Some people associate being frugal with being “cheap” – penny-pinchers that miss out on everything else because they’re not willing to spend an extra buck. That’s not true at all! Frugal, to me, is being smart about your spending. I think you can still live a comfortable lifestyle without making any major sacrifices. I think about things I frequently spend my money on, and I try to come up with ways to reduce those costs, even just a little. Check out some of the ideas that I’ve gathered here, all of which I do (or have done). They’re simple, easy things that just about anyone can try. Give a few of them a shot and see if you can save more by doing so!
1. DIY. This could include things like growing your own herbs and produce, making your own soaps, building your own furniture, and repairing things yourself.
2. Buy generic. Opt for off-name brands for groceries. They’re often just as good, if not better, and can be a lot cheaper!
3. Price match/compare. It can be a bit time-cosuming (and not very fuel-efficient) to drive around to different stores, looking for the best deal in town. However, it might be worth a shot to peruse weekly ads to check for any specials on items you buy frequently, or to compare prices between stores. Sometimes, stores will even match a better price if you find one!
4. Drink more water. Say goodbye to soda and juice. Not only will you save a little more on each trip to the store, but water is a way healthier option, containing no sugar or empty calories.
5. Eat at home. While it’s ok to treat yourself to a night out every once in a while, aim to eat most of your meals at home, and opt for packing a lunch. You’ll save even more if you choose cost-effective meals with ingredients that you often have on hand or don’t cost much to buy. Bonus points if it makes enough for leftovers!
6. Make sure your home is energy efficient. Adjust your thermostat just a few degrees. Use energy-efficient bulbs and turn your lights off when you’re not in the room. Unplug unused appliances. Wash your clothes in cold water and hang them to dry. There are so many things you can do around the house to reduce your monthly bill!
7. Ditch cable. It can be a hard habit to break, but your bank account will thank you! There are now streaming services like Hulu and Netflix that allow you to watch all of your favorite shows and movies for a fraction of the cost (not to mention the fact that you can watch them on your time, and with no commercials).
8. Exercise outside of the gym. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I find myself more willing to go for a run outside rather than heading to the gym. Explore your neighborhood or a local park, or check to see if any free or discounted fitness classes are offered in your community.
9. Creep on Craigslist. I’m convinced you can find just about anything online! Consider checking Craigslist for gently used items (things like furniture, accessories, appliances, or even electronics) before you pay full-price for something at the store. Some items might need a little sprucing up, but it might be worth it if you can save yourself a few bucks in the end.
10. Negotiate. You never know what you can get until you ask! This won’t work everywhere, because some companies have no say in their asking prices, but definitely try this trick out with larger purchases (think cars, furniture, some of your monthly bills, anything you buy second-hand). The worst they can say is no.
What are some of the little things you do to save extra money? Do you ever feel like you’re making a sacrifice, or does it work well for you?
