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Last Updated on March 14, 2025 by Katie
The cost of living continues to rise, even when pay doesn’t rise with it! If you’re feeling the financial strain, these frugal living tips should help.
But, living frugal doesn’t mean living poor – you can cut back in some areas and still have a good quality of life.
Life is meant for living and enjoying, so you should still allow yourself a few of life’s pleasures!
Today, this article is going to share insights on how to live more frugally, so you can save money even on a low income.
Whether you’re saving for a big purchase or simply trying to live within your means, adopting frugal habits can provide significant benefits, including:
- Expense reduction
- Debt reduction
- Increased savings
- Build an emergency fund
- Increased financial stability
- Reduce financial stress
- Waste reduction
- Minimalism and simplicity
Sound good?
Let’s dive in!
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Best Frugal Living Tips to Save Tons of Extra Cash Each Month
According to statistics, the average American wastes $1,866 annually on food that is never eaten and 80% dispose of perfectly good food because of misunderstanding of labels!
Food waste is just one area we will cover today, where you can cut back and save money, and as you can see, many people waste a ton of money in this area.
Here are some simple and practical frugal living tips you can use to save more, reduce wastage and better your finances.
1: Create a detailed monthly budget
Crafting a detailed monthly budget is key to frugal living.
Start by itemising your expenses to track where your money goes and highlight necessities like rent, utilities, and groceries.
Allocate remaining funds to savings and discretionary spending.
Monitoring your income versus expenses can prevent overspending, potentially saving you hundreds each month.
Is this is new to you, check out these simple budgeting tips for beginners.
2: Buy generic or store brands
Choosing generic or store-brand products can be a simple way to cut your expenses.
Often, these items provide quality similar to name brands but at a fraction of the cost and by opting for these alternatives, you might save up to 30% on your grocery bill each month.
Consider making this switch to free up extra cash without sacrificing quality.
Learn more in this guide detailing easy ways to save money on groceries.
3: Sell unused items
Selling unused items can be a simple way to increase your cash flow and clutter your home.
Go through your wardrobes and identify items you no longer need and search for online platforms like eBay or local marketplaces to list these items.
- Potential monthly savings: Up to $200, depending on the quantity and condition of the items sold.
Learn more in this guide on the best platforms to sell used clothes online.
4: Purchase items in bulk when on sale
Buying in bulk allows you to take advantage of lower unit prices, which can lead to significant savings.
This strategy works best for non-perishable goods and items you use regularly.
By stocking up during sales, you can potentially reduce your monthly expenses by 10-20%.
Keep an eye on sales flyers and compare prices to maximize your savings.
5: Set a ‘no-spend’ day each week
Designate one day each week where you commit to spending no money.
This simple practice helps you become more mindful of your spending habits.
By avoiding purchases, even just once a week, you can save an average of $20-$30 monthly, depending on your typical daily expenses.
6: Utilize grocery rebate apps
Grocery rebate apps are a simple way to stretch your food budget further.
By scanning receipts after purchases, you can earn cash back on certain products.
Many apps offer deals that align with regular store promotions, increasing savings and using these apps consistently could add up to $20-$40 a month in rebates, depending on your shopping habits.
7: Plan meals to minimize waste
By planning your meals, you effectively reduce food waste and save money each month.
- Create a weekly menu and shopping list to prevent impulse purchases.
- Use leftovers creatively to maximize every ingredient.
This approach can save you up to $100 monthly, depending on your usual spending habits.
Keeping track of what you already have ensures that nothing goes unused or forgotten.
8: Review and cancel unused subscriptions
Evaluate your current subscriptions, focusing on those you rarely use.
Canceling unnecessary services such as streaming platforms or fitness apps can quickly slash monthly expenses.
This simple step could save you $20 to $100 each month and reducing these recurring charges maximizes your budget without sacrificing essential needs.
9: Cook meals at home more often
Cooking meals at home can significantly cut down on your expenses.
Restaurants tend to mark up food prices, often by 300% or more and preparing your own meals gives you control over ingredients and portions, saving you money and making what you eat healthier.
