The Thrifty Guide: 50 Tips For Frugal Living (And Saving Money Everyday) (2024)

Savvy Living

Some may call it being cheap others may call it being thrifty. I prefer to call it frugal living. The reality is living frugally has helped us dig our way out of debt and save huge amounts of money. It’s not about being a cheapskate, it’s about being smart with your money. Thrifty tips and frugal living that will save you money everyday.

What Is Frugal?

Living a thrifty and frugal lifestyle is about spending less than you make. Living below your means and making smart choices with your money. It’s about doing simple things to save more money.

How To Be Frugal

Being frugal is about making choices everyday that save you more money. Because the reality is it all adds up. $2 here, $5 there, $25 a day, $100 a week, $500 a month. Discover how we save almost $1000 a month and it’s real easy. If we can change things in our everyday to save more money anyone can.

Why Live Frugally

Honestly, to save money. Frugal living can help you put more money back into your wallet, pay down your debt and help you save for your future. A frugal lifestyle allows you to spend less than you earn and use the difference to pay down your debt or add to your savings.

Spend Less

And when you spend less you can afford to earn less. Meaning you can do more of what you want to like retire early.

Being Thrifty

Thrifty living is similar to being frugal. It’s about making small changes in the greater scheme of things. Opting out of a daily latte for bringing coffee from home or brown bagging your lunch instead of doing take out.

Frugal Living Ideas

I’m not saying you have to skip the Starbucks coffee all together in fact here are some frugal hacks to help you get your coffee cheap. Plus some amazing Starbucks copycat recipes you can make at home to save more money.

Ways To Save Money

Frugal living ideas go way beyond takeout and coffee but let’s agree groceries and eating out can get expensive so finding ways to save money is important.

How To Start Being Frugal

Starting to live a frugal lifestyle is about making small choices with big results. For example planting a garden with seeds costs you a few bucks but think about all the money you save on produce. Learn how to grow all the food you need right in your city lot.

Money Saving Changes

Small changes add up. Setting a budget, opting to bring coffee and lunch to work. Wash your clothes in cold water and hang them to dry. Grocery shopping around a meal plan and buying what’s on sale.

Savings

All of these things are small everyday tasks but they add up to huge savings. The more you do the more you save.

Frugal Budget

One of the most important parts of being frugal and money savvy is about knowing where your money is. How much you are spending on groceries, the mortgage, utilities and etc. What is your income? These are all individual things and everyone spends and makes differently.

Frugal Finance

Learning how to budget and spend less than you make can help you save more money. Which in turn can help you pay down your debt, add to your savings or fund investments.

Frugal Budget Tips

Setting up a frugal budget is super easy. You can grab your free Busy Mom’s Kit here and it includes a free budgeting printable you can use each month.

To learn more about budgeting these must have money books are full of great tips.

Best Frugal Living Tips

The best frugal living tips are tips you actually use and implement in your life to help you save money. Discover 275 Best Frugal Living Tips that can help you save tons of money each month. These tips will help you cut your household expenses and save more money.

Frugal Mom

Being a money saving mom and a frugal mom is important. And I know we are all busy but making a few changes can save you more money for that vacation you want or to help you with baby step 2. Below discover some simple and easy frugal living tips that can help you live more thrifty, save more money and help you be able to afford and do more.

50 Tips For Frugal Living:

1. Become a one car family

2. Downsize your home

3. Set a budget and stick to it

4. Turn off lights that aren’t being used

5. Cut the cable

6. Cancel your landline telephone

7. Turn the heat down and save on electricity

8. Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when full

9. Unplug appliances that aren’t being used

10. Hang your clothes to dry. Use a clothesline in the summer and a drying rack in the winter

11. Make your own laundry soap

12. Meal plan

13. Invest in a good slow cooker

14. Shop local

15. Buy it in bulk

16. Discover what foods you can freeze to save money

17. Buy cheaper cuts of meat or opt for meatless meals

18. Drink more water and less pop and juice

19. Invest in a good coffee maker or teapot and bring your own coffee or tea with you

20. Pack a bag lunch

21. Grow a garden

22. Cook from scratch

23. Check the sales flyers and coupons before you shop

24. Make a grocery list and budget and stick to it

25. Ditch your single use paper and plastic items

26. Switch to cloth napkins

27. Use reusable soap dispensers

28. Save your coins in a jar

29. Do your own repairs

30. Use it, mend it, re-purpose it, recycle it

31. Cut up old shirts and use them for cleaning rags

32. Make your own cleaning solutions using vinegar, water and baking soda

33. Buy used clothing instead of new

34. Purchased used, vintage furniture instead of new furniture

35. Sell stuff you don’t use

36. Don’t buy stuff to impress people

37. Workout at home, skip the gym and use free online workout videos

38. Plan cheap but amazing dates

39. Cut back on entertainment expenses

40. Taking in free kids classes at your local craft stores, hardware stores and library

41. Plan a no spend weekend

42. Keep emergency cash handy

43. Be prepared for all seasons

44. Don’t wait till the last minute with anything, repairs, groceries, planning and etc

45. Do your own housework, baking, landscaping and maintenance work

46. Purchase items that will last

47. Learn to say no

48. Learn to knit, crochet and sew

49. Learn to use household tools

50. Do your own fixer upper projects

Living A Frugal Life

Living a frugal life and saving money isn’t hard. It’s about making small changes to your everyday activities to save more money. Starting with the 50 tips above you can make a huge difference.

