Frugal Living doesn’t have to mean pinching a penny or skipping fun from your budget. There are so many ways to save money. That’s whether you’re cutting back on what you’re already spending or making new decisions that will help you in the long run. Today, I have compiled 52 best frugal living tips to help you cut costs in all aspects of your life.
You will find rare and modest tips that you may never have crossed your mind, and many small changes that can have lasting impact on your daily life. Let’s jump in!
A simple lifestyle tip to reduce groceries
1. Create a grocery list
One of the easiest ways to save money with groceries is to go to the grocery store with a plan. This alone will help you reduce costs exponentially. If you don’t know exactly what you need, you’ll end up leaving the store too many times. You will also find yourself wandering through all the aisles and grabbing things as if you were going, not just the area you needed. Planning and planning your meals reduces those impulsive shopping.
2. Preparing meals
Preparing meals involves making large quantities of food for eating on weekdays. This includes lunch for work, all dinner, or some meals here and there. If you’re not bored of eating the same thing, prepare a meal to reduce the need to buy extra ingredients. It also saves a lot of time during the week!
3. Buy generic brands
Name branded foods do not necessarily mean better quality foods. Often it is the exact same food and is labeled differently! When purchasing canned or packaged foods, keep an eye on store brand options. These are always a bit cheaper and savings are added to the Grocery General Bill.
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Don’t buy everything in one store when you’re a grocery store. Find out which stores have the best prices for different items. We recommend purchasing household items such as Costco paper towels, canned and frozen items from Walmart, and produce from local grocery stores. Stop by these other stores from time to time to source the best bang for your spending.
5. Try price matching
Sometimes you don’t even have to go to other grocery stores to get a better deal. Price match is when you show the prices of your competitors to the store and ask them to meet. Not all stores do this, but many do. To match the price, bring flyers from other stores or use apps like Flipp to raise the best advertising prices.
6. Scan your receipt
Once you’re done shopping, you can use the cashback app to earn some of the things you’ve used in the future. All you have to do is scan the receipt photos at the qualifying store. Rakuten is one of the best options for in-store shopping (and there’s also cashback for buying online!) Rakuten is available for use with major retailers such as Target and Instacart.
7. Pack your lunch
This is one of the simplest and most decent hints, but one of the most important ones. Food removes most of anyone’s budget. And if you add restaurants, morning Starbucks, quick snacks, and that’s all added. Make an effort to bring lunch (or other meals) and work with you so you don’t have to eat out. If you’re struggling to do it in advance, prepare the night before or use up the leftovers so you can get it and go.
8. I’ll buy a lot
At first, buying in bulk may seem more expensive as the price tag is bigger first. However, splitting the cost per item makes it much more affordable in the long run. Aim to buy in bulk for frequently used items. You will know that you will eat it before its expiration date. Annual fees for places like Sam’s Club and Costco are worth savings.
9. I’ll buy it in the season
We are fortunate to live in a world where we can buy all kinds of fruits at any time of the year. However, when you buy fruits that are out of season, you can pay import fees and low supply prices. Instead, try eating it with the season. If fruits and vegetables are on sale, try to buy them all in bulk and freeze extras for later use (or if there’s a trick).
10. Start the garden
Having your own garden allows you to cut a large amount of vegetables, fruits and herbs. It grows slowly at first, but there is more than you know what to do during the harvest season. Even people who don’t have outdoor spaces can grow herbs and microgreens indoors and must purchase them from grocery stores.
11. Eat or reuse leftovers
Did you know that the US throws away more food than any other country? Nearly 160 billion pounds of food is wasted every year! Eating and reusing leftovers can save money and reduce food waste. You can easily eat leftovers for snacks or lunch, freeze for future use, or create a completely new one. Need help coming up with an idea? For websites fun, inexpensive or free, there is a list of 70 ways to reuse leftovers.
12. Potion control
Another money saving tip is to read the size of the package size. For example, how much shampoo do you squirt in the shower? You may be surprised to find out that you only need a small amount of shampoo to do your job. Or what size is recommended for chicken? You may be shocked to find out that 3-4 ounces is the recommended portion. Start reading the labels, research healthy serving sizes and measure them appropriately to ensure that your products and foods spread even further.
