100 Frugal Living Tips To Save More Money

I’m fairly frugal, but I wasn’t always like this. I used to have a spending problem and would constantly wonder where my money went at the end of the month.

Living frugally doesn’t mean that you need to pinch pennies or deprive yourself from having fun.

Frugal living means spending less than you earn and using that money as a tool to help you save and invest so you can reach financial freedom.

For some people, this means living debt free, working less, or retiring early. The key is, you’ll have more options when you live frugally.

If you want to boost your savings this year, follow these tips on frugal living. You may have heard some of these tips before, and some might be new. Either way, it can be a great reminder to keep you motivated on your financial journey.

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Frugal living tips for around the house

Use the following tips to help you save money and cut down on expenses at home.

1. Sell your clutter

The easiest way to declutter and make extra money is to sell items you’re not longer using. I sell almost everything that I don’t need or use anymore.

It takes time to go through your stuff and list each item for sale, but it’s worth it. I’ve made thousands of dollars by selling my old stuff on sites like Facebook Marketplace.

This includes gently used books, jewelry, baby items, my couch, my dining table, bookcases, mirrors, golf clubs, clothes, small kitchen appliances, home décor, carpets, and more.

If you need some inspiration, check out this list of over 47 items you can sell around the house this weekend.

2. Use your air fryer or toaster oven when possible

You already know that heating up a large area (like an oven) is more expensive than heating up a smaller one (like an air fryer or toaster oven).

But during the warmer months, using your air fryer can also help keep costs down when running your air conditioner. This is because it doesn’t heat up the whole house like an oven does.

I rarely use my oven during the summer because it makes the house too hot. Instead, I enjoy using my air fryer, which makes it quick and easy to whip up dinner.

3. Wash clothes in cold water

Using the cold water setting on your washing machine can help save money on energy costs every time you do laundry.

Most of the energy that your washer uses goes towards heating up the water, so making this easy switch can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Washing in cold water can also help extend the life of your clothes, so you’ll save money by not having to replace articles of clothing too often.

4. Cut back on laundry detergent

We use laundry detergent to get our clothes clean, but using too much can actually leave your laundry dirty. This is because soap residue can get left behind on your clothes which makes them feel greasy.

Using too much laundry detergent isn’t good for your washing machine either. Any detergent that doesn’t get rinsed away can dry up and leave a reside inside your machine. This residue can build up over time and eventually lead to blockages.

Save money by following the instructions on your laundry detergent. A general rule of thumb is to fill the cap up to a third full for a normal load. For a heavy load, use up to halfway mark on the cap.

I usually use one tablespoon for a normal load and two tablespoons for a heavy load. This has made a significant impact on my clothes. They feel soft and clean. Plus, I save a ton of money each year by using less detergent.

5. Stop buying dryer sheets, fabric softener, and laundry scent boosters

Not only can these items irritate sensitive skin, but they are terrible for your clothes.

Fabric softener can also reduce flame resistance on kid’s clothing, negatively impact the wicking ability of workout clothing, and leave residue build up in your washing machine which can lead to mold and mildew.

Instead, save money by using wool dryer balls in the dryer to fluff up towels and reduce static in clothing. If you want your laundry to smell fresh, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the wool dryer balls.

6. Use the right dryer cycle

If you can hang-dry your clothes and avoid using your dryer, this can save you a lot of money each year.

I use a portable folding rack to hang-dry my clothes in a sunny area of my house, which also helps to extend the longevity of each item.

Another way to save money is to use a lower heat setting on your dryer. The higher the heat, the more energy your dryer will consume, and the higher your electricity bill will be.

If you must use your dryer, make sure to run a full load and to clean your lint filter regularly. This will help your dryer run more efficiently.

7. Pay attention time-of-use electricity prices

You can save a ton of money each year by using electricity when the price is lower. For many cities, the price is usually lower in the evening (after 7:00pm), on weekends, and statutory holidays.

8. Reduce phantom energy consumption

The electronics that you use daily can draw power even when they’re not being used. This is called phantom power.

To help reduce phantom power costs, you can:

Unplug electronics when you’re not using them
Use a smart power strip to save energy
Plug your electronics into a power bar and switch it off when not using them

9. Use homemade cleaners

We all enjoy having a clean home, but many store-bought cleaning products are filled with harmful chemicals and harsh fragrances.

It’s cheaper and more eco-friendly to make your own cleaning products by using household staples like baking soda, vinegar, castile soap, and lemons.

There are tons of different homemade cleaner recipes available online to help you clean your home from top to bottom.

10. Use your ceiling fans year-round

If you need to use your air conditioning unit in the summer months to keep cool, investing in a ceiling fan can help you save money by keeping your home cooler.

Running your ceiling fan at the same time as your air conditioner can help circulate the cool air better. You won’t have to run your air conditioner as hard, which can add up to significant savings.

Most ceiling fans have a setting for summer and winter. In the summer, your ceiling fan should be turning counterclockwise to help create a downdraft.

In the winter, your ceiling fan should be turning clockwise to create an updraft and help circulate the warm air in the room.

11. Change your HVAC filters regularly

You could save up to 15% per month by replacing a dirty air filter with a fresh one.

Using a clogged filter can put unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system, which can make your furnace less efficient or risk breaking down.

This can also increase your energy bill since your furnace needs to work harder to pump air through your home.

It’s a good idea to check your filter each month and replace it at least every three months. If you’re using your furnace a lot, especially during the colder months, you may need to replace it more often.