Thrifty Lifestyle

Being thrifty isn’t just about shopping thrift stores and saving money. It’s about choosing to grow a garden to help feed your family. It’s about planning staycations and saving up for purchases before you buy them.

Living Thrifty And Frugal

Living a frugal lifestyle and choosing to be thrifty are one in the same. You are choosing to not give away your hard earned money. But to put your money towards the best results for your family.

Thrifty Ideas And Frugal Living

Simple thrifty things you can do today to help you save money are wash your laundry in cold water, turn off the lights when you leave a room, eat more vegetarian meals, opt to use foam soap versus liquid soap (foam soap uses less soap), and brown bag your lunch.

Frugal Living Saving Money

Living frugally can save you a ton of money. In fact the more frugal tips you actively do the more money you save. For example by bringing your own coffee during the week you could save $100 a month. By brown bagging your lunch during the week you could save $300 a month. Just those two things combined put $400 back into your wallet. What would you do with an extra $400?

Saving Money Everyday

Saving money isn’t hard it just takes small steps for a greater reward. Assess where you think you could cut your expenses or where you could go with out or opt for a cheaper brand to save more money.

Best Ways To Save Money

One of the best or two of the best ways we save money is shopping around and meal planning. Locally I have found the greatest discount grocery store and I save a ton of money shopping there. I also shop online to save more money.

Meal planning and only buying groceries that you need can also save you a ton of money and take the question out of what’s for dinner. Here are 50 Cheap Meal Ideas to help you with your planning.

Related Thrifty Living Frugal Tips Posts:

  • Frugal Living Surviving On One Income
  • Extreme Frugal Living Tips
  • Secret Must Haves Of A Frugal Home

Updated June 7, 2021

The Thrifty Guide: 50 Tips For Frugal Living (And Saving Money Everyday) (5)

The Thrifty Guide: 50 Tips For Frugal Living (And Saving Money Everyday)

The Thrifty Guide: 50 Tips For Frugal Living (And Saving Money Everyday) (2024)

FAQs

How to live cheaply without being poor? ›

15 Tips for Living Frugally Without Looking Cheap
  1. Eliminate monthly subscriptions.
  2. Shop for new insurance.
  3. Reduce prescription costs.
  4. Buy used items.
  5. Rent, don't own.
  6. Purchase at the right time.
  7. Buy high-quality products.
  8. Enlist your friends.

How to live frugal and save money? ›

Ten Frugal Habits to Save Money
  1. Track Spending.
  2. Automate Your Savings.
  3. Save Loose Change.
  4. Compare Prices & Comparison Shop.
  5. Avoid Spending Triggers.
  6. Shop Second Hand.
  7. Save Windfall Income & Use a Spending Rule of Thumb.
  8. Institute a Waiting Period.

How to live really cheaply? ›

12 Tips for Frugal Living
  1. Choose quality over quantity. ...
  2. Prioritize value over price. ...
  3. Use credit wisely. ...
  4. Declutter regularly. ...
  5. Use a budget to guide your spending. ...
  6. Know the difference between wants and needs. ...
  7. Be a savvy consumer. ...
  8. Prioritize your values.
Oct 17, 2023

How can I live frugally but happy? ›

How To Live Frugally And Still Enjoy Life To Its Fullest
  1. What are the Benefits of Living Frugally? ...
  2. Define Your Priorities. ...
  3. Embrace Minimalism. ...
  4. Mindful Spending. ...
  5. Identify Emotional Spending Impulses. ...
  6. Explore Affordable Entertainment and Hobbies. ...
  7. Embrace Saving on Food. ...
  8. Secondhand Treasures.
Mar 20, 2024

What is the cheapest housing option? ›

If you're looking for affordable living options, consider renting a room and co-living with someone. It's generally cheaper than renting an apartment on your own or buying a home. Plus, utilities are often included in rentals, and you can easily reduce costs with roommates.

What is the difference between cheap and frugal? ›

A cheap person is someone who is extremely price-sensitive. They would go for the cheapest possible option regardless of the quality or value. They would prioritize saving money over getting some nice clothes or going out for experiences. Whereas a frugal person would try and maximize the value they get.

