Frugal living isn’t about being stingy; it’s about being resourceful.
It’s about finding ways to save where you can — whether via coupons, freebies or DIY hacks — so you can focus your money and attention on the things you value, whether that’s saving for a comfortable retirement, traveling the world or living a debt-free life.
Keep reading for tips on how to be more frugal in your everyday life.
LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO SAVE?
Get to know your money with NerdWallet. Easily track your spending and find ways to save.
In this article
Food | Shopping and coupons | Entertainment | DIY projects | Home repairs and expenses
Food
Frugal foodies: Here’s your recipe for eating well on a budget. Just add a dash of creativity, a dollop of planning and a healthy dose of ingenuity. Cooking, and even growing, your own food can help you stretch your budget farther. And simple tricks like splitting entrees and hitting happy-hour specials can help you dine out on a dime.
Frugal food tips
- Plan your meals in advance.
- Grow your own herbs and vegetables.
- Opt for less-expensive cuts of meat.
- Buy store brands and generic labels.
- More ways to save money on groceries.
Shopping and coupons
Coupons, deals and freebies are your friends. You can use them to save money on things you were going to buy anyway — a tenet of frugal living. But use them mindfully, rather than as an excuse to spend on something you don’t actually need.
Frugal shopping tips
- Hit up thrift stores.
- Browse in-person and online garage sales.
- Download a free coupon app.
- Stock up on nonperishable items when they’re on sale.
- More shopping and couponing tips.
Entertainment
Free, fun things to do are all around. Date night? See a free concert or pack a picnic and head to the park. Family outing? Go for a bike ride, volunteer together or check out a museum.
Frugal entertainment tips
- Take advantage of free days at museums and national parks.
- Have a family game night.
- Check out books, movies, magazines and DVDs from your local library.
- Use credit card rewards to score free flights, car rentals and hotel stays.
- More free or cheap activities.
DIY projects
You typically have two options when you need a product: buy it or make it yourself. Although heading to the store (or to Amazon) is convenient, DIY is often cheaper. But that does require another type of investment — time.
A little craftiness can also make the items you own last longer. Free online tutorials and community classes can teach you to mend everything from clothing to small appliances.
DIY tips
- Create your own beauty products, like deodorant, face masks and dry shampoo.
- Make household cleaning products, like stain remover, window cleaner and laundry detergent, at home.
- Pull out a needle and thread to repair and tailor your clothing.
- More DIY tips and ideas.
Home repairs and expenses
Before you call the handyman, consult YouTube. There, you can learn how to do tasks as varied as fixing a leaky faucet or remodeling your bathroom. Getting frugal at home can also mean examining your monthly bills for ways to save on electricity, water, cable and even your cell phone bill. The more you save on those expenses, the more you can spend on (or save for) what’s important to you.
Frugal home tips
- Save on your cell phone bill with automatic payments.
- Get free TV with a digital antenna.
- Use YouTube tutorials to be your own handyman.
- Refresh your cabinets with new paint and hardware.
- More ways to save on home expenses.