12. Use curtains as insultation

Using curtains, drapes, or blinds can help you save between 10% – 20% per year on your utility bill.

During the winter, the right window treatments can help prevent your home from losing heat and avoid cold air from entering through leaks or cracks around the windows.

During the summer, using blinds or shades can block the sun, which helps keep your home cooler during the hottest times of the day.

Some of the best window treatments include insulated cellular shades (honeycomb shades), thermal curtains, thermal blinds, window films, and awnings.

13. Borrow tools instead of buying

If you are thinking about buying something that will only be used a handful of times, consider borrowing it instead. This will help you save money and prevent adding clutter to your home.

You might be able to borrow the item from a neighbor, friend or family member. If not, there are tons of companies that rent out items, including tools and special equipment.

14. Cut back on paper towels

Using a paper towel for every little cleaning or drying task can be a wasteful and costly habit. Instead, aim to cut back on paper towels or eliminate them completely.

You can use dish towels, wash clothes, and microfiber cloths for cleaning up and drying items.

If you don’t want to stop using paper towels, then save them for certain tasks, such as pet-related messes.

15. Plant shade trees

Planting a tree in your front yard can help shade your home in the summer, which can reduce your air conditioning costs and keep your house cooler.

16. Keep cool during the summer with a cross breeze

One of the best ways to cool down your house naturally is to create a cross breeze. This is best done in the morning or in the evening when the temperature drops.

You can do this by opening doors or windows on opposite sides of the house. If you only have one window, then you can place a fan towards the window to let air outside the room. This should help allow cooler air inside the home while the hot air escapes.

17. Use your dish washer

Most modern dishwashers use less water per load than hand-washing dishes does. Using your dishwasher can help you save money because it reduces the amount of water used and the energy needed to heat it up.

To get the most value from your dishwasher, make sure to wait until you have a full load to do a cycle. It’s also important to avoid over-stuffing your dishwasher so it can clean your dishes more efficiently.

18. Adjust your thermostat

If you’re looking for an easy way to save money, start by adjusting your thermostat. You can save around 10% annually by turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from its normal setting.

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.

In the summer, try keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees while people are home and 85 degrees when no one is home.

19. Repurpose used furniture

Choosing to upcycle furniture can be a more cost-effective and sustainable way to furnish your home than buying all new pieces.

You can find thrifted furniture at stores like The Salvation Army and Goodwill. Or you can find them online through Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, and other buy and sell groups.

20. Keep a low-maintenance yard

Everyone wants to have a beautiful yard and garden, but not all of us have the time or budget to create a lush, backyard oasis.

Instead, there are tons of low maintenance landscaping ideas that are easy to install and fit any budget.

For example, you can eliminate the need for weeding by choosing to cover your lawn in hardscaping. This can be built from stone, brick, pavers or gravel.

Mulch can also be added around plants to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds. Or you can choose to use stones and pebbles in your garden bed as a more permanent solution than mulch.

21. Use a shower head flow restrictor

To lower your water bill, you can easily install a shower head flow restrictor. This helps reduce water usage and are a great for budget-conscious families.

22. Walk, bike, carpool or ride the bus

Walking or biking is the cheapest way to travel. But if these options don’t make sense for your situation, consider carpooling or riding the bus instead.

Carpooling can be a great way to split the cost of gas, which can save you a lot of money. It can also reduce traffic congestion and promote environmental sustainability.

Frugal living tips for budgeting finances

Use these frugal living tips to help you build a better budget that aligns with your goals.

23. Create financial goals

Financial goals are spending, savings, or investment targets that you want to achieve in a set amount of time.

Your goals will look different depending on the life stage you’re currently in.

For example, younger people aren’t usually focused on building their retirement savings right now. Instead, they tend to have short-term goals like making enough money to travel or pay for college.

To help you achieve your big goals, it’s important to set small targets to reach.

Having small targets makes it a little easier and will give you a feeling of success as you accomplish each one. This can encourage you to stay on track to reach your bigger goals.

24. Reward yourself along the way

Frugal living doesn’t mean you have to give up all the fun stuff in life. You’ve been working hard at sticking to your budget and saving money, it’s time to reward yourself.

There are tons of great ways to reward yourself that won’t bust your budget. This can help you avoid feeling burnt out and give you renewed energy.

Below are some of my favorite ways to reward yourself:

Have an at-home movie night
Treat yourself to a fancy coffee
Buy yourself something nice (set an appropriate budget)
Make your favorite meal or dessert at home
Have a spa-day at home

25. Open a high-yield savings account

One of the easiest ways to grow your savings and earn passive income is to put your money into a high-yield savings account.

This can be perfect for building your emergency fund because it offers a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts.

It’s a good idea to shop around and find a high-yield savings account that offers the best interest rate. You may find that online banks offer a better interest rate than traditional banks.

26. Switch credit cards

Credit cards can be a great way to earn rewards and cash back on purchases along with travel benefits. But due to their high interest rates, it’s important to pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid those pesky fees.

I’ve used my credit card to earn reward points which has allowed me to get free movie theatre tickets, restaurant gift cards, shopping gift cards, free hotel rooms, free flight tickets, and more.

The best way to keep your balance manageable while earning rewards is to create a budget so you know exactly how much you can afford to spend each month, track your spending so you know where your money is going, and to use your credit card as if it’s cash.

