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Are you interested in getting more bang for your buck? Have you been wanting to save money and stretch your resources but just haven’t known where to start? Have we got the article for you! Okay, okay, I promise this list is not a cheesy infomercial in disguise. But it might actually teach you a thing or two about how to be more thrifty. We found two threads on the Frugal Living subreddit of users asking for "frugal life hacks" and frugal advice for families, so we've gathered the best responses from those threads for you to read down below, as well as an interview with Jen Smith, co-host of the Frugal Friends podcast, to gain some insight from an expert. There is absolutely no shame in going the extra mile to stretch your dollar (or euro or yen or pound etc.), so enjoy this list of useful tips and be sure to upvote the ones you find most relevant.
And if you’re finding yourself extra inspired after reading this post, check out Bored Panda’s last piece featuring frugal living tips right here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Learn to love drinking water. After I quit drinking soda/energy drinks and switched to water, I lost 30lbs and reversed pre diabetes. I feel way healthier and don't even crave sugary drinks. Plus, I won't be spending anything on diabetes related health care.
lenka 3 years ago
This should be no. 1. There is absolutely no benefit to drinking soda/sugar drinks. It's bad for your wallet. Its bad for your body. Its bad for your planet.
Olga Aftyka 3 years ago
It's strange that it needs to be a "hack" someone tells you about. And a little sad.
Chintan Shah 3 years ago
I treat diabetics all day and I wish people younger than 40-50s would listen to this advice. Please stop giving kids sugary drinks. Colleges need to stop providing free sugary drinks to kids as part of all you can eat buffet cafeterias etc. Even if it's free, it still costs you your health.
Vasana Phong 3 years ago
This is so true, people do stupid tiktok challenges, they should do one for water for a month or two and see how they feel ( before and after)
Hugo Santos 3 years ago
That's why I only drink beer. Made from cereal, boiled water, no sugar, no fat....
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago (edited)
save the bottle & lid, fill up with water, put in fridge, et voila, a cool drink in the afternoon... if too plain, pour out the first half inch & replace with bottled lemon juice, you have just made "ghetto lemonade", it will taste great on a hot afternoon & is much cheaper than a lemonade drink or store-bought soda
We reached out to Jen Smith, co-host of the Frugal Friends podcast, to hear why it's important to live a frugal lifestyle. She told us, "I found a direct correlation to the more I embraced frugality, the less I stressed about money. When I talk to people about money they either feel like they need to get their finances together or they're intentionally ignoring it because it's gotten so bad. It's rare that I meet someone (outside of the personal finance media space) who's confident about their financial life. Everyone deserves a life free from financial stress. And while earning more money is an integral part of financial security it takes time and effort to build. You can adopt frugality overnight!"
We also asked Jen if she's ever done or seen anything done in the name of frugality that may have been taking it a little too far. "Oh, where do I start!?" Jen told us the first story that always comes to mind is when she met her husband he had just moved out of a mobile home where he was renting a room from a woman and sleeping on a futon chair. "He had a full-time job, he was just trying to save money on housing, and the mobile home park was right next to his school and job. There are far better ways to save on housing though. Jill and her husband Eric bought an RV that was newer and running great but renovated it look like an actual home you'd want to live in. They lived in the RV for a while with minimal rent costs then sold it for a profit."
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#2
The library is simply my bookshelf in another building.
Sabrina Bowen 3 years ago
This only works if the lib has anything you want to read. I took a list of over a dozen books on my "to read" list in to ALL THREE of my local libraries and none of them had a single title. Not all of us want to read about smutty vampires.
H M 3 years ago
True. My bookshelves have 400 re read books. About 50 are available in public library and mostly because they became popular after a TV/film.
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Agentblackbetty 3 years ago
Giving a big, Hallelujah, for libraries, and the wonderful people who work there. Thank you for your service.
Cidalia Martins 3 years ago
I also love to get (and give) free books at the various neighbourhood free library boxes (little free libraries).
LagoonaBlueColleen 3 years ago
That's how I view it and I don't regret donating old books I might miss later to the library.
Bogdan Ionita 3 years ago
Unless you are a collector, I don't think you can spend too much money on books. I mean nowadays most reading is done online
Lastly, we asked Jen what she would like to say to people who have a negative connotation with the word frugal. "People equate frugality with deprivation but the reality is, if you don't define what 'enough' is for you, you'll never have enough. And the quest for 'enough' leads us down a never-ending path of consumption. Whether it's spending more, eating more, doing more, or having more, we consume to fulfill our needs but it's easy to over consume when you're not conscious of when your needs or desires are met. Frugality is simply deciding when your needs and desires are met. It's knowing what you value and want to spend money on as well as the things you desire that money can't buy. And the beautiful thing is nobody gets to decide that for you, you get to choose. Frugality allows you to live the life you want and not the one advertising and social media are selling to you."
#3
Learn how to cook real food that doesn’t come from a box or can. Eat out or take out very rarely. Maintain everything you own.
lenka 3 years ago
Maintaining things is an important one. Is much cheaper to maintain and repair than replace.
Liana 3 years ago
In my experience, that is not always true. Sometimes spare parts are almost as expensive as a new product. Or you add a few € more and you have a new item.
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Sander 3 years ago
Don't disregard all canned goods. Canned tomatoes are excellent for sauces and soups, way cheaper than fresh tomatoes and often of higher quality too. Want a dirt cheap tomato soup? Can of peeled tomatoes, a stock cube, some herbs like oregano and thyme and some water to thin it out. You can add as much as you like and create something that's often a lot tastier than the sugar ridden garbage that's premade.
Quicksilver40 3 years ago
Canned food has been a staple for hundreds of years. It's been around now, and back when our expected lifespans were half what they are today. Its not a bad method of cooking, just buy healthy ingredients in the cans and then recycle. Fresh everything would be nice, but nothing is in season all year.
Shayla Katherina 3 years ago (edited)
Canned or boxed goods can sometimes be more economical than making it from scratch. Especially with the produce and meat prices nowadays.
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
eating this way will control the amount of salt or msg in the food since it is up to you to put in what you need... if you have high blood pressure, eating over-salted prepared food can give you a stroke... beware...
Alicia Kessinger Bader 3 years ago
I always try to pay cash for any-/every-thing. If I can't afford it right off, I save up. When I was younger, I established credit through a merchant or my credit union. Ex: Sears, 1st credit account, bought Singer Kenmore Sewing machine-still use it! Also, I only buy natural fiber clothing in classic lines-cotton, wool, silk, or blends. Taking proper care, they've lasted my lifetime! I only buy real gold/silver jewelry, real gemstones. If an ER comes, I p**n or sell, don't touch savings or investments. Furniture: real wood. Appliances: quality name-brand. Still going strong 50-yrs later!
CammyCat 3 years ago
Eat leftovers! Take home doggie bags! When I go out to eat, I don’t order for that meal, I order for tomorrows meal too!
Hagen Radcliffe 3 years ago
Happy to hear from another-“tomorrows lunch/snack” er. I also will accept the leftovers from family, as long as I know they’re healthy. YUM!
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2Einhard2Melarky9 3 years ago
Cooking real food is not being frugal. That's why poor people eat spaghetti and baloney sandwiches more often than not. Fresh fruit and meat is super expensive in America. Eating out at fast food is much cheaper then keeping a stocked kitchen at home. Rice and beans are probably the most affordable.
Susan Betz 3 years ago
This is a myth. I do all my own cooking (food allergies and celiac) and I spend about $50/week on food. That's everything, including meat three times per week. Just get to know less expensive fruits and vegetables, like cabbage, carrots, onions, etc. Cooking does take time, however, which is something not everyone has.
Load More Replies...Being frugal has often been perceived as a bit of a niche interest. Despite the fact that everyone loves saving money, the consumerist society we live in today pushes a need for the “newest, greatest thing” and encourages excessive spending and retail therapy. We all know, even if it’s deep down, that material items and displays of wealth won’t bring us any more happiness, so it’s much better to focus our energy on frugal living to minimize financial stress and take better care of our planet.
The Frugal Living subreddit has been around since 2008, and currently has 2.2 million members. It explains frugality as “the mental approach we each take when considering our resource allocations” and “includes time, money, convenience, and many other factors”. Common topics on the page are electronics, pets, budget, recycling and zero waste, food shopping, appliances, auto, cooking and cleaning and organizing.
#4
Learn to repair things. The hacks will come.
Torsten 3 years ago
Best "repair" tip I got was to vacuum out the clothes dryer. Our dryer started behaving erratic despite cleaning the lint filter regularly. The tip was to remove the back plate, undo every screw/bolt in sight and open everything up. Then vacuum out every nick and cranny. As it turned out there was a lot of lint especially in the heating unit. After putting it all together again the dryer now has a "success rate" of 100%. This tip saved my hundreds of euros on repair costs or even for buying a new one.
Sue User 3 years ago
I hang dry my clothes, takes longer but saves tonne on electric
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Bittersweetie 3 years ago
DIY is just such a great way to go! You save, you learn and in the case of my husband and I DIYing for years, believe me you laugh too! 😆
Tracy Wallick 3 years ago
Uh... you gonna tell us where we learn stuff? I'm not going off of YouTube alone attempting to fix my plumbing
Sandrapocalypse 3 years ago
We bought a run down house and are fixing it up as we can. Saved us 100s of thousands of dollars just because it wasn't picture perfect and move in ready. You can learn to do almost anything from books and videos!!
Agentblackbetty 3 years ago
We teach all ages of people how to make repairs from cooking, construction, to mechanical. People are glad to share their how to knowledge with us as well.
Manny_Flawz 3 years ago
I learned how to replace a toilet, which came in handy once and saved us money.
Bobbie Meyers 3 years ago
Hubby can fix anything. If it's new to him, just watch a YouTube video. He fixed our well for $112 in parts. Took some time, but beats a $5000 well guy fix.
According to a 2021 survey by Personal Capital, frugality might be becoming more mainstream among Americans. 90.4% of respondents believe they have frugal spending habits, with many of them claiming to be cutting back on entertainment, dining out and traveling. The most common reasons cited for trying to be more economical were saving for future investments, having a lack of savings and needing a rainy day fund for unexpected costs. Although the majority of respondents say they have no problem sticking to their budgets, 36% of them admitted that they find themselves “fighting the urge to splurge either all the time or often”. The pandemic has also increased many of their financial fears, with 64% of them feeling anxious about another potential lockdown or economic shutdown to help maintain the spread of Covid-19.
#5
Hmm I keep old toothbrushes to use around the house for cleaning.
DuchessDegu 3 years ago
I have to buy Poundshop cheap toothbrushes for cleaning, the old electric toothbrushes heads are useless
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago (edited)
mark them as such with a little spray paint on the handle, or your evil roommate/housemate/spouse will swap out your good toothbrush for the one you have been using to clean the commode after a big argument!
One difficulty advocates for frugal living seem to encounter is the negative connotation some have with the word. Overall, 59% of Americans consider being frugal a positive thing, but about a quarter of them still view it in a negative light. Baby boomers, in particular, seem to have the least positive view of frugality. But despite what they may think about the word, American consumers as a whole have cut down on spending since the pandemic began. 36% of them say they’ve reduced their spending on non-essentials, 29% report spending less on essentials, and 20% say they’ve cut down on both.
#6
For me, I never buy anything full price anymore.
It may take a certain personality type to do this, but with a little preparation, and research, a deal or sale could always be found. This is especially true with online stores and the different apps, coupons, rebates, and etc you can easily find.
I believe the only time I buy stuff full price is when I need the item in a hurry.
