There’s so much more to being frugal than just spending less money.
Being frugal isn’t just about spending less money.
“I shop around for my insurance every January, since it’s the beginning of a new year.
I also do my health checkups and major car maintenance.
One year, I actually saved $200 on my insurance by switching to another company.”
“I’ve instituted a system where I buy things on Wednesdays.
For absolute emergencies (usually related to my 18-month-old), I will make an exception.
But groceries, gas, Costco, and even Amazon are all done on a Wednesday.
u/missmegz1492
3.
“Eat down your pantry and freezer.
Most people would be SHOCKED at how many meals they have just sort of sitting around.
I toss in any herbs that are past their prime.
), I add that in as well.”
“Pick a store and get really good at using their rewards system.
I just don’t have the time or energy to be going to a bunch of different places.
We go to Safeway and Costco Trader Joe’s maybe once a month for wine and snacks.
“Watch who and what you follow on social.
I unfollowed a lot of influencers who were overconsuming.
I love following the ones who teach you to shop your closet.”
u/dcmom14
6. u/agitpropgremlin
“Repairing as well I had a backpack that had several pockets that split along the zipper seams.
u/Balthanon
7.
“Check the markdown racks at your grocery.
I find cheap cereal, bread, and veggies that I can prep and freeze.
Go early in the morning, and meat going out of date that day is often marked down.
Take it home, portion it out, and freeze it.”
u/mrgenetrey
9.
“I have learned to repair almost any home appliance.
YouTube is a lifesaver and has literally saved me thousands of dollars.
u/Gibbons74
10.
“Make use of your local public library.
They have books, DVDs, video games, puzzles, etc.
All of these things are free!
They often have free programs you’re free to attend as well.
Mine is hosting a free escape room this week.
Some libraries also circulate unconventional things.
“Join a local Buy Nothing group.
You might have more stuff than you realize.
One Lent season, I gave up buying anything unless I was actually out of the product or food.
This freaked people out when I mentioned it.
Yes, I could buy fresh food as needed.”
“I initially thought I would run out of lotion sometime during Lent.
Oh, I was so wrong.
It was nearly a year before I had used up all of the various lotions in my apartment.
I also journaled about my thoughts on money, shopping, and buying things.
I hadn’t realized how much time I spent looking at stuff.
I found this to be an incredibly healing and liberating practice.”
u/FifiLeBean
12.
“I base my grocery shopping list around what is on special each week.
u/Bunnyeatsdesign
“I looked back at my grocery budget for the last couple of years.
Despite increased pricing for most stuff, my grocery budget has been pretty flat for five years.
“I’m guessing this is the reason why.
u/paintchips_beef
13.
“Learn to cook legumes well.
Its much cheaper than eating meat all the time.”
it’s possible for you to sometimes pick up an expensive appliance for just a few dollars.
‘Used’ often means they tried it once and didn’t use it after that.
I’ve gotten a brand-new air fryer still in the original box for $5.”
u/TheFairyingForest
“Facebook Marketplace is a nice spot for slightly used appliances.”
u/k-c-jones
15.
Stop buying paper towels.
I have saved hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars at this point by literally just switching.
it’s possible for you to also just cut up some old T-shirts or towels that you have.
Better for the environment and better for your wallet.”
And we do sometimes take napkins from fast food, restaurants, or to-go places.”
u/halosworld
16.
“Never buy treats at full price.
just don’t do it at full price.
Our local burger place has a two-for-one special that comes up every six weeks or so.
u/dehudson99
“Or switch companies altogether.
This applies mainly to internet service.
u/kdub114
18.
“I’ve been really happy about buying returned items on Amazon.
Earlier this year, I got a nice Coleman pop-up cabin tent for $80, originally $200.
I just ordered a vacuum for $48, originally $110.
If it’s only returned and not used, why the hell not?!?!
u/electricladyyy
“you’ve got the option to also look specifically in Amazon Warehouse and Amazon Outlet.
I’ve found really good prices looking at the overstocked items in the outlet.”
u/butterflysister24
19.
“Get a rice cooker.
Get a slow cooker or pressure cooker.
They will stop you from eating out purely because of their convenience.”
My go-to is Trader Joes freezer section.
Yes, they are more expensive than making them from scratch.
u/fiftycamelsworth
21.
“ALWAYS say, Can I buy this later?
I find that procrastinating on purchases greatly reduces impulse purchases.
My wife and I look at our budget radically.
Do we need every item?
Do we really need a second car?
Keep this in mind when youre dating good luck in the new year, penny-pinching friends.”
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
