40 Extreme Ways To Save Money

I like to have nice things, but I am also extremely frugal. I cut my own hair. I don’t have a data plan for my phone. I don’t have the latest Apple or Android phone. I use the public library to borrow books and movies. I rarely buy clothes. I use things until they stop working. I cut open lotion bottles to get every last drop. I cook most of my food at home. I have a low-maintenance beauty routine.

All these little habits help me save thousands of dollars every single year. I do believe in the “buy it for life” philosophy, which means I like to purchase high-quality products that are designed to last for decades. This helps reduce waste and avoid frequent replacements.

I also try to use my available resources wisely and be mindful with my purchases, by making sure they align with my financial goals. This isn’t about being cheap. It’s about being smart with your money and getting the most out of every dollar you earn.

Below are some of the habits that I like to do and some that I’ve seen others do with success.

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1. Buy and resell items for profit on Facebook Marketplace

When my husband started playing softball as a hobby, he bought all his gear from Facebook Marketplace to save money.

While he was browsing Facebook Marketplace, he noticed that many people were selling high-value softball bats and gloves for cheap. This is because they were just looking to quicky get rid of items.

To make some extra cash, my husband likes to buy these high-value items for a low price, clean them up, then resell them for profit online. This allows him to earn enough money to pay for his softball hobby.

My friends Rob and Melissa earn over $100,000 a year by buying and reselling stuff on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. You can learn how to find local deals for dirt cheap and flip them for profit here.

2. Unplug electronics when not using them

Unplugging appliances and electronics can help you save money because many items draw phantom power, even when they are turned off or in standby mode.

You can also use power strips with switches to help cut this energy waste, which could potentially save you up to $200 a year.

High draw items to unplug when not using them include TVs, gaming consoles, cable boxes, computers, and phone chargers.

You may also want to unplug your microwave, coffee maker, or mini fridge if you’re not using it.

3. Challenge yourself to a no spend month

An extreme way to save money is to do a no-spend month. This is where you challenge yourself to not spend any money on non-essentials for an entire month.

This means you’ll pay for groceries, gas, and your regular monthly bills (housing and utilities). But you’ll find free ways to have fun, avoid going to restaurants, and cancel subscriptions that you don’t need anymore.

If an entire month sounds too extreme, you can try doing a no-spend weekend instead. This can be a great way to reset your spending habits and grow your savings account.

4. Find free ways to entertain yourself

It seems like all the festivals and events that are being promoted on social media involve spending money to have fun.

But there are many ways to find free ways to entertain yourself. Below are some of my favorite ideas:

Go for a nature walk / Visit a hiking trail
Check out your local library (borrow books, movies, DVDs, or CDs for free)
Enjoy free museum days
Attend a free street festival or art show
Have a game night with friends or family
Learn how to cook a new recipe using ingredients you already have
Practice creative writing
Sketch a picture of your pet or something in nature
Have a spa day at home
Watch a documentary or take a free online class
Learn a foreign language by using a free app / watching a free video
Make crafts using items you already have at home
Have a picnic in the park (or in your living room)
Visit a busy spot in your city and people watch
Check out murals and other street art in your city
Volunteer at the animal shelter or a retirement home

5. Make your own household cleaners

Making your own cleaning supplies can be a great way to save money and stay healthy. Many store-bought cleaning products contain harmful chemicals, which are not safe for pets or young children.

The best way to clean your home is with water, baking soda, white vinegar, lemon, and castile soap. I always keep baking soda in my house to wash fruit before eating.

I also make an all-purpose cleaner using water, white vinegar, and a little lemon. It works great for cleaning just about anything in the home.

6. Cut open toothpaste and lotion containers to get the dregs out

Have you ever noticed that items like lotion containers or toothpaste make it difficult to get every last drop out?

Instead of opening a new product, I like to cut open the container so I can get the extra product out from the bottom. It may not be pretty, but it makes the product last for at least another week or two.

7. Shop your pantry before going to the grocery store

Chances are, you already have everything you need to make a delicious and nutritious meal at home using items from your fridge, freezer, or pantry.