Vasana Phong 3 years ago (edited)
I used to get lots of coupons mailed out, these local stores would also know to put that product in sale so people will also come in because they have a coupon for it, I also never buy the name brand unless it’s that product with a coupon
HIROX 3 years ago
Can agree with. No need to pay for a name stamped on a product. Just buy the one that works the best
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Celeste Grant 3 years ago
I'm currently renovating my home and I'm not buying new (except where I have to like kitchen cabinets and a new boiler). I've saved so much money.... the heated towel rail I loved was £300 but got one second hand but in perfect condition for £60. My bath tap was £40 second hand instead of £250. My leather sofas were £50 and look amazing now I've cleaned and refreshed the leather. I won't buy new now as I know I can save money, and it also saves the planet as things aren't getting put into landfill. All my furniture has a story behind it and I love that it all had a life before me whilst saving money for other things.
engineer_nope.avi 3 years ago
This can also be applied to your hobbies or collections as well. As a video game collector, I usually scour Facebook Market or OfferUp to get either a steal or a really good deal. For example, I found a fully working PS4 for $40 to add to my collection. You just have to have a basic understanding of some of the market values of the things you want to buy, be patient, bargain with the people you are buying from, and strike if you see a good deal or a steal.
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
this goes for big ticket items, wait until xmas to buy a car or appliance... everything goes on sale Dec. 15th.... the Orthodox have the best solution of all, they don't celebrate their Christmas until Jan 6th... that way they take advantage of all the sales including after-Christimas close-out mark-down sales... wise people, the Orthodox!
TheDivineMsM 3 years ago
90% of my closet is clothing I purchased second hand or thrifted- I very rarely buy clothes brand new. And I'm proud of that.
Sue User 3 years ago
I used to live near a Goodwill Outlet. This is where they send stuff that doesn't sell in the stores. The put it all in carts and you pay by the weight ($1.29 a pound). I have even saw wedding dresses. Takes awhile, but if you love bargain hunting, fun place to spend a rainy Saturday. Now I can't buy retail.
Load More Replies... ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
also, cruise the grocery store meat counter for yellow tag markdown meat... at the store I go to, the markdown is usually 50%. But inspect closely & don't buy meat that is turning green! If you cook & eat that night, it will be as good as the full-price meat. Just think of it as "aged beef"...
Jennifer Norton 3 years ago
Thrifting!!!!!! It saves you money and it keeps stuff out of the dump. Win/Win
Quicksilver40 3 years ago
Steam purchases, just wait a year guys, come on. Price always comes down and you still support the dev
Marcus Karlsson 3 years ago
I do this too, but be careful that they didn't just fake the 50% off and lie about the regular price. It is illegal to do so here, but they can often get away with it..
Though some may have found themselves adopting more frugal habits out of necessity during the pandemic, they have still been able to see positive effects from their lifestyle changes. 59% of respondents reported having increased time with their families, and 49% say they’ve gained more flexibility with their work. 24% even said they’ve received more enjoyment out of life, and 21% say their ability to travel has increased due to saving money. While it may have been hard at times to make dinner at home and fight the urge to grab takeout or watch a movie in their living rooms rather than taking a trip to the cinema, I’m sure the extra money in these Americans’ pockets will make it all worth it.
#7
If you must buy something on Amazon, ALWAYS check the Amazon Warehouse deals. Usually, they willl sell the same item in a dented box for 2/3 (or less) of the original price. It says *used* but it has never even been opened. This has saved me a ton of money over the years.
Cassie 3 years ago
Click the department in the search bar and select Amazon Warehouse. If you don't put any search criteria, it will just take you to the Amazon Warehouse front page.
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European sparrow 3 years ago
I never buy at Amazon out of principle. They are to big and powerfull and put many smaller businesses out of busines. They poison the market.
Bittersweetie 3 years ago
Yes! Used like new and used very good from the warehouse knocks off several bucks and I've never had a problem!
madbakes 3 years ago
How do you find if it's in the deals? I've never heard of this
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Anna Marie 3 years ago
This should be number one in terms of saving money... I definitely take up every single Amazon warehouse deal I can find... I will actually search until I find one with a warehouse deal... Works every time Sometimes I save almost half the price! Saying it's 2/3 or less is inaccurate at best but maybe it's the exception to the rule... I usually find things at almost half price...
Donabed Kopoian 3 years ago (edited)
I would add check the Walmart price as well. Sometimes Amazon wants 3x what Walmart wants for the exact same item, for the convenience of having it delivered. If it's cheaper on Amazon, great. If it's cheaper at Walmart, I get in the car and drive.
Sapna Sarfare 3 years ago (edited)
I usually end up buying second-hand books on amazon. Some are pretty decent and really cheap
Phillip Shepard 3 years ago
Got a microwave for $59. had a small dent. Works fine. Found another microwave in the trash. All it needed was a new glass turntable tray. I ordered replacement online for $30.
Marcus Karlsson 3 years ago
Never hears of it. Also Amazon is supershady. If you search for an item here in Swedish Amazon, you get hits on vendors that don't even ship to us. Or put an insane postage on it because they think it is an hassle to ship overseas. Most hits are from chinease vendors too.
#8
Avoid buying new what you can buy used, like furniture, clothing, appliances, cars, houses, tools, etc. Reduce, reuse, recycle, re-purpose what you must buy. Take public transportation, car pool, walk, bicycle. Good luck!
engineer_nope.avi 3 years ago
For the first two part, it makes a lot of sense if you just wanna save up and don't care much about how your house will look like. That being said, you don't wanna go too cheap and get complete garbage that can only be used for a short limited of time and then you have to fork up extra later. For the final part about public transport, as a Texas resident who lives in area with barely any public transport, it's really hard.
Jen 3 years ago
Buying furniture used will get you BETTER quality then new as long as you are getting old enough stuff. Estate sales, garage sales (particularly when advertised as moving sales) and high quality thrift stores are less expensive than new AND tend to be the older high quality (aka made to last) furniture. Everything in my house that wasnt passed down from family or made from scratch by my grandfather, dad or myself came from thrift stores or garage/estate sales. I got a 1920s dry sink solid hard wood construction and perfectly sized for my dining room for $20. They dont make things that nicely anymore an a new (cheaper made) one would have been 5 - 6 times more expensive. All that was wrong with this one was a missing k**b - a $2 replacement.
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Beth S 3 years ago (edited)
Be careful buying used furniture. I bought a used office chair one time and wound up getting bed bugs from it. I never buy used furniture now.
Jen 3 years ago
Always buy solid wood pieces used, not upholstered. Or if you are getting upholstered, dont bring them in the house until they have either been fumigated or the upholstery completely removed and replaced.
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Ana Ferreira 3 years ago
This is especially true of cars. Mine was 2 years old when I bought it, and I paid almost 5000 € less than if I had bought it new. The yearly decrease in value is ridiculous.
Vorknkx 3 years ago
Not sure about appliances - it can be risky. You can never be sure if the previous owner maintained them properly.
Sue User 3 years ago
In 2010 I bought a used fridge off Craigslist. He wanted $60, but when I got there , he said it was dirtier than he remembers so it's only $40. It had freezer on the bottom, but was yellow, not stainless steel ( stainless wouldn't go with my decor). It lasted 10 years. Sad to see it go
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Zophra 3 years ago
This is killing me. I have a 25 dollar Timex watch. The matching band broke. The new band is 22.00. My patio set was bought second-hand. The vinyl webbing on the chairs is ripping. I was going to buy new vinyl material , the plastic side rails, try to sew this, reassemble the chairs - then I realized this more than the cost of buying a new chair. I am part of that throw away society. Killing me.
Eucritta 3 years ago
Some things just don't last, were never intended to last, and generally aren't worth buying used. No need to kill yourself over it.
Load More Replies... ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago (edited)
do not refinish a really well-made antique that is more than 40 years old... this destroys the value... people have refinished Chippendale chairs from the 1760s only to have this pointed out too late... yeeks! you can't un-refinish them since your amateur refinish job destroyed the patina
kjorn 3 years ago
if you don't have a SUV or a friend with a pick-up, forget to buy some stuff refurnished, like dryer, refrigerator, old furniture...
Jen 3 years ago
Some thrift stores will deliver for a charge. Just need to know where to shop.
Load More Replies... Board Pan, duh. 3 years ago (edited)
I wish we had public transit... but we don't. and our district is quite big so everyone travels for work, different shifts, different towns etc very hard to carpool. I'm surprised we don't have public transit between towns. A taxi to get groceries is 40$ one way.
Thomas Ewing 3 years ago
Some dear friends moved into a new home but could only furnish it with OLD stuff that didn't match at all. Years later they moved to an old Victorian home and everything looked great!
Louise Platiel 3 years ago (edited)
Used furniture can easily be updated very inexpensively: sand, paint or stain, knobs or pulls. Look for pieces with old-school craftsmanship, not used IKEA furniture that won't survive transport. If the seller can't deliver, and you don't have a friend who can help, consider renting a cargo van. The rental is typically cheap if you don't put a lot of miles on so plan accordingly when searching for your pieces.
#9
Do no spend week. It's an exercise in how much fun you can have without spending money. Use up the stuff in the freezer. Finish that craft project. Sort through the closet and purge.
lenka 3 years ago
We do this once every 6 weeks or so. We eat the cupboard and fridge bare. It ensures we dont have food that goes out of date. Other than fresh milk and fruit we try to save our whole grocery budget for that week.
LagoonaBlueColleen 3 years ago (edited)
There is no complaining there is no food allowed in my house unless there is absolutely no food to consume, besides condiments and junk food. The grocery store isn't going anywhere. Shop more frequently for things you know you'll eat for the week, and not for the month like you're stocking up a bunker.
Sam J 3 years ago (edited)
You should see my house, it's horrible how much food my stepdad's mom buys. Two fridges that are too full to put more stuff in (including the small freezers), a deep freezer with the same issue, and two pantries with that same issue as well. It's completely ridiculous and allows for way too much food waste.
Load More Replies... Lene 3 years ago
I tried a no spend year. It was actually just fine! I focused on using ehat I already have for my hobbies. I would find free stuff online (mainly e-books for me). I did buy a few things like a pair of pants when the old ones fell apart etc. The reason I did a no spend year was that I had a small child and I wanted more room for her (I also gave away lots of books for the local thrift store) and it was a great success :)
Al Christensen 3 years ago
For some people that's know as having no money before the end of the month.
European sparrow 3 years ago
I won't be able to do that. I don't have much in stock. Small cabinet, small fridge and small freezer. I only have a few left overs we use for a second meal later. I buy in the supermarket what's on sale much of the time.
Mikey Kliss 3 years ago
"Use up the stuff in your freezer" your telling me you have excess food just wasting in your freezer?
Being frugal has more benefits than simply finding a little extra money in your wallet, though. In fact, it’s not always about spending as little as possible. Sometimes it’s more important to invest in products and services that will last a long time, rather than opting for the cheapest option that inevitably will need to be replaced. For example, the Frugal Living subreddit has dozens of images of appliances and electronics with captions boasting that they’ve been in use for over a decade. It may seem scary to make investments at the time of purchase, but part of being frugal is thinking long term. If that pair of headphones comes from a trustworthy brand and will still be functioning in 10 years, it might be worth spending a little extra.
#10
Do not get a new phone/car when the ones I have work just fine.
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
driving an old car save fortunes on everything. Put money away every month in a savings account you won't touch for the new car. Eventually, it will cost too much to repair.
Jenn C 3 years ago
Also, wait to buy a phone, gaming system, ect until it has been out for a few months. It will cost less, and they will have worked out all of the bugs by then.
MotherRobinson 3 years ago
Been say this for years since Xbox 360 came out
Load More Replies... Jennifer Norton 3 years ago
I agree with this one. I had my last two cell phones for five years each. Only upgraded once the operating system couldn't upgrade anymore. My last tablet lasted three years and I only bought a new one once the stupid thing wouldn't turn on anymore. Don't fall into the newer is always better trap.... it will suck your money away
Daphne Overmars-Hemelaar 3 years ago
Yeah, that is not an option. Batteries die very quickly, and I need that sucker for work. Also I need a good camera on my phone. And no, my job cannot afford to give me a good phone. I work for an animal shelter for heaven's sake.