27. Stop paying interest and bank fees

All bank fees can be easily avoided with some careful planning. Below are some tips to help prevent you from being charged these fees:

Set your bills on autopay so you’ll never get another late fee.
Pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid high interest charges.
Link your checking account to your savings account to avoid overdraft fees.
Maintain a minimum balance in your account to avoid being charged bank fees (or switch to an account that doesn’t require a minimum balance).
Avoid using ATMs that aren’t affiliated with your bank. Plan ahead for when you’ll need cash.
Set up low-balance alerts to let you know when your account is low.

Depending on the checking account you have, you might be able to get common bank fees waived. For example, my bank account offers free check ordering, free bank drafts, and waives the annual fee on my credit card.

28. Use a budget planner to keep your finances organized

Perhaps you think that having a budget is unnecessary or that you’re getting along fine without one, but budgeting your money can help you make better decisions and reach your financial goals faster.

If you’re struggling to save money, using a budget planner is the key to proper financial management.

I’ve tried several different budgeting methods over the years, and I’ve found the most success by following a zero-based budget.

This will give you a clear picture of your finances, so you spend money without guilt and have peace of mind knowing that you’re growing your savings each month.

29. Give every dollar a job

Every time you get paid, ask yourself what you need this money to do before your next paycheck.

Giving every dollar a job doesn’t mean that you need to spend all of your money. You just need to decide what they’re for.

Some of your dollars will have a job for this week, next week, next month, next year, and so on.

For example, you might allocate some of your dollars to go towards paying bills, grocery shopping, going to a concert, or simply having a buffer in your checking account.

Giving every dollar a job is the single best piece of budgeting advice I have followed, which has helped me live debt free, travel more, and buy my dream home.

30. Make time to budget

The best way to develop a consistent budget routine to is make time to actually sit down and create your budget plan.

For most people, this is either the last day or the first day of the month. You can review the prior month to reflect on what went well and pinpoint areas that need improvement.

If you get paid weekly or biweekly, then you may want to consider creating a new budget for each pay period. This means you’ll need to open your budget on payday and then close it on the day before you get paid again.

31. Budget with your heart

When making your budget, always start with what Dave Ramsey calls the “Four Walls”. This is your housing, utilities, transportation, and food costs.

Once those are covered, the rest of your budget should be aligned with what you truly value in life. If you haven’t already done so, think about what matters most to you.

Some common examples may include shopping local, living a non-toxic and sustainable lifestyle, attending sporting events, high-quality skin care, going on regular date nights, traveling the world, helping those who are less fortunate, and so on.

Or perhaps it’s a long-term goal, such as early retirement, starting a business, or buying a house. Understanding your personal values and goals can help you make better spending decisions.

32. Simplify your needs

Henry David Thoreau once said, ‘I make myself rich by making my wants few.’ The key to frugal living is to simplify your needs by finding happiness in what you already have.

Perhaps you’ve thought, “I just need _________ and then my life will be so much better”. I used to think this way all the time.

It’s nice to have nice things and treat yourself sometimes. But the endless pursuit of buying things we don’t really need can leave us feeling more stress and with less money.

You probably already know that buying a new sweater or purse will make you feel good in the moment, but it won’t bring you long-term happiness.

One of the best ways to simplify your needs is to figure out what you truly value in life and align your spending accordingly. Practicing gratitude regularly can also help you to find happiness in what you already have.

33. Track your spending

Have you ever wondered at the end of the month, “Where did all my money go”? Getting into the habit of tracking your spending is one of the best ways to start winning with money.

The easiest way to start tracking your spending is to use a pen and paper. Every time you spend money, write it down.

The act of writing things down by hand allows you to retain more financial information and keeps your money goals at the top of your mind.

When you write down the numbers, you see it in real time, which helps you resonate with it better and stick to your budget.

Writing it down also helps you to have an emotional connection to it, which could prevent impulse shopping. For example, you might say things like…

“I’m getting close to my budget number, do I really need to be buying the brand name when the store brand is half the cost?”

Or “Do I really need to be getting takeout again when I have food at home?”

34. Unsubscribe from services you don’t use

Money leaks are small expenses that add up over time, sometimes up to thousands of dollars a year. One of the biggest leaks is paying for services and memberships that you don’t use anymore.

Things like gym memberships and Netflix streaming services. In the past, I used to pay for all the different streaming services but realized that it was costing as much as having cable.

You don’t need all the services at once. Instead, just catch up on one service, such as Netflix, then cancel and try a different service next month. It only takes a couple minutes of work to potentially save a lot of money each year.

35. Buy quality over quantity

Frugal living doesn’t mean buying cheap. It means choosing quality of quantity.

In the past, I used to buy a lot of cheap quality clothes just because they were on sale. But many of the items only lasted one season before they started looking worn or falling apart.

Instead, it was better for me to invest in adding only a few quality pieces to my wardrobe each year instead of buying a bunch of poor-quality ones that I would have to repurchase in six months.

36. Stop spending money on non-essential items

For me, frugal living is about spending money on things that you truly value and are aligned with your financial goals. This means you’ll need to learn how to stop buying things that you don’t need.

In the past, I used to struggle with frivolous shopping and overspending on unnecessary stuff.

Besides getting into the habit of creating a budget and tracking my spending, below are some other strategies that helped me overcome my shopping problem.

