As someone who likes to live frugally and save money, I’ve definitely relied on the internet for money saving tips. And I’ll be the first to admit that there’s no shortage of articles out there. So, why am I writing another one? Well, I’m going to spare you the generic frugal tips. You won’t scroll through this post and think, “Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it all before – skip the fancy coffee, bring your lunch to work, yada, yada.” Instead, this list of unusual frugal tips will have you thinking, “why didn’t I know this sooner?”
But, before I share these tips with you, what is frugal living anyway?
What is Frugal Living?
Frugal living is a mindset, a way of approaching life with resourcefulness and ingenuity. It’s about hunting down bargains, discovering new recipes with budget-friendly ingredients, and inviting friends over for homemade feasts (instead of going out) that are light on the wallet but heavy on flavor.
Frugal living isn’t about depriving yourself! It’s about finding smart ways to stretch your dollar further so that you have funds for the things that truly matter to you. Because let’s be honest, eating generic brand cereal over brand name won’t change your life, but being able to afford a trip you’ve always wanted to take, will!
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50 Unusual Frugal Tips for Saving Money
So, without further ado, here are 50 of the best (but more unknown) tips for frugal living. Follow these tips to save money for the things that truly matter to you, whether that’s paying off your debt, saving for a rainy day or affording your dream vacation!
1. Turn Your Phone to Grayscale Mode
If you have an online shopping habit, turning your phone to grayscale mode can help! This simple adjustment removes all the vibrant colors from your screen, making it difficult to browse through online stores and less tempting to buy stuff. If you do need to buy something online, the extra step of having to go home and look it up on your computer will give you some time to consider if you really need it. Most of the time, you’ll forget all about it. This trick has worked wonders to curb my impulse shopping!
2. Compare Gas Prices
I never used to plan my trips to fill up gas. I’d just wait until my gas tank was as close to empty as it could get (without stalling out in the middle of the road) and rush to the closest gas station. Although this approach was mindless and easy, I was missing out on some serious savings!
The thing is, gas prices are not created equal. By researching the cheapest gas stations in your region, and planning your trips in advance so that you can hit these spots, you can save tons of money on gas.
I live in the Pacific Northwest and some of the cheapest gas stations include Arco and Costco. You can also find cheap gas at Indian reservations. Do some research and figure out what the cheapest gas stations are in your area!
3. Experiment With Your Clothing
If you’re itching for a wardrobe refresh, don’t run to the shops quite yet. Look through your wardrobe and see if you could crop, cuff or tuck in any of your pieces to give them a new life. My favorite pair of shorts are actually a pair of jeans that I almost donated but decided to cut instead.
4. Explore Different Uses for the Items You Have
Before you buy something new, try and see if you can use something you already have first. For instance, if your bath mat has gone moldy, you may be able to replace it with just a simple hand towel – no need to buy a whole new bat mat!
5. Join a Tool Library
When I first heard of a tool library my mind immediately went to Chad, the stereotypical “tool” who drops weights on the ground at your community gym and makes fun of vegans. But no no, we’re not talking about meatheads here. We’re talking about tools you may need for occasional DIY projects or home repair projects. By joining a tool library you can borrow tools for a small fee, saving you from purchasing expensive tools you might rarely use. You can usually find out if your community has a tool library by doing a simple Google search.
6. Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
Installing a water-saving showerhead can save you up to $20 to $100 or more per year on your water bill, depending on your usage and the cost of water in your area! And the best part is, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing water pressure either! Modern water-saving showerheads ingeniously combine small apertures and air flow to deliver consistently strong water pressure.
7. Negotiate Bills
Don’t be afraid to negotiate your bills, whether it’s for internet, cable, insurance or rent. You may be able to get a better deal simply by asking for discounts or mentioning competitor offers. You can also try out one of the tips below!
When it comes to natural gas, locking in your natural gas rate can save you tons of money. The trick is to secure a fixed-rate contract when natural gas rates are at their lowest. Here’s a great article for how to lock in natural gas rates and when the best time is to do so!
And when it comes to rent, there are plenty of ways to save! If you’re renting in an apartment complex, chances are, a free parking spot is included in your rent. If you don’t drive, ask your landlord for a discount on your rent in exchange for the unused parking spot. You can also save money on rent by signing an extended lease. Typically, if you commit to a longer term lease, your monthly rate will go down. Always negotiate your rent, especially if you are releasing. You’ll be surprised by how many landlords would be willing to drop the price of rent for a good tenant.
8. Go Meatless Once a Week
Incorporating a meatless day into your weekly meal plan can save money on groceries and also encourage you to try new, affordable and healthy vegetarian recipes.
9. Join Freecycle or Buy Nothing Groups
These online communities allow people to give away items they no longer need for free. It’s an excellent way to find useful items without spending any money. Join the BuyNothing and Freecycle communities by clicking the links!
