal Living Tips to Save Money on Transportation
110. Get your tires rotated regularly and keep them properly inflated. This helps them last longer and increases your car’s fuel economy.
111. Wash and detail your car at home, versus paying to have it done.
112. Learn to change your car’s oil.
113. Group errands together so you don’t waste gas.
114. Get tune-ups regularly to keep your vehicle running efficiently.
115. Follow the speed limit to maximize fuel efficiency.
116. Check your insurance coverage to see if you’re eligible for any safe driving or bundling discounts.
117. Avoid toll roads when taking trips.
118. Travel by bicycle or carpool to save on gas and minimize wear and tear to your vehicle.
119. Use an app like GasBuddy to find the lowest gas prices.
120. Downsize to one car for your household if possible.
121. Refinance your car loan to save on interest.
122. Use Dosh or Rakuten to earn cash back on rental cars.
123. Ask your employer if working from home is possible.
124. Ask if your job offers reimbursement for transportation expenses.
125. Walk instead of driving whenever possible.
Frugal Living Tips to Save Money on Clothing
126. Buy quality pieces that are designed to last for years.
127. Shop secondhand at consignment shops or online thrift stores.
128. Resell gently used clothing for cash.
129. Consider setting up a clothing swap with other families.
130. Buy clothes on sale at the end of the season.
131. Learn basic sewing and repair skills so you can fix lost buttons or broken zippers.
132. Wash your clothes less often to help them last longer.
133. Avoid clothes that need dry cleaning or other special care.
134. Keep a clothing inventory so you don’t end buying pieces you already have.
135. Don’t buy things in the hopes that you’ll fit them “one day”.
136. If you have kids, by clothes that can be handed down.
Frugal Living Tips to Save Money on Everything Else
137. Learn to cut your hair at home.
138. Become an expert at DIY manicures and pedicures.
139. Ditch one bad habit, like smoking or drinking alcohol.
140. Learn how to track your spending so you know exactly where your money’s going.
141. Consider using cloth diapers instead of disposable ones. If that’s a no-go, sign up for Amazon Family to get 20% off diaper subscriptions.
142. Opt-out of prescreened credit card offers. This can make it less tempting to sign up for a new credit card which could potentially lead to debt.
143. Use an app like Tally to pay down credit card debt and save money on interest.
144. Make good physical health a priority. Staying healthy means fewer doctor visits and less money spent on health care.
145. Brush and floss regularly.
146. Consider switching banks if you’re shelling out big bucks for fees each month.
147. Train your indoor cat to go to the bathroom outside. No more spending money on litter and no more messes to clean up!
148. Check your health insurance each year during open enrollment. Compare what you’re paying now to see if you can get a better deal.
149. Review your investment accounts to see how much you’re paying in fees. Consider moving your retirement or investment accounts to a brokerage that charges fewer fees.
150. Cut back on over the counter medicines and try holistic remedies at home.
151. Turn off overdraft protection at your bank.
152. Streamline the number of bank accounts you have and get rid of ones you don’t need.
153. Double-check receipts and bills to make sure you aren’t being overcharged.
154. Take advantage of free money hacks to save.
155. Try the 52-week money challenge.
156. Cut out unnecessary subscription services. (Billshark is great for this!)
157. Steer clear of using credit cards.
158. If you do pay with credit, pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest.
159. Choose a cashback credit card for purchases and deposit rewards into savings.
160. Try using the cash envelope method to get your spending in check.
161. Or try zero-based budgeting if you need help finding money to save.
162. Schedule bill payment alerts to help you avoid late fees.
163. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses.
164. Learn to say no.
Bonus Frugal Tip: Make More Money to Save More Money
I couldn’t wrap up this list of frugal living tips without throwing in a mention of ways to make more money.
Developing your money making skills is an easy way to earn the money you need to save!
Here are some of my favorite ways to make extra money:
- Learn how to get paid to write online
- Get paid to proofread (Sign up for this free mini-course to learn how!)
- Make money as an online transcriber (Try the free course to learn more!)
- Get paid to teach yoga
- Become an Outschool teacher and make money online
- Start a virtual assistant business
- Get paid to lose weight with HealthyWage
- Take surveys with Survey Junkie
- Become a pet sitter with Rover
- Sell your services as a freelancer on Fiverr
- Start your own money-making blog!