Learn about how the fashion industry contributes to waste and its impact on the environment
Shop your closet – Challenge yourself to put together new outfit combinations
Follow the one in, one out rule – For every new item you buy, donate or sell an item
Put the item on your “wish list” – If you still want it in 30 days, consider the most cost-effective way to buy it
Unsubscribe from store emails and delete shopping apps off your phone
Cancel Amazon Prime membership
Replace shopping with other low-cost hobbies such as cooking, exercise, learning a new language, visiting museum on free days, and so on
Challenge yourself to a no-buy or low-buy month (or year)

Frugal living tips for health & fitness

Use these frugal living tips to help you slash your grocery bill in half, eat better, and get in shape.

38. Meal Plan

A good way to save money by cooking more meals at home is to create a meal plan. This is the act of deciding which meals you want to make for the week (or month).

For example, on Saturday I go through the flyers to help me plan which meals to make during the week. Then on Sunday morning, I go grocery shopping to buy only the items that I need for that week.

This helps prevent overspending at the grocery store, allows you to make healthier choices, reduces food waste, and gets meals on the table faster and with less stress.

Your meal plan can also include meals that you plan to eat out. For example, we usually get take-out on Saturday night before I restock our fridge the next day.

39. Eat out less

A big way to save money is to eat out less by cooking more meals at home. It’s okay to eat out on special occasions, which is why I include this in my monthly budget.

But eating out multiple times per week can be costly and unhealthy. Take-out meals tend to be high in fat, sodium, and use seed oils.

40. Shop your pantry

Before going to the grocery store, I always like to shop my pantry to find ingredients that I need to use up to make quick and easy meals.

This is a good way to keep track of what you already have at home so you can use items before they expire and reduce food waste.

I like to challenge myself during the last week of every month to make as many pantry meals as possible. This helps me save money because I don’t have to visit the grocery store as often and it’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen.

41. Eat leftovers

In the past, I used to dislike eating leftovers. It took me a long time to realize that the most efficient way to cook (and save money) is to prepare two or more of the same meal in one session.

Then I could freeze the leftovers to have another day or enjoy eating the leftovers during the week. The key to eating leftovers is to learn which items taste best reheated.

For me, the best leftovers include chili, soup, fried rice, curry, stews, beans, lasagna, pizza, cold noodle salad, shepherd’s pie, and quinoa salad.

42. Cook in bulk

This goes hand in hand with eating leftovers. If you cook your favorite meals in bulk, this can be a good way to save time and money in the kitchen.

For example, before you serve yourself, portion individual servings in glass containers for meal prep. This can help with portion control, and you can enjoy the leftovers over the next couple of days.

I do this when making dinner so I can have the leftovers for a quick and easy lunch the next day.

43. Be selective about organic food

I know some people who only buy food if it’s organic. But if money is tight or the organic section is small at your local grocery store, then I would just buy conventional products.

For me, it’s better to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that you can afford rather than not have any.

If organic really matters to you, then try to just buy organic produce from the dirty dozen list.

44. Make exercise part of your regular routine

Getting into the habit of regular exercise has tons of benefits, such as improving your mood, stronger muscles and bones, better brain function, and lower risk for some cancers and other health problems (heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes).

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can potentially save you money in the long run and improve your longevity.

You can get started by exercising outdoors, at home, or joining a free community gym. If you already have a gym membership, make sure you use it or consider switching to a cheaper gym.

45. Quit smoking and limit drinking

Ditching these two habits can lead to significant savings and your health will thank you too.

46. Drink more water

Instead of reaching for a caffeinated or sugary beverage, try to make water your go-to drink. It’s cheap, keeps you hydrated, and is good for your health.

I like to carry a reusable water bottle with me around the house and when I’m outside. This reminds me to stay hydrated.

47. Grow your own herbs

Using fresh herbs when cooking can really elevate your meal. But unfortunately, fresh herbs can be expensive when buying them from the grocery store.

It can be more cost effective to grow your own herbs at home. I love growing basil, mint, rosemary, chives, and parsley.

48. Make your own coffee and tea at home

We all know that making coffee or tea at home is cheaper than going to a local coffee shop. But many of us like the convenience of grabbing take-away coffee on our way to work or when running errands.

If this is important to you, then make sure to include coffee shop money in your budget. But if it’s not important to you, then save money by making it at home.

I like to set aside some money in my budget to go on coffee dates a couple of times per month, but I enjoy drinking coffee more at home.

49. Cut down on bottled water

If you’re trying to avoid tap water, there are better and more cost-effective options to have clean drinking water.

Bottled water is not only expensive, but some reports have shown that it has tested positive for PFAS, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Plus, bottled water is usually packaged in plastic, which is problematic.

The best way to cut down on bottled water is to get a water filter for your home, so you can filter tap water, then drink it from a reusable bottle.

50. Buy fresh produce when it’s in season

Produce always tastes best and is the cheapest when it’s in season. “In season” produce will be dependent on where you live.

If you need to buy produce that’s not in season, then I usually opt for frozen. It’s cheaper and can be a great alternative to fresh.

51. Buy frozen fruit and vegetables

When fresh is expensive or not in season, I love buying frozen fruit and vegetables to save money.

They are usually picked at their peak ripeness which means they are just as nutritious as fresh produce. They also have a longer shelf-life so this can reduce food waste.

52. Eat less meat

No matter what type of diet you’re following, eating less meat has been shown to be healthier for you and cheaper.

The easiest way to do this is to commit to at least one day a week of going meatless. The most popular option is to do “meatless Mondays”, where you eat vegetarian meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

My family eats mainly vegetarian, which saves us a lot of money on our monthly grocery bill.

If you’re not ready to eat less meat, then try making meat as the side dish instead of the main component of your meal. For example, have a big bowl of pasta or salad with a little bit of chicken or shrimp on the side.