Jeffrey Albright 3 years ago
Thanks to Apple bricking old devices that work is a problem. That's why I have a 10 year old Samsung.
Vishy 3 years ago
Also restrict apps on your phone from using data in the background. Keep background data active for only essential apps. That cuts down phone bills almost by half.
L̸1̶z̵ 3 years ago
This is only assuming you pay extra for data. If you have a data plan with "unlimited data", this doesn't matter other than ensuring your max speed data doesn't get used up by background apps. Mine slows down after 100GB but I don't pay extra for it.
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Scourge McCloud 3 years ago
Still should be careful buying a used vehicle. My family wound up with a lemon crown Victoria (1990 model) years ago. No matter how many times we fixed it, something always went wrong. (Plus had a really bad habit of dying in bad spots. Parents had enough and got rid of it)
Nigel Yong 3 years ago
The danger lies in that if you use a phone that hasn't been updated with security patches then you are open to malicious activities. Probably best to go with an iPhone, since they update til the 5 to 6 year mark.
Katy Hickman 3 years ago
Except when phone companies like T-Mobile phase out your phone. Then get a new/newer phone
Joanna Truszkowska 3 years ago
Not true, I have tmobile, it's cheapest and have the best coverage in my area. My Samsung phone is also 7 years old
Load More Replies... #11
Paying off your credit cards should be number one priority considering the interest rates. Meal plans seem to help people save. When I see something I want to buy I usually try to wait a month to see if I still want it then; usually I don't. Saves me from a lot of unnecessary purchases.
lenka 3 years ago
The best advice my mum ever gave me was, if you cant afford to pay off your credit card in full every.single.month then you cannot afford to have one. Credit cards are debt traps.
Brivid 3 years ago
I agree completely but in the US it's best to have one, use it occasionally and pay it off immediately, in order to establish credit. My dad detested credit cards and he always paid cash for everything. But one day my parents needed to buy a brand new big ticket item (I was a teen (early 90's) so I don't remember what it was, but I want to say car?) Anyway, even though my dad had saved a lot of money in the bank and paid his bills on time, his credit was not good enough. So my mom who saved no money, but had a few credit cards that she paid off every month, had excellent credit. I was shocked!
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Lunar 3 years ago
I don't own credit card because i need the credit. I own credit card and use responsibly because i want to earn the cashback and reward points. Credit card is not the evil, the user is.
Donabed Kopoian 3 years ago (edited)
Exactly! I just got a Verizon Visa Signature. 4% back on gas and groceries, 3% back on dining, 2% back on Verizon, 1% everything else. Used it for food, gas, fast food days (no more than once a week), and my phone bill. I got back $41 in cash back last month.
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Marianne Luginbuhl 3 years ago
I ended up getting credit card over debit once gas station bandits started skimming card numbers. 😑
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Adrienne Mcginley 3 years ago
Making consistent payments on reasonable balances will up your credit score. If you pay things off every month, you don't need the card in the first place.
Corey May 3 years ago
Using cc is easier, don't have to carry cash, pull it out in front of strangers or count bills. Pay off evey month!
Load More Replies... Sapna Sarfare 3 years ago
Avoid credit cards if you are on tight budget... If your spending can be covered with debit card, then stick to it.
Donabed Kopoian 3 years ago
My best advice to any high school senior in regards to credit cards is get a credit card the second you graduate and have a job. Try and get one without an annual fee. Your first card is going to likely suck so use it for gas and pay it off right away and never, EVER pay them interest. You DO NOT need to get into debt to build credit and anybody that says otherwise is 100% wrong. After a couple years of owning that card start looking for something that gives you cash back on purchases and no annual fee. If the first card has an annual fee because it was the best you could get, get rid of it and start using the one with cash back rewards and no yearly fee. Use the card for food, bills, gas, whatever and pay the statement balance in full every month, and enjoy the cash back rewards and your ever-improving credit score at the cost of the company that hoped you'd be another interest payment.
#12
Plant a vegetable garden with only high yield veggies like green beans, okra, squash, zucchini , etc. It is only necessary to purchase the seeds one time because you can harvest them from the veggies. You can then make your own baby food, eat fresh veggies with your meals, and partake in a highly stress relieving activity. It is a win/win
Aldhissla VargTimmen 3 years ago
Better avoid doing this with things like squash and zucchini, cross pollination can occur here and can create inedible, even poisonous crosses.
Best behave.... 3 years ago
It can happen, but it's easy to spot before poisoning yourself.
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Scotira 3 years ago
This one is all nice and good, if you have enough time and space on hand. If not... 🤷♀️
Eucritta 3 years ago
Yeah, I love my home-grown veg, but the truth is it's not so cheap when the costs of setting up & maintaining a garden are taken into account. And that's not including our labor.
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Susan Betz 3 years ago
Herbs are especially easy, and a pot garden can hold everything. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and sage are all super easy for beginning gardeners.
Shelli Aderman 3 years ago
I have some herbs on my NYC kitchen window sill!
Load More Replies... ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
and if you know how to can the surplus for next winter, the cost of canning is no more than 10% of the regular grocery store price... save 90% on your vegetable costs this way
Perfect Storm Of Dreams 3 years ago
improper canning can encourage bacteria that will make a person very sick
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Taylor Carroll 3 years ago
Right, because I'll be able to afford a house with enough space for a vegetable garden, totally doable. /s
SCP-3998 3 years ago
You can rent a plot of land in a local co-op garden, or make a window garden. Your limitations are the ones you create
Load More Replies... Adrienne Mcginley 3 years ago (edited)
Plant what you'll eat or know you can give away. Even home gardens can contribute to food waste.
Another factor those who are passionate about frugal living want others to consider is sustainability. Buying products that will stand the test of time is one way to do this, but there are plenty of other ways to reduce waste. Buying second hand furniture, appliances, vehicles and clothing is budget friendly and reduces waste. If something isn’t broken, there’s no need to replace it. But when something is broken and needs replaced, it can probably be replaced with something that’s been gently used. And when it comes to applying a mindset of frugality to your energy consumption, it’s a win win for your budget and the planet. Reducing electricity and power usage in your home will cost you less money and drain less resources from the Earth.
#13
We've been in a similar situation (except we've got 2 kids under the age of 5), my best advice is to just use less. Read the back of the laundry detergent bottle/box and actually measure your dose. Then try using a little less. If you feel like your clothes aren't getting clean you can always go up again next time (keep a bucket of water by the washing machine and throw food stained kid's clothes in as soon as possible, don't let the food dry on and stains won't really be an issue). Same applies to shampoo, personal care etc. Try to minimize food waste, embrace your freezer for leftovers, even small amounts that can be used for other meals. A tiny bit of left over grated cheese can go in the baby food, or a sauce, or a sandwich. You can do lots of household cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, with the added bonus of being non-toxic for curious little ones. I found that we ended up eating healthier, less processed food and had the added benefit of producing less packaging etc so it feels better for the environment too. Good luck, you'll be setting your little dude up for good lifetime habits too!
John Robacker 3 years ago
If you buy a good detergent you only need to use about half of what the directions say. They want you to use it up fast so you buy more..
Marianne Luginbuhl 3 years ago
Only caveat is I would not keep a bucket like a 5 gallon one with water when one has little kids ( and certain pets) due to drowning potential. And who has a tiny bit of leftover cheese? 😉 I am amazed at the number of people who refuse to eat leftovers. You are throwing so much money away. I even use up the mini leftovers and make 'garbage soup' or casserole to use it up.
LagoonaBlueColleen 3 years ago (edited)
People use way too much laundry soap. I used to do that too. It's easy to think how such little wouldn't be enough to clean smelly, dirty, stained clothing in a big vat of water. You'll be surprised. Laundry soap is highly concentrated soap. You'll feel it on your skin the difference. Also, stop using dryer sheets. I haven't used them in a few years, now. I've had less issues with static than I did with dryer sheets. Try using the delicates setting so there's not as much hot air for as long.
Adrienne Mcginley 3 years ago
I used to buy a bucket of mid-range powdered laundry detergent, then mix in borax & baking soda. A friend who did his laundry at our house was amazed how clean his clothes got.
Liesl English 3 years ago
Leftover bread can be toasted, dried/cooled down and then blended into crumbs and frozen for your own bread crumbs. This helped me a lot since I make my own meatballs and hamburgers and freeze them for quick meals. Plus, no more wasted half loaves of bread. Also, make your own laundry soap. I saved quite a bit of money on this.
Thomas Ewing 3 years ago
Believe it or not, just the water temp and agitation can wash clothes nicely, no soap needed!
Donabed Kopoian 3 years ago
Things like soap and detergent should be used based on the quality of your tap water. If you have great water going to your house, you don't need nearly as much as they suggest in the directions.
Lydia Owen the Bi-tch 3 years ago
The best detergent and cheapest, best for the budget is making it. You only need one thing and water. The zote soap bar!! Grate it up fine, put into a 5 gal bucket, pour boiling water over, stir continuously, once disolved, add more hot, doesn't have to be boiling water. Keep stirring. Once full let cool with the lid off, and just refill a smaller container to use. We use a tea pitcher. It costs less than $2 for 5 gallons.
#14
Live on a boat, 90% of stores sell nothing you can use.
Vorknkx 3 years ago
One small problem, though... the sea is hundreds of kilometers away from here :D
Robert Turley 3 years ago
They never said live in a boat on the water lol
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Adrienne Mcginley 3 years ago
Dock fees are often more expensive than the average apartment tho.
ℙ𝕦𝕣𝕣_𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕕 3 years ago
Yeah, could you imagine the majority of the population living on the sea? It'd be like the movie Water World.😯
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Randy Klefbeck 3 years ago
I thought about this briefly. The problem is that you still need to pay fees for a slip in the harbor, and depending on where you live this can be significantly more expensive. You don't have to pay for water or some other utilities, but you will still be spending huge amounts of money to maintain your vessel. Sea water is the most corrosive thing on the planet, and barnacles are incredibly difficult to get rid of. As the old adage goes "a boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into."
luckyjenjen 3 years ago
I live on a boat. It is so freaking freeing that I can go round shops knowing I need so little of what they sell.
Upstaged75 3 years ago
The problem is that you first have to BUY a boat. Although living in an RV can be a great cost saver if you like to travel. I was considering it at one point if I found a job that was 100% remote.
#15
Don't have kids. Seriously. They're expensive.
Couponing works. I used to be an extreme couponer & my hubby was shocked at all the stuff I was able to get free or dirt cheap.
Also, I use survey apps to earn gift cards. I've already earned $10 Walmart card & a $5 Amazon card.
Terry Tobias 3 years ago
So are pets! Don't get one if you don't have the money to take care of it!
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CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
I don't want to be "that person" here, but these "hacks" are not very good. Having children isn't negotiable for most people; either they want them or don't. Extreme couponing does work, but it takes a ridiculous amount of time. It's like having a second job. Survey apps are almost always a scam to sell your info, and they also require a ridiculous amount of your time.
Aisling Raye 3 years ago
As far as dinking around in your spare moments doing surveys goes, use Prolific.co. They don't have an app but you can do a lot of them on your phone. They also don't sell your info. They do pay out in £ tho so if that's not a big deal for you, it's actually a kind of fun way to make some extra cash if you're bored on a break at work or whatever.
Load More Replies... LagoonaBlueColleen 3 years ago (edited)
As a parent there were things I was able to find loads of savings. Not being a brand/new-only snob was crucial. I did buy a few key clothes for my daughter, but she got boxes and boxes of hand-me-downs from her Dad's littles cousins. She got tons of toys from friends and family at Christmas and her birthday. She didn't even know there was a toy department at Zellers until she was in Grade 3 or 4. We did toy rotations every 6 months with half her toys. Beds, and furniture were carefully selected at thrifts stores. Library cards are a blessing. Making food at home was a given. Living in Canada with public healthcare certainly helped big. The biggest expense was childcare but if you made under a certain level you can qualify for subsidy & pay less. Her whole family help contribute to her, and the other kid's, trust fund for college, or whatever. We never stressed on University. Community college is fine. No need for orthodontics. She's now an adult who knows how to save.
