30 Frugal Habits That Will Change Your Life
Being frugal isn’t about giving up the things you love. It’s about making smarter choices with your money so you can spend on what really matters to you.
Whether you want to save for a vacation, pay off credit cards, or just feel less stressed about money, these simple changes can help. The best part? You won’t feel like you’re missing out.
Food & Groceries
Plan Your Meals Each Week
Planning what you’ll eat stops you from spending too much on takeout when you’re starving. Spend 30 minutes each weekend planning dinners and making a shopping list.
Bring Your Lunch to Work
Eating out is where most people spend the most money. Pack a lunch just 2-3 days a week. This simple habit can save you hundreds of dollars each month.
Buy Store Brands
Generic products are usually just as good as name brands but cost way less. Try a few store-brand items—you probably won’t even notice a difference.
Eat Less Meat
Foods like beans, eggs, and nuts have lots of protein and cost much less than meat. Try going meatless one day a week to start.
Know Your Grocery Prices
Learn what your favorite items usually cost. Then buy extra when they go on sale. After a few weeks, you’ll know what’s actually a good deal and what’s not.
Shopping & Spending
Delete Shopping Apps
When shopping apps are on your phone, it’s too easy to buy things you don’t need. If you need something, use your computer instead. This extra step helps you think twice.
Wait Before You Buy
Look up the item online first. Then check local stores to compare prices. Only buy after you’ve done your research. This stops you from buying things on impulse.
Buy Better Quality Items
Better quality clothes and furniture last longer. You’ll replace them less often, which saves money over time. One good coat is better than three cheap ones.
Shop Secondhand First
Used items are much cheaper and work just as well. Check Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, or yard sales before buying new.
Clean Out Your Stuff Regularly
When you know what you already have, you won’t buy the same thing twice. Try this rule: when you get something new, get rid of something old.
Home & Utilities
Cancel Cable or Extra Streaming Services
Cutting cable saves about $60 every month. That’s over $700 a year! Keep one or two streaming services you really use and cancel the rest.
Use Your Library
Libraries have free books, movies, and more. Most also have digital books and audiobooks you can borrow on your phone or tablet.
Fix Things Yourself
YouTube has videos that show you how to fix almost anything. Learning simple repairs saves you from having to buy new stuff.
Grow Your Own Food
Start small with herbs like basil or easy vegetables like tomatoes. It’s fun, gets you outside, and saves money at the grocery store.
Turn Off Water When Washing Dishes
Don’t let the water run while you scrub. This can save 200-500 gallons of hot water each month, which means lower bills.
Money Management
Save Money First
As soon as you get paid, put some money into savings right away. Make it automatic. Even $20 a month adds up over time.
Write Down What You Spend
When you track where your money goes, you’ll be surprised at what you find. Use an app or just write it in a notebook.
Know What Makes You Spend
Pay attention to why you’re buying something. Are you bored? Stressed? Seeing a sale? When you notice your triggers, you can avoid them.
Use Cash for Some Things
Take out cash for things like eating out or entertainment. When the cash is gone, you’re done spending. It’s that simple.
Use Credit Card Rewards Carefully
Only use credit cards for rewards if you pay off the full amount every month. Never pay interest just to get points—that costs more than you earn.
Entertainment & Lifestyle
Do Free Things
Go to free concerts, have picnics in the park, or visit museums on free days. Many cities have free outdoor movies and events too.
Have Friends Over Instead of Going Out
Invite people to your place for dinner or movie night. Ask everyone to bring a dish. It’s more fun and way cheaper than going out.
Work Out Without a Gym
YouTube has thousands of free workout videos. You can do yoga, dance, strength training—anything you want, all for free.
Keep Your Wardrobe Simple
Have fewer clothes that all go together. This makes getting dressed easier and means you need to buy less.
Buy Used for Things You Won’t Use Long
Kids grow fast. Buy used sports equipment and dress clothes. Why pay $50 for cleats they’ll wear for three months?
The Bigger Picture
Know Why You’re Doing This
Being frugal helps you spend less than you make. You can use that extra money to pay off debt, save up, or even work less. Know your reason and remember it.
Think About Value, Not Just Price
The cheapest option isn’t always the best deal. Think about how long it will last and how well it works. Sometimes spending a bit more saves money later.
Make Changes That Last
Don’t try to change everything at once. Small changes that you can stick with work better than big changes you’ll give up on.
Fix and Reuse Things
Before throwing something away, think about whether you can fix it or use it for something else. Get creative!
Make Your Own Food
Frozen dinners and packaged snacks cost more and aren’t as healthy. Cooking your own food saves money and tastes better.
Start Small, Think Big
If you save just $50 every month, you’ll have over $8,000 in 10 years. In 30 years, that could grow to over $70,000!
The secret is to keep going, not to be perfect.
Pick three things from this list that sound easy to you. Try them for a month. When they become habits, add more.
Your future self will be really glad you started today.