This allows you to still enjoy eating meat while making fruits, vegetables, or legumes the main star of your meal.

53. Buy non-perishable items in bulk

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money because the individual units tend to be lower in price.

But it only makes sense to buy certain items in bulk, otherwise it may end up costing you more money in the long run.

For example, I like to buy hand soap, bar soap, toilet paper, tissue paper, canned goods, and paper towels in bulk. I know that I have the space to store these items, and I will use them up before they go bad.

But I don’t like to buy large bottles of condiments (like ketchup or mustard) because I know that I’ll never finish it before their expiration date.

54. Choose store or generic brands

Store and generic brands are usually cheaper than buying brand name products. But it’s always important to do your research before opting for the cheaper brand.

Most of the time, the store brand is the same as the brand name product, but sometimes they contain different ingredients or have less quantity.

For example, the store brand ketchup might have more sugar or salt than the brand name product.

Also, some brand name dish soaps are more concentrated than store brands. In this case, it’s usually cheaper for me to wait until the brand name product goes on sale to make a purchase.

55. Shop sales

One of the easiest ways to save money when grocery shopping is to shop the sales. Take a look at your local grocery store flyers and meal plan around what’s on sale that week.

I try to avoid buying items that are not on sale unless I absolutely need it.

56. Avoid buying pre-packaged and ultra-processed food

When time is tight, pre-cut fruits and vegetables can be a convenient choice, but they typically cost more. You can save a lot of money by washing and cutting your own fruits and vegetables.

I try to prep food on less busy nights or before putting my groceries away.

It’s also a good idea to avoid ultra-processed food whenever possible. This is anything that has been significantly changed from its original state with added sugar, fat, salt, preservatives, and other additives.

Think of things like candy, soft drinks, frozen meals, chips, pizza, and so on.

These foods might be affordable, but they can take toll on your health, which can be costly in the long run.

57. Get your groceries delivered

Getting your groceries delivered with Instacart might sound bougie, but this can be a great way to save time and prevent impulse spending.

When physically shopping in the grocery store, it can be easy to buy items that weren’t on your grocery list.

But when you get your groceries delivered, you don’t have to worry about being tempted by impulse buys. It’ll also give you extra time to meal prep since you don’t have to travel to and from the store.

58. Order your groceries for pick-up

If paying the extra cost to get your groceries delivered is not an option right now, then consider ordering them for pick-up instead.

Many stores let you shop online or through their app and order items for grocery pick-up. This is usually a free service, which will save you time and prevent impulse spending.

Frugal living tips for shopping

Use these frugal living tips to help you save money when shopping in store or online.

60. Earn cash back when shopping online

Whenever you need to buy something online, always shop through a site like Rakuten, which rewards you with cash back on your purchases.

It’s free to use and you can earn up to 20% cash back when shopping online.

61. Use apps to earn reward points when shopping

Another way to earn free stuff is to collect reward points each time you shop, such as through apps like Fetch.

Once you’ve earned a certain amount of points, they can be redeemed for free gifts cards to your favorite stores.

62. Use Honey to watch for price drops

Never miss another coupon code again by using the Honey browser extension. Whenever you shop online, Honey will automatically find and apply coupon codes at checkout with a single click.

It also comes with a Droplist feature. You can save items from different stores and if they find a price drop, they’ll notify you.

63. Adopt a minimalist wardrobe

A minimalist wardrobe is similar to a capsule wardrobe, where you have a collection of items that can be easily mixed and matched to create a variety of different outfits.

The benefits of having a minimalist wardrobe are that it can reduce decision fatigue when getting dressed, you’ll spend less money, you’ll create more space, it makes shopping easier, and it’s better for the environment.

Read Next: How to build a minimalist wardrobe

64. Shop at secondhand stores

If you need to buy something, consider looking for a secondhand version first before buying it new.

For example, I’ve been able to find tons of baby books that are in like-new condition from my local thrift store. This is cheaper than buying them from a regular bookstore.

I’ve also found furniture secondhand for my home, lamps, clothes, artwork, pottery, and mirrors.

Thrift shopping can become like a treasure hunt though, which can lead to impulse buys. It’s important to only buy what you need and avoid having a scarcity mindset.

Read Next: Why I stopped thrifting

65. Host clothing swaps

Clothing swaps can be a fun way to exchange clothes you no longer want for something from someone else’s wardrobe.

This is a good way to declutter, save money, and embrace slow fashion.

Make sure the items you want to donate are in good condition and let your friends and family know that you’re organizing a clothing swap. This can include shoes, handbags, clothing, accessories, seasonal pieces, and more.

66. Extend the life of your clothing

Learning how to make your clothes last longer can be a great way to save money and help the planet too.

For example, switching to a gentler laundry detergent and reducing the amount I use per load has made a significant difference in the longevity of my clothing. Below are some more ways to take better care of your garments.

Use a mesh laundry bag for delicates
Hang dry clothes instead of a dryer
Avoid dry cleaning your clothes too often
Switch to using better clothing hangers
Sort and wash your laundry correctly
Stop using fabric softener and dryer sheets

67. Shop your closet

Before you go to the store to buy something new, consider shopping your closet instead. Oftentimes, we have clothes hiding in the back of our closet that we’ve forgotten about.

Challenge yourself to shop your closet and wear items that you don’t normally reach for. This can be a fun way to put together new outfit combinations and get better value from what you already have.