The pizza girl is here! 3 years ago
I think having kids is a very personal thing, do u can't really recommend not having them/having them. It's not just about the money, there are many considerations and each case is personal. Some people wait their whole life for kids and they're not gonna give up having them for the money
Tigerpacingthecage 3 years ago
Yeah, kids are expensive. But it's one of those things that if you want it - it's worth it. And after all parenthood is about more than money. (But yeah... expensive, yes)
Pizzagirl 91 3 years ago
Yeah, it's like saying "don't have sex, you'll have to pay for protection" - the money aspect isn't why you do it, is it? That being said, you should consider how much the costs might rise unexpectedly - us having twins is quite something else from having one child, in every aspect of the matter... Imagine quadruplets when you're already having money issues, and it could happen to anyone! Same with unexpected health issues etc.
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Ivana Bašić 3 years ago
And. If you unlive yourself, imagine how much you save. Don't have unsafe relations if you don't want kids, by all means, but having kids is still something people do because they actually want them, despite the cost.
LR 3 years ago
Ok so what kids maybe expensive, but your suggestion is cruel & insensitive. My wife & I tried for a decade to have kids. We finally became foster parents, which has been a blessing.
LSR 3 years ago
Go f**k yourselves and your "Oh we could not have buaaa buaaaa" Go whine somewhere else, mr. "I am soo sensitive" fuckwad.
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Being frugal can also be fun because it promotes creativity and innovation. Shopping exclusively at thrift stores might take some time to adjust to if you’re used to retail chains and online shopping, but it can also be much more rewarding. The “hunt” is half the fun when it comes to thrifting, and you’re bound to find unique pieces that nobody else has. Whether you’re looking for a denim jacket, a sofa or some art for your walls, you can find a used version with plenty of character and likely for much less than you would have paid for a mass produced equivalent. Once you get used to the thrill of finding gems in second hand stores, seeing exactly what you need at a retail store just feels like cheating.
#16
Have a friend group that (generally) shares your frugal values. In my 20s, I had a lot of friends who spent money like they were Kardashians. Having a friend group who values free/inexpensive activities (as opposed to dropping $100 on an outing) is worth its weight in gold.
Also if you don't eat/drink much at restaurants, don't split the check evenly-- pay your fair share.
AliJanx 3 years ago
I learned the "don't split the check" lesson the hard way. A bunch of us would go out to eat, one would order whatever she wanted (including booze) and "forget" her wallet, or suggest we split the check. The easiest way for me to shake myself of the freeloader was to tell the wait staff that I needed a sep check and that I wanted water to drink. It worked. Taught my kids that lesson too.
Donabed Kopoian 3 years ago
Those people are the WORST. Never understood the mentality of someone that will obviously order more than everyone else and expect the rest of the group to subsidize. Narcissism at its finest.
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Susan Sanders 3 years ago
I learned this lesson quickly at my last job. My team or a group of coworkers would have lunch together and inevitably one guy always ordered expensive extras, appetizers & booze. Then he wanted everyone to pay the divided amount. Sorry, I can't afford to foot the bill for your extravagance! Especially when my budget is the lunch special and water.
Purple Gerbil 3 years ago
I couldn’t afford to eat with my husbands friends because of all this splitting the bill nonsense. They’re ordering expensive cocktails while I’m on soft drink because I drove.
#17
Buy your clothes from thrift stores and Savers.
You have to invest a bit of time into this (try to work a few stores into your routine) and go frequently. I scan through racks quickly and ignore most stuff but focus on stuff that looks like it has never been worn / has original tags still on (you'd be surprised - this can be quite common).
But don't buy junk just because it is cheap, buy only what you love and need, and buy only stuff that fits perfectly.
I've also found nice coffee cups (original labels still stuck to the bottom) at Savers too. I also buy DVDs at thrift stores they can be very cheap.
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
if you use the thrift store in the swanky part of town, you will sometimes find designer label stuff for 15% of the new prices
Al Christensen 3 years ago
This is harder for men to do because men tend to keep wearing the same clothes until they wear out. They seldom have anything to donate, except something hideous they were given as a gift.
Ilene Martinez 3 years ago
Shop thrifts in the rich neighborhoods. Found some fabulous cookware recently, plus a cashmere and silk blend T shirt. Paid less than $30 for about five items.
Susan Betz 3 years ago
I was better at thrifting when I was younger. Now I just try to buy quality the first time around. Fast fashion ends up at the landfill. Buy quality goods and they last.
Celeste Grant 3 years ago
Don't be afraid of buying things that might need tailoring. It's often not expensive to have things shortened or altered and you could even learn to do it yourself. Clothes look so much more expensive if they fit you perfectly.
Elin Noller 3 years ago
Online second hand is easier. When you can sort by size/material/cut/style/color/brand etc
Heather Talma 3 years ago
Do people normally buy a lot of clothes? I always see thrift tips about buying clothes secondhand but why do you NEED to buy clothes so often?
Terri Rimmer 3 years ago
Go curbside shopping. People throw out brand new things, especially college students after each semester before they go on break. 95 percent of the things in my place are items I've found that people have thrown out but you would never know it.
#18
Garage sale. Everything in my house is second hand. Except my mattress. Ive furnished my whole house with great stuff for under $200.
Hanni 3 years ago
Even then. The bugs can and will hide in the smallest spaces if it's near the bed.
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ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
if you go to garage sales & estate sales in the swanky part of town, you will sometimes find designer label stuff for 15% of the new prices
Aisling Raye 3 years ago
Back in my apartment living days, I given SO many nice pieces from neighbors when they moved out.
Jenn C 3 years ago
We used to live in a college town. Move out week was great. One guy had a side business selling rugs to dorm students. At the end of the year he would collect the rugs that were thrown out, clean the, and sell them again the next year, sometimes to the same students.
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AngelWingsYT 3 years ago
Never buy furnature 2nd hand!!! Bug can live in ANYTHING up to YEARS just fine. And once you get them its HELL to get rid of them and EXPENSIVE!
The creativity used for frugal shopping can be applied to our lives in the kitchen as well. The Frugal Living subreddit is home to countless cooking tips to reduce waste and save money. Members share their personal favorite recipes for making kitchen staples like salad dressings and oat milk at home to avoid buying plastic containers. Even cleaning supplies can be made at home using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. Members of Frugal Living also share tips for easy cooking substitutes to reduce costs or turn meals vegan by subbing mayo for eggs or applesauce for butter. Buying whole foods to create homemade sauces, dips, breads and desserts is another great tactic to save money and encourage innovation in the kitchen.
#19
This saved us over $12,000:
Look into community college extension courses. They offer inexpensive classes in life skills that are useful to anyone (cooking, baking) and if you're a homeowner especially those skills can add up to significant savings.
We took an electrician's course and then sat for the state certification exam. Then when it came time to replace our aging furnace and central a/c we installed heat pumps. When it comes time to sell this place we can say all the work was done by certified electricians.
A contractor had quoted $16,000 for similar work. Our cost: $4000. The contractor tried to talk us into a payment plan so the actual savings was upwards of $20,000.
Extra LPT whether or not you're a homeowner: whenever someone tries to get you into a plan with "easy monthly payments" it's a terrible deal. Their goal is to drag out the loan and squeeze you for interest.
Aussie panda 3 years ago
In Australia it’s actually illegal to perform electrical work except by fully qualified electricians who have to complete years of training and study. Electrical work is dangerous and poor work could easily set a fire or shock someone.
Aisling Raye 3 years ago
Lol at inexpensive community college courses. are they less expensive than university? Yes. Are they budget friendly? No. There was a time where you could pick up a class or two for not much but price per unit now is stupid high. If you have some little thing around the house (or on your car) that needs fixing, just use a YouTube tutorial (lol) but please don't do electrical work on your home - that kind of stuff absolutely needs to be done by a professional. ALSO DONT USE THE INTERNET AS A DOCTOR!
Donabed Kopoian 3 years ago
If the terms are 0% interest, I take it every time. Why? Because you can put that money you otherwise would have spent in a savings account and earn interest on it, or even invest it for bigger returns down the road. I have payments for some things right now, but all at 0%. Two of them I just paid off, and in the meantime, I collected interest on what I kept in my account in lieu of paying in full. However, the principle of "Don't borrow what you can't pay in full" still applies. If you suffer income loss and are in a position where you can't pay the 0% before the term expires, you'll get hit with accrued interest which can easily exceed $1k. It's easy to go into too much debt under the illusion of "0%" and get burned because of an income change.
Joshua Retzloff 3 years ago
Hmm... A trade "certification" has nothing to do with a state license, as per my research most states (I'm not looking at you Alaska) require a minimum amount of experience to be licensed as well as a skill assessment. As already stated by others AC and Electrical have almost nothing to do with each other and require different licenses... And my final observation is that a heat pump(s?) By itself (themselves... Seriously why plural? A single one should do for most residential properties) is quite expensive, while the install takes skill, it shouldn't require too much time so your cost should mostly be parts... If you didn't call around to compare prices and find out that $16,000 would be the usual cost for most multi unit commercial buildings (not in the Midwest USA) and could get a 4 Ton unit shipped to your door for $1500 you can't call yourself frugal.
Deanna Crichley 3 years ago
We needed new windows. SO has a friend who works as an installer. He came and took measurements for us, we knew what we needed, and every couple of months we bought 2 or 3 outright. We just lined them up in the basement until we had all 21. We hired an independent installer, and he did the job for four thousand dollars, rather than the 10 thousand the window company would have charged. We had no finance charges. We saved a ton.
Robert Bullard 3 years ago
I'm thinking "Not True" on this. Getting a state certification is not as easy as a "class" and then set for the exam. Try again Panda.
#20
Buy quality stuff. They last longer than cheap stuff.
Brendan Roberts 3 years ago
This makes sense, but not always possible when you don't have enough money to buy quality stuff.
The Scout 3 years ago
"Take boots, for example. He earned $38 a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost $50. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about $10. "Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles. "But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford $50 had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in 10 years' time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet." (Terry Pratchett, Men at Arms 1993)
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Cory Willson 3 years ago
Planned obsolecence makes this false in a lot of cases. Its hard to determine whats "quality" and what is brand tax or just over priced in general. Paying more doesnt mean it will last longer anymore.
Nancy Fralic 3 years ago
My mother taught me to buy 1 good (not necessarily expensive) timelessly styled outfit a season. Over several years you have a classic wardrobe without spending a lot each year. She always looked spectacular because she then took great care of her clothes and didn't waste money on fashion whims which quickly went out of style. She lived through the Depression and learned frugality by necessity
Perfect Storm Of Dreams 3 years ago (edited)
That only works if you're not like me and don't get progressively fatter as your metabolism slows down
Load More Replies... ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago (edited)
buy good quality appliances or manufacturer's goods and DO NOT BUY the extended warranty insurance/maintenance policy on it, never a good deal if you buy good quality stuff up front
Thomas Jones 3 years ago (edited)
We tend to buy expensive but durable stuff. Beyond about a 5yr horizon, buying this way usually more than pays off.
Perfect Storm Of Dreams 3 years ago
Quality stuff is not the same as name brand stuff! As a waitress I wore walmart walking shoes that would last about 6 months. Saved up for nice name brand walking shoes and they didn't last 2 months before falling apart. Never bought another namebrand shoes again. Also, always check the critical reviews of products.
#21
I order my groceries online and it really cuts back on impulse purchases. This ties in with meal planning and cooking at home.