By cutting down one meal out a week, you could save you around $100 per person, which adds up to $400 a month, which is significant.
10: Use up leftovers creatively
Transforming leftovers can save you a tidy sum each month.
Consider repurposing them into new dishes, like turning roasted chicken into a hearty stew or adding last night’s veggies to a frittata.
This habit reduces food waste and can trim your grocery bill, potentially saving you $50-$100 monthly, depending on your household size.
11: Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables
Opting for seasonal fruits and vegetables can significantly cut your grocery bill.
These items are often less expensive when in season due to local abundance and reduced transportation costs.
A few examples include:
- Apples and pumpkins in fall
- Berries in summer
By focusing on seasonal produce, you could potentially save $20 to $50 each month.
12: Utilize free giveaway websites
Free giveaway websites give free stuff to customers in return for a review or just to reward loyal customers.
These platforms often offer clothing, furniture, drinks and food and household items, allowing you to significantly reduce your monthly expenses on essentials.
Be sure to regularly check local community boards and online groups to maximize your savings.
Some users report saving $50 to $100 each month by utilizing these resources effectively.
13: Compare unit prices when shopping
When shopping, always check the unit price to get the best value.
Unit prices show the cost per measure (e.g., ounce, pound) and help you determine the most economical choice.
- Purchasing slightly larger quantities often provides better savings.
By focusing on unit prices, you could potentially save $20-$30 a month, depending on your shopping habits and product choices.
14: Make coffee at home instead of buying out
Brewing coffee at home can lead to substantial savings as a single cup from a café typically costs five dollars, while homemade coffee can be made for cents per cup.
By skipping daily coffee shop visits and opting for homemade brews, you could save around $50 to $100 each month.
And, if you have an early start in the office, you can make your coffee and transport it in a heat saving thermos.
15: Avoid impulse buys by sticking to a list
Create a detailed shopping list before entering any store as this will help you avoid unnecessary purchases by focusing on what you truly need.
By following a list, you prevent splurges, potentially saving you up to $100 each month, depending on your typical spending habits.
I know what I can be like – I can sometimes add random things to my trolley when I don’t have a list!
If this sounds familiar to you, try writing your list before you go out and challenge yourself to stick to it!
16: Use public transportation when possible
Using public transportation can significantly reduce your monthly transportation costs.
Instead of spending on gas, parking, or vehicle maintenance, opt for buses or trains.
- Potential monthly savings: $100-$300
Aside from saving money, public transportation also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle, decreasing long-term maintenance expenses. A
Additionally, it’s an environmentally friendly choice, contributing to less traffic and pollution.
17: Downsize your living space
Consider moving to a smaller home or apartment to significantly cut housing costs.
Benefits include reduced utility bills, lower maintenance expenses, and decreased property taxes.
A downsized space can save you hundreds of dollars monthly, contributing substantially to your frugal living goals.
This strategy requires careful planning, especially when finding an ideal location and size that meets your needs.
18: Take lunch and snacks to work
One of the best frugal living tips is to make your own lunches and take them to work.
Eating lunch out can be a huge cost each month, especially if you work in an expensive area like a financial district.
Cafes love to cash in on workers who have great salaries, I know, as I used to work in the London financial district when I was a personal trainer!
By taking in your own lunch and snacks each day, you could save around $100 a week which adds u to $400 a month!
19: Avoid ATM fees by using your bank’s machine
To save money, always choose ATMs that belong to your bank’s network as this avoids additional fees charged by other banks.
ATM fees can add up quickly, often ranging from $2 to $5 per transaction.
By sticking to your bank’s ATMs, you could save around $10 to $20 a month, depending on your cash withdrawal frequency.
20: Embrace DIY for home projects
Tackle simple home repairs and enhancements yourself to cut costs significantly.
Painting rooms, fixing leaks, or creating custom decor are projects you can manage with basic tools and online tutorials.
By doing it yourself, expect savings of $50 to $200 per project, depending on complexity.
This approach not only saves money but also boosts your skills and confidence in home maintenance.