68. Borrow items instead of buying

Before buying something that you’ll only use once or twice, consider finding a way to borrow it instead.

For example, when I was living in a condo, we needed a hammer drill for a small project. This is something that we don’t regularly use, so it didn’t make sense for us to buy a brand new one.

Instead, we borrowed a hammer drill from our neighbor. This allowed us to save money and prevent clutter from piling up in our home.

69. Do no-spend weekends

Besides making sure that your bills are paid, a no-spend weekend means that you won’t spend any money.

This includes cooking your meals at home instead of eating out, finding free ways to have fun instead of paying for entertainment, and not shopping (except buying groceries if necessary).

My husband and I like to do at least one no-spend weekend each month to help us save money. It can also be a fun way to get creative with pantry meals and finding free activities to do.

70. Do a low-buy month

If doing a no-spend weekend seems too strict, then try doing a low-buy weekend or month. This is where you’ll cut back on all unnecessary spending.

You can even choose to just focus on one spending category for your low-buy month, such as eating out. This means you’ll cook meals at home instead of eating out.

71. Comparison shop

Whenever you’re making a purchase, it’s a good idea to compare prices at different retailers to find the lowest price for the product you want to buy.

This can be a great way to save money on large purchases and items that you buy regularly.

There are many websites and apps you can use to track prices and comparison shop, such as Google Shopping, camelcamelcamel (for Amazon), Flipp (for grocery shopping), Honey, and ShopSavvy.

72. Pay attention to the per-ounce cost before buying

Next time you’re at the grocery store, you can save money by paying attention to unit pricing. This is usually shown on the shelf tag of the item.

For example, let’s say you see several different brands of coffee pods available at your grocery store. The shelf tag will typically show the total price and the price per unit.

One brand is selling a box of 20 coffee pods for $20. This means the price per unit is $1 per coffee pod. A similar brand is selling 24 coffee pods for $21. This means the price per unit is $0.88 per coffee pod.

Even though it’s slightly more expensive to buy the second box, you’re getting a better deal because the price per coffee pod is less.

It’s important to keep in mind whether you’ll be able to use all the product before it expires. If food will go to waste, then it may not be the best value to buy the bigger option.

73. Negotiate your bills

Negotiating your household bills can be a great way to reduce your expenses. Start by reviewing your recurring bills, such as internet, phone, cable (if you still have it), and insurance.

The best way to do this is to call up your service provider directly and try to negotiate a better rate. I was able to save hundreds of dollars a year on my internet by calling my provider.

However, not everyone has time to spend hours on the phone with no guarantee they will get a better deal.

If you don’t mind paying a small fee, you can use a service such as Rocket Money to help you negotiate down fees and subscription charges.

74. Switch your phone plan

According to a 2024 report, the average cell phone bill is $144. You can save quite a bit of money by switching to a different carrier or phone plan.

Most people don’t need the latest phone available on the market. You can save money by buying an unlocked phone and using it for a few years (or until it stops doing security updates). You can also save money by buying an older model.

Also consider how much data you need. Ask yourself if you’re currently using all the data that you’re paying for and how often wi-fi is available.

While it’s nice to have unlimited data, there’s no sense is paying for something that isn’t fully utilized. I personally don’t have a data plan — I only pay for unlimited talk and text.

A tip I learned on Reddit is that you can also score great phone deals on Black Friday or at the end of the month when companies are trying to meet their quota. Sometimes they’ll be able to offer you a better deal.

75. Bundle and save

If you own both a car and home, you can potentially save a lot of money by bundling your home and auto insurance. Plus, it’s convenient to keep all your policies in one place.

But bundling isn’t always the best option to save. Sometimes getting insurance from separate providers can offer a bigger discount than bundling. It’s always a good idea to shop around.

76. Always do your homework before making a big purchase

Before making a big purchase, it’s always a good idea to research the product or service.

This allows you to compare brands or companies, compare prices, and read reviews. It can help you make informed decisions, avoid impulse buys, and ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.

Sometimes paying a little more to purchase a better-quality product or service can save you money in the long run.

77. Check your local buy-nothing groups for non-urgent items

A buy-nothing group is organized by your local community where people can pass along items they no longer need for free. You can usually find buy-nothing groups near you on social media.

If you need something that isn’t urgent, try asking if it’s available in your local buy-nothing group. This can be a great way to save money, and you can also declutter some items you don’t need anymore.

78. Maximize your tax return

To save money, always make sure that you’re using all the tax deductions and credits available to you.

This may include childcare expenses, spousal support, student loan interest, charitable donations, medical expenses, maximizing your retirement contributions, home office expenses if you work from home, employment expenses, association and union dues, tuition fees if you’re a student, and first home savings account.

79. Reuse and repurpose items

Before you decide to throw something away, consider finding ways you can reuse or repurpose the item.

For example, I like to keep gift bags that I’ve received so I can use them again when giving someone a gift.

Other household items that you can reuse include:

Glass jars – Store food or use as a flower vase
Plastic bags – Use as garbage liners
Toilet paper rolls – Use to store electronic cords
Clothing or bedding – Use as cleaning rags
Newspaper – Use to wrap fragile items

Frugal living tips for having fun

Use these frugal living tips to save money on entertainment and have fun without busting your budget.

80. Use the library

If you enjoy reading, the library can save you a ton of money each year on books and magazines.

But this isn’t the only way to save money. Below are some more ways using the library can benefit you:

Free access to digital content – You can download eBooks, Audiobooks, and Magazines.

Free classes – You can learn something new by taking a free online course offered by the library.