Frugal Tips for Saving Money While Shopping
13. Use coupons for online shopping
Whether it’s Amazon’s home essentials or Christmas shopping for kids, if you’re shopping online of any kind, you’ll need a coupon extension. Now you can shop through sites like Rakuten and Honey. Save time and money searching for coupons! The website also earns small fees for sale and shares some of it with you through cashback or gift cards.
14. Unsubscribe from Marketing Email
This is one of the best frugal tips to save money, as it requires minimal work but saves a lot of time. If you don’t know that it’s going on, you won’t want to shop for sale. Perhaps you have a fairly large influx of emails from your favorite brands on a regular basis. Resist the urge to shop by scrolling to the bottom of these emails and hitting unsubscribe. This will significantly reduce online impulse spending.
15. Please ask me to down
If you have children, you will find yourself dressed faster than you can keep up with your growing body. It can quickly sum up, especially when they struggle with clothes. Ask your hands to be defeated by friends, family, neighbors and other people in your community. It’s time and when your child grows out of clothes, you can return favors to another modest person!
16. Buy second-hand clothes
Try buying second-hand used clothes for yourself, if possible. The Thrift Store can have many wonderful, gentle use and new items that sometimes require a new home. You can also purchase items curated at Threadup, Posk, or Depot online. There are high quality items from brands like Lululemon, and some that spin at much lower prices! Plus, you can feel better about doing your part in reducing waste in your clothes.
17. Win a free gift card
I’ve already hinted at this above, but you can earn free gift cards through many different sites and apps. In some cases, it comes from shopping using their website and affiliate links and getting a part of the committee. Also, some apps allow you to make money by completing small activities such as answering surveys, watching videos, playing games, and more. You can also get a free gift card for walking!
18. I’m going to shop at a dollar store
Every few months, heading to the Dollar Store and stocking up on some supplies is a great idea. The Dollar store has a huge selection of party supplies, gift wrapping, kitchen supplies, storage supplies, hardware and even food. It’s easy to get some useful items around the house at very low cost.
19. Shop on Facebook Marketplace
If you need to buy something, check if it is available first. People all over the world use the Facebook market, eBay, or Craigslist to sell items they no longer need. This ranges from clothing and sports goods to furniture and plants. Even if you have a very specific item in mind, you can probably find it at a low price in your area.
20. Cancel unused subscriptions
A subscription box may be fun, but there are ways to sneak up on you. You will probably be automatically charged for items you don’t need or get at a low price nearby. Subscription boxes can be anything from weekly food boxes to Kitty trash. First, save on shipping and auto-payment by cancelling your subscription and finding it elsewhere.
21.Get a cashback credit card
If you’re spending money, you might get a little bonus for it too. Cashback credit cards will generally reward 1.5-2% of your spending. You can use this to pay other expenses when you get your money back. Alternatively, other credit cards have a variety of reward options, such as points (to redeem items) and travel miles. Find something that will help you with your financial goals and use your credit card responsibly to get it to the fullest.
22. Participate in the loyalty program
Most major stores and brands offer some kind of loyalty or rewards programme. This includes additional discounts or points that can be used for free products. Whether it’s a grocery store or a clothing retailer, if you’re shopping anywhere, join a loyalty program and make the most of your shopping experience there. You can also use apps like Ibotta to link loyalty programs to earn extra cashback.
Frugal Living Tips to Change Your Finance
twenty three. Automate savings
While saving money while living a modest life can be difficult, it is essential to put each salary aside a little to save your financial goals and emergencies. One of the best ways to save is to set up automatic payments from your checking account to your savings account. All the money works even if it costs as much as $20 a month. Time it to be transferred on a pay basis. It’s like you didn’t have the money in the first place, and you won’t miss it on your budget.
24. Create a budget
When living modestly, the most important thing is to learn to change the habits of spending money. You need to know exactly how much money is in, what your main expenses are, and where there is room for additional purchases. When building a budget, consider all sorts of expenses you may encounter in a month. After listing the rough estimates, check if there is any area to reduce.
25. Use an expense tracker
In addition to budgeting, we recommend using a cost tracker to list all the costs in the month. This allows you to track your spending and stay within your budget. You can know exactly when you need to cut back and when there are still some wiggling rooms.