Find someone with a baby 6-12 months older than yours, 1 year is a good gap, and see if you can have/buy all their usesdclothing. You'll want to find someone with a close birth month so the seasonal stuff matches up.
lenka 3 years ago
If you shop in store - never go to the supermarket when you are hungry! Always eat first.
Marty Sunderland 3 years ago
Can't do that. I won't buy anything, and then I have to go back.
Load More Replies... Marcus Karlsson 3 years ago
I never do that since they seldom pick the freshest fruits or bread. We have however a working sysrem for 2nd hand kids clothing. We trade with other families and then get them back and send them to relatives.
Pizzagirl 91 3 years ago
We had that problem with ordering food online and picking it up, too, until we complained a couple of times (they actually tried to give my husband ground beef on the expiration date - our pick up time was 6pm!). It's gotten much better, but I know what fresh things I'll rather pick up at our tiny local store under the week.
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Anne Mitchell 3 years ago
Make a list when you are using the last or 2nd last item. Keep to the list when shopping, don't put anything else in your cart. If you see something you do forgot, put it on the list and do without until next shopping day (except toilet paper). Shop fortnightly and buy only what you need. Better to buy "just in time" rather than "just in case".
Kim Lorton 3 years ago
Costco and big box stores are great for toilet paper and paper towels. Saves is a bundle.
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Margaret Blythe 3 years ago
Also find a mom, like me, who really needs to get rid of so much baby clothing that was hardly worn or at least not stained.
Lydia Owen the Bi-tch 3 years ago
1 year is an amazing gap. Then you can use them at the same time. Also 1 year is a good gap for getting bedding from cribs and bassinets and bouncers are about 8 months.
Deanna Crichley 3 years ago
I save money, because I'm not in the store making impulse purchases and seeing new products that I MUST try!
Kim Lorton 3 years ago
I check my three closest grocery stores prices on line. Then go and get the best prices I can. They are all within 10 miles or less from the house. We are also growing our most used veggies in containers. And after my bank did a spread sheet on our spending for last year, free of charge, always! I about crapped my heart out! Take out/ delivery food killed our budget all to heck and back last year! Having a husband that doesn't cook and me having a broken shoulder preventing me from cooking for several months, we got in the habit of getting delivery! OMG. We spent about 2100 dollars in one month!! Times that for 8 months and i about died. I deleted all the delivery apps, cancelled, removed them from phone and iPad and now, i cook or we do frozen microwave! I felt sick. We are back on track and now i am not wanting to puke from stupidity!!
Hagen Radcliffe 3 years ago
Kim! Stop beating yourself up! It was a situation, not a choice! It’s human to make a mistake- forgive yourself! It’s not like you’ll ever do it again. Take a deep breath and move on!!!
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Jennifer Haukaas 3 years ago
This is a terrible tip, because delivery apps not only charge you for their services but they also upcharge each grocery item, and then there’s tip. So you could pay upwards of $30 extra each shop you do. Just go to the store with a strict list.
The internet now has dozens of blogs dedicated to frugal living, one of the most popular being Frugalwoods, which is run by two “ex-urban rookie homesteaders finding contentment on 66 acres in rural central Vermont”. In one of their blog posts, Liz, aka Mrs. Frugalwoods, details “why frugality is the best thing that’s ever happened to [her]”. She notes that it’s not always popular to live frugally when it’s not out of necessity, but it can help you identify your true priorities. “When I first began to cut things from my life, I thought of each cut as a loss. As something I didn’t get to do anymore,” Liz shares. “Now, I see them all as things I don’t have to do anymore. Things I don’t have to waste time, energy, and money on. Things I’ve freed myself from needing and from doing.”
#22
Try free entertainment. In many cities, libraries have passes for check out and/or free days at museums. Audiobooks, videos/dvds/streaming, ebooks, magazines are all available for free.
Sue User 3 years ago
Hoopla for streaming from library. Overdrive for reading library books at home
Humberto Nieto 3 years ago
Overdrive is transitioning to Libby. Same thing, just new look and whatnot.
Load More Replies... ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
They still have over-the-air free TV broadcasts where I live, 119 channels, half in English. No reason to pay for a cable subscription service if you can get the same stuff for free. I actually had one cable service vendor stop by and ask me why I was the one person in the entire subdivision that did not have cable service. I beat the system. Yay.
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago (edited)
beat the system by doing free streaming of movies or old tv shows if you have cable internet... I watched Outer LImits & X-Files for free. Also there are tons of sci-fi movies out there if you like sci-fi, some of them quite recent... NO, I will not pay for a Netflix subscription as long as I can do this.. I just watched a great movie for free on YouTube called "The Healer"... why pay Netflix $4.99 to download it if you can watch for free?
Liesl English 3 years ago
I got a kindle (one of the old ones with buttons on the side for page turning) for $25 on ebay. You can get free classic books on gutenberg.org. I also signed up for an email list called bookbub which sends an email every day with books for free or very cheap in genres you choose. I have over 300 ebooks from this, and it cost me less than $50 total.
Bobbie Meyers 3 years ago
If you have a newer TV, chances are it has many free streaming services built in. Ours has a ton!
#23
I wash ziplock plastic bags and reuse them. I don't do this for ones that store raw meat of course but they can last quite awhile. I tried those material reusable ones but my kids lose them.
We also reuse food containers for the kids lunch so when they lose those I don't mind.
We reserve movies from the library for free and have taught our kids to love read and they do it all of the time. We go to the library at least once a week.
We don't spend our money on stupid kid c**p. My kids receives gifts for birthdays and holidays. Recently I went to a store with a friend and she always lets her kids pick things out of the 1-5 dollar spot area. Over time that will add up. One tripe could cost her an extra ten dollars easy.
Like wise I don't buy myself everything I want.
I own a capsule wardrobe everything pretty much goes with everything else. I probably have under 30 items of clothing for the summer season for all occasions.
We drive older cars but keep up the maintenance.
We both have work cell phones. I know this isn't an option for everyone but as long as it's allowed use your work phone for your personal phone.
Meal plan for breakfast lunch dinner and snacks. Buy food on sale that is in season.
Work alternating shifts to avoid paying for childcare. It sucks but for awhile we had to with our daughter and it saved us so much money.
Bayou Billy 3 years ago
Do not reuse plastic bags unless you want even more microplastics in your food....
Bethany Heller 3 years ago
The reusable cloth sandwich bags are pretty neat though
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MagicJJ 3 years ago (edited)
Do not, I repeat, do not use your work phone for personal use unless you like sharing a lot with your company. You have a paid work phone, but work shifts? I am not familiar with these types of jobs in the US.
Andrea Matson 3 years ago
I agree never use your work phone for personal stuff. For one you never know when your employer will change the rules and not allow you to use it for personal. Also they can take it away at any time. And since the phone number is with the company you will not be able to transfer the number to a new carrier, unless they give you permission. (Used to work for Verizon wireless) if you get fired, laid off or quit you will have to get a new phone and will probably lose everything you had on the old phone. Plus the company can see every phone call and text message numbers you receive.
Load More Replies... Phillip Shepard 3 years ago
I reuse zip-lock plastic bags and containers. Reuse Saran wrap and rubber band to cover plastic trays to store food in refrigerator..
Liesl English 3 years ago
I buy reusable Tupperware at dollar tree and they have some great stuff. The best I've found are packs of 10 little containers about the size of a boiled egg (one of the thing I pack in them for meal prepped take to work lunches). They work for sauces, meat and cheese for homemade lunchables. I've made protein boxes with them. They also have a two pack in a slightly larger size that do not leak. Very well made and I use them to pack frozen berries which thaw out slowly in the lunch pail/ fridge all week. Always have cheap supply of fruit for lunches.
Marcus Karlsson 3 years ago
I drove our car for 11+ years, but repairs started to get more andmore expensive. Rust appered and one that the trunk stopped working. Had to buy something newer and better. I'm mending the old car now and will sell it after everything is fixed. It's been a good girl, but it has given me a lot of grief, headache and anxiety the last few years.
Laura Binns 3 years ago
Unless you're including your undies and socks, 30 items of clothing for a season is A LOT.
Lucky2BAlive 3 years ago
I have an awesome collection of food storage container and try to save containers from frozen food. And check my fridge often. I am now learning to cook for 1 (empty nest). But always cook for two (you never know who might stop by - and food can be deconstructed and reconstructed into another meal)
#24
Get a returnable cost hobby. My son and I started coin roll hunting. You get rolled coins at the bank and go through them looking for any that have value. Silver coins (in US these are pre 1964 dimes and quarters) have around a 5x of face value. At worst, you find nothing and get your cash back for them at the bank... but get to have the thrill of the chase for no cost.
The Scout 3 years ago
Another hack that just might work in the US, but not in Europe. As Euro coins have not been minted before 1999 and have never been made of precious metals, there are very few collector's coins. Also, unfortunately many banks here charge a large fee for getting rolled coins by now (and even heavier fees for changing them back), so any gains would be voided.
Ein Steinbeck 3 years ago
Your banks charge you for coin exchange? That's wild. Here the only thing that does that is CoinStar and they're basically just predatory money exchangers that prey on poor/lazy people.
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Joshua Retzloff 3 years ago
Most banks in the usa will pre-sort thier coins before rolling them and send out of circulation or rare coins to the US Treasury and Mint department for equivalent exchange, so it is incredibly unlikely that a consumer will get a coin worth more than face value... Maybe at a credit union...
Moose 3 years ago
Small catch here that the post isn’t telling you is if you find a dime that is worth more then face value in metals it doesn’t matter. It’s very illegal to melt the currency down in the US to cash in on the finds. If you find collector coins that have value to collectors you can sell them and cash in that way but the dime worth .20 in silver is still a dime you can’t do anything with
Hagen Radcliffe 3 years ago
Germs! Just the thought of touching all that change that ALL those people have touched! Almost as bad as paper money EWwwwwwww
Liz goes on to mention that frugal living also “fosters lowered stress, increased peace and greater simplicity”. She provides the example of how she used to feel pressure to wear makeup despite knowing that it caused her anguish, cost lots of money and added time to her daily routine. But one day, she just decided that it was unnecessary, so she cut it out. Liz writes that it was “so much easier for me to simply say no”. “To simply not wear it anymore. To not buy it, to not need it, to not put it on. To simplify and to do without is to create a level of ease and calm.”
On that same note, Liz mentions that frugality has increased her happiness. She explains that “treating herself” less frequently allows those treats to be more exciting, and over time she’s taught her how to embrace life’s simple pleasures. “Frugality… trains our brain not to require those consumer highs. We’re happier with less and we enter a state of contentment, as opposed to a state of constantly craving.”
#25
Making your own cleaners, and using old cut-up shirts/bar cloths instead of paper towels. You'd be surprised how much you spend on cleaning supplies from the store. Vinegar is your best friend.
I also save a TON making my own laundry detergent. Took me a few times to nail it "just right", but this has been a huge savings.
Aisling Raye 3 years ago
Good ol' plain white vinegar cleans just about everything and doesn't leave streaks on mirrors or windows etc. No clue why people on here said it attracts fruit flies and he smell goes away pretty quick so IDK where those comments came from. Adding that a mix of ~ 15% dawn dish soap (the blue kind specifically for idk what reason,) ~ 25% ammonia, and ~ 60% water will get stains out of nearly anything. Had an elderly neighbor that taught me that trick and even gave me a spray bottle that she had marked the right levels off on for me. I miss her so much.
pat hayes 3 years ago
ditto here for paper towels.....we rarely use them ....too much waste...i buy microfiber cloths at walmart then toss in the wash. when they wear out then they get used in the garage for the cars until they are shredded😃🤣....its a small thing but at least it cuts down on waste & money..
Pittsburgh rare 3 years ago
I'm sorry, but vinegar stinks and doesn't evaporate as they claim. I'll keep cleaners to a minimum but there's no way l clean with vinegar
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
Maybe it’s the recipe you’re using - I used to think the same, but now I use a DIY vinegar and tea tree oil/lime EO solution (it’s only like 10% vinegar) and sure, you can smell the vinegar for maybe 15 mins after you’ve cleaned but then it dissolves and just smells citrusy and fresh :) an alternative to vinegar is a splash of lemon juice and some baking soda instead.
