25 Fail-Proof Frugal Living Tips to Reduce your Household Expenses This Year

This is one of the most important frugal living tips of all. According to the 30 Day Rule,  if you see something that you want to buy, you must wait 30 days before you make the purchase.

You must be wondering why 30, right? Well, the truth is most purchases are impulse buys. We see something, want it really badly and buy it to satisfy ourselves (sometimes even using a credit card if we don’t have the money to pay for it). Shopping creates that feel-good sensation that we love. This is why people shop when they’re sad, angry and everything in between. This is totally fine if you can afford it! But the problem starts when you’re already in debt or simple trying to save more.

To avoid impulse buys, when you see something that you really want, go home and wait 30 days before you make the purchase. In most cases, you’ll forget about it or no longer feel the need to get it. If you still really want the item at the end of the 30 day period, and you can afford it, and it’s a logical buy (not an absolute waste), then go for it!

The key is to always follow the 30 day rule!

8. Say No to Late Fees

This might seem simple but it’s a crucial frugal living tip! Frugal Living means being smart about your money, and this means not wasting your hard earned paycheck on things like late fees. Having your finances organized means that you will never be caught in a situation like this.

After organizing your budget from Frugal Living Tip #1 above, ensure that you write down all your bills and their payment due dates. Indicate these dates on a tracking calendar so that you will always remember to pay on time. If you can organize a standing order for payments to be transferred and made on or before the due date, this will be even better!

9. Go Natural

This one is a toughie for me, but if you can go natural for both your hair and makeup, you will save tons! I have no problem with taking a break from the hair dying, but my makeup is like clothes to me; I can’t leave the house without it (Sigh). In such a case, try using less so that you can at least save on something! These days I’m sticking to a little foundation, face powder and eyeliner only.

10. Buy Used

If you must make a purchase, see if you can acquire it used first. Chances are you’ll be able to get one in close to perfect condition for a fraction of the cost! Shopping thrift stores or using second hand social media groups is an amazing frugal living idea!

 11. Grow a Kitchen Garden

Growing a kitchen garden can be the most profitable of all frugal living tips. This is because you get to save on your grocery/market items AND you also have a chance to make money selling some of your produce, depending on the size of your garden.

12. Conserve Energy

This frugal living tip will save you hundreds every single month! Seriously, all it takes are some small, effortless changes in your habits and you can cut your electric bill in half each month!

13. Swap with a Friend

Looking to change up your wardrobe a bit but don’t want to spend the money? Why not make some swaps with a friend? For example, pick out 5 nice shirts that you’re tired of wearing and swap for 5 of hers. Win-win for both of you!

14. DIY & Recycle

You can find a tutorial for almost anything online these days! And pinterest covers absolutely everything you can think of! To reduce waste and save money, have your own little DIY projects and recycle and reuse items. For example, upcoming birthday party? No problem! DIY decor FTW! Need to get Christmas presents for friends? Again, DIY presents are a hit!

15. Start a Side Hustle

This year is your year! Part of adopting a frugal lifestyle means making extra money whenever you can too. There are so many side hustles you can choose from these days! Check out this list of 17 Side Hustles that made me over $67 000! We even bought our wedding rings with side hustle money!

16. Buy in Bulk

Take a good look at past shopping lists and think about all the meals that you usually make. If there is any meal that frequents your meal rotation, consider buying those ingredients in bulk. Use a freezer to stock meats and veggies that you buy in bulk. You can also stock up your pantry with canned foods, beans etc. You will end up saving a lot by doing this!

17. Drink Tap Water

We stopped buying bottled water and these 28 other items to save thousands of dollars! Water is both cheaper and healthier than juices and soft drinks. Just get a good filter (this one does an amazing job!) and you’re good to go!

18. Find Cheaper Alternatives

One perfect example is skipping the expensive chemical cleaners from the grocery store and using something as cheap and effective as vinegar instead. Did you know that vinegar cleans almost anything? You’re welcome!

19. Use a Clothesline

Using a clothesline instead of your dryer will save you hundreds of dollars on your electric bill! Check out these other money saving habits that will cut your electric bill in half!

20. Shop Sales

If you see something you want, wait until an upcoming sale and see if you can score a big discount! How’s that for a frugal living tip?

21. Reduce Wasting

Every drop counts. I’m talking about every drop of toothpaste, body lotion, makeup, dishwashing soap, fabric softener and everything else that comes in a bottle! You’ll be surprised how many extra uses you can get when you cut the tube or bottle!

22. Make Some Calls

A few calls to negotiate your rates for bills, credit cards etc. can save you some money each month. And as we all know, every cent counts in the end!

23. Have a few No-Spend Days or Weekends

A good frugal living idea is to have a few no-spend days or weekends each month. Include your family members and make it into a fun challenge.

24. Have Some Good Ol’ Cheap Fun

Being frugal doesn’t have to mean that life will be boring. Get creative and find some fun things to do in or out of the house. Some free things to do are playing board games, going to the beach, going hiking, taking the kids to the park, going on picnics; just use your creativity!

25. Grab it To-Go

If you’re heading out, make your own coffee at home to go. Better yet, pack some food in case you get hungry. This way you can avoid buying out and save some money.