50 Genius Frugal Living Tips You Should Adopt To Save Money

13. Use Amazon Trade-In

Looking to get rid of your textbooks, movies, video games, and electronics?

Consider taking advantage of Amazon’s trade-in program. All you have to do is collect the items you no longer need, fill out an online form, ship them off in a prepaid envelope—and then wait for your credit to be applied to your account.

By trading in your unwanted items, you can make a few extra dollars to put toward your savings or retirement fund. So it’s definitely worth checking out Amazon Trade-In before you throw something away!

14. Rent out a spare space or room

Do you have an extra room or space in your home? If so, have you considered renting it out through Airbnb or VRBO? It’s a simple way to make money fast.

I LOVE everything about Airbnb and VRBO! We’ve taken countless vacations using both platforms. We’ve even used it when visiting other countries and continue to have a fantastic experience with them.

If you haven’t stayed with Airbnb before, here is a $20 coupon codefor your first stay.

15. Use survey sites

Use survey sites such as Swagbucks to earn extra cash in your free time.

The great thing about survey sites is that you can do them while watching TV or on your lunch break.

You can make a few extra dollars each week depending on how much time you spend completing surveys.

Plus, some survey sites offer rewards such as free gift cards, which can help save money on everyday purchases like groceries, personal care items, and more.

It’s definitely worth checking out to see if there are any surveys that would be a good fit for you.

16. Shop at Dollar Tree

Head to the Dollar Tree for holiday decor, gifts, cards, and other everyday essentials! These items can be expensive, but not when you shop at the Dollar Tree.

Would you rather buy one Birthday Card for $5 at Target or two for $1 at Dollar Tree? We also love getting our arts and craft supplies there!

Breakthrough Frugal Living Tips

17. Make your own cleaning products

Making your own cleaning products is an easy way to save money each month. All you need is some basic ingredients, such as baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, to get started.

You can make all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners, bathroom sprays, and more with just a few simple ingredients.

Plus, you’ll be able to save money on personal care items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion by making your own.

Making your own products is a great way to be more frugal and help the environment simultaneously. Check out how to make this super simple homemade laundry detergent.

18. Cut the Cord

No, not that cord, the cable cord! Cable and satellite TV can be expensive, so one great money-saving tip is to cut the cord and go with streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon TV, Disney Plus, and more.

Using one or two of these services, you’ll still have access to most of your favorite shows and movies, plus you’ll save a few extra dollars each month by opting out of cable or satellite TV.

Plus, many streaming services offer free trials and discounts for new customers, so make sure to take advantage of these offers if you’re looking for a way to save money each month.

19. Track your expenses

An often-overlooked frugal living tip is to track your expenses.

Keeping a close eye on where your money is going each month will help you make smarter spending decisions and save more in the long run.

Plus, tracking your expenses can be a great way to identify opportunities for savings, such as cutting out unnecessary spending or finding cheaper alternatives for certain items.

So make sure to track your monthly expenses and adjust your budget accordingly.

20. Don’t spend what you don’t have

Only spend money you already have on hand… Common sense, I know, but so many people don’t live by this rule! If you don’t have the money, don’t spend it.

21. Don’t use credit cards

Credit cards aren’t the enemy. However, if you are trying to live frugally by only spending what you do have, using credit cards is a big no-no!

I’m not saying you have to cancel your cards. Just take them out of your wallet and hide them from yourself until you are financially stable.

22. Use coupons

Coupons are a great way to save money on everyday purchases such as groceries, household items, and more.

Look for coupons in your local newspaper or online, and don’t forget to take advantage of store loyalty reward programs.

Using coupons is a great way to save money each month, so make sure to start clipping coupons and taking advantage of store deals today.

23. Make dinner at home

Eating out can be expensive, so making dinner at home is a great way to save money each month.

Cooking your own meals will also give you the opportunity to explore new recipes and experiment with different ingredients.

Plus, it’s a great way to get the whole family together for dinner! So don’t forget to make dinner at home each night and save your hard-earned money.

24. Stick to a list

Mentally planning and writing down what you must buy before going to the store is a great way to save money.

Making a list of items that you need for the week and sticking to it will help prevent impulse buys and keep your budget on track.

So make sure to plan ahead and always stick to your list when you’re out shopping.

25. Sell things you no longer need

We all have items lying around the house that we no longer need.

So why not sell them and make some extra money? You can list your items on websites like eBay or Craigslist or host a yard sale.

