When I first started thinking about saving money, I didn’t really know where to begin. It felt like I’d have to make major sacrifices just to see any real change in my finances.
But as I started experimenting with small changes, I discovered that developing simple, frugal habits could lead to big savings without feeling deprived. It wasn’t about drastically changing my lifestyle, but rather about making smarter choices and being mindful of where my money was going.
If you’re like I was—looking for practical, everyday ways to save without making drastic cuts—I’ve got you covered. Over the years, I’ve developed 10 frugal habits that have helped me save more, live smarter, and still enjoy life. Here’s how you can do the same.
Frugal Habits to Start Today
1. Plan Your Meals and Stick to a Grocery List
One of the first changes I made was planning meals ahead of time. I used to go to the grocery store without a list, grabbing whatever caught my eye. This often led to impulse buys and wasted food. Now, I plan my meals for the week, make a shopping list, and stick to it.
Why It’s Great: Not only does this help me avoid unnecessary purchases, but it also reduces food waste—saving me both money and the hassle of throwing out expired groceries.
Key Details: I keep an eye out for discounts, buy in bulk for items I use regularly, and take advantage of seasonal sales.
Related: How To Save Money On Groceries
2. Embrace DIY and Upcycling
Instead of tossing out items or buying something new, I started embracing DIY and upcycling. Whether it’s fixing clothes or repurposing old jars into storage containers, I’ve found countless ways to make the most of what I already have.
Why It’s Great: Not only do I save money, but I also feel good about reducing waste and getting creative with what I have at hand.
Key Details: I started with simple projects—like mending a tear or repainting old furniture—and slowly moved on to bigger DIY endeavors.
Related: How To Change Money Habits
3. Cut Out Unnecessary Subscriptions
I used to have several subscriptions that I hardly ever used, from streaming services to random apps. After taking a closer look at my monthly bills, I canceled everything that wasn’t adding real value to my life.
Why It’s Great: Cutting out unnecessary subscriptions freed up extra cash, which I now funnel into savings or more meaningful expenses.
Key Details: I switched to family plans where possible to save on streaming services and looked for more affordable alternatives.
Related: Frugal Living Tips For Large Families
4. Shop Smart with Discounts and Coupons
At first, I wasn’t a fan of using coupons, but I quickly realized how much I could save with just a little effort. Now, I always check for discounts or coupons before buying anything, whether it’s groceries or clothes.
Why It’s Great: With a bit of research, I can buy what I need at a fraction of the cost.
Key Details: I use apps like Honey and Rakuten to find cashback deals and always keep an eye out for sales before making a purchase.
Related: 7 Frugal Christmas Bucket List Ideas
5. Buy Second-Hand
Buying second-hand has been a real game-changer for me. Whether it’s clothes, furniture, or electronics, I’ve found that I can get nearly everything I need at a fraction of the cost by shopping second-hand.
Why It’s Great: Not only am I saving money, but I also feel great about giving items a second life instead of contributing to waste.
Key Details: I’ve become a fan of thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
Related: 8 Effective Ways to Live Frugally
6. Set a Budget and Stick to It
Setting a budget was one of the best decisions I made for my finances. Tracking my income and expenses gave me a clearer picture of where my money was going—and where I could cut back.
Why It’s Great: It helped me take control of my spending and save more each month.
Key Details: I use budgeting apps like Mint to track my spending, and I always prioritize saving before spending.
Related; How To Set Up A Budget Binder
7. Avoid Fast Food and Takeout
I used to eat out all the time, especially when I didn’t feel like cooking. But once I realized how much I was spending on takeout, I made a change. Now, I cook at home most nights, and I actually enjoy it more.
Why It’s Great: Cooking at home is not only cheaper, but it’s also healthier, and I get to enjoy homemade meals without the hefty price tag.
Key Details: I batch-cook meals for the week, which helps save time and ensures I have something healthy and affordable to eat when I’m busy.
8. Use Public Transportation or Carpool
Owning a car is expensive, with costs for gas, insurance, and maintenance adding up fast. So, I started using public transportation more often, and I carpool whenever I can.
Why It’s Great: It’s cheaper, it reduces stress (no more dealing with traffic!), and it’s better for the environment.
Key Details: I’ve also saved money on parking fees, and public transportation has become a relaxing part of my routine.
9. Cancel or Negotiate Bills
I didn’t realize how much I was paying for things like my phone bill, internet, and insurance until I took a closer look. Now, I regularly call my service providers to negotiate better rates or switch to more affordable plans.
Why It’s Great: You’d be surprised at how much you can save just by asking for a better deal.
Key Details: Start with your biggest bills—phone, internet, and insurance—many companies will offer discounts if you ask.
10. Learn to Say No
I’ve learned that sometimes, the best way to save money is by simply saying no. Whether it’s to an impromptu night out, a new gadget, or something that isn’t necessary, I’ve realized that saying no helps me stay focused on what really matters.
Why It’s Great: Saying no has allowed me to focus my resources on the things that are most important to me.
Key Details: Setting financial goals helps me stay on track and avoid impulse purchases that don’t align with my priorities.
Conclusion
Frugality isn’t about depriving yourself—it’s about making smarter choices with your money and finding ways to live more intentionally.
These habits have helped me save money, reduce stress, and live more comfortably without giving up the things I love. If you’re looking to take control of your finances, these 10 frugal habits are a great place to start. Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
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