How can I save money and live poor? ›

How To Save Money Fast On a Low Income: Making Ends Meet
  1. Create a Budget. ...
  2. Open a Savings Account. ...
  3. Save Money on Bills and Utilities. ...
  4. Cancel Unwanted Monthly Subscriptions. ...
  5. Pay Off Outstanding Debts. ...
  6. Always Look For Deals. ...
  7. Change Your Financial Institution. ...
  8. Get A Side Job.
Jan 26, 2024

What makes people cheap? ›

Being cheap can be a personality trait, but it need not be a permanent one. It could be a habit developed because you grew up poor and wished for more money or possessions or it can stem from other insecurities. It's possible to change this behavior if you become more aware of it and are motivated to be less stingy.

How can I live off as little money? ›

How to live below your means
  1. Understand your current financial habits. Not sure how to start spending less? ...
  2. Create an effective budget and stick to it. ...
  3. Look for ways to reduce spending. ...
  4. Set financial goals for future success. ...
  5. Save for emergencies or major purchases. ...
  6. Pay down debt. ...
  7. Stay aware of lifestyle creep.

How can I live peacefully without money? ›

How to Live Without Money
  1. Making Your Plans.
  2. Arranging Accommodation.
  3. Finding and Growing Food.
  4. Supplying Other Needs.
  5. Planning Transportation.

How to enjoy life without spending money? ›

Whatever your situation, here are 13 fun things to do that don't cost money with friends and family:
  1. Go on a picnic. ...
  2. Go to no-cost museum and zoo days. ...
  3. Give geocaching a try. ...
  4. Leverage your chamber of commerce. ...
  5. Take a historical city tour. ...
  6. Visit a farmers market. ...
  7. Go camping. ...
  8. Do a photography challenge.
Feb 14, 2024

How to live on under $1,000 a month? ›

  1. Lower Your Housing Costs. Housing might be your biggest expense, and, if you want to make a $1,000 a month budget work, getting that cost down can help. ...
  2. Get Rid of Your Car. ...
  3. Eat at Home. ...
  4. Negotiate Your Bills. ...
  5. Learn to Barter and Trade. ...
  6. Get Rid of Debt. ...
  7. Adopt a No-Spend Attitude. ...
  8. Find Free or Low-Cost Ways to Have Fun.

How can I be happy when I don't have money? ›

How To Be Happier Without Spending a Lot of Money
  1. Strengthen Bonds With Family and Friends. ...
  2. Create a Gratitude Journal. ...
  3. Go for a Walk. ...
  4. Define 'Fun' for You. ...
  5. Start a Pay-It-Forward Line. ...
  6. Say 'No' ...
  7. Smile Even If You Don't Feel Like It. ...
  8. Strive for Serenity and Security.
Sep 29, 2020

How to be thrifty with money? ›

Personal Finance 101 How to Save Money Every Day
  1. Create a Budget. Setting a budget may not be fun, but the benefits you will reap are worth it. ...
  2. Use Coupons When You Can. ...
  3. Save on Groceries. ...
  4. Reduce Monthly Bills. ...
  5. Cancel Streaming Accounts You Don't Use. ...
  6. Reduce How Much You Dine Out. ...
  7. Stop Paying to Work Out. ...
  8. Buy Used Items.
Aug 3, 2023

How to live like a cheapskate? ›

  1. 25 Things Frugal People Do (That You Aren't Doing and Should!) ...
  2. Admit that you need a budget. ...
  3. Search for deals and discounts. ...
  4. Rethink your meals. ...
  5. Keep your home clean for a cheap. ...
  6. Don't be fooled by “Get Rich Quick” schemes. ...
  7. Use every drop wisely. ...
  8. Purchase used items.
Aug 22, 2023

How to survive on a low income budget? ›

How to Budget on a Low Income — 9 Tips
  1. Tip #1: Get to know your expenses.
  2. Tip #2: Calculate your monthly income.
  3. Tip #3: Prioritize your bills.
  4. Tip #4: Choose a personal budgeting method.
  5. Tip #5: Keep track of your debt.
  6. Tip #6: Try money-saving hacks for necessary expenses.
  7. Tip #7: Be mindful of unnecessary spending.
Nov 9, 2023

How can I live on the least amount of money? ›

How to live below your means
  1. Understand your current financial habits. Not sure how to start spending less? ...
  2. Create an effective budget and stick to it. ...
  3. Look for ways to reduce spending. ...
  4. Set financial goals for future success. ...
  5. Save for emergencies or major purchases. ...
  6. Pay down debt. ...
  7. Stay aware of lifestyle creep.

How to live on a very tight budget? ›

13 ways to save money on a tight budget
  1. Focus on small changes in various budget categories.
  2. Automate your savings into a high-yield savings account.
  3. Earn interest on your checking account.
  4. Use those three-payday months to save more.
  5. Keep a budget.
  6. Shop around for insurance rates.
  7. Refinance your mortgage.
Oct 19, 2023

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