I used to find myself going to the grocery store multiple times a week because I felt like I didn’t have anything to cook at home.

But I started looking through my pantry and found lots of items that I needed to use up. Some of my favorite pantry-friendly meals are pasta, soup, stew, beans and rice, or frittata.

8. Learn how to cook basic items from scratch

Buying the raw ingredients to make items from scratch is cheaper than pre-packaged versions. This can save you a lot of money and it’s also better for your health.

Some of my favorite things to make from scratch includes pizza, pasta sauce, pesto, bread, broths, granola, breadcrumbs, dried beans, frozen burritos, potato wedges, hummus, hot chocolate, pancakes, salad dressing, jam, muffins, cookies, spice blends, stove top popcorn, and soups.

If you need some tips, check out the book Make The Bread, Buy The Butter.

9. Cut up old towels to use as cleaning rags

To save money on paper towels and cut down on waste, I’ve started using old towels as cleaning rags. They’re perfect for cleaning up dust, spills, or scrubbing.

You can clean them with vinegar, dish soap, or baking soda.

10. Buy second hand when it makes sense

I used to work at a thrift store when I was in college. It was a great place to find books, sporting equipment, and furniture that was in good condition for a cheap price.

To save money, my husband and I like to search on Facebook Marketplace for second hand items. This was helpful for us when we moved into our new home and welcomed our baby daughter.

You’ll want to be mindful though because some items are not good to buy second hand, such as helmets, car seats, or mattresses.

11. Wear indoor clothes when at home

When I return home from being outside, I like to change into my indoor clothes. These clothes are my lounge wear or pajamas that I don’t wear outside of the house. I consider them my “comfy clothes”.

Lounge wear and pajamas are cheaper than buying jeans, dresses, and other fashion. Because I work from home and primarily wear lounge wear, I don’t need to wash my “outdoor” (more expensive) clothes as much.

This helps me save money because I rarely have to buy new clothes, unless I specifically need something.

I also buy most of my lounge wear and pajamas when they’re on sale, which saves me even more money on clothes. I realize this tip might not work for everyone depending on your situation.

12. Line dry your clothes

Another great way to extend the life of your clothes is to hang dry them on a clothing rack. Using a dryer can be hard on clothes because they can cause shrinking, fading, or pilling.

This can damage the natural fibers of your clothes and cause them to wear out faster. You’ll also reduce your energy costs by avoiding the dryer.

When hang drying your clothes, make sure to place them in a well-ventilated area to help your clothes dry faster. Also give them a good shake before putting them on the drying rack to help smooth out the creases.

13. Find ways to simplify your life

There are many things you can do or let go of to simplify your life and save money. Below are some examples to get inspired:

Meal plan
Cancel subscriptions you no longer need or use
Cancel memberships or delivery services that drain your budget
Use budgeting frameworks (50/30/20 or 70/20/10 method) to track your spending
Build an emergency fund
Declutter items in your home to reduce mental clutter
Wait 24 hours before making a purchase (this can help you buy with intention)
Say “no” to things that don’t align with your financial goals
Develop a morning or evening self-care routine

14. Look for free ways to do something before spending money

Before you decide to spend money, check out your free resources first. Below are some examples:

Public library – Great for borrowing books, movies, DVDs, audiobooks, taking free classes, or local museum passes.

Local parks – Great for picnics, nature walks, entertainment, biking, or people watching.

Free community events – Food markets, Craft fairs, music festivals, concerts, or art galleries.

Learn DIY – Watch online tutorials, borrow books from the library, or take a free class and learn how to do crafts, home improvement projects, cook, bake, assemble furniture, or basic repairs.

At-home fun and date nights – Play board games, video games, host a potluck with friends, have a movie marathon, spa day at home, or learn a new instrument.

15. Eat less meat

Reducing your meat consumption can be a great way to save money on your monthly grocery budget. Plant-based sources of protein such as lentils, beans, and tofu are significantly cheaper than buying meat.

