Last week we talked about budgeting. Which is super riveting information, I know. But it is the key to having a positive relationship with money. Particularly because it helps you learn to control your spending habits. Before that, we also touched on how to save money on groceries. Because if you’re anything like me, that’s one of your biggest expenses. What can I say? Your girl loves to eat! Although, it occurred to me that there are plenty of areas we could use money saving tips for! So I came up with a list of 50 tips to help you learn to live frugally.
Do I Have to do All of These Tips to Live Frugally?
I already know what you’re thinking! No, just because I added something here does not mean you have to do it. Some tips may not be applicable to you or your family right now. Or ever. But trying just a couple frugal living tips could save some major cash over time! So try a few that you feel comfortable with. And then come back and try some more once you’ve mastered those! It’s not a race by any means.Â
And you definitely don’t need to compare your financial situation with anyone else’s, either. Who cares if you want to cut back? Or stop spending money on useless things? You don’t have to worry about keeping up with everyone else. So do what you can for now. Save money on little things here and there. When you get more confident, try to push yourself to do more. It gets much easier as you keep working on it! Before you know it, you won’t worry about what anyone else has.
Top 50 Tips to Live Frugally
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, but all opinions are my own. This means if you make a purchase using these links, I make a small comission at no additional cost to you. For more information, please read my disclosure policy.
Live Frugally by Lowering Utilities
It’s no secret that I’m a mama. Currently, a stay at home mom as well. So I’m going to start with some tips for the home. Hopefully this helps you save money in ways you hadn’t thought to before! Especially on those pesky expenses you can’t live without!
- Switch to LED light bulbs
- Turn off lights when leaving a room
- Set timers on tv’s to cut off automatically
- Unplug electronics when not in use
- Use cold water instead of hot water when possible
- Air dry clothes and linens
- Use fans to cut down on your air conditioning usage
- Wear layers and blankets to cut down on your heating usage
- Figure out the cheapest temperature for your thermostat each season
Live Frugally by Spending Less on Food
I’m a self proclaimed foodie, so we all know this is where I struggle! Here are some tips I try to stick to when possible. Also, read my recent post for a more in depth list of tips to save money on food!
- Meal plan and meal prep
- Quit using services like DoorDash and UberEats
- Stop eating out in general
- Use store and manufacturer coupons
- Shop the sales
- Stock pile non-perishable items
- Buy your staples in bulk
- Order groceries so you’re not tempted to overspend
- Write a list and don’t stray from it
- Use apps like Ibotta and Fetch to get cash back
- Make your own seasoning mixes
- Buy store brand instead of name brand
- Cut back on soda and alcohol
Live Frugally by Lowering Transportation Costs
At some point, you have to use transportation. Whether it’s to school or work or the doctor. Thankfully, you can save money on those travel expenses when you live frugally!
- Carpool with coworkers to work or other parents for pick-up/drop-off
- Regularly get new car insurance quotes
- Use a dash camera to settle insurance claims after accidents
- Instead of buying a new car, find a cheaper used one
- If it’s close enough, walk or ride a bicycle
- Take care of your vehicle to prevent damages
- Share a vehicle with your spouse or partner
- Handwash your vehicle instead of using a car wash
- Use public transportation if available
Frugal Extracurricular Activities
There’s a stigma that to save money, you have to stop having fun. I’m here to give you some tips to help you live frugally AND enjoy your life!
- Buy experiences instead of material items
- Get memberships to regular family activities like the zoo, museum, state parks, or theme parks
- Go to the playground at the park
- Find a nature park or trail
- Have a picnic
- Camp in your yard
- Have a Netflix or Hulu movie night
- Play board or card games together
- Find local events that are free or cheap
- Follow a fun YouTube tutorial together, like painting or cooking
- Try a new exercise regimen, such as running or yoga
- Use Groupon to find deals on activities
Other Expenses to Save Money on
There are some other great tips I came up with. Unfortunately, they didn’t fit into my various categories. So here’s some random extras to help you save money!
- Stop getting your hair professionally done. I haven’t dyed my hair in years – surprisingly! And my family only gets professional haircuts once a year.
- Use more sustainable items. One time use items are bad for the environment and your wallet. We stopped buying things like paper towels and paper plates!
- Quit buying a new outfit for every event. If you need new clothes for something, shop the clearance rack or borrow it.
- Buy second hand or make your own if you need something. Consider reusing an item you already own!
- Cancel subscription services you don’t or rarely use. It only saves money if you regularly use it!
- Use all purpose cleaning supplies or make your own. You don’t need 20 different products for each room in your house.
- Stop impulse shopping. Many people shop when emotional or bored, just like with eating.
Those were my 50 best tips to help you live frugally! Comment below if you have any other great tips to share!
These are great tips! I totally agree that meal planning helps you save money along with choosing free activities like being outdoors, going to a park, etc. Nice post!
Thank you! It can be so easy to forget all the free recreational options available right outside.
These are awesome tips!
Thank you, Whitney!
These are great tips!! Thanks for sharing
Thank you, Rachel!
Great tips! I’m already unpluging electronics when I’m not using them, but could definitely use some more from the list. I especially like the part about extracurricular activities 🙂
Thank you! It can be so beneficial to get out and have fun while on our financial journeys as well!
These are awesome tips – I like how you broke them down, so each individual item feels totally doable. We were shocked recently at how much our gas bill went up just by adding one more person taking a shower each night. We will definitely be using some of these ideas.
Thank you! It’s crazy how one seemingly little thing can cost so much. I hope some of these tips can be useful for your family!
Make your meals in batches and freeze them is a good way to save money. Candles can be romantic and save on electricity.
Great tips, Russell! Thank you for sharing!
Food costs are our biggest cost by far. Thanks for these great tips.
Same here, Samantha! I love to eat lol
Pingback: Side Hustles: 50 Work from Home Ideas - Sierra Rae Koon
Pingback: 21 Things to Stop Buying in 2021 - Sierra Rae Koon
Pingback: Free Family Activities to do in 2021 - Sierra Rae Koon
Pingback: Inexpensive Holiday Gift Guide: Toddlers - Sierra Rae Koon