Living frugally doesn’t mean sacrificing happiness—it means being intentional with your money so you can save more, reduce waste, and live a fulfilling life without overspending. Whether you’re trying to pay off debt, build savings, or just adopt a more mindful lifestyle, these 75 frugal living tips will help you cut costs without feeling deprived.
Food & Groceries
- Meal plan weekly to avoid impulse buys.
- Cook at home instead of eating out.
- Batch cook and freeze meals for busy days.
- Buy store-brand products—they’re often just as good as name brands.
- Use cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fetch Rewards.
- Shop with a list to avoid unnecessary purchases.
- Buy in bulk for non-perishables (rice, beans, pasta).
- Grow your own herbs (basil, mint, parsley) to save on fresh produce.
- Repurpose leftovers into new meals.
- Use a slow cooker to make cheaper cuts of meat tender and delicious.
Shopping & Spending
- Follow the 24-hour rule—wait a day before making non-essential purchases.
- Unsubscribe from marketing emails to resist sales temptations.
- Buy secondhand (thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, garage sales).
- Borrow instead of buy (books, tools, clothes).
- Use the library for free books, movies, and even classes.
- Sell unused items on eBay, Poshmark, or Craigslist.
- Shop seasonal sales (holidays, end-of-season clearances).
- Use cash envelopes for budgeting discretionary spending.
- Cancel unused subscriptions (streaming, gym memberships, magazines).
- Negotiate bills (internet, phone, insurance).
Utilities & Home Savings
- Switch to LED bulbs—they last longer and use less energy.
- Unplug electronics when not in use to avoid phantom energy drain.
- Lower your thermostat by a few degrees in winter (and raise it in summer).
- Air-dry clothes instead of using the dryer.
- Fix leaks (faucets, toilets) to save on water bills.
- Use a programmable thermostat to optimize heating/cooling.
- Make your own cleaning supplies (vinegar, baking soda, lemon).
- Line-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle.
- Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts.
- Wash clothes in cold water to save on energy.
Transportation
- Carpool or use public transit when possible.
- Walk or bike for short trips.
- Combine errands to save on gas.
- Keep tires properly inflated for better fuel efficiency.
- Use gas reward apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel.
- Perform regular car maintenance to avoid costly repairs.
- Consider a fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicle for long-term savings.
- Work remotely if possible to cut commuting costs.
- Use cruise control on highways to save gas.
- Shop around for car insurance annually to get the best rate.
Entertainment & Leisure
- Host potlucks instead of expensive dinners out.
- Explore free local events (concerts, festivals, museum days).
- Have a movie night at home instead of going to the theater.
- Take advantage of free trials (streaming, fitness apps).
- Swap books and games with friends.
- Visit national parks on free admission days for budget-friendly adventures.
- Go hiking or biking for low-cost outdoor fun.
- Volunteer for free entry at events (festivals, concerts).
- Learn DIY skills (sewing, home repairs) to save on services.
- Play board games or card games for cheap entertainment.
Health & Personal Care
- Do bodyweight exercises (push-ups, squats, yoga) instead of paying for a gym.
- Drink more water—it’s healthier and cheaper than soda or juice.
- Quit smoking (saves money and improves health).
- Use generic medications when possible.
- Make your own beauty products (face masks, scrubs).
- Cut your own hair or trade haircuts with a friend.
- Buy toiletries in bulk (toothpaste, soap, shampoo).
- Use a menstrual cup or reusable pads to save on feminine products.
- Preventative healthcare (regular checkups) avoids costly treatments later.
- Meditate or practice yoga at home for free stress relief.
Financial & Long-Term Savings
- Automate savings—even $20 a week adds up.
- Use a high-yield savings account for better interest rates.
- Pay off high-interest debt first (credit cards, personal loans).
- Avoid ATM fees by using your bank’s network.
- Track your spending with apps like Mint or YNAB.
- Invest in index funds for low-cost, long-term growth.
- Use credit card rewards wisely (cashback, travel points).
- Shop around for better insurance rates annually.
- Barter services (trade skills instead of paying).
- Start a side hustle for extra income.
Mindset & Habits
- Practice gratitude—focus on what you have, not what you lack.
- Set financial goals (emergency fund, debt payoff, retirement).
- Avoid lifestyle inflation—just because you earn more doesn’t mean you should spend more.
- Learn to say no to unnecessary expenses.
- Celebrate small wins—every dollar saved is progress!
Final Thoughts
Frugal living isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making smarter choices so you can live well while spending less. By implementing even a few of these tips, you’ll notice significant savings over time.
Hey I’m new here. There are so many ways to save money, and disciplined, you can have what you want in life and still be able to have a savings.
Welcome! Yes, you are exactly right.
I always try to buy second hand or used if I can. I found the best place to buy stuff super cheap is garage sales. Most sellers will come down considerably in price because they just want to get rid of their stuff. You are actually doing them a favor by just taking it off their hands.
Very true. Garage sales can have some of the best finds for incredibly cheap, since they are trying to get rid of their old belongings. It’s a win-win for both!
What a lot of great advice! I do a lot of these things and agree with all of them
Thank you! I’m glad you do. That means you are very smart!