Free entry to attractions and exhibits – Library card holders can visit select museums, attractions, and local exhibits for free.

Free in-library services – You can use your library card for in-house services such as the computer, print and copy machines, and some online resources.

81. Use sinking funds to celebrate milestones

Sinking funds can be a great way to save money for a large or infrequent expense, such as birthdays, a vacation, annual membership fees, new appliances, or vet visits for pets.

You can also use sinking funds to help you celebrate milestones, such as graduations, weddings, running a marathon, having a baby, buying a new home, getting a new car, retirement, or overcoming a personal challenge.

To do this, you’ll need to decide how much money you need. For example, let’s say you need to save $1,000 for Christmas. Then figure out how much you can afford to save each month, such as $100.

If you can afford to save $100 per month, then it will take you 10 months to save $1,000 for your Christmas sinking fund.

82. Choose experiences instead of material gifts

Experiences can be a more memorable gift than material gifts because they can help you build a relationship with your loved ones.

It can also be a good way to save money because experiences can be more economical than material gifts. Some of my favorite frugal experience gifts include:

Food
Going for a bike ride
Visiting a museum or botanical garden
Tickets for an event
Renting a cottage for the weekend
A photo shoot
Movie theatre tickets
Prepaid fitness class

83. Rotate streaming services

Many of us use streaming services to get access to movies, music, books, fitness classes, and other entertainment. But it’s not necessary to pay for all the different services at the same time.

If you can accept that you won’t have everything “on demand” all the time, you can save a lot of money by rotating streaming services.

Choose one streaming service to sign up for, then cancel your subscription at the end of the month and sign up for a different service next month.

For example, sign up for Netflix in January, then cancel it at the end of the month and subscribe to Apple TV for February, then cancel it at the end of the month and subscribe to Disney+ in March, etc.

By using this money saving strategy, you can afford to pay for ad-free streaming options without breaking the bank.

84. Check out free events in your city

Going out with kids, friends, or on dates doesn’t have to be expensive. There are usually tons of free events happening in your local city or town.

This can be a great way to listen to live music, visit an art gallery, explore a new neighborhood, or check out cultural and food festivals.

85. House swap

House swapping can be a great way to save money while traveling.

This is where you exchange homes with someone, like in the movie The Holiday. Cameron Diaz swapped her L.A. home with Kate Winslet’s cottage in England.

You can list your home on a website like HomeExchange. Then you can browse places you would like to stay and contact the owners to see if they’re interested in swapping homes with you.

86. Get a hotel deal

If you would prefer to stay in a hotel, there are lots of great ways to find deals on hotel rates. Booking.com is my go-to website for finding affordable accommodation. Below are some more ways to save money on hotels:

Book directly through the hotel and politely ask for a discount.
Stick with one brand and enroll in their loyalty program. This allows you to get extra perks, accumulate rewards which can earn you free or discounted room rates.
Get a credit card associated with the loyalty program to earn free rewards faster.
Book in advance and be flexible about your dates.

87. Be selective about your hair and beauty “extras”

In the past, I used to enjoy getting my nails done, going to the hair salon for regular highlights and blowouts, getting my eyebrows done, legs waxed, facials, and so on.

To save money, I’ve become more selective about which hair and beauty treatments I get.

Instead of getting my hair highlighted every 3 months, I go every 6 months. My hair is a lot healthier by going to the salon less frequently and I save several hundred dollars a year.

I also stopped going to the nail salon and paint my own nails at home. There are lots of great nail kits available to do your own gel or dip nails at home.

If you want to save money, be selective about which hair and beauty treatments you do. Some can be easily done at home.

How to have a frugal mindset

Use these Jedi mind tricks to help you save more money.

88. Learn to say ‘no’

The fear of missing out (FOMO) can lead us to spend money that may not align with our savings goals. Learning how to say ‘no’ might feel uncomfortable in the beginning, but it’s a powerful way to take control of your financial future.

If you feel peer-pressured to always say ‘yes’, it can be helpful to share your financial goals with friends and family. This can let you plan ahead and budget for social activities or find budget-friendly activities to do.

89. Surround yourself with people who support your financial goals

If you want to improve a skill, such as getting better with money, it’s helpful to surround yourself with people who are already great at this skill.

The right circle of friends can help you continue to improve and challenge yourself to become the best version of yourself.

90. Be mindful of who you follow on social media

Pay attention to who you follow and engage with on social media. Focus on following people that share the same goals as you and provide a positive influence.

Remember that many people just show the “highlight reel” of their life. But some successful people are willing to share the process of what it takes to reach big goals.

91. Unsubscribe from store emails

Retailers want you to spend money and many stores send daily emails sharing special promotions and sales.

But these daily emails can easily tempt you to buy things you don’t need. To save money and prevent impulse spending, unsubscribe from store emails.

If you don’t see it, then you won’t be tempted to buy unnecessary stuff. If you need to make a purchase, then you could also sign up for the store’s email list again.

92. Impose a 24-hour rule

Next time you want to buy something non-essential, impose a 24-hour rule. This means you’ll give yourself a full day to consider if you really need to buy the item.

Non-essential items are things that we want. For example, you might see a cute coffee mug or a nice sweater at the mall. The 24-hour rule means that you’ll go home and give yourself some time to think about it.

If you still want to buy the item the next day, then consider the most cost-effective way to purchase it. Otherwise, you’ve just avoided an impulse purchase.