10. Save Your Gift Bags & Wrapping Paper
Gift wrapping paper can be expensive and wasteful. Instead, look for second-hand gift wrap or repurpose materials like old maps, newspapers, or fabric.
11. DIY Greeting Cards
Don’t get me wrong, store bought greeting cards are super cute. But, they can cost over $6 a pop! By making your own personalized greeting cards for birthdays and holidays you will save a ton of money over time. Plus, your friends and family will appreciate the extra effort.
Click here to purchase a 100 pack of greeting cards for only $18.89 or $0.19 each!
12. Use a Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven or Pressure Cooker
Using a slow cooker, Dutch Oven or Instant Pot will allow you to transform affordable cuts of meat into delicious meals with minimal effort. For instance, rump roasts are among the least expensive cuts available and while they can taste tough, slow cooking really helps make this cut of meat super tender and flavorful. Plus, these kitchen appliances are also energy-efficient!
13. Utilize the Library
Instead of buying books, magazines, or movies, rent them at your local library. And while you’re there, ask the librarian what other interesting things they have to rent out. Many libraries now offer more than just books. Some have expanded to include “libraries of things” where you can borrow items like tools, kitchen appliances, camping gear, board games, and more. My local library lends out wi-fi hotspots – pretty cool!
14. Make Use of Food Pantries
If you’re a college student on a tight budget, check to see if your college has any on-campus food pantries – most do! And if you’re not, go for a stroll through your neighborhood to see if any of your neighbors have set up community food pantries. You can benefit from them while money is tight and give back when you have the resources to do so!
15. Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Websites like Raise and CardBear offer discounted gift cards for various retailers. You can save money by purchasing these gift cards and using them to make your purchases. Click here to discover the best places to buy discounted gift cards in 2023!
16. Host Clothing Swap Parties
Instead of buying new clothes, organize clothing swap parties with friends and family. Everyone brings clothes they no longer wear, and you can exchange items to refresh your wardrobe for free. If you have a baby, you can host a clothing and toy swap too! You’d be surprised by how many people have old baby clothes and toys they’re just itching to get rid of. You can even advertise your swap on social media, parent groups and on community boards.
17. Freeze Food Scraps for Broth
Instead of throwing away vegetable peels, stems, and other food scraps, collect them in a bag or container in the freezer. Once you have a good amount, boil them with water to make a delicious and nutritious vegetable broth. Click here to learn how to make veggie stock with kitchen scraps!
18. Dog or House Sit
If you work from home, dog sitting is an easy way to make some extra money while you work your day job. Or, you can house sit instead! My friend lives in a van during the summer and couch surfs/ takes house sitting gigs during the winter. That way, she never has to pay rent. This is pretty extreme, I know, but it’s definitely saving her tons of money!
19. Invest in Reusable Menstrual Products
Consider investing in reusable menstrual products like menstrual cups or cloth pads. They might seem pricey at first but are more cost-effective in the long run compared to disposable options. Tampons and pads will cost you around $350 over the course of 5 years while a menstrual cup will only cost you around $25! Click here to find out more.
20. Switch to a Bidet
Stop flushing money down the toilet! Setting up a bidet can cost as little as $40 but save you hundreds of dollars over the course of just a couple of years. Bidet-users consume over 64% fewer toilet paper rolls than those exclusively using toilet paper, resulting in annual savings of up to $50 per person, considering the national average cost per roll.
21. Use Less Detergent
Did you know that you only need to use a spoon full of detergent per load of laundry?! Many people use way more than this when doing laundry. Try cutting down on the amount of detergent you use and see if you still get the same results. You might be surprised by how little detergent you actually need.
22. Shop at Extreme Value Grocery Stores
Shopping at extreme value grocery stores, such as Grocery Outlet, is a great way to save money on groceries! These stores offer a wide range of products at significantly discounted prices. By purchasing surplus, closeout, and overstocked items from major brands, they pass on substantial savings to their customers. Plus, with a constantly changing inventory, there are always new deals going on.
23. BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup)
Bring your own reusable cup or water bottle when going out. Some places offer discounts for customers who do this, plus it’s more environmentally friendly.
24. Work at a Grocery Store, Restaurant or Bakery
Working at a grocery store, restaurant, or bakery can totally hook you up with some money-saving perks! Free meals and leftover goodies sent home are common practices, like my sister scoring free bagels from Panera Bread every night when she used to work there. Most grocery stores offer employee discounts on groceries, so even if you only work a shift a week, the freebies and discounts can make it worthwhile.
25. Unplug Appliances
Even when not in use, many electronic devices continue to draw power and contribute to your electricity bill. So, unplug chargers, TVs, and other appliances when you’re not using them.
26. Make Your Own Condiments
Whip up your own salad dressings and sauces. Homemade versions are often healthier and cheaper than store-bought alternatives. For instance, most name brand marinara sauces cost $3.69 or 15 cents per ounce but you can make one at home for just $2.65 or 9 cents per ounce! Click here for the recipe.
