12 Frugal Living Secrets You NEED to Know to Save Big (Without Feeling Deprived)

1. Budget Like a Pro (But Make It Fun!)

Budgeting is the cornerstone of frugal living, but it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. A good budget gives you control over your money, helping you know exactly where it’s going. Start with a method that works for you, like the 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings/debt repayment) or zero-based budgeting, where every dollar is assigned a job.

More tips:

• Envelope system: Physically put cash in envelopes for different spending categories (like groceries or entertainment). When the envelope is empty, you stop spending!

• Savings challenges: Try a "no-spend" challenge for a week or a month, where you only spend money on essentials. It can be eye-opening!

• Set realistic goals: Saving for a big vacation? A new gadget? Break it down into smaller, attainable goals. Reward yourself when you hit milestones (with a frugal treat, of course).

2. Meal Plan Like a Boss

Meal planning is one of the best ways to save on groceries. By planning your meals in advance, you avoid impulse purchases and food waste, both of which can drain your budget.

Go further with:

• Themed meal nights: Assign a theme to each day of the week (e.g., Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday, Pasta Wednesday). This adds variety while keeping shopping simple.

• Use what you have: Before you plan your meals, check your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Use up those forgotten items in the back to reduce waste.

• Leftover transformation: Instead of getting bored with leftovers, reinvent them! Roast chicken one night can become chicken salad, soup, or quesadillas later in the week.

Example: If you bought a bulk pack of ground beef, plan to use it across different meals—like spaghetti on Monday, tacos on Wednesday, and stuffed peppers on Friday.

3. DIY Everything (Well, Almost Everything)

DIY projects not only save you money, but they also give you a sense of accomplishment. Start small and work your way up to more complex projects as you gain confidence.

Ideas for frugal DIY:

• Homemade gifts: Skip expensive store-bought presents. Instead, make personalized gifts like homemade candles, photo albums, or knitted scarves.

• DIY beauty treatments: Pamper yourself at home with DIY face masks, sugar scrubs, or even homemade bath bombs. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

• Repurpose household items: An old T-shirt can become a cleaning rag. Mason jars can be used for storage or even a stylish DIY planter.

Example: Make your own laundry detergent using items like baking soda, washing soda, and castile soap. It’s simple, lasts a long time, and costs a fraction of store-bought brands.

4. Cut the Cord on Cable

Cable TV bills can be shockingly high, especially when you consider how little of it we actually watch. Switching to streaming services is a huge money-saver, but there are even more ways to reduce your entertainment costs.

Additional examples:

• Rotate subscriptions: If you have multiple streaming services, only subscribe to one at a time. Watch what you want on Netflix, then cancel it for a month while you catch up on Hulu.

• Use library resources: Many libraries offer free access to movies, music, and even streaming services like Kanopy. All you need is a library card!

• Antenna TV: An old-school antenna will let you access local channels for free. Perfect for catching the news, sports, and basic network shows.

5. Embrace Minimalism

Minimalism isn’t about deprivation; it’s about having only what you need and love. It’s a way of decluttering both your home and your mind while saving money by avoiding unnecessary purchases.

More minimalist strategies:

• The 30-day rule: Want something? Wait 30 days before buying it. Often, you’ll realize you don’t need it after all.

• Capsule wardrobe: Create a small, versatile wardrobe of quality items that mix and match easily. This not only saves money in the long run but also simplifies your morning routine.

• Digital minimalism: Unsubscribe from email lists, avoid online shopping “browsing,” and limit the number of apps you download to avoid impulse spending.

Example: Instead of buying seasonal decorations each year, make it a tradition to create your own. Use natural elements like pinecones, leaves, and branches to decorate for fall, or create your own Christmas ornaments with family photos.

6. Energy Efficiency Is Your Best Friend

Saving energy is a win-win: you reduce your bills and your carbon footprint at the same time. Small changes in how you use energy at home can add up to significant savings.

Further energy-saving tips:

• Seal drafts: Use weather stripping or caulk to seal drafty windows and doors. This keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, lowering your heating and cooling costs.

• Wash clothes in cold water: Most of the energy used by your washing machine goes to heating water. By washing in cold water, you’ll save on energy costs and your clothes will last longer too.

• Use natural light: Instead of turning on lights during the day, make use of natural light by opening blinds or curtains. Rearrange your furniture to make the most of sunny spots.

Example: Install solar-powered outdoor lights to save on electricity. These lights charge during the day and automatically turn on at night, brightening up your yard without adding to your electric bill.