93. Set a spending limit

Personal finance is personal, and there’s no right or wrong way to spend your money. It should be aligned with your goals and values.

Writing a monthly budget can be a great tool to help you organize your finances and determine how you want to spend your money (bills, personal spending, savings, investments, debt payments, etc).

It’s important to also set aside money for fun things like eating out, shopping, travel, and entertainment. This can prevent you from feeling deprived of opportunities to spend money on the things you enjoy without completely busting your budget.

Choose a spending limit that you can afford to spend on these things. For example, you might set aside $100 a month to spend on fun stuff.

94. Pay attention to your spending triggers

A spending trigger is a situation or feeling that makes it easy for you to impulse buy things you don’t need.

For example, some people who feel stressed after a long day at work turn to online shopping in the evening to help boost their mood or grab take-away for dinner.

While there is nothing wrong with this, in some cases it can lead to overspending which makes it difficult to reach your financial goals.

Identifying your spend triggers can help prevent frivolous spending. Next time you buy something non-essential, write down how you were feeling and what situation you were in when you made the purchase.

This can help you recognize any patterns and habits in your spending behavior. Some of the most common spending triggers include:

Spending when you’re emotional
Spending when you’re bored
Spending to treat yourself
Spending to keep up with family, friends, and your peers
Spending whenever you get a store email with a “special promotion”

95. Organize ALL your stuff

Organizing your stuff can save you a lot of money. Below are some ways to stay organized.

Get rid of clutter – Pay attention to the items you use daily and items that you rarely use. If it makes sense, get rid of items that you haven’t used in more than a year.

For example, I bought a mini trampoline to exercise at home. But I only used it a handful of times. Instead of letting it take up precious space in my home, it makes sense to sell it on Facebook Marketplace.

Find a place to put everything – It’s easy to throw things in random spots, but you’ll save money by maintaining an organized space.

For example, I used to throw all my spice jars into a bin in my pantry. But sometimes I would buy more spices at the grocery store and not realize that I already had a jar at home. I just didn’t see it piled underneath all the other spices I had.

If you know exactly where everything is, you’ll save time by searching for it and save money by not buying duplicates.

It can also be helpful to have a storage box for small items like textiles and scrap materials (wood, metal, plastic). This can save you time and money from having to run to the hardware store when you need something for a home project.

Buy less – Don’t buy things on impulse that you don’t need. Always impose the 24-hour rule to help you make better spending decisions.

When you buy less stuff, you’ll spend less time organizing and cleaning it and have more money to spend on the things that truly matter to you.

Set alarms and reminders on your phone or watch – Set reminders when bills are due or before subscriptions are renewed. This can help you decide if you want to cancel the subscription and prevent late fees on bills.

96. Don’t fall for the FOMO trap

The fear of missing out can be a huge spending trigger for some people.

For example, going to an expensive concert because everyone else is going, or buying an expensive handbag because all your friends have one too.

There will always be more events, more parties, more fashion, and more chances to go out and have fun. It can be easy to feel left out when you see everyone posting their “highlight reel” on social media.

It’s okay to take advantage of special moments and attend once in a lifetime events. But it’s important to plan and budget for these experiences so you can spend the money without sabotaging your financial goals.

97. Before buying something, ask yourself ‘What else can I do with this money?’

Asking yourself questions before buying something non-essential can help you make better spending decisions.

Next time you want to buy something, ask yourself, ‘What else can I do with this money?’ Does it need to be spent on this item or service? Would it be better to put that money towards your savings or paying off debt?

It may feel like a small drop in the bucket, but every little bit helps you get closer to your financial goals.

98. Consider the cost per wear

Before buying something, such as clothes, tech gadgets, kitchen appliances, or furniture, ask yourself, ‘How often will I wear or use this?’

Consider the cost per wear or use. To do this, take the price of the item and divide it by the number of times you plan to wear or use the item.

Cost Per Wear = Total cost of the item / Number of times you wear or use it

For example, if you want to purchase a new necklace to wear to a friend’s wedding, consider how often you will wear it. If the necklace costs $100 and you only plan to wear it once (to your friend’s wedding), the cost per wear is $100.

But if you estimate that you’ll wear the necklace 5 times, then the cost per wear is $20 per use.

99. Try the $5 challenge

Each time you receive a $5 bill, set aside that $5 bill in savings until the end of the year. This can be a creative way to save money in a jar.

Then at the end of the year, you can put those $5 bills towards your financial future, such as a savings goal. If you save $5 each day, in one year you’ll have $1,825 extra cash in your pocket!

100. Avoid lifestyle creep

Lifestyle creep, also known as lifestyle inflation, is when you spend more money as you start to earn more money.

Your standards of living change where former luxuries now become perceived necessities.

For example, let’s say you get a pay raise at work. In the past, going out to eat every weekend was too expensive. But now that you’re making more money, you decide to eat out every weekend.

Even though you’ve received a pay raise at work, increasing your spending on wants can leave less room in your budget to put towards savings or debt payments.

The best way to combat lifestyle creep is to follow the 50/30/20 budget.

Using the 50/30/20 budget rule means that 50% of your income goes towards needs, 30% goes towards wants, and 20% goes towards savings and debt.

For some people, their needs are more than 50% of their income. In this case, consider following the 70/20/10 budget rule instead.

Using the 70/20/10 rule means that 70% of your income will go towards living expenses and wants, 20% towards savings and investments, and 10% towards debt payments or donations.

Following either of these budgeting methods makes it easy to set aside money for savings and debts as your income increases because the percentages remain the same.