27. Plant Perennial Vegetables
Grow perennial vegetables in your garden, such as asparagus, rhubarb, or artichokes. Once established, they come back year after year, reducing the need to replant. Here are 18 perennial vegetables you can plant once and harvest for years!
28. Use Public Transportation or Carpool
When possible, opt for public transportation or carpool with friends or colleagues to save on gas and parking costs.
29. Buy In Bulk and Split
I don’t know about you but I can’t eat 25 kiwis on my own before they all go bad. But, we all know that buying in bulk saves money. So what should you do? Purchase bulk items with friends, family members or neighbors and split the cost to save money and reduce food waste.
30. Fix-It Yourself
Learn basic repair skills to fix household items, electronics, and appliances instead of replacing them.
31. Reusable Cloth Wipes
Use cloth wipes instead of disposable ones for cleaning, baby care, and personal hygiene. You can even DIY your cloth wipes from old clothing to be extra frugal!
32. No-Spend Weekends
Challenge yourself to have weekends where you don’t spend any money. Get your friends involved too!
33. Buy Generic
Instead of purchasing brand-name items, try generic or store-brand alternatives for groceries, household goods, and personal care products. They often offer the same quality at a lower price.
34. Conserve Dryer Sheets
Cut dryer sheets in half or use wool dryer balls to reduce the amount of fabric softener used in each load of laundry.
35. Cut Your Own Hair
Cut your own hair by learning how to do basic haircuts to save money on salon visits. There are so many tutorials online to teach yourself. Once you do, you can even cut your friends’ hair – which is a great bonding activity and could even turn into a side hustle!
36. Plan Your Evenings in Advance
Do you ever find yourself wandering through the mall or window shopping out of boredom? By planning your evenings in advance, you can curb this habit in the bud.
37. Shop at Farmer’s Markets at Closing Time
I used to work for a dairy farm and know that by the end of a farmer’s market, vendors are eager to get rid of as much merchandise as they can. By shopping at farmer’s markets at closing time you may be able to secure some great deals on produce.
38. Save on Razors
Buy a high-quality safety razor and save money on disposable razors in the long run. A 2020 study by OnePoll showed that Americans spend around $8,537.76 on razors in a lifetime.
39. Check Out Free Community Events
Take advantage of free community events, such as art exhibits, workshops, or live performances. Finding free events is as simple as googling things to do in your town or city!
40. Switch to Family Plans
On streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, cell phone plans and gym memberships, start your account with friends or family members. Family plans are usually cheaper than individual plans!
41. Make Your Own Pantry Staples
Challenge yourself to DIY the food items you eat most whether that’s sourdough bread, granola or kimchi. My partner and I used to buy $7 bags of granola regularly until we started making our own.
42. “Leftovers Night”
Reduce food waste by creating a weekly “leftovers night” to use up any remaining food in your fridge.
43. Practice the 30-Day Rule
Practice the “30-day rule” for non-essential purchases – wait 30 days before buying to avoid impulse buying. Here are 15 additional ways to stop buying things you don’t need!
44. Learn to Forage
Join a local foraging group to learn about wild edible plants and incorporate them into your meals.
45. Participate in a Research Study
Volunteer for research studies or participate in focus groups for extra income.
46. Rent Out Unused Space
If you have spare rooms, a garage, or an empty parking space, consider renting them out through platforms like Airbnb or parking rental services to generate extra income.
47. Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Many household cleaning products can be made at home using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. They are cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to store-bought cleaners.
48. Barter Your Skills
Offer your skills and services in exchange for things you need. For example, if you’re good at website design, you could offer to create a website for a local business in exchange for a few weeks’ worth of groceries.
49. Embrace Minimalism
Embracing minimalism can save you tons of money. Owning less not only reduces maintenance costs but also fosters a natural tendency to take better care of what you have, sparing the need for frequent replacements. As a former mug hoarder turned minimalist, I’ve experienced firsthand how downsizing to just a couple of mugs has made me value and look after them more. I’ve been able to keep my small collection of mugs intact for years without a single chip or crack!
50. Reuse Coffee Grounds
After brewing your coffee, don’t throw away the used coffee grounds. They can be used as a deodorizer for your fridge, or even as fertilizer for plants. Click here for 16 creative uses for coffee grounds!
In Conclusion
And there you have it – 50 unusual frugal tips to supercharge your money-saving game! I hope you enjoyed this refreshing break from the same old, same old frugal advice. After all, most of us already know that cutting back on lattes and packing lunches can save money, but sometimes it takes some out-of-the-box thinking to truly make a difference in our finances.
Remember, frugal living isn’t about sacrificing the things you love, but about being smart and resourceful with your hard-earned money. It’s about making every penny count so that you have more funds for the things that truly matter to you.
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