Life seems so expensive lately! Everything from increased groceries, providing clothing, utility costs and more. Heck just walking out the front door, I can hear the cash register ring. I know I live in a big city where things are expensive, but the cost of basic needs are continuously rising.
Then there is always the need to save money. From building the emergency fund to saving for a goal. Here are some frugal tips I embrace at home to help me keep the expenses down but don’t take away from living a good life.
Table of Contents
- Budgeting
- Use wool dryer balls
- Vinegar, baking soda and salt
- Reading apps & library books
- Update your lightbulbs with CFL or LED bulbs
- Free TV Streaming
- Limit processed food
- In Closing
Budgeting
Dear readers of Frugal to FI, I assume that you are already budgeting regularly. I enjoy budgeting and feel being intentional with my money helps to give me a good life. Knowing that I have “X” amount to cover groceries or bills make me feel secure over scarcity.
Signing up for the Frugal to FI newsletter will give you immediate access to the Zero-based budget template.
I’ll be sure to write about ‘how to budget’ in upcoming content. But in the meantime if you have any questions, you can find me on Instagram or hit the ‘contact us’ link in the footer.
Use wool dryer balls
I switched out my Kirkland dryer sheets for some wool balls for the dryer. This is a new change for me and what prompted me to write this post. The dryer sheets may only be $14.99/per pack, but switching them with wool balls at $5/pack saves money. The wool balls will last me 5-7 years, too! Making small monetary changes that can lead to big savings overtime.
I’m also doing better for the planet, too. Dryer sheets contain unpronounceable ingredients. Trader Joe’s wool dryer balls are made of 100% New Zealand sheep’s wool, hand-felted and hand-strung in Nepal.
Yes! I will be buying some lavender extract to lightly scent the wool balls and thus my clothes. You know you are adulting when you’re excited to scent the dryer balls!
Hanes Men’s EcoSmart Fleece Hoodie Sweatshirt
$15.19 (as of February 22, 2025 07:06 GMT -08:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Vinegar, baking soda and salt
Vinegar, baking soda and salt are easy to buy in big quantities at inexpensive prices. These three natural ingredients make up 85% of my household cleaners. Here are some of the main ways I use it to clean my house:
- Keeping sink drains clear
- Cleaning my cast iron pan with ease
- Sanitize my cutting boards
- Decalcify any clogged shower drains
This one is also gentle on the planet and my household. No worries about having these ingredients around my pets.
Reading apps & library books
I do love real paper books. But the next best thing is checking out library books through apps like Libby or Hoopla. Electronic delivery of books, from the library, seem to make highly sought after titles easier to get. Also check out your local library for some great reads. A lot of checked-out receipts will now tell you how much money you are saving from borrowing from the library over buying them.
I’m so excited for my new-to-me library. They let me check out books for 21 days!
Update your lightbulbs with CFL or LED bulbs
I have been switching out incandescent light bulbs for CFL bulbs and the costs are noticeably lower. According to Energystar.gov, the CFL bulbs use less than 70% energy than an incandescent bulbs. In the state of California, the incandescent light bulbs are banned. And now they will be phasing out CFL bulbs in 2025. No choice but to go with the LED lights. I am glad they are getting better at replicating warm light.
Free TV Streaming
I have been without cable for many years now. I also maintain balance when I do decide to pay for streaming services. Since then, I stream for free with the PlutoTV app. My favorite shows on that app are crime dramas and the 80s rewind channels. What kind of shows do you like to watch?
Recently I found Freevee and they have a large selection of great shows; plenty of cooking channels and nostalgic shows I grew up watching. Come to find out that Amazon owns them. Makes sense why there are so many shows available. It’s great they are free!
Extinguished
$2.99 (as of February 22, 2025 07:06 GMT -08:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Limit processed food
Reduce the use of process foods and opt for eating foods found in the produce section. Combine it with beans or rice. Use meat as a side dish rather than a main. You will definitely save money with these steps.
Lean into learning how to season your food abundantly and create condiments with ingredients you already have on hand. Also put a bowl of fruit on the counter to persuade going for the chips or crackers.
I’ve heard people remark that eating wholesome food can be expensive. In my experience, it’s not the food found in the produce section that is expensive. Unless you are shopping at Erewhon’s or Whole Foods. The costs are raised by processed products that are there to act as a replacement meat and/or cheese.
In Closing
In current times, dealing with higher prices for things we need can be tricky. Everything from food to electricity costs more, so we have to be careful with our money. But if we choose wisely and make small changes, we can really help our money go further.
Being smart with our spending doesn’t mean we have to give up on nice things. It’s about finding new ways to save money without giving up quality. By making good choices every day, we can manage our money well even when prices are high.
What is a frugal habit you want to improve or is already ingrained as a habit? Let me know in the comments below!