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Erin Mitchell 3 years ago
Dont agree with making your own detergent. Most people dont understand the difference between soap and detergent and what they make is laundry SOAP. You cannot use that stuff in newer machines. Especially HE machines. You want to save money on detergent. Make sure youre using the appropriate amount. Most use too much. You need no more than 2 tablespoons. And if you think your clothes arent getting clean enough with that amount of detergent then you mostly likely have build up on your clothes caused by too much detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. Strip your laundry and you wont have those problems.
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
make up your own sudsy ammonia solution, but do not mix with any cleanser that has chorine in it since a toxic gas will be produced
Bobbie Meyers 3 years ago
Well, I keep hearing this and have tried multiple times. Vinegar is useless, so what am I doing wrong?
#26
Repurposing. Take big empty containers from powdered coffee creamers or instant coffee- and reuse them with other products.
Vorknkx 3 years ago
Having grown up in a post-communist country, repurposing is like a second nature to me and my family :P
Olga Aftyka 3 years ago
That is why we all have "Schroedinger ice cream" in our freezers It might be ice cream, sure, but it also might be dill or chive :D
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ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
the Folgers coffee container makes a perfect sized tub for screws & nails in the shop
LagoonaBlueColleen 3 years ago
I like using cola bottles as vases. We use the yogurt containers and pasta sauce jars to store leftovers.
Lucky2BAlive 3 years ago
You can make them creative with masking tape, a small bit of paint and either an old (clean) sponge from the kitchen or brush). You create patterns, make it your own style, and change it as often as you like.
Load More Replies... Lucky2BAlive 3 years ago
I use a plastic coffee container for used grease and oil. Just drop in a few ice cubes, fill contain, put in freezer, reuse until full and then just throw it out.
Kim Lorton 3 years ago
I do that! I use my squeeze ketchup bottles and make salad dressing in them. Stores better, and the home made Good Seasons brands will allow me to make 2 packets in each bottle. I can add extra vinegar or less depending on what we like at the moment . Also, I have found that the Badia and lesser priced spices taste just as good as the ones in a jar that cost 6.99!! I also save my jars and containers from used up spices and buy in bulk from a spice house. Those taste great snd their flat packs always ship free. The Spice House. Online.
#27
Buy non perishable items in bulk and on sale if possible. Also do this for things I use all the time like flour/rice
Plan meals ahead of time. Any fresh ingredients that aren't used up have another meal planned to use the. For example, I use half a head of cabbage in my stir fry so I plan another meal that uses the other half or I will forget to use it.
Replace light bulbs in low traffic areas with motion sensing light bulbs. I never worry if the utility room light was left on and it's wonderful.
Robert A Reider Jr 3 years ago (edited)
Even though the nest is empty and its just me, I still make a huge sumday dinner. I buy whatever looks good, thats on sale. Pot roast, a fat, whole chicken, pork loin and such with all the trimmings. Then portion out the leftovers into the freezer, either for straight up left over plates or use in other (planned) meals. I ge a lot of bang for the buck and the best part? I eat like a king but only have to cook a few days a week. A few taps on the microwave or air fryer and Im ready to sit down and stuff my face. My grocery bill runs about $175 a month. Less than $2 a meal.
Terry Tobias 3 years ago
I'm on my own too and I always cook large dinners and eat/freeze plenty of leftovers for another night. Alot of things like soups, stews, lasagna and other casseroles actually taste better the next day. Another thing that helps, take-out places offer good discounts on larger pizzas and meal deals. If I have the money I'll buy a large pizza for just myself, have leftovers cold the next day, and freeze the remaining pieces. So for $16 I can get 5 meals.
Load More Replies... ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago (edited)
If you are in the US, prescription drugs can be expensive, with or without health insurance. If you order in from Canada, you can save as much as 70% on tier C type drugs. They are cheaper than the price of the deductible for the exact same meds. This does not work for the cheaper generic meds. Search for Planet Drugs Direct online. This is not allowed in some states. Orders for pain meds are not accepted.
Lambchop 3 years ago
Universal Drugs is also very reputable. You need a prescription the first time but they make that easy. We’ve used them for more than 10 years.
Load More Replies... ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago (edited)
old style tungsten light bulbs only last about 1100 hours. Now they are as expensive as fluorescent screw-in bulbs. If you put a voltage dimmer on the bulb & turn down the light until it starts to show a little orange (90% reduction), it will last 20 years or about 20,000 hours. Why not? google search for Westek 6009B 100W Full Range Lamp Socket Manual White Dimmer, $7.43 on Amazon This will be cost-effective if you use it for over 5 years. Be sure & take the pair with you when you move. BEAT THE SYSTEM!
Bex 3 years ago
I have some compact fluorescent bulbs that are at least 15 years old. I got them for under $2 a bulb.
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Michael Nilsson 3 years ago
I always make sure to check for sale notes while grocerie shopping, atleast here in Sweden products with short due date gets marked with red notes and is around 50% off. And sometimes if you find a product that is not marked but has best before date same day och maybe yesterday, point it out at the check out and you sometimes gets it for free. Most product are good past the BB date (I wouldnt take my chances with chicken or fish though)
Aisling Raye 3 years ago
If you're in the states, Sam's Club does free 90 day trial memberships. Just remember to cancel in time so you aren't charged. You can fill prescriptions at CostCo pharmacy without a membership for far less than most pharmacies (if you have a locally owned and run pharmacy - so not a chain - they are generally less expensive than even CostCo is but not everyone has one of those in their town) You can also get an eye exam with no membership (you do need one to buy glasses or contacts, but if you get your prescription you can find great deals on those online - try wherelight.com) You can also buy alcohol at CostCo with no membership.
Although being thrifty may seem a bit subversive in our consumerist society, it can yield many personal benefits and help us be more gentle on the planet. Enjoy reading the rest of these frugal living tips; maybe you're even becoming inspired to grow your own garden or start shopping second hand. Don't forget to upvote your favorite recommendations, then let us know in the comments how you like to embrace frugality. You don't need to start brewing your own kombucha tomorrow, but if you're cutting back a little here and there, the Earth and your wallet will thank you.
#28
I have a family membership to a family gym + indoor pool. My whole family of 6 exercises / swims there usually 3 times a week for $90 a month. Besides having something healthily to do outside the house, it also pays for itself by having us shower there instead of the house on the days we go. Our water is very expensive.
LagoonaBlueColleen 3 years ago
Those memberships do pay off when you have a big family. You may not even have to be a family, per se, to take advantage of those family memberships, now that I'm thinking.
Lily Zdzinski 3 years ago
Yes, that is what it is for. Fitness. For kids especially, fitness will look different. That's how it works. If that's really what it takes to annoy the lifeguards, perhaps they should work elsewhere. That is their job, it shouldn't "annoy" them.
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#29
Cut your own hair. I've saved, at this point, thousands of dollars and my hair looks much better than the chain barber customers.
Erufue 3 years ago
Sorry, but if you dont have proffesional training and right accessories, NO. Shaving head is okay i guess.
JJ 3 years ago (edited)
Depends on length, cut and (most important!) the used scissors. I have long hair, really good professional scissors and use the Feye method cutting them. I haven't been to a hairdresser since 2015 (after the like 20th time I told them to just cut like 2cm and they cut more than 5cm) and have healthy long hair now.
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Al Christensen 3 years ago
I'm an old geezer who's mostly bald anyway, so I just buzz my head.
Susan Betz 3 years ago
I've cut my own hair for years. But it's long and I wear it in a braid, so easy peasy.
LagoonaBlueColleen 3 years ago (edited)
I've tried this and went back to the stylist. Mine is curly when wet, then wavy when dried and brushed and sometimes I straighten it. It needs professional care from someone who knows a thing about textured hair. But I do span out my salon trips to 1 or 2 times a year when it's looking pretty rough.
Isabella 3 years ago
If your hair is curly when wet, but loses the texture when dried out - then your at-home hair care is just wrong. Wriong conditioners, wrong brushes, check CG method [curly-girl method] or other sources for curly hair
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T. D. Bostick 3 years ago
I use a shaver for this and have saved tons of money on both barbers and shampoo. Short hair uses less shampoo. Moreover, I never buy liquid soap or shampoo. Both can be purchased in bar form, and bars of soap/shampoo last forever.
Raven Luna 3 years ago
I've cut my own hair and my kids since they were born. My mom did the same for us as kids. Unless there's a special cut someone wants it's doable.
#30
Buy from 99 cents store or something similar. I buy food, hygiene items, cleaners, etc there. Somethings aren't actually cheaper but you just need to price check with your other local stores.
S. R. 3 years ago
In Germany, it's quite the opposite. Avoid the cheap 1 Euro stores for smaller items, as they are usually smaller packs (think travel size, mostly 3 x the drugstore price). Most of the time there's a drugstore nearby (walking distance) where you can get the hygiene items for really cheap (regular size)
PVR 3 years ago
Sometimes when you calculate the price per unit, the larger store is cheaper than the cheaper stores.
Load More Replies... Upstaged75 3 years ago
Be sure to check expiration dates on things you buy at those stores too! They often sell expired products. I love the Dollar Store for office supplies, kids craft stuff, and gift wrapping/bags. I've also gotten some good kitchen utensils like spatulas, etc.
Hagen Radcliffe 3 years ago
My personal rule is- never buy anything from the $1 ish store that goes into your mouth. I just don’t trust them after the bad baby formula a few years ago.
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
the only time I have regretted this was when I bought some stale soda drinks... BlecKhhh!
Paul K. Johnson 3 years ago
A long time ago someone told me that to save money, never bring anything into your home with a mouth. I love my two cats though and they're totally worth it.
Marcus Karlsson 3 years ago
We have dollarstore, but they are much more expensive then regular stores. Sure, the pricetag is lower then the supermarkets, but it is a smaller package. Shampoo is Half the size then regular stores for 75% of the price. That is 50% more expensive.
#31
Create a list of 'worth its'. These are items that you're willing to pay more for because of quality. Ours looks something like:
- top quality/often replaced toothbrush
- sensodyne (my teeth are little bitches)
- secret deodorant (strong enough to hide my B.O.)
- qtips (other brands are poop)
- better toilet paper
- and so on..
Other things I'm more flexible on including tampon brands, cotton swabs, dental floss, etc. Keep a list and remain flexible on the items that aren't a priority.
Also, side note... my IUD was a pleasant frugal surprise - no kiddos and very light period/PMS symptoms. Score!!!
AliJanx 3 years ago
Same is true of major appliances. I'm willing to spend big dollars on a dishwasher or oven, but not so much on refrigerators. I don't need a dryer that steams, etc, so I bought the next model down. Also, check the appliance store for scratch and dent - if the dent will be hidden by where it's placed, but is otherwise exactly what you want, you can save some dollars. Figure out what's important to you - you don't need top of the line (or, conversely bargain basement) on everything that's purchased. Just typing out loud.
#33
If you don't have a budget create one. For middle class people a budget is the key to creating wealth, no matter how frugal you are.
#34
Keep a running list of things you plan to buy over the next 1-6 months. Anything from grocery staples, to new tires, to larger clothes for the baby. Come up with shopping strategies and watch flyers focusing on the items on your list. Oh marinara sauce is on sale BOGO a the supermarket, time to stock up. Maybe there's a place nearby that normally has a big tire sale the first week of September. Start looking on Craigslist for cheap or free baby clothes.
The flip side is if it's not on the list, you probably don't need it. Even if it's on sale or looks awesome, buying something not on the list (exception for groceries) should require a conversation with your spouse and a pre determined wait period (24 hours works well).
This helps you save money on what you need, and reduces impulse buys.