No matter which routes you choose, selling things you no longer need is an easy way to make some extra cash and be more frugal.

26. Invest when you can

Save and invest when you can! Investing your money could be a huge game-changer for you. I know it was for us. There are a ton of money saving apps that are available with the touch of a finger.

27. Shop Second-hand

Shopping second-hand is another great way to save money while still getting quality items. You can find great deals at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online resale sites.

Plus, you’ll be helping to reduce waste by buying pre-owned items!

So if you’re looking for a way to get more bang for your buck, make sure to check out second-hand stores before making any big purchases.

Best secondhand stores:

• Good Will
• Salvation Army
• Community thrift store

Be sure to look up secondhand shops in your area!

28. Wear your clothing multiple times

Wear your jeans and sweatshirts a few times before you wash them. This way, they will last longer.

Not only will this preserve your clothes’ life, but it will also cut down on your water and electric bill.

29. Take on a side hustle or part-time job

If you’re looking for an extra way to make money each month, consider taking on a side hustle or part-time job.

There are plenty of opportunities available online and offline, such as freelance writing, pet sitting, or driving for a delivery service. This will help you make extra money each month and give you a chance to do something you enjoy.

So if you’re looking for a way to make more money and explore new opportunities, consider taking on a side hustle!

I personally have 3-4 side hustles going at any one time! I then use the cash I make from my side hustles to invest in my retirement, real estate, etc.

30. Budget and then budget some more

Do you guys see the recurring theme I have going on here? Budgeting works if you put in the work!

Having a budget in place is the #1 way to save money you already have.

31. Use Rakuten when you shop online

Do you shop online? Of course, you do. We all do!

Then consider using Rakuten (it’s free) when you’re shopping online at your favorite stores, such as Amazon, Target, and many more.

Rakuten gives you cashback on all of your purchases made at reputable stores. We use Rakuten to get cash back whenever we buy online.

32. Drive an old car

Buying a used car, aka new to you car, is a great way to save money! Not only will you get a reliable vehicle, but you’ll also be able to avoid the high price tag that comes with new models.

And depending on the model and condition of the car, you will probably qualify for lower auto insurance rates and tabs depending on your state.

So if you’re in the market for a new car, consider buying a used model and save some money. If you currently have a brand-new car, sell it!! And buy something you can actually afford.

33. Become a one-car family

If you have multiple cars, consider getting rid of one. Becoming a one-car family can save you money on gas, insurance, and car payments.

And if your job allows it, consider taking public transportation or biking to work instead of driving.

34. Automate your savings

Creating and sticking to a budget is one of the most effective ways to save money each month. But it can be hard to set aside money for savings when you have other bills to pay. To ensure your savings are taken care of, consider automating them monthly or bi-monthly.

Just set up your bank account to transfer money into a savings account on the same day each month, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting to save or spending the money on something else.

Automating your savings is a great way to ensure you always have money aside for a rainy day.

35. Downsize your home

If you own a house that takes up too much time and money, consider downsizing to something smaller. Not only will this save you money on utilities, but it can also reduce your mortgage or rent payments each month.

Plus, you’ll have less space to clean and maintain! So if you’re looking for a way to save money, downsizing might be the solution.

36. Learn how to cook

Cooking your own meals is a great way to save money on food. Not only will you save money on restaurant bills, but you’ll also get to enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious.

Plus, when you cook at home, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes, which is good for your health and wallet. So if you’re looking for a way to save money on food each month, consider learning how to cook!

37. Skip the hair and nail salon

If you are striving for a frugal life, skip the hair salon! Saving money is near impossible when you are spending too much money getting your hair and nails done.

Instead, learn to do these things yourself. Buy some basic tools for at-home haircuts and styling, or try painting your nails. If you get creative with it, you’ll be surprised by just how much money you can save in the long run!

38. Skip the gym and exercise at home

If you want to save money each month, consider skipping the gym and exercising at home instead. This will save you money on monthly fees and give you more freedom and control over your workout routine.

All you need is a mat or a few weights, and you’re good to go!

Extreme Frugal Tips

Now onto some extreme frugal tips that can help you save even more money each month.

39. Cut out unnecessary beverages

Are you a lover of all things bubbly? This includes pop, carbonated water, or alcohol. These drinks can add up quickly.

If you want to save money, try and cut out these beverages from your budget. Water is free and will keep you just as hydrated! So grab an awesome water bottle and start chugging.