You don’t have to become a vegetarian to experience the health and savings benefits of eating less meat. Just swapping it a few times a week can help you save hundreds of dollars each year.

16. Choose frozen vegetables

You don’t need to sacrifice your health to save money on your grocery bill. Buying frozen vegetables can save you money because they are cheaper than buying fresh.

You’ll also reduce food waste, since frozen veggies last longer and there’s virtually no prep time involved (cleaning and chopping).

Frozen vegetables are nutritious because they are frozen at peak freshness. This is great for making budget-friendly meals, especially during the winter months when fresh veggies are out of season.

17. Cook beans from scratch

Cooking beans from scratch with dried beans tastes significantly better than canned beans.

I used to love using canned beans for convenience, but once I discovered how easy it is to cook dried beans in my Instant Pot, I’ll never look back.

The texture is better, I can adjust the seasoning, and the flavor is so much better than canned. It’s also cheaper to buy a bag of dried beans, which will last a long time, than canned beans.

18. Go to the grocery store early in the morning

You can save money by shopping at the grocery store early in the morning because you’ll get first dibs on markdowns for meat, dairy, and bakery items.

Grocery stores are usually quieter in the mornings, so there will be less crowds and a more enjoyable shopping experience.

The shelves tend to be restocked, so you can get exactly what you want before items are picked over or sold out later in the day.

19. Make a weekly meal plan based on what’s on sale

A good way to save money on groceries is to make a weekly meal plan based on what’s on sale that week.

Check your local grocery store flyers for deals on proteins, fresh produce, and other staples. Find recipes online or in cookbooks that use these discounted items and take inventory of your pantry to use up what you already have.

We eat mainly vegetarian, so I check to see what produce is on sale and plan my meals around that. When we eat meat, I’ll plan my meals around the protein that’s on sale.

I also like to make enough food so I can have leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. Cook once, eat twice!

20. Make a list of “easy dinner ideas” you can make when you don’t feel like cooking

We all have those days when we’re too tired to make dinner. Yes, it’s okay to grab take-out or go to a restaurant for a meal.

But if you are on a super tight budget, I recommend having a list of “easy dinner ideas” that you can fall back on when you don’t feel like cooking.

For example, I always keep a batch of homemade breakfast burritos (from the Ambitious Kitchen Cookbook) in my freezer that I can quickly reheat when I’m too tired to cook.

I also keep a batch of my homemade chicken meatballs and spaghetti sauce in the freezer so I can reheat that on busy weeknights.

Some other favorite easy dinner ideas include cheese and crackers, tuna or chickpea salad sandwiches, smoothies, grilled cheese and tomato soup, scrambled eggs and toast, naan pizza, or rotisserie chicken with crusty bread and frozen veggies.

21. Shop at the ethnic grocery stores in your neighbourhood

Ethnic grocery stores tend to offer lower prices on staples like rice, spices, produce, fresh herbs, and meats.

We have an incredible selection of ethnic stores here in Toronto. Plus, it’s always fun to discover new fruits or veggies that I haven’t tried before or unique spices.

22. Grow your own herbs

Starting a vegetable garden can have a large upfront cost, but growing your own herbs is easy and can save you a lot of money.

You can plant seeds in recycled containers and grow herbs in small spaces such as windowsills.

A small bunch or packet of fresh herbs at the grocery store can be expensive. Growing them at home can reduce your trips to the grocery store since you’ll always have fresh herbs at hand.

23. Avoid processed foods as much as possible

While some processed foods can be cheaper calorie-for-calorie, cooking whole foods at home is usually most cost-effective in the long run. It’s also better for your health and well-being.

Below are some switches that we made to avoid ultra-processed foods:

Buy a block of cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese
By dry beans and lentils instead of canned
Batch cook meals like soup or chili, which provides plenty of leftovers
Prioritize plant-based sources of protein
Swap stovetop popcorn and nuts for chips
Swap sugary cereals for overnight oats
Make homemade potato wedges instead of frozen French fries
Canned tuna and grilled meats instead of deli meat
Use olive oil and coconut oil instead of seed oils
Enjoy plain yogurt with fruit or a drizzle of honey instead of flavored yogurts

To save money, we recently became a water-only household. This means we stopped buying sugary drinks and soda. Instead, we water, coffee, or tea.