#35
Bicycle and scooters for transportation. Occasional Uber and rental car.
PVR 3 years ago
Doesn't work if you live in a rural area. Sometimes cars aren't a luxury. But if you live in an urban area, it's a good idea.
Sabienn 3 years ago
It works perfectly in places that are bike-friendly. Like pretty much everywhere in the Netherlands. There are more bikes than people here
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#36
Make lunch to take to work. Not working right now, but when I am, esp. with bills to pay down, I make a big pot of chili, bean soup, whatever, every week. It usually has meat, always has vegetables. I make pasta or rice if it's a good addition. I freeze 4 - 5 portions to take for lunches. If the freezer's empty, I take a wrap - tuna salad and veg, beans, sweet potato, salsa, whatever healthy lunch I can put together. Good nutrition & I got my credit cards paid, saved money.
freecycle.net, craigslist.org/zip, and local thrift shops. I buy most clothes at thrift shops and you would never know. You can get so much stuff for babies - clothes, stroller, etc., for free or very cheap. You might have to thoroughly clean it. Most people have way too much stuff for their babies, you need the basics.
Ditch cable tv and get local channels over the air with a mohu or other good antenna.
See if you can reduce insurance costs - talk to the company about your coverages.
Good luck!
Mama Penguin 3 years ago (edited)
I pack lunches and make coffee for my husband everyday. Since I work from home, I do the same with coffee and lunches. We don't have cable TV. We have a free Netflix subscription from our cell phone carrier and free Hulu subscription with my paid Spotify account. The only other subscription we're paying for is Amazon Prime since it is worth it for us. If I need a good quality clothing or shoes, I often look on ebay. Sometimes I find nice ones that are still unworn or barely worn at a fraction of retail price.
Vasana Phong 3 years ago
I’ve always been a thrift store person, besides all the benefits of saving $ and recycling, I find it hard to pay full price for the same items in decent condition
#37
See if there are grocery outlet stores in your area. Seriously, I buy a kilo of frozen veggies for $3.99, and often sauces, boxes of tea, condiments, random stuff for the pantry for $0.25-$1.00 at the most. I just picked up 4 one kilo bags of organic chickpeas for $0.50 each.
#38
Be frugal for a purpose. Don't just save and hoard money because you're averse to spending it. Have a plan for how you want that money to work for you. If you want to be frugal so you can be secure in retirement then put that money into a pension fund, the sooner the better.
#39
Know what is in your fridge/cupboards. If you don't know the what you have on hand, you may overbuy or re-buy.
#40
Learn how to care for clothes and shoes, treat even cheap pieces like they're very expensive - clean, sew up, learn how to wash them. They're going to live a long live this way therefore you won't need to buy the new ones
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago (edited)
Learn how to hang clothes to dry them. Dryers can make some clothing wear out and fade faster. I have certain clothes I always hang, inside by an air vent, and they have lasted way longer than if I put them in the dryer. Use baking soda and white vinegar to wash towels—-in hot water on a short cycle. They’ll be clean, disinfected, soft, and more absorbent (there are additives in regular laundry detergents meant to increase softness that reduce absorption in towels—-something baking soda does, without losing absorption). I do put towels in the dryer, simply because we live in a humid area, and clothes (especially larger and thicker items like towels) hung outside can take forever to dry. But I have six wool dryer balls I put in the dryer for every load, which helps everything dry faster.
#41
Probably will get hate for this because people in this sub seem to lack control when it comes to credit cards, which is really bizarre because you can't be frugal without discipline; stop using cash to pay for expenses, instead use credit cards which you pay off every month.
At the very least, you can get a card from Citi which will give you 2% cash back on everything you spend. Taking it further, there's a card from Amazon that will give you 5%, and other cards to get 5% (Discover It, US Bank Cash+) in various categories.
There's also churning, where you take advantage of intro offers. After churning, I earn roughly 10% cash back on everything I buy.
Besides lacking self control, I do not understand why people use cash at all. Carrying cash as your primary funding method is dumb. You lose your wallet, there goes 100% of your money. At least with a card, you can report it stolen and face zero liability. I'm not saying do not carry any cash at all, but keep it for backup purposes only.
Credit cards also make budgeting very simple, every card provider categorizes purchases, and will give you CSV files if you want to do stuff in Excel. You can also use sites like Mint, which directly integrates with your card provider's website.
Stop subsidizing the wealthy by using cash everywhere. Take advantage of the small discount you will get, on everything you buy. There's no cost to you, pay off your statement every month, no interest will be charged. You can also request low balance limits if you really lack control.
Just because you are currently paying off cards, doesn't mean you can't do this now either. Treat your cards identically to how you treat cash, only spend what you have right now.
LagoonaBlueColleen 3 years ago
When you use cash you can physically see how much your spending. It's a lot harder to part with a $20 bill when it goes from your wallet to the cashier, than tap your card on the debit machine. And when an unexpected emergency arises, or a sudden drop in work hours comes up, you're more enticed to live off the credit card thinking you can just catch up next month despite not knowing for sure how long that set back is going to last. Next thing you know your credit card is maxed out and you're looking for the next loan.
Upstaged75 3 years ago
My main credit card is tied to my bank account. So I literally can't spend more money than I have. It's been really great for my budget.
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#42
I earn a minimum wage job (UK). In January I moved to a job with good tips. Started saving them in a tin. Some days it was £1.70, others £4.60, etc. I never spent a penny of them. By June I had enough to pay for a trip to Vegas entirely out of my tin. My point is, if you can no longer afford to save a chunk out of the bank, try a tin. Someone I work with puts all her coins in a tin. She covers Christmas presents every year doing this. I also buy all my clothes on eBay. Got a new wardrobe for my trip this way.
Mama Penguin 3 years ago
Ebay is a great source for buying clothes. I haven't bought anything directly from stores unless there is a big sale.
Upstaged75 3 years ago
Poshmark is another great one. I've used that, Ebay, and Mercari to find brands that I like for a fraction of the price. I love Under Armour but it's stupid expensive to buy it new.
Load More Replies... T. D. Bostick 3 years ago
Maybe also don't vacation in Vegas. Unless you own the casino, it's mathematically impossible to make money gambling in the long run.
Jackie Walters 3 years ago
There's plenty to do in Vegas even if you don't gamble.
Load More Replies... #43
I save money by knowing what I want and not immediately buying it. For example, I found a pair of shoes I want, and they were on sale! toms, usually are like $50 they were on clearance for $30, a great deal right? but now, I knew what I wanted, and kept that goal in mind. like two weeks later, I found shoes (adidas) I liked just as much, and also on clearance, only $20. By holding out and seeing what else is on the market, especially by finding alternatives really helps. If there's something I want that's too expensive, i try to find things that can work in its place. or i make it myself, like wall décor, i did my whole room myself. a three panel art piece(less than $5), done on foam posterboard, and a matching tie dye tapestry($7 for the fabric and dyes). it's great that since i did it myself, it all matches. You can make a lot of things for your home yourself.
Also random, but coffee is a necessity for me daily. I used to work at starbucks, so I'd just get free coffee then. but after i got a new job, i started going out to buy it which adds up!!! coffee makers are cheap like $25, you can make it just how you want too. if you want to save even more money, just get a pour over device(less than $5) or French press($15). keurig machines are expensive too, id say a little more effort is worth it in the morning to get my cheap coffee
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago (edited)
For your Keurig, buy a couple of the reusable K-Cups. Better for the environment anyway. Loose ground coffee is cheap compared the K-Cups (like $7.99 every couple weeks as opposed to $10.99 per week of you drink a lot of coffee). Try the store’s generic brands too. Some of them taste a lot better than the name brands, especially the flavored coffees, and they cost a fraction of what the name brands cost (like $2.49 per pouch as opposed to $8.99). If this gets to be a pain, unplug the Keurig (clean it up and sell it, if it’s in great shape!), and go back to using a drip coffee maker.
Mama Penguin 3 years ago
Agree. We have a French press at home and we don't buy coffee outside anymore, unless we're traveling somewhere. Same thing with clothing. If I like something and it's too expensive, I look for cheaper alternatives that I like just as much.
#44
Cook your food, and get acquainted with leftovers. I really love to be creative, so leftovers are fun if you can be adventurous. One thing I love to do is spaghetti, make your own sauce (canned stuff is cheap!) And then follow it up with a yummy sketti pie the next day or two. Stuff like that... Take leftover meat and toss it in with scrambled eggs for breakfast. Stretch your food, lurk on second hand sites.. Facebook, Craigslist, letgo, etc. Carpooling is excellent, good job. What's your phone plan? Search for cheap and reliable options. Save, save, save! Keep your change. Write out your budget, have you and your husband agree to it. You're doing great. Keep it up.
Vasana Phong 3 years ago
I still can’t get over how my old coworkers would order lunch everyday, I mean I know roughly how much they much, but then it’s nice still living at home and having a double income for the household
Mama Penguin 3 years ago
My husband and I are tightening our belt since prices have been going up and there are medical bills that still need to be paid.
#45
Well this is what I wish I knew earlier when I was younger. Take 1 hour of pay and invest it every paycheck. If the stock pays dividends and you earn some each quarter you increase your hourly pay retroactively
#47
The biggest expenses are housing and then transportation. It would be wise to reduce those first by having affordable place to live and using public transportation/uber instead of having a car. It is better to attack bigger things instead of multiple small things.
PVR 3 years ago
Cars are not a luxury when you live in a rural area, where you can find good housing for cheaper than in an urban area. It's a good idea to weigh these factors before deciding to go without a car.
Upstaged75 3 years ago
Yeah, I'd never leave the house if I didn't have a car. There's nowhere I can actually walk to. If I lived in NYC or somewhere like that I'd definitely ditch it though.
Load More Replies... Mama Penguin 3 years ago
I live in NYC with, thankfully, easy access to subways and buses. We also got lucky with our apartment by scoring a rent stabilized apartment with pandemic rent rate.
#48
Buy a sewing machine and learn to repair your own clothes.
#49
I buy bone in chicken thighs when they are on sale. Usually 1/2 or 1/3 the price of buying boneless, skinless thighs. Then I debone them and remove the skins my self. Pretty simple to do. Then I roast the bones and skins in the oven, dump them in the pressure cooker and make my own chicken stock. So delicious.
Vasana Phong 3 years ago
It’s also more costly to buy stuff already pre- made / cut for you, I couldn’t believe all the things thats for sale that’s so easy to do yourself, people are just in such a rush nowadays , like boiled eggs, pre cut veggies, and are like $1 more per lb
Upstaged75 3 years ago
Yeah, my mom makes me crazy because she will spend $10 on a container of pre-cut fruit. It's ridiculous. But she doesn't need to worry about being on a budget like I do. Must be nice.....
Load More Replies...
Olga Aftyka 3 years ago
You could also save time by putting whole chicken thighs in the cooker straight away -meet and bone whole (with veggies) and make both like this, then eat meet with soup or picked it from the bones and have it with white sauce and rice on a second day
Olga Aftyka 3 years ago
And also veggies from broth (carrot, celery, root parsley) can be used for a veggie salad with mayo
Load More Replies... #50
Keep a price book/list of things you buy all the time. You will figure out the cheapest price possible and know when to stock up if you see it.
#51
Find and research your local thrift stores, then ask what day the specials are.Here certain things go onsale on certain days, Monday all clothes 99 cents
#52
Get a credit card that has a price matching feature. Citi has one that will automatically search retailers for 60 days after your purchase and gives you the difference if it finds a lower price. Granted I was buying a lot of stuff because I was moving, but this feature saved me $700 in the past year.
#53
Use the freebies subreddit and other freebies sites. It's not much but you can get sample sizes of toiletries and foods sometimes.
#54
Instead of paying for TV that's absolutely effing crammed with commercials, just use Kodi/YouTube(still requires internet though) to watch content if you so desire. Between those two platforms, there's almost nothing you can't stream if you know where to look.