40. Don’t buy new clothes

Stop buying new clothes every season! Instead, look for deals on pre-owned clothing or borrow from friends or family. You’ll be surprised by how much money you can save when you stop buying clothes every season!

This can be easier said than done when you have young kids. However, if your child has 5 shirts and 5 pants, they should be set for the season. There is no need to buy them something new each time you are out at the store.

41. Dry your clothes on a rack

Did you know that dryers use up more electricity than any other appliance in your home? So why not do something about that? I personally love my drying rack, and I use it all year long.

I pop it up next to my washer, and I’m good to go. Not only does this save on utilities, but it also makes our clothes last much longer!

42. Meatless meals

Planning meatless meals is one of my favorite frugal tips. Not only is it healthy to leave out meat occasionally, but it will also cut down the cost of your groceries by a lot.

So if you want to save some money, try cutting out meat and adding more plant-based proteins and veggies to your diet. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

43. Have a no-spend weekend

Have you tried this?

If not, you should. We try and do a no-spend weekend once a month. This literally saves us $200+ a month!

44. Lower monthly bills

Finally, make sure you’re regularly monitoring and reducing your monthly bills. This can include anything from cell phone plans to cable or internet packages. Even small reductions in your monthly bills can add up over time and help you save money each month.

45. Do your own home repairs

Not only can this save you money doing your own home maintenance, but it can also help you learn new skills and become more self-reliant.

Start with small DIY projects and gradually work your way up to more complicated tasks. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to fix most anything in your home without having to hire a professional.

With the help of Youtube nowadays, you can learn to do just about anything and everything yourself.

46. Skip buying bulk

I know everyone raves about buying in bulk to save money.. but really, you should check the price per unit. When you do that, you can easily compare prices.

Besides, when did you last go to Costco or Sams Club and leave with only the items you went there for?

Buying in bulk can be great when you have the money to do so, but when you don’t, it’s highly discouraged.

47. Grow seasonal veggies

Growing your own vegetables in the summer won’t save hundreds, but it’s totally worth it. In the spring, plant seeds, and all summer, you’ll enjoy yummy-tasting veggies for a fraction of the cost.

You can’t get any better than free fresh veggies!

48. Make leftovers

If you want to start living frugally, you are going to have to tolerate leftovers!  When cooking, make more food than you need and immediately store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for future meals. This is a great way to save money and reduce your food waste.

49. Make your own coffee

If you are an avid coffee drinker, consider making your own coffee at home. Don’t let fancy coffee shops such you in. Those $6 lattes add up throughout the year.

Although, it is okay to treat yourself every once in a while. =)

All you need is a manual coffeemaker, some freshly ground beans, and hot water, and you’ll be on your way to living a frugal lifestyle!

50. Make your own lunches

If you are looking for more savings, follow this simple, frugal living tip! Always make your own lunch. Not only will it cost less than eating out, but you can also tailor each meal to your specific tastes.

51. Date night in

Have you ever tried having a date night in? Simply have your date night at home. Take turns cooking for each other and enjoy a night in without spending a dime.

Maybe try cooking a new meal together. The options are endless.

When you have young kids, this makes date nights so much easier!

52. Enjoy your home

You spend your entire life paying for your home! Crazy right?

So why not stay home and enjoy it?

53. Be happy with less

This could possibly be one of the best frugal living tips. Learn to be happy living with less!

Yes, you heard me.

You don’t need the latest iPhone, the most expensive clothes, or a brand-new car. Be content with what you have.

The key to successful frugal living is learning to make small changes that add up over time.

54. Don’t try to keep up with the Jones

Have you ever heard of keeping up with the Joneses? This phrase means trying to outdo the people around you and buying things that are not necessary.

When it comes to frugal living, this is one of the worst habits to get into. Instead, focus on what’s important to you, and don’t worry about what everyone else has or doesn’t have.

Turns out they probably aren’t cool anyway! So don’t buy stuff just to impress others.

55. Live under your means

I saved the best for last! Always live under your means and invest the difference!

Are There Benefits Of Being Frugal?

There are many benefits of frugal living. If there wasn’t, I personally wouldn’t have chosen to live this lifestyle for the last 12 years. Not only can living frugally reduce stress, but it sets you up for financial contentment, leading you to live the life you love.

Here are several benefits of living frugally:

• Reduces stress
• Gives you time to spend doing the things you love
• Helps you reach financial freedom sooner
• Creates more money to save
• Creates more money to invest
• Reduces your retirement age

If any of these benefits of frugal living caught your eye, continue reading for easy frugal living ideas.