40 Frugal Living Tips to Save You a Lot of Money

Frugal living can literally buy you a house or a new car. And yes, in this article I will share 40 real tips to save you a lot of money. Each of these tips might seem insignificant at the first look, but if you apply all of them or most of them, you will be surprised how much money they can actually save you. Little by little, 20 dollars here, 30 dollars there, it will accumulate into a significant amount of money which you can use to buy some property or invest or pay off debts.

Frugal living is not about being pour and miserable, it’s about focusing on the things that are important to you, and removing things that are not so important, but cost you a fortune.

So, here we go, 40 tips to save you a lot of money:

1. Make a budget and stick to it:

Determine your monthly income and expenses.
Allocate a certain amount of money for each category of expenses, such as housing, food, and entertainment.
Keep track of your spending to make sure you are staying within your budget.
Adjust your budget as necessary to account for changes in income or expenses.

2. Keep a record of expenses:

Keep receipts, invoices, and bank statements to track your spending.
Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to categorize your expenses.
Review your expenses regularly to identify areas where you can cut back.
Adjust your spending habits based on your expenses to improve your financial situation.

3. Avoid impulse purchases and stick to a shopping list:

Make a list of items you need before going shopping.
Avoid browsing the store aisles and stick to your list.
Wait 24 hours before making a big purchase to give yourself time to think about it.
Find alternative ways to make yourself happy, such as taking a walk or reading a book.

4. Use cash instead of credit or debit cards for small purchases:

Withdraw a set amount of cash each week to limit your spending.
Pay with cash instead of cards for small expenses such as coffee, snacks, or parking.
Keep track of your cash expenses to ensure that you stay within your budget. Using cash will allow you to avoid overspending.

5. Avoid unnecessary ATM fees by withdrawing cash from a bank’s ATM:

Plan your cash withdrawals in advance to minimize the number of trips to the ATM.
Use your bank’s mobile app to find in-network ATMs near you.
Research different banks and their ATM fees before choosing one.

6. Shop sales and use coupons:

Look for sales and discounts before making a purchase.
Use coupons and promo codes when available.
Buy items in bulk when they are on sale to save money in the long run.
Compare prices at different stores to find the best deal.

7. Buy generic or store-brand items instead of name brands:

Compare the ingredients and nutritional information of generic and name-brand items.
Choose generic or store-brand items when the quality is the same or similar.
Look for store-brand items with a satisfaction guarantee.
Consider switching to generic or store-brand items gradually to adjust to the change.

8. Cut down on entertainment expenses, such as going to the movies or buying video games:

Find free or low-cost entertainment options, such as hiking or visiting local parks.
Use subscription services, such as Netflix or Hulu, instead of cable television.
Plan game nights with friends or family instead of buying new video games.

9. Rent movies or borrow books from the library instead of buying them.

Use a library for books, movies, and music instead of buying them to save money on entertainment expenses. Ask your friends, maybe they already have what you need, and you can borrow from them.

10. Cut down on subscription services and memberships you rarely use to save money on monthly fees.

Check all subscriptions you have – you may find some services and applications which you don’t use anymore, but you still pay for the automatic renewals.

11. Save money on gifts and cards

Presents and cards are always expensive. You can save some money by making them with your own hands. I can tell you, sometimes it’s even more valuable, because it becomes more personal. You can find some great ideas on Youtube or in Google. And if you need to buy something try shopping for sales to find the best deals on presents.

12. Avoid parties and meetings you don’t have to attend

When you have many friends and relatives, you probably have many events and birthdays to attend. Every time you go to a party, you have to spend some additional money. Don’t feel obliged to attend every time, sometimes it’s ok to say no.

13. Use public transportation, carpool, or bike instead of driving:

Plan your route and schedule in advance to maximize efficiency.
Take advantage of discounts for using public transportation.
Carpool with coworkers or friends to save on gas and parking.
Use a bike for short trips instead of driving to save money on gas and maintenance.

14. Buy an affordable car

Keep in mind that when you buy a new car, the moment you drive out of the car dealership, your car loses the value. Sometimes it’s better to buy a used car in a good condition at the lower price. You need a car which will not eat all of your money. From that perspective it’s better to choose a car with less electronics. Your car needs to be simple and robust, so you don’t need to repair it too often.

15. Car maintenance:

Regular oil changes and tire rotations can help extend the life of your car.
Get your car serviced regularly to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Keep up with regular maintenance tasks, such as replacing air filters and checking fluid levels.
Consider buying a used car instead of a new one to save money in the long run.

16. Avoid premium gas and stick to regular unleaded fuel for your vehicle:

Check your vehicle’s owner manual for the recommended type of fuel.
Use a fuel-tracking app to monitor fuel efficiency and compare prices at different gas stations.
Consider driving more efficiently, such as accelerating and braking smoothly, to improve fuel efficiency.
Research the benefits and drawbacks of using different types of fuel before making a decision.

17. Shop for insurance policies:

Compare insurance policies from different companies to find the best coverage at the lowest price.
Consider the coverage limits, deductibles, and premium costs of each policy.
Ask for discounts, such as multi-policy discounts or good driver discounts.
Read the policy fine print to make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered.

18. Buy in bulk when it makes sense, such as for non-perishable items.

Stock up on non-perishable items, such as toilet paper and canned goods, when they’re on sale.
Consider buying in bulk with friends or family members to save money.
Use coupons and discount codes to get even better deals on bulk purchases.
Check expiration dates before buying in bulk to avoid waste.