Drinking water is free and you can add fruit, citrus, or cucumber slices for flavor.

24. Batch cook your favorite recipes and freeze it for later

You can save time and money by cooking a large quantity of your favorite meals and staples and freezing it to enjoy later.

I do this often, which prevents me from being tempted to order take-out food. This means you’ll buy ingredients in bulk when they are in season or on sale.

For example, at the end of the summer when there’s an abundance of fresh tomatoes for cheap, I like to make a big batch of homemade roasted tomato soup or Italian tomato pasta sauce. I store the leftovers in the freezer to enjoy all winter long.

You can also meal prep staples like grains, veggies, or proteins on Sunday to use for easy meals during the week. For example, I usually have cooked quinoa in my fridge to use in chili, nourish bowls, or breakfast porridge.

25. Buy items in bulk that you’ll use up

Buying in bulk can help you save money because this lowers the cost-per-unit on items that you use frequently, such as toilet paper, laundry detergent, paper towels, soap, toothpaste, pantry staples (rice, beans, and pasta), and frozen items (meats, veggies, and fruits).

Before buying in bulk, it’s important to check the price per unit. Usually, the store tag will tell you the price per unit, so you’ll know which item offers the best value.

You’ll also want to make sure that you have enough space to store the items so you can use them up before they spoil.

26. Use lentils or beans as fillers

To save money on meat and help stretch your grocery budget, consider using lentils, beans, and legumes as fillers.

This can be an affordable way to boost the fiber and protein of your meals, such as stews, soups, pasta sauces, curries, casseroles, and so on.

For example, adding beans to soups, replacing some of the meat in spaghetti sauce with lentils, adding falafel to your salad, or using canned chickpeas in curries.

27. Be mindful about using the A/C and heating

An extreme way to save money is to turn your A/C off in the summer months. But depending on where you live, this may not be the best option.

You can still save around 10% annually simply by adjusting your thermostat. In the summer, try keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees while people are home and 85 degrees when no one is home.

In the winter, try keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees while people are home and turning it down to 63 degrees while everyone is sleeping or away from home.

28. Shop from stores that have a good return policy

When you shop at stores that have a generous return policy, like Costco or Sephora, this saves you money because you can try items risk-free and return things you don’t want.

This allows you to buy and test products (like clothes, electronics, or make up) and return them if they don’t work out for you.

29. Live with roommates or family members

Housing (your rent or mortgage) is the largest single expense for most households, especially in cities with a high cost of living.

Living with roommates or family members (such as a multi generational home) saves money because you can split the rent, utilities, and other household expenses. You can even cook meals togethers instead of eating take-out, which can help save money and reduce food waste.

When your housing expense is easier to manage, this gives you more wiggle room in your budget for other things such as transportation, food, entertainment, and savings.

This can make it easier to afford to live in nicer areas or have a larger home. You may also

30. Stop using paper towels (save napkins from take-away for messy jobs)

Depending on how much you use paper towels, you could save between $100 to $400 annually by switching to reusable cloths. We’ve been trying to cut back on buying paper towels to save money and reduce waste.

You can use old t-shirts, microfiber cloths, rags, or old towels for cleaning up spills, wiping down surfaces, or drying your hands. Wash them with your regular laundry or separate items that are heavily soiled.

I have pets and a young toddler, so I also like to save paper napkins from restaurants to handle messier jobs. You could even have dedicated rags for messy jobs that you wash separately with bleach if you prefer.

31. Rent out a spare room in your home

Renting out a spare room can be an extreme way to save money. You’ll bring in a steady income while lowering your housing costs such as your mortgage and utility bills.

It’s important to set a competitive rent and create a strong lease agreement. This means defining rules for guests or establishing quiet hours.