What are your best frugal living tips?
Now it’s your turn–do you have some amazing frugal living tips to share? Head to the comments and tell me about it!
And don’t forget to pin and share this post!
Read these posts next for more frugal living inspiration:
15 Effortless Ways to Plan a Fun and Frugal Christmas on a Budget
53 Dirt Cheap Meals for Frugal Families on a Tight Food Budget
Groceries on a Budget: 35 Ways to Save Money on Food (Without Coupons)
Manahil says
An interesting read that is definitely worth a try <3
Rebecca says
Thanks so much!
Myrtle Marie says
This is a great list! There are huge benefits to a frugal lifestyle including less stress, more money to spend on the things you value and an increased appreciation for simple living.
I’m definitely happier now 🙂
Rebecca says
Thanks, Myrtle! You’re so right, I used to stress about money all the time but that changed when I realized that living frugally wouldn’t kill me. It’s become a way of life and I definitely appreciate having more money to save and put toward experiences instead of spending on “stuff” all the time.
Starr says
I’ve been trying to incorporate a more frugal lifestyle for a while! This list has excellent tips! Some I’ve tried some I haven’t yet.
Rebecca says
That’s great! I’ve lived frugally for a few years now and once you get used to it, you really don’t feel like you’re cutting back on things at all.
Suzy Bowler says
Wow, that’s a load of great tips many of which I hadn’t heard of an shall be doing or sharing.
I see you mention veggie scraps – maybe your readers might be interested in a post I recently wrote on using food scraps in general. https://www.suddenlunch.com/2020/06/make-the-most-of-food-scraps/
Thank you for so much useful information.
Suzy
Rebecca says
Thanks for sharing your post, those are great tips!
Ellen says
Really good list! Your tips not only help to save money, but many are also environmentally friendly. Double win!
Rebecca says
Thanks, Ellen! I’m trying to be more eco-friendly with our lifestyle, although I still have a long ways to go!
Jen Towkaniuk says
There are some really great tips in here. The idea of never worrying about money when the bills come due is worth a little effort. Love that so many incorporate still having fun.
Rebecca says
Thanks, Jen! When I first became a single parent the only way we had fun was if it was free. And now that I’m more financially secure, I can afford for us to have experiences that cost money but we still do free and cheap things too because frugal living tips are a habit for us now.
Kari says
I’m trying to save $ on groceries and I always say that “I’ll meal plan” but that turns into me meal planning 10 minutes before I go to the store, which is laughable! I think I need some help! 😆.
Rebecca says
Hey, I hear ya! We tend to eat a lot of the same meals over and over, which helps. So I know that when it’s time to meal plan I can usually include the same items on my shopping list. You could try doing it for one week, then adding on a week until you get the full month planned out. Meal planning is one of the best frugal living tips I’ve adopted so far for saving money and time once you get the hang of it.
Natasha says
Wow, this is an amazing list of ideas in so many categories! And you’re absolutely right – being frugal does not mean cheap, it’s about being intentional with the money you have.
Rebecca says
Thanks, Natasha! I think frugal living gets a bad reputation but you don’t have to be a cheapskate to save money and still enjoy life a little.
Alanna says
Thanks for sharing all these tips! I love the idea of a family game night.
Rebecca says
Thanks, Alanna! We did family game nights for a long time and the last few months we haven’t but I think it’s time to bring them back!
Kerry @ PartyPlanningSolutions.com says
What a great list of tips and tricks for frugal living! I definitely need to implement some of these 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca says
Thanks, Kerry! I hope you found a few frugal living tips on the list you can try!
Jenny Bhatia says
Wow, girl, I think you covered it all and then some. These are fantastic. My New Year’s Resolution, not all of them, of course.
Rebecca says
Thanks, Jenny! I’m sure there are more frugal living tips I didn’t think of but these are a good start for doing something different with your finances in the New Year.
Nadia Malik says
All good tips. It’s funny how small things like training your cat to go outside and save money on litter is such a no-brainer. You hear these things and go WOW, I should have thought about that. Great tips and such a thoughtful post.