19. Buy used items instead of new ones:

Shop at thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces for gently used items.
Find high-quality used items at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
Consider buying used items for items that will not be frequently used or replaced.
Do research to ensure that used items are in good condition and a good value.

20. Cut down on luxury expenses, such as fancy coffee drinks and expensive beauty products:

Find less expensive alternatives, such as making coffee at home or using cheaper beauty products.
Limit the frequency of indulging in luxury expenses.
Save money and prioritize essential expenses.
Treat yourself to a luxury expense occasionally as a reward for being frugal.

21. Avoid excessive credit card debt by paying off balances in full each month:

Pay off credit card balances in full each month to avoid interest and fees.
Use credit cards responsibly and only for essentials.
Create a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending
Consider using a debit card

22. Avoid late fees by paying bills on time:

Set up automatic payments for recurring bills to avoid late fees.
Keep track of due dates for all of your bills.
Make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover all of your bills.
If you’re unable to pay a bill on time, contact the company and ask for an extension.

23. Shop for deals on travel:

Compare prices from different airlines and travel websites to find the best deals on airfare.
Book your hotel in advance to get the best rates.
Look for package deals that include airfare, hotel, and activities.
Consider traveling during the off-season to save money on flights and hotels.

24. Cook at home instead of eating out:

Plan and prepare meals in advance to save time and money.
Buy ingredients in bulk and store leftovers for future meals.
Use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to make cooking easier and more efficient.
Invite friends or family over for a potluck or home-cooked meal instead of going out.

25. Plant a garden for fresh produce:

Grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Save money on groceries and enjoy fresh and healthy food.
Learn about gardening and growing your own food.
Share your surplus with friends, family, or a local food bank.

26. Cook in bulk and freeze leftovers for future meals:

Plan your meals in advance and buy ingredients in bulk to save money.
Cook large portions of food and freeze leftovers for future meals.
Label your leftovers with the date and type of food to avoid waste.
Use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to cook meals in bulk and save time.

27. Use a slow cooker for meal prep

This will help you to save time and energy while also reducing the cost of eating out or ordering in.

28. Use a programmable coffee maker to save time and energy in the morning:

Program your coffee maker the night before so you have a fresh cup of coffee waiting for you in the morning.
Consider purchasing a coffee maker with a timer and auto shut-off to save energy.
Use a coffee maker with a reusable filter to reduce waste and save money.
Research different coffee makers to find one that fits your needs and budget.

29. Reduce energy consumption

You can save money by turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use.
Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.

30. Water plants with reusable water instead of buying bottled water:

Collect rainwater or reuse water from cooking or washing for watering plants.
Use a watering can instead of a hose to conserve water.
Install a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater.
Consider native or drought-resistant plants that require less water.

31. Make your own cleaning products using vinegar and baking soda:

Mix vinegar and baking soda to create a natural and effective cleaning solution.
Use essential oils to add a pleasant scent.
Avoid buying expensive and potentially harmful chemical cleaners.
Store homemade cleaning products in reusable containers to reduce waste.

32. Use a clothesline instead of a dryer to dry clothes:

Hang clothes outside to dry in the sun and fresh air.
Use a clothesline or drying rack indoors on rainy days.
Reduce energy consumption and save money on electricity bills.
Avoid the heat damage and shrinkage that can occur from using a dryer.

33. Repair items instead of replacing them:

Learn basic repair skills, such as sewing, fixing appliances, and replacing parts.
Fix broken items instead of buying new ones.
Save money and reduce waste by repairing items.
Consider learning new skills and finding online tutorials to help with repairs.

34. Avoid paying for services you can do yourself, such as home repairs:

Learn basic home repair skills, such as fixing a leaky faucet or changing a light bulb.
Use online tutorials and videos to learn new skills.
Consider purchasing tools and materials in bulk to save money over time.
Set aside time each week to work on home repair projects to keep your skills sharp.

35. Use a reusable water bottle and coffee cup:

Reduce waste by using a reusable water bottle and coffee cup instead of disposable ones.
Save money by refilling a water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
Keep a reusable water bottle and coffee cup with you to use throughout the day.
Encourage friends and family to use reusable water bottles and coffee cups.

36. Invest in energy-efficient appliances:

Replace older, less efficient appliances with Energy Star certified ones.
Reduce energy consumption and lower monthly utility bills.
Make a long-term investment in energy-efficient appliances to save money in the future.
Consider purchasing a renewable energy system, such as solar panels, to reduce energy costs.

37. Use a programmable thermostat:

Set the thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re not home or at night.
Use the “away” or “vacation” mode to reduce heating and cooling costs when you’re away.
Choose a programmable thermostat with smart features that can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule.
Regularly adjust the thermostat settings to reflect changes in your schedule or outdoor temperature.

38. Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones to reduce waste and save money on paper products.

We actually spend a lot of money over a year buying paper napkins which we can only use once. It is probably more convenient to do so, but it doesn’t help to save money. The core idea here is to use reusable napkins instead.

39. Start a savings account and automatically transfer money from each paycheck to build up your savings.

This is more to organise the savings process and make sure you will always have some funds for any uexpected expences.

40.Take advantage of employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, to save for retirement and potentially receive employer matching contributions.

If you follow these simple tips and hacks, you will be able to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a course of a year. And you can use the money that you saved to buy a new car or a house, or to pay your debts and start investing.

I hope you find it useful, have a great day and see you soon!