I have not always been frugal but since being on the Frugal to FI path for several years, frugal living is now ingrained in my daily living. Most of the time I don’t even notice and have even questioned the existence of my frugality (to which I confirmed, I am still frugal).
It is a skill that can be learned. The tips below are the same one I used when I was paying of almost $100,000 of debt and they are still the same tips I use to save money, live below my means and invest – growing my wealth. And they will be the same tips I continue to use when I move into semi or full retirement.
It can be a learning curb. Sometimes taking it to extreme frugality – to which I don’t recommend. Then to giving up frugal living. But with continuous practice, you will find your groove and ultimately have fun with it. You will also have a skill that will come in handy time and time again.
Here is a list of some of the frugal living tips I partake in my own life. It’s not everything, but it’s a good core set.
1. Have no cars
Or go with one car. I live in a walkable city with great transit. When I moved here I sold both cars – and happily let go all that is associated with owning a car – gas expenses, insurance, maintenance costs, car payment, car washes and more. When I want to get out of the city for the day, I borrow a friend’s car or rent a car for the day. Do a snap shot of your annual car expenses in the last year. You will likely realize it’s quite an expensive thing to own.
2. Buy second hand
Almost everything in my house is second hand because I know that the full retail price is way more than I paid for it. Second hand or thrift store shopping can save upwards to $2,000 per year. It is not uncommon to see things like Keurigs, Crockpots, and nice name brand clothing at deep fraction of the retail price.
3. Eat out less
Stick to eating out once per week or even once every other week. There was a time – in my past – I was spending upward of $75-$150 at Starbucks per week. Why? Because of convenience. Switch that script around, plan and eat out less. Lots of money can be saved in this category.
4. Cheaper eats
What in your local area is known for the inexpensive, good eats? In my local, it is tacos and it is delicious!
5. Bring a packed lunch
Now that I work from home, I don’t need to worry about this. But when I was in the office, bringing leftovers or packing a lunch from home saved me a ton of money. I made sure to pack snacks, too. Otherwise between the cafeteria and snack machine – it was a magnet of convenience for my money.
6. Capsule wardrobe
I love a good “uniform” whether it is in the office or at home. It’s less stress in my life. I will buy a piece of clothing in one style, but many different colors. Combine that with buying a few of the same pairs of jeans and I am set. My wardrobe is pretty simple these days – jeans & band t-shirts. And the shoes, too! I love an Adidas court shoe – I have a few pairs in different colors – all bought second hand.
7. Practice the 24 hour hold
When you put that online purchase in the cart and are ready to check out, walk away. Let it sit there for 24 hours before buying. Usually you will either find an alternative readily available in your house or the “hype” goes away. Saving you that money you were going to shell out.
8. Don’t use credit cards
I am not a fan of credit cards. I never have been. With the U.S. credit card debt exceeding $1.2 trillion in 2025-2026, my inkling on why I dislike them has got to be right. Just having one lends to spending more overall. “But I need a credit score!”, I can hear it now. There are sustainable ways to build a credit score like having your rental payments reported to your credit report or having a single credit card with very low credit available, spending less than 30% and never carry a balance. Just remember it’s how you use the card, not how big the credit available.
9. Cut out Cable
Is cable even a thing still? I cut this out a long time ago and have not missed it. Figure out what cable channels you really like and explore the entertainment apps with a caveat (see the next tip).
10. Stick to only 1 TV subscription at a time
Yes, one. It’s not uncommon for my house to stick to Netflix for a while, then come Christmas it’s switching to the next app that has the best Christmas movies. Or come Super Bowl and it’s buying Peacock for access. But overall, it’s also fairly common we just stick with free TV with PlutoTV and no subscriptions at all. I don’t miss it. And that’s what hanging out with friends are for – hang out IRL with someone and watch a movie on their app.
11. Use of the library
Libraries are so cool now. They offer everything from technical courses, free city passes, cool books, records, movies, audio books and more. They also offer book clubs and gatherings for one thing or another. Use your community resources!
12. Embrace community activities
The city always has an abundance of free or low-costs community events. Like watching movies in the park, Easter egg hunts, art events and more. Take them up on it!
13. Walk
If where you need go is less than 1-mile, walk it! I love to walk. So I will always suggest walking somewhere and bring my rollie-cart with me, if needed. I get not everyone has great walking areas. But if the chance to walk the task, do it.
14. Declutter and sell
Decluttering makes for mental clarity. Declutter the house and make a buck by selling it your local marketplace.
15. Thriftmas
My family enjoys this one – buy the Christmas gifts from the thrift store (I received some great cookbooks last Christmas). And give yourself time (like start looking for gifts in August) because finding the right item takes patience you wait for new used stock to hit the floors.
16. Drink water
I rarely drink anything other than iced tea or water. It definitely saves on the buck, but also saves on your health not drinking down that surgary syrup.
17. Do it yourself (DIY)
Become your own handy wo/man for task that don’t require a professional! YouTube offers an abundance of videos on how to DIY. Like learning how to… (see next step).
18. Cut your own hair
Or teach someone in your family how to cut your hair (because cutting the back can be a challenge sometimes). But seriously, watch a few how-to videos and give it a try. It’ll grow back if you mess it up. Once you get the hang of it, you will feel proud and save money.
19. Less convenience foods
Grocery stores spend lots of money on marketing to strategically get those convienence products to you. Don’t fall for it. Buy and eat less of it. Your wallet and health will thank you for it.
20. Eat less meat
Ramp up the grains, greens, beans & legumes and put meat as a side portion. Or even go with “meatless” meals during the week.
21. Cook at home
My favorite hack is ‘bowls’ for a meal, because I can throw together whatever I have on hand to make a meal. Loose rule of them: 1/4 protein, 1/4 grains, 1/3 veggies and/or salad, and a portion of fruit. Taco bowls, buddha bowls, giant salads.
22. Unplug things
Did you know “phantom load” or standby power accounts for roughly $100-$200 per year. If you are not using an appliance, unplug it and save some money.
23. Use the cold water setting
Cold water setting on your washing machine can lead to saving approximately $130 year. In addition, cold water extends the lifespan of your clothings as it is gentler on fabrics, prevents fading and shrinking.
24. Put on a sweater
Also known as: keep the heat setting down low and bundle up. Throw on the sweater and socks. Obviously not to the point of frozen. But consider bundling up to extend the duration of keeping the heat at a minimum.
25. Do your own self-care
Buy a mani-pedi kit and do a spa day at home. Throw out the yoga mat for a great stretch or mobility training. Look up some ‘at-home’ beauty recipes and give it a try.