21: Shop at thrift stores for clothing
Shopping at thrift stores for clothing is one of the top frugal living tips as you can find gently used items at a fraction of the retail price.
By doing this regularly, you might save $50 to $100 each month, which is a nice extra saving.
Look for quality brands and classic styles to ensure your thrifted purchases last longer.
22: Conduct annual insurance policy reviews
Reviewing your insurance policies annually can uncover hidden savings.
By comparing different providers and plans, you might find more affordable options.
For example, bundling home and auto policies could lead to a 10-20% discount.
This habit can potentially save you $20-$50 each month, helping your budget without reducing your coverage quality.
23: Switch off appliances not in use
Turning off appliances when they’re not in use can help reduce your electricity bill significantly.
Many devices continue to consume energy in standby mode, contributing to higher costs.
- By switching off items like TVs, chargers, and kitchen appliances, you could save around $10 to $20 each month, depending on your usage habits.
24: Cancel Gym Membership and Exercise Outdoors
Canceling your gym membership and opting for outdoor exercise is one of the best frugal living tips that will save you money each month.
A typical gym membership can cost anywhere from $10 to $60 or more monthly and by utilizing local parks, trails, or even your backyard, you not only cut costs but also enjoy the fresh air and nature.
- Consider activities like jogging, cycling, or bodyweight exercises.
25: Buy refurbished electronics
Purchasing refurbished electronics can be a savvy way to cut costs.
These items are often returned, inspected, repaired, and certified for resale at lower prices and you might save 30-50% compared to buying new.
Look for reputable sellers and warranty options to ensure quality and you might even be able to exchange your old gadgets in to reduce costs further.
26: Learn basic sewing skills for clothing repairs
Learning to sew enables you to make simple clothing repairs, such as fixing a seam or sewing on a button.
This skill helps you extend the life of your clothes and could help you to save around $10-$50 each month, depending on the number of items you repair.
Consider taking a basic sewing class or watch online tutorials to get started.
27: Lower your water bill
Another one of the best frugal living tips is to look for ways to reduce your water bill.
One option is to collect rainwater using rain barrels. A 55-gallon barrel costs between $50-100 and minimizes your reliance on municipal water for gardening.
Furthermore, you could install low-flow fixtures like faucets and showerheads to reduce water usage effectively.
These small adjustments can save you up to $10-30 each month, depending on household size and usage.
And, don’t forget to regularly check for leaks in plumbing to prevent unnecessary water loss and expenses.
28: Use coupons strategically
By using coupons wisely, you can reduce your grocery bill significantly, helping you to save money every month.
Start by planning your meals around items you have coupons for and make sure to stack coupons with sales for maximum savings.
This approach could save you $30 to $50 each month, depending on how frequently you shop and the coupon deals you find.
29: Negotiate lower rates on bills
Contact your service providers to request lower rates as many companies offer special promotions or discounts that you might be eligible for.
Mention any competing offers you have received from other providers to show them you have done your homework.
This approach often pushes your current providers into action if they realise they might lose you as a customer.
Negotiating can help you save $10 to $50 per bill monthly, resulting in significant annual savings.
30: Avoid using credit for the small stuff
When you use credit cards for small purchases, costs can add up quickly due to interest.
Opt for cash or a debit card for everyday expenses like coffee or groceries and if you do use credit cards, pay them off each month or look around for 0% interest offers.
By avoiding credit for these items, you might save $30-$50 monthly in interest and fees.
31: Set up automatic savings transfers
Setting up automatic savings transfers can simplify managing your finances.
By automating the savings process, you eliminate the temptation to spend extra cash and often you don’t even notice the money is gone!
Each month, have a portion of your paycheck transferred directly into a savings account.
- Potential savings: $50-$200 monthly, depending on your income and goals.
32: Participate in a local swap or buy nothing group
Participating in a local swap or Buy Nothing group can significantly cut your monthly expenses.
By exchanging items you no longer need for those you do, you reduce spending on new purchases.
- Monthly savings can vary, but some people save $50 to $100.
This community-driven approach also fosters connections, strengthening your local network.