Vasana Phong 3 years ago
I don’t understand why people still have cable, it’s like another utility bill, I’d rather have my money go towards the water/electric/ gas( now that that’s going up as well)
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
And negotiate HARD with your internet provider. Don’t be roped into some kind of bundle. They all have internet-only plans that are cheap. Those plans also don’t expire and leave you paying for two services, one of which you probably never needed, but took because of the bundled deal. You will have to say the word NO and repeat what it is you want a lot, but don’t let them wear you down. Stick to what you want, and they’ll eventually give in and put you in that plan.
#55
Buy you car with CASH! Banks will require full coverage insurance. Buy more modest vehicles and get liability insurance.
Vasana Phong 3 years ago
Ditto, we have a 2003 Honda CR-V with at least 230,000 miles in it, we just drive local, paid for by cash fo $800, yes we’ve had to put some money in repairs here and there, but man it’s a good feeling to know you don’t have a car note
WoodenLion 3 years ago
i had a car i paid cash for. i considered not getting full insurance coverage. i got it. had to spend $5k on engine replacement & 2 weeks later my son totaled it. i got over 8K for it. without it i would have gotten about 1k $. i was gonna' cancel 2 weeks b4 the wreck. glad i didn't.
Load More Replies... #56
Donate plasma. Most months you can make 300 to 500 depending on bonuses. Tax free and they give you a visa debit card to use. Also shop goodwill sales. You can follow them on fb and if you donate they give you a 20% off coupon. Watch for free items in the classifieds. We picked up a free stainless whirlpool fridge for our garage that is awesome.
Celeste Grant 3 years ago
In my country they don't pay you for donating blood or plasma; you do it voluntarily. It's an act of kindness that saves lives!
Scott Moore 3 years ago
That's because you have good health care and are not nickeled and dimed like medical care here in the United States.
Load More Replies...
#57
Only shop and buy things on sale. Make a meal plan for the week based on what's on sale in your area and don't buy anything that's not on your meal plan. Eat cheap. Rice and beans are cheap. So are eggs. Try incorporating some variation of these staples to your meals. Unplug anything you aren't using like the washing machine to save on your electricity bill. Buy from second hand stores, like new clothes for your son if you arent turned off by thrift stores. They have really good clothes sometimes and your son will soon be growing out of clothes fast. Use cloth diapers to save on diaper costs. Make your own baby wipes.
Best behave.... 3 years ago
All eggs go cheep if you keep them long enough....
Load More Replies...
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
I make a big pot of seasoned rice and beans at the beginning of the week sometimes and keep it in the fridge - awesome to have a bowl as a quick filling snack, or add to whatever I’m eating for dinner, take with me for work lunches, etc. I’m too lazy to cook every day haha
#58
Lower the hot water tank temperature. We have ours low enough that when we turn on the tap water to hot we don't burn our hands.
Terry Tobias 3 years ago
I live in an apartment and don't have access to my water heater so I had to ask the management's maintenance department to adjust the setting. Unfortunately, the nice guys they sent over would either turn the setting all the way up (costing me a fortune) or all the way down, so I would have to put in another maintenance request. Feeling like Goldilocks, I finally gave up and filled out a satisfaction survey with my experience. Within a day the head of maintenance himself came and adjusted it himself... perfectly.
#59
Make your own yogurt. Where I live, milk (as a loss leader) is only about $2 a gallon, and I can get three quarts of yogurt from it (takes 5 cups to make a quart of yogurt). If I buy yogurt at Costco, it's $6 a quart, so I save at least $16 every week. Plus, various cultures have different probiotics in them, so I rotate cultures each time I make it.
#60
Seek ways to reduce income tax bill. For example, any money you plan to use for children's education, put it in a 529 plan. (Consult your tax advisor first) Also, don't always buy cheap. It's better to spend more money on some things and buy quality items that will last a lot longer.
#61
I live I Canada and booze is expensive. I make my own. Save a bundle.
That'sEndorable 3 years ago
Hold up... Distilling can concentrate methanol if you don't know what you're doing, and make you become blind, mentally impaired or dead. And I'm shocked if Canada allows this.
Lambchop 3 years ago
You need a Federal permit to distill spirits, and in some cases a Provincial one as well. You may make both beer and wine as long as you either drink it or give it away; you may not sell it.
Load More Replies... #62
Pregame before going out drinking. Easily saves 1000s over the course of a year.
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
As long as you have self control while drinking. Easy to end up blacked out at the bar while still spending too much if you don’t!
What do you think ?
Ein Steinbeck 3 years ago
Remember folks: you all have a free, global library full of books, games, and educational materials. All you have to do is learn how to download them and not get viruses.
wowbagger 3 years ago
A couple of things that work for me: 1) Check out tool and equipment rentals near you. For many projects, you can rent the tools you need, even smaller hand tools. You can also try borrowing from neighbors. 2) At the beginning of heating and cooling season, set your thermostat for what's comfortable. But then every few days set it one degree lower in winter (or warmer in summer). As you acclimate to the change in seasons, you'll feel comfortable with cooler temps in winter and warmer in summer. Keep doing this till you hit the limit of what's acceptable to you. Taking walks every day also helps with acclimating to seasonal changes.
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
if you have south-facing windows, put up shades to block them in the summer. Similarly, if your HVAC compressor is on the south side of the house, lean large plywood boards up over them so the sun does not heat the cooling fins. Just don't block the airflow completely.
Load More Replies... Shelli Aderman 3 years ago
This post is not for people who NEED to save money, but rather, WANT to. There is a HUGE disparity between the haves and the have-nots. It drives me bonkers to see folks posting about ways to save money, when they actually have money in the bank…
Bex 3 years ago
Especially when you are working 2 jobs and don't have unlimited free time to make some of this happen...
Load More Replies...
Lori Rommel 3 years ago
Almost everyone I know complains about their cable bill. We have an outdoor aerial which pulls in all the broadcast stations. Most people aren't aware of how many there are in addition to the ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FOX, and CW. There is never "nothing on."
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago (edited)
instead of renting equipment for a repair/renovation job at the rental place, buy them at the pawnshop. After you finish the job, sell them back to the pawnshop. Be up front and tell the owner what you are doing. He may quote you a firm price to buy back the stuff. The net price will be much less than the rental store price if you are going to use it for a week or more.
Aisling Raye 3 years ago
If you're "visually impaired" like me and you live in the states you can get an exe exam and two pairs of glasses from AmericasBest for like $60-70. If you want more styles you can go to sites like WhereLight for incredibly inexpensive (but also really cute) glasses and order with your prescription info. -- I have a ton of other advice on how to save money but I put all of those suggestions in comments on the stuff posted in this list lol --
The Starsong Princess 3 years ago (edited)
Plan out 90% of your meals and grocery shop with a list. But don’t try to plan every meal - you might go out or not want what you have. If I don’t have a meal planed or I’m going out, I eat scrambled eggs. Review your spending every few months and look at where you are spending money and not getting any value out of it. For example, I was spending money on lunches at work but didn’t particularly enjoy them, so I started packing my lunches and only eating out on special occasions. I did value walking over to the coffee shop with my friends and having a fancy coffee so I do that once a week but bring my coffee otherwise I didn’t care if I got manicures or bought brand name makeup but I did value the occasional pedicure. My latest analysis is I am spending too much on Uber eats once a week. It’s cheaper for me to go out and pick it up if I want takeout and I’ll get less so I deleted the delivery apps. Still have the luxuries you can afford but make sure you really want and enjoy them.
Cassie 3 years ago
Get an aqueous ozone machine for your washing machine. It creates the aqueous ozone as the water passes through. Aqueous ozone sanitizes with cold water and doesn't stiffen clothes like detergents do, so no need for chemical softeners, either. I use wool balls in the dryer (one with a safety pin through it and the mechanism pinched closed - this discharges static while having several balls softens fabric as they tumble). That's it. I don't buy laundry products and I don't use hot water for my laundry. After years of trying different detergents to get the teen boy funk out of my laundry, this is what worked. It also eliminated that funky frontloader odor. If you need to boost the effect, you can add a little citric acid to the load, but I've only ever used that for stuff the cats peed on.
Ein Steinbeck 3 years ago
Remember folks: you all have a free, global library full of books, games, and educational materials. All you have to do is learn how to download them and not get viruses.
wowbagger 3 years ago
A couple of things that work for me: 1) Check out tool and equipment rentals near you. For many projects, you can rent the tools you need, even smaller hand tools. You can also try borrowing from neighbors. 2) At the beginning of heating and cooling season, set your thermostat for what's comfortable. But then every few days set it one degree lower in winter (or warmer in summer). As you acclimate to the change in seasons, you'll feel comfortable with cooler temps in winter and warmer in summer. Keep doing this till you hit the limit of what's acceptable to you. Taking walks every day also helps with acclimating to seasonal changes.
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago
if you have south-facing windows, put up shades to block them in the summer. Similarly, if your HVAC compressor is on the south side of the house, lean large plywood boards up over them so the sun does not heat the cooling fins. Just don't block the airflow completely.
Load More Replies... Shelli Aderman 3 years ago
This post is not for people who NEED to save money, but rather, WANT to. There is a HUGE disparity between the haves and the have-nots. It drives me bonkers to see folks posting about ways to save money, when they actually have money in the bank…
Bex 3 years ago
Especially when you are working 2 jobs and don't have unlimited free time to make some of this happen...
Load More Replies... Lori Rommel 3 years ago
Almost everyone I know complains about their cable bill. We have an outdoor aerial which pulls in all the broadcast stations. Most people aren't aware of how many there are in addition to the ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FOX, and CW. There is never "nothing on."
ThumbsUpGuy 3 years ago (edited)
instead of renting equipment for a repair/renovation job at the rental place, buy them at the pawnshop. After you finish the job, sell them back to the pawnshop. Be up front and tell the owner what you are doing. He may quote you a firm price to buy back the stuff. The net price will be much less than the rental store price if you are going to use it for a week or more.
Aisling Raye 3 years ago
If you're "visually impaired" like me and you live in the states you can get an exe exam and two pairs of glasses from AmericasBest for like $60-70. If you want more styles you can go to sites like WhereLight for incredibly inexpensive (but also really cute) glasses and order with your prescription info. -- I have a ton of other advice on how to save money but I put all of those suggestions in comments on the stuff posted in this list lol --
The Starsong Princess 3 years ago (edited)
Plan out 90% of your meals and grocery shop with a list. But don’t try to plan every meal - you might go out or not want what you have. If I don’t have a meal planed or I’m going out, I eat scrambled eggs. Review your spending every few months and look at where you are spending money and not getting any value out of it. For example, I was spending money on lunches at work but didn’t particularly enjoy them, so I started packing my lunches and only eating out on special occasions. I did value walking over to the coffee shop with my friends and having a fancy coffee so I do that once a week but bring my coffee otherwise I didn’t care if I got manicures or bought brand name makeup but I did value the occasional pedicure. My latest analysis is I am spending too much on Uber eats once a week. It’s cheaper for me to go out and pick it up if I want takeout and I’ll get less so I deleted the delivery apps. Still have the luxuries you can afford but make sure you really want and enjoy them.
Cassie 3 years ago
Get an aqueous ozone machine for your washing machine. It creates the aqueous ozone as the water passes through. Aqueous ozone sanitizes with cold water and doesn't stiffen clothes like detergents do, so no need for chemical softeners, either. I use wool balls in the dryer (one with a safety pin through it and the mechanism pinched closed - this discharges static while having several balls softens fabric as they tumble). That's it. I don't buy laundry products and I don't use hot water for my laundry. After years of trying different detergents to get the teen boy funk out of my laundry, this is what worked. It also eliminated that funky frontloader odor. If you need to boost the effect, you can add a little citric acid to the load, but I've only ever used that for stuff the cats peed on.
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