Frugality means a lot of things to different people. But for clarity, frugal living is not being cheap, miserly, stingy, or sacrificial – it is being prudent in spending. Frugality is being resourceful and intentional in prioritizing what matters most to avoid waste. So if you want to cut back on unnecessary expenses, here are 15 frugal living tips to help you save more money in 2022 and beyond:
How to be Frugal in your Food Expenses
- Plant your own vegetables and prepare most of your food from crops grown in your garden.
- Always go for meat alternatives such as fish, crayfish, biscuit bones, and even vegetables.
- Buy generic food brands from stores and not popular brands since these tend to be pricier.
- Don’t fall for discount tags on food products; calculate the unit prices in ounces and pounds.
- Eat more home-cooked meals instead of eating out at restaurants and fast-food centers.
- Filter and drink your own water instead of buying bottled water every time you need water.
How to be Frugal in Living Budget
- Make your own shampoo, deodorant, face masks, and even beverages rather than spending money to buy them.
- Use online recipes to guide you into making your own detergent, bleach, and other washing or cooking stuff.
- Sew your own clothes or repair them using a needle and thread or a sewing machine instead of giving them out to a tailor to make for you.
- Mow your own lawn, clean your pool, fix your plumbing, repair your lighting and fixtures, and carry out any needed work around the house instead of hiring paid professionals to do them.
How to be Frugal in Living/Entertainment Needs
- Cut down on streaming TV services by using your antenna to receive free TV channels.
- Wash your car yourself instead of hiring a car-wash service.
- Save on car fuel by patronizing cheap gas stations and by using gas coupons and apps.
- Live in a house that costs less to maintain rather than paying employees to take care of the house.
- Do not increase your spending when you have an income increase; put any extra income into a savings account.
- Barter for goods and products you need with others in your community
Other Frugal Living Tips
- Eliminate monthly subscriptions if they are eating into your income.
- It is best to buy used items instead of new ones sometimes, but ensure they are top quality. You can rent DVDs, books, magazines, and other needed items.
- If it is expensive to own cars or buy houses, rent them instead to save money until you are much able to own them.
- Save money by using credit card rewards to enjoy free flights, car rentals, travel rewards, and hotel bookings among other loyalty programs.
- Use a prepared list when shopping and avoid buying things on impulse.
- Use free coupon apps on your smartphone to get locations for free and cheap deals in your town.
- Buy things in bulk discounts and at wholesale markets instead of buying things one at a time when required. Stocking up on non-perishable foodstuffs is also the best route to go.
- Buy things when they are no longer in season or trending since they are cheaper at these times.
- Consolidate your debts so that you can ultimately pay less and pay when it is most convenient for you.
- Cook food in large quantities and stock them in your freezer so that you can utilize them over many days without spending more on the cooking process.
- If you live in a very large house with sheds for horses, swimming pools, and a spacious garage for cars – this may require local staff to maintain. But you can downsize by moving to a smaller house that does not require servants to maintain.
Frugal living has many benefits. Apart from helping you to live life on your own terms, it puts you in control of your finances and eliminates wasteful spending. You are able to save money while spending on what really matters to you. Frugal living also promotes a healthier environment since less waste is generated, and it reduces the stress of living day-to-day since you are not in competition with anyone.