26. Establish a sinking fund
Sinking funds are something everyone should have, along with other savings and checking accounts. This account is designed solely for short-term and unexpected savings. However, do not confuse it with an emergency account. Every month, donate a little to the Sunken Fund for Christmas gifts, birthday presents, field trip money for kids, travel funds, car repairs and maintenance.
27. Participate in the money-saving challenge
It’s always a good idea to see what you can cut from your budget, but the challenges of saving money can help you get a little extra cash in a short amount of time. For example, you can save another $200 in a month and achieve your goal of detailing all the ways you can manage it. Another great thing is the $5 challenge. Every time I get a $5 bill, I save it instead of using it. At the end of the year, there are lovely little nest eggs.
28. Refinance student loans
Student loans have weighed heavily on your finances for decades. If you qualify for a low interest rate, you can lower your monthly payments. This could have an overall impact. You can also use websites like Juno. This makes it easy to refinance private student loans by working.
29. In line with your employer’s 401(k)
If you’re lucky enough to have a 401(k) from your employer, take advantage of the contributions from your employer. This means that no matter how much you put, they put some. This is the dollar for dollars, and can go up to a certain percentage and beyond. Your contributions are automatically taken from your salary, so you won’t miss out on your money. So go ahead and advocate for free retirement from your employer and maximize your contribution.
30. Emergency funds will be launched
Everyone, especially those with children, should have an emergency fund. It’s essential that you have it regardless of your financial position. Donate a little each month and slowly build a fund to access in emergencies, such as job losses, medical emergency, emergency home repairs and more. Usually, 3-6 months’ income is enough to make an effort.
31. Reduce bank fees
Many banks charge you just for having an account. It comes out directly from your checking account, so you may not notice it! This could average $15 a month. Fortunately, many banks and accounts cannot charge fees or avoid fees with minimum balances. Do some research and switch accounts if necessary. That way, don’t waste this monthly money!
32. Use cash more frequently
Tracking your spending can be difficult when using a credit card. Using cash for payments will help you know exactly how much you spend and what you left behind. Some people use cash envelopes to create budgets by separating monthly expenses into different envelopes and using them for all purchases.
33. Prioritize high profit obligations
If you have multiple types of liabilities, always prioritize high profit obligations. This is usually considered higher than a mortgage or student loan. While you can slowly repay your low interest debt while working towards other financial goals, you can lose a ton of money every time you need to pay a high profit, so it’s best to get rid of it as soon as possible.
34. Invest your money
If you have money sitting in a savings account, invest it! This money can earn you money thanks to dividends and capital gains. Find the best investment plan that will help you with your level of risk. However, don’t let the money sit there. In fact, you’re losing money through inflation without investing it! When investing, don’t forget to consider the fees and costs of certain investments, such as mutual funds.
35. Stop scrolling
Believe it or not, social media use has a negative impact on your budget. Consumerism is out of control as influencers promote 15-step skincare routines, excessive refill videos, and elaborate pouch decoration and cleaning regimes. According to the Dallas Market Center, roughly three out of four social media make impulsive purchases through social media. Often these products are of poor quality and overall disappointing. Reduce social media consumption or save money by removing the app completely. Instead, use this time to do something worthwhile, like reading books, taking walks, or playing board games with your kids.
Frugal Tips for Saving Money While Driving
36. Use a car sharing program
If you live in a big city, you may have access to a car sharing program. These are cars that can be rented or rented in advance for each use. Everyone who is part of the car sharing program has access to the vehicle. This is a great idea if you use public transport and don’t need a car for everyday use and like to use it occasionally. You can save tons in the long term.
37. Try car pooling
Connect with people heading in the same direction and people heading in the same direction. This not only saves you money with gas, but it’s also perfect for the environment. Carpools include dropping children at school, heading to work, attending the same event, and after school and work activities.
38. Buy a fuel efficient car
Buying a new car can be a pretty prepaid purchase, but it may be time to replace your car with an upgrade this time. Look for used cars that rely on less gas, like electricity or hybrids. The daily costs of the vehicle are enormous and can minimize the gas footprints that help put more money in your wallet.