Rebecca says
Thanks, Nadia! Frugal living tips and habits are all about doing small things, and it all adds up to big savings over time.
Meri says
This is a great comprehensive list! I am a big fan of rotating toys…my kids are excited to see each batch of toys every time we pull them out…and investing in the classic toys and open-ended play toys have my kids coming back again and again.
Thanks!
Rebecca says
Thanks, Meri! Rotating toys is such a simple way to save money and keep your house from being taken over by “stuff”!
Mama Bear Finance says
Totally! Frugality is a choice we can all take! I esp like 2,6,7, and 17! I’m guilty of not removing the plugs when they are not at use. I should really take this advice!
Rebecca says
Being frugal is more about mindset than lifestyle changes I think. You can do it just by taking small steps!
Claire says
Brilliant advice Rebecca, sometimes the smallest changes can really add up.
We get married next year and need all the help we can get x
Claire recently posted…The best UK Christmas Markets
Rebecca says
Thanks, Claire! How exciting, congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
Sydney says
So many awesome tips! We made the switch from cable to Netflix/Hulu a few years back!
Rebecca says
Thanks, Sydney! We cut out cable a few years ago too and went to streaming. The problem we have now though is that we seem to be signed up for all the streaming channels so I think it’s time to trim a few out in the New Year!
mina says
Great frugal tips you have here.. I will definitely try some of them..
Rebecca says
Thanks, Mina!
Amber says
I’m always looking for ways to save money. Definitely planning to cut my cable back as I do not watch much TV anymore. Great tips!
Rebecca says
Thanks, Amber! Saving money is always one of my big goals for the year so I hope these frugal living tips are helpful for you!
Minda @ Centsandfamily says
Wowzers! What a great list of 116 easy to implement ideas. Some are a good reminder of the things that I should be doing! (Toy rotation, capsule wardrobe, unplugging unused devices …. )
Rebecca says
Thanks, Minda! The great thing about being frugal is that you can do lots of small things to make a big difference in your finances. You don’t have to make a huge lifestyle change or give up your way of life completely to save money.
Ashley says
I love these ideas! I have been trying to incorporate more and more yearly. 🙂 I pinned this so I have it as a reference.
Rebecca says
Thanks, Ashley! There are probably even more frugal living tips I haven’t thought of here but these are ones we’ve used to save a ton of money.
Je'Ana C. says
This is a super helpful list! I have been thinking about being more Frugal and didn’t have any ideas on how to start but this list was perfect.
Rebecca says
Thanks, I’m glad you found it helpful! Adopting a lifestyle that’s focused on frugal living tips and habits doesn’t have to be painful or overwhelming.
Nikki says
Awesome list, Rebecca! Love these ideas! I agree frugal living gets a bad wrap, but it’s less about being super cheap and more about prioritization. I do a lot of these already, but I always forget about the kids eat free promotions – thanks for the reminder!
Rebecca says
Thanks, Nikki! Frugal living isn’t that scary or difficult, it just takes small changes to make it work!
Louis Huynh says
Definitely in love with this guide, keep up the good work.
Rebecca says
Thanks so much, glad you found it helpful!
Kristopher Stocker says
Wow! I am totally printing this list and putting it on the fridge. We need to start budgeting big time because we are planning to buy a home by next year. We need to save every single penny possible to make this happen.
Thanks again!!! I already printed out the list!!!!
Rebecca says
Awesome, thanks!
Akshaya @ Cabinet of thoughts says
Thank you for these tips. Very very useful!
Rebecca says
Glad you found them helpful!
Boby Bravo says
This is a great list! Thanks for sharing, There are huge benefits to a frugal lifestyle including less stress, more money to spend on the things you value and an increased appreciation for simple living.
Boby Bravo recently posted…How To Reduce Your Electricity Bill in Pakistan?
Ann say says
Thank you very much for the provided life hacks. Because even if you earn decently and live in full prosperity, then it is not worth thoughtlessly spending your money because you earned it by your own labor and it is very important to remember this and appreciate it. Separate respect to the author, I will definitely use the above tips.
مراقبت های بعد از جراحی چاقی says
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet people, its really really good article on building up new blog.