For short-term rentals, consider using a platform such as Airbnb. This can potentially give you higher income and you’ll get to control when you want to welcome guests.

32. Declutter your home and sell items online

Decluttering can be a smart way to save money. By organizing your home, you’ll prevent duplicate purchases and unnecessary spending.

If you have items in good condition that you don’t need anymore, you can sell them through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark. This can help put some money back into your pocket.

When decluttering your home, you’ll discover past impulse purchases. This can help you become more mindful with your spending going forward and reduce unnecessary shopping.

33. Consider downsizing your home

You can potentially save a lot of money by moving from a larger home to a smaller home. This can reduce big expenses such as your mortgage, property taxes, and insurance.

You’ll also free up money to put towards paying off debt faster, boosting your savings, or other financial goals.

When downsizing your home, this can be a good opportunity to move to a more affordable neighborhood, closer to family, or closer to work.

Of course, it’s important to be mindful of closing costs when selling your home and finding the right space to fit your needs. It may not be practical to move to a different neighborhood if it increases your transportation costs to get to work.

34. Don’t upgrade until you have to

My current phone is almost 4 years old, but I am waiting until it stops working before buying a new one. There is no need to upgrade my phone right now because my current one still works.

By not upgrading until you have it, this can help you save money and prevent lifestyle creep. As your income increases, it’s important to resist the urge to increase your spending. If you can keep your expenses the same, this allows you to funnel that extra income towards your savings.

By not upgrading until you have it, this can help you prioritize you needs over wants. Focus your spending on necessary living expenses and embrace delaying gratification.

35. Use cash envelopes to track your spending

Cash envelopes is a budgeting technique that was made popular by Dave Ramsey. This is a budgeting method where you’ll use cash to pay for everyday things instead of relying on your credit card.

Each time you get paid, you’ll set aside cash for different spending categories. Your goal is to only spend the amount of cash that you’ve set aside for each category to prevent overspending.

Popular spending categories include groceries, entertainment, restaurants, clothing, beauty, pets, home improvement, personal care, transportation, gifts and charity, or kid stuff.

Many people find that using cash envelopes is the best way to track their spending and save money. You can learn more about this budgeting method in this step-by-step guide here.

36. Join “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook

A great way to save money is to join “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook. Many neighborhoods have groups where you can give away items for free and get items from local people for free.

When I was expecting my daughter, I was able to get a free crib from a “buy nothing” group. The crib was in excellent condition, and I’ll return the favor by offering it for free to someone who needs it.

If you’re not in a hurry, these local groups can be a smart way to get items for free.

37. Cut your own hair and paint your own nails

If you have a low-maintenance hairstyle, you can save a lot of money by cutting your own hair or giving yourself a manicure at home. You’ll just need to invest in a good pair of hair cutting scissors or a manicure kit.

By learning a new skill, you’ll eliminate salon costs, which can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.

I’ve been cutting my own hair and doing manicures at home for over a decade. I watched tutorials on YouTube to learn the correct methods so I could get the results I wanted.

38. Listen to financial podcasts

Listening to financial podcasts can boost your financial literacy. This can help you save money because it teaches you about budgeting and investing strategies and offer motivation to reach your financial goals.

Many financial podcasts share actionable tips that you can start applying to help you build wealth and reduce debt.

39. Keep snacks and water in your purse

Since I’ve had my daughter, I’ve learned that it’s always a good idea to keep extra snacks and water in my purse.

This helps me save money by preventing costly impulse buys whenever hunger strikes. It also ensures that I have something healthy to eat instead of reaching for overpriced junk food.

My favorite snacks to bring include protein bars, homemade granola bars, trail mix, whole fruits and veggies, fruit pouches, pretzels, and a refillable water bottle.

40. Practice gratitude

Practicing gratitude can help you save money by it shifts your focus from wanting more to appreciating what you already have. This can help curb impulse spending and encourage mindful choices, such as focusing on your financial goals.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t strive for more and reaching financial freedom. Instead, practicing gratitude helps you foster patience, delay gratification, and help align your spending with your values.