How to Live Super Frugally Frugal Habits You Need to Start Living on the Cheap

7. BECOME A MASTER DIY-ER

You will be surprised about just how much you are able to do for your self. Between Google, Youtube and Pinterest you have a wealth of resources at your finger tips.

A few if my favorite places to save money with DIY:

• Personal care. Coloring your own hair, pedicures, etc.
• Household cleaners. Not only can you save yourself tons of money making your own products you typically are using far less harsh chemicals.
  • One of my all time favorite general all purpose cleaner:
    • 2 cups of water
    • 1/2 cup white vinegar ( 64oz bottle is $2.52 from Walmart & makes 16 bottles of the all purpose cleaner)
    • 1 tsp dish soap (90 oz bottle is $5.96 from Walmart= makes 540 bottles of all purpose cleaner)
    • 1 tsp baking soda (4lb box is about $2.48 from Walmart= makes 158 bottles of cleaner)
    • Total Cost Per Bottle: = .37 cents
• Make simple repairs yourself. This is common sense, but the Mama in me feels the need to clarify– if you can do it safely don’t hire a contractor research the problem first and see if it’s something you can manage yourself.  I saved myself $100 visit by fixing my disposal myself. Side note: did you know that there is usually a red reset button on your disposal?? I’m asking for a friend. *cough* Thank goodness for youtube?!
• 50 Ways to Shrink Household Expenses from Josh with This Old House. His tips are super practical.
  • A few of my favorites:  Shortening your dryer hose so your dryer will run more efficiently, keeping closet doors closed to save on heating/cooling that extra bit of space unnecessarily, and signing up for your utility’s time of use plan.

8. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BUY PRE-LOVED ITEMS

There is so much money to be saved buying used (pre-loved) items. One of my all time favorite places to buy clothes for my girls is ThredUp.

Think of ThredUp as an online consignment shop. The reason I am in love with this website is that, not only am I getting a great deal on gently used, or never worn items are available for great prices.

If your kids have out grown clothes or no longer need something, Thred UP also will accept your clothes. They will send you what they call their “Clean Out bag”. It gets processed (they go through everything) and then they’ll send you an email with your earnings. The first 14 days, you can use your credit to purchase items from the thredUP.com. After 14 days, you can cash out using PayPal or a thredUP Visa Prepaid Card. I’m kind of obsessed with this website.

Bonus! If you sign up through my link above you get a  $10 credit.

You can also check Facebook, thrift stores, garage sales, craigslist and more!

I’ve found amazing deals on sports gear, workout equipment, camping gear and more!

Don’t be shy– get creative!

9. FIND FRIENDS WHO LIVE AND LOVE FRUGAL HABITS

My Dad told me, You are who you hang out with. Like it, or lump it– I have found that to definitely be true.

I’m not saying cut people out of your life, but having that support system to keep you on track and can help keep you accountable will help with your success.

I know some people can find it difficult to say no to events or dinners because they are embarrassed about being frugal.

First, I’m here to tell you, there is no shame in having money goals and getting after it. Because that is what you are doing, Mama.

Your money is a tool, and you are swinging the big hammer to make s#^% happen.

But in case you are more the upholstery hammer type, having a frugal friend or two who are willing to picnic in the park, or swap babysitting is not a bad idea.

For the big spenders in your life, maybe invite them to some of those free events you found or invite them over to dinner instead of going out to eat.

Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to stop having a life. It just means doing more with less!

Don’t be afraid of your frugal habits!

10. MEAL PLANNING AND GROCERIES.

The most popular area where people are most likely to overspend is on groceries and eating out. For a long time it was the same for our family.

Families are busy, mom and dad are exhausted. You are running kids all over the city for appointments, activities, etc.

I 100% get it!!

But, this is the one area, if you are willing to put in the work, you can really save some money. Meal planning, hands down, is been one of the most influential tools you can use to cut down on food waste, stick to your food budget, and keep your evenings on track.

Whether you are a once-a-week grocery shopper or a monthly shopper– planning ahead can save you some serious money (and keep you from the very expensive eating out habit!).

Do you hate meal planning or simply don’t have the time to spend searching through recipes and making a grocery list?

$5 Meal Plans could be the answer to your problems.

$5 Meal Plans is a weekly service that will not only plan the meals for your week, but also send you the corresponding grocery list. For just $5 a month, they will send you a delicious meal plan that typically costs about $2 per person, but in most cases less.

If you have a special diet that you follow or are interested in specific types of meals, they also offer 4 specialty plans – a 30-Minute Meals, Slow Cooker Meals, a Paleo Meals, and Vegetarian Meals– all at a serious discount compared to the regular meal plan.

The main differences between the specialty meal plans and the regular meal plans is that the six week specialty plans follow a theme and the plans are sent to you all at once, rather than over the course of six weeks. These plans are offered for as little as $4 a month.

CONCLUSION

Money is a tool. Learning to live well on less positions you in a place of power over your life and finances. Don’t be afraid to make changes to your life.

Maybe sign up for a few money saving apps. Check Google for possible coupons before you hit, ‘Buy’. Or maybe it’s finally making a spending plan for your money.

Wherever you start, the most important part is that you start!

I’d love to hear from you, if you’ve got any super frugal tips, I’d love to hear them.

Please comment below.