33: Create homemade gifts instead of purchasing
Making your own gifts can be a satisfying and cost-effective option and you can use crafts, baking, or simple DIY kits to create something personal and thoughtful.
By using materials you already have, you could save $20 to $50 per gift compared to buying from a store.
This could add up to substantial savings during the holiday season or for special occasions.
You might like these easy Christmas decorations to make and sell.
34: Adopt energy-saving habits
Adopting energy-saving habits is one of the frugal living tips worth taking notice of.
Simple actions like turning off lights when not in use and unplugging electronics can make a difference.
- Use energy-efficient bulbs and appliances.
- Opt for programmable thermostats to reduce heating and cooling costs.
These changes could save you around $20 to $50 each month, depending on your lifestyle and household size.
35: Host a potluck instead of dining out
Hosting a potluck is a simple way to enjoy good food without the hefty restaurant bill.
By inviting friends and family to bring a dish, you create a diverse meal while sharing the cost and effort.
You could save $50 to $100 each month when you swap a few dining out experiences for potlucks.
36: Take advantage of group discounts
Using group discounts with family and friends is another one of the frugal living tips that makes a difference.
Search for group discounts at the movie theatre, the cinema, concert gigs and if you are planning a holiday.
The majority of businesses will offer some type of group discount as it’s a win-win for both parties.
You get to save some money and they get a guaranteed group booking!
37: Use a library card for books and movies
A library card is a valuable resource for accessing books and movies at no cost.
Borrowing from the library saves money on purchases and streaming services and reduces wastage of more and more of the same books being produced.
- Potential savings: $20 to $50 each month.
Libraries often offer digital lending, letting you enjoy e-books and audiobooks from home, making it both convenient and economical.
38: Limit online shopping by deleting apps
Reduce impulse purchases by removing shopping apps from your phone.
Without constant notifications and easy access to online stores, you’ll think twice before buying non-essential items.
You could potentially save hundreds of dollars each month by curbing unplanned expenses and sticking to your budget.
Consider listing needs and wants on paper before making purchases to stay disciplined.
39: Batch cook and freeze meals
Batch cooking involves preparing meals in large quantities and freezing them for later use.
This approach helps you save both time and money and by buying ingredients in bulk and taking advantage of sales, you reduce your grocery bill.
- You can potentially save $50-$100 a month.
Having meals ready also reduces the temptation to order takeout, further boosting your savings.
40: Shop around annually for better utility rates
Every year, compare rates from different utility providers to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Providers often offer competitive rates to attract new customers, so you might find a lower rate that saves you money.
Potential savings vary, but switching plans could reduce your monthly bills by up to 20%, depending on market fluctuations and your usage.
41: Collect spare change for savings
Make a habit of collecting spare change, as these coins might be small, but they can add up to significant savings over time.
This simple approach involves gathering coins from your daily transactions and placing them in a designated container.
Over a month, these small amounts can add up and depending on your spending habits, you might save between $10 to $30 monthly without much effort.
There are also some apps like Acorns, that will round up your purchases and invest the spare change for you so it’s done automatically.
42: Grow your own herbs or vegetables
Growing your own herbs or vegetables can trim your grocery expenses significantly.
By using your garden space or even a few pots indoors, you can harvest ingredients straight from your home.
- Fresh herbs can replace store-bought ones, saving you $5-$20 monthly.
- Cultivating vegetables means fewer trips to the store, reducing your spending by $20-$50 monthly.
43: Reuse Glass Jars and Containers
Reusing glass jars is an easy way to cut down on costs and reduce waste.
Use them to store leftovers, organize pantry items, or even as planters.
- This can save you around $10 per month by reducing the need for disposable containers and new storage solutions.
- By buying fewer plastic bags and containers, you contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Final Thoughts on Frugal Living Tips
Have a read through these frugal living tips and start by implementing one or two at a time.
Not all will work for you and that’s ok! You can pick and choose the needs that work for your savings needs and lifestyle.
But, with a little mindfulness around your spending habits, you’ll be able to save between $50 – $200 a month, without compromising your lifestyle.
Need more ideas?
Check out these things to stop buying to save thousands.
