16 Practical Frugal Habits That Help Save Money
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The concept of frugality often comes with negative connotations. Images of someone cheap or stingy quickly come to mind.
However, being frugal isn’t about being cheap or stingy. It’s about making smart financial choices that prioritize value and long-term goals over immediate gratification. Here are 16 frugal habits that don’t make you cheap.
1. Practicing Delayed Gratification
It’s true what they say…all good things are worth waiting for. Frgual shoppers don’t make impulse decisions when it comes to money.
Practicing mindfulness and delayed gratification reduces impulse shopping and its consequences. Give yourself at least 48 hours before making a purchase. You’ll learn to focus on what you really want or need.
2. Buying Secondhand
Frugal people know that not everything has to be brand new. Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces for gently used clothing, furniture, and household items. You can find high-quality items at a fraction of the cost of buying new, reducing your environmental impact and supporting sustainable consumption.
3. Using Cashback Apps
Frugal people maximize the buying potential of every dollar.
Cashback apps are a savvy way to stretch your budget and maximize savings on everyday purchases. By taking advantage of cashback offers, you can earn rewards or rebates on your purchases without compromising quality or value. Check out apps like Ratuken, Checkout51, Fetch, and iBotta, to name a few.
4. Valuing Experiences Over Things
Instead of buying tangible things, this habit focuses on the memories of experiences. Maybe you decide to spend time with loved ones and create meaningful memories. Or save up and go on a trip or travel a bit to embrace the experience versus buying items for your home.
This can also be if you enjoy going on adventures, from hiking to rock climbing. Some of the activities you do can be free, which is essentially a huge perk.
5. Adopting a No-Waste Policy
Adopting a no-waste policy reflects your commitment to responsible consumption and the environment. By minimizing waste and making the most of what you have, you save money and reduce your ecological footprint. This proactive approach encourages resourcefulness, creativity, and mindful consumption, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.
Limit purchases to things you’ll use and reduce the number of items you need. Focusing on recycling more and purchasing items that can be reused is sure to help you save money.
6. Focusing on Quality Not Price
In his book “I Will Teach You to Be Rich,” Ramit Sethi emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality over price when making purchasing decisions. This means that instead of solely focusing on finding the cheapest option available, you should consider factors such as durability, reliability, and overall value for money.
By prioritizing quality, you can ensure that your purchases are worthwhile investments that meet their needs and provide long-term satisfaction, even if they come with a higher upfront cost. This approach encourages a more discerning mindset towards spending, ultimately leading to frugality with greater overall satisfaction and financial well-being.
7. Paying off Credit Cards at the End of Each Month
Frugal people never want to pay more than they have to. So, they avoid carrying a balance on high-interest credit cards. This proactive approach helps you maintain a healthy credit score and saves you money.
8. Cooking More
Everyone needs to eat. However, the difference between someone frugal and everyone else is where they get the food.
Instead of dining out frequently or ordering takeout, try meal planning and cooking at home to save money. Make large batches of meals that can be portioned out and enjoyed as leftovers throughout the week, reducing food waste and saving money on groceries.
9. Enjoying Free Entertainment
Frugal people never pay more than they have to. They look for free first and then consider the value of the purchase if it costs money.
You can find many options for free entertainment in your area. Go for a hike, play at the park, visit museums with free admission, and more. You can also find free activities for children, such as free movies, educational events, and more.
10. Limiting Spending on Subscriptions
Review your recurring subscription services regularly and consider whether each one aligns with your priorities and interests. Canceling unused or unnecessary subscriptions, such as streaming services, gym memberships, or magazine subscriptions, can free up funds for more meaningful expenses or savings goals.
11. Not Skimping on Home Maintenance
Not everyone, including frugal people, is handy when it comes to fixing things around the house