7. Shop Smart and Savvy

Frugal shopping means getting the best value for your money. It’s not about buying the cheapest item but finding a balance between price and quality.

Tips for smart shopping:

• Shop off-season: Buy winter clothes in the summer, or stock up on summer gear during winter sales. Seasonal items are often heavily discounted when they’re out of season.

• Price comparison apps: Use apps like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to track prices and get notifications when an item goes on sale.

• Buy in bulk (but wisely): For items you use regularly—like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or canned goods—buying in bulk can save money. But make sure you have the space to store these items, and that you’ll actually use them before they expire.

Example: Plan your purchases around holiday sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but don’t fall into the trap of buying just because something is on sale. Stick to your list and avoid impulse buys.

8. Grow Your Own Food

Gardening is an excellent way to cut grocery costs while also enjoying fresher, healthier food. Even if you don’t have a big yard, there are plenty of options for small-space gardening.

More tips for home gardening:

• Start small: If you’re new to gardening, start with easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, herbs, or lettuce. They require minimal space and effort.

• Compost: Reduce food waste and create rich soil for your garden by starting a compost pile with kitchen scraps and yard waste.

• Use rainwater: Set up a rain barrel to collect rainwater for your garden. This not only saves on your water bill but is also better for the environment.

Example: Create a vertical garden using hanging pots or a trellis if you have limited space. You can grow herbs, strawberries, or even small vegetables on a balcony or patio.

9. Make the Most of What You Have

Instead of always looking for the next best thing, focus on getting more life out of what you already own. This mindset shift can save you thousands of dollars over time.

More examples:

• Repair, don’t replace: Learn basic skills like sewing, patching, or simple electronics repair to fix items rather than throwing them out.

• Furniture refresh: Instead of buying new furniture, give your old pieces a makeover with a fresh coat of paint or new hardware.

• Car maintenance: Regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks can extend the life of your car and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Example: Turn old or stained T-shirts into reusable shopping bags, cutting down on plastic waste while giving a second life to something you might otherwise discard.

10. Free Fun is the Best Fun

You don’t need to spend money to have a good time. There are countless free activities and experiences that are just as enjoyable as their costly counterparts.

More free fun ideas:

• Local events: Keep an eye on local community boards for free festivals, concerts, and outdoor movie nights. Many towns host seasonal events that are open to the public.

• Geocaching: Go on a modern-day treasure hunt with your phone by joining a global geocaching community. It’s a great way to explore new areas without spending a dime.

• Outdoor adventures: Take advantage of local parks, nature trails, and beaches. Picnics, hiking, and stargazing are all free activities that offer quality time with friends and family.

11. Learn to Say "No"

Saying “no” to unnecessary purchases is a crucial skill for frugal living. But it’s not just about saying no to spending—it’s also about managing your time and priorities.

How to practice saying “no”:

• Limit subscriptions: Do you really need five streaming services? Go through your monthly subscriptions and cancel the ones you don’t use regularly.

• Social invitations: Politely decline invitations to expensive outings that don’t fit into your budget. Offer frugal alternatives, like a potluck dinner or a walk in the park.

• Impulse buys: Practice walking away from items in-store or putting online purchases in your cart but waiting 24 hours before checking out. More often than not, you’ll decide you don’t need it.

Example: Create a "wish list" of items or experiences you want but don’t necessarily need. If something stays on the list for a long time without feeling urgent, it's probably not worth buying.

12. Automate Your Savings

Automation is one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re consistently saving money. By setting it up once, you remove the temptation to spend that money before it goes into your savings.

Further ways to automate:

• Automatic transfers: Set up a recurring transfer to your savings account on payday so you never even see the money in your checking account.

• Savings apps: Use apps like Acorns or Qapital to round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and deposit the spare change into a savings or investment account.

• Employer retirement plan: If your job offers a retirement savings plan, make sure you’re taking advantage of it, especially if they offer a match. Set up automatic contributions so you’re building your retirement fund with every paycheck.

Example: If you get a raise or a bonus, set up a portion of it to go directly into your savings. You’ll still enjoy the extra income, but you’ll also ensure your savings grows faster.

Frugal living is about making conscious choices that help you save money without sacrificing your quality of life. It’s about getting creative, using what you have, and finding joy in simplicity. By following these tips, you can create a lifestyle that’s not only financially secure but also filled with rich and rewarding experiences.

Now that you’re equipped with these savvy frugal living tips, it’s time to put them into action and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your financial future is secure.

Below I included a handy reference table that you can print out if you like.