39. Insurance can be deducted
The lower the deductible, the more expensive your car insurance will be. This is a modest living tip you’d only want to include if you can afford a more expensive, deductible thing if something happens. As our cars age, you may not need the same coverage and deductibles as before. It is important to review this every year when renewing your car insurance (or other insurance).
40. Opt in to your annual insurance premium
Again, large advance payments will save you in the long run. Insurers often offer discounts if they can afford to pay premiums at once rather than monthly payments. Sometimes, changing your way of thinking from immediate to long-term savings to long-term savings can have the biggest impact.
Daily Fruitability Tips
40. Find simple and gentle entertainment
It doesn’t mean that you live on a simple and budgetary basis. Allocate some budget-friendly space for budget-friendly activities, such as going to the movies, reusable toys and activities like board games. In this way, you will not start resing to your budget and situation.
Also, keep an eye out for free entertainment. This includes local festivals, beach trips, local library visits, community sponsored workshops, crafts and more.
42. Negotiate the invoice
You can reduce the costs of what you’ve already paid by calling your service provider and negotiating a lower invoice. This includes cable, internet, telephone, utilities, insurance and more. I recommend doing this twice a year. Your invoice can rise unexpectedly and you may encounter new transactions that are available to you.
43. Cut the cable
Now there are many streaming options that allow you to access more content when it’s convenient for you. Cables can be easily reduced, even if bundled with other home services like the Internet. You can also use tools like Apple TV and Google TV to search and watch all streaming platforms in one place.
44. Get a Family Streaming Account
There are plenty of streaming platforms, from TV shows and movies to music, and having all of them can be expensive. Instead, they coordinate with friends and family to pay for one streaming service each and share their passwords. This is perfect for Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, or Amazon Prime. Most people have a system that allows multiple users and streamers, including family planning.
45. Join the family phone plan
Once again, round up friends and family and see if you can take part in your mobile phone family planning. Most providers offer discounts that will grow with more families than you include in your plan. Monthly savings can be added for all of you!
46. Learn DIY
This is a rare and simple hint, but it’s still good! Thanks to YouTube and the internet, you can learn how to do anything yourself. Do I need to repair the toilet? Do you give yourself a gel nail polish? Do you want to start a side hustle making camber template? There are many great content creators who share their expertise completely free of charge. You can find all the tutorials. This really helps with a modest lifestyle.
47. Collect the bottles
If you have a room for that, collect bottles and other income-earning recyclable items. Bring them for money every time you have enough. This is a great way to save something outside your budget or replenish your sinking fund for upcoming events like Christmas or holidays.
48. Participate in the service swap
Is there a skill that someone else thinks is worth it? Ask for some assistance and provide expertise as a payment. This means swapping haircuts for haircuts for blind installations or providing social media help. Anything! It’s as easy as asking someone to babysit your child at a later date in exchange for a babysitter.
49. Reduce your energy bills
Monthly bills can damage your wallet, especially when winter hits. There are many ways to help reduce your energy bill. Regenerate windows and doors with new weather strips to stop drafts. Replace the furnace filter regularly. Lower the thermostat a few degrees. Clean the vents and leave them unobstructed. Run the hair dryer or dry only when it is dry. A simple life every day means not raising your thermostat, but even wearing a sweater!
50. Cancel gym membership
This seems to have attracted a lot of people. Some people use gym memberships every day, while others can only use them a few times a month. Instead, look for alternative options. Check if YouTube videos and home workouts can meet the same training needs. Perhaps buying a drop-in or choosing a membership like a classpath will work for you.
51. Reduce water bills
Like your heating costs, you can do some things to reduce your water use. Install an aerator on the faucet and change the shower head to a lower flow or take a shorter shower. Run only when you fill the washing machine and dishwasher, then turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Set a timer in the morning to water your garden and lawn.
52. Use student services
When students are still learning to trade, you often get services for discounts. For example, hair salons are always looking for someone their students will practice. Don’t worry! Our professional instructors are always looking for help to ensure that your haircut goes as planned.
Conclusion: Tips for a simple life
As you can see, there are many ways you can make small changes that have a big impact. Whether you’re planning on downloading apps, changing your mindset, adjusting your priorities, or simply trimming your budget, being frugal has never been easier.
Let me know which of these simple living tips and hacks do you find most useful!
Originally published on December 26th, 2025. The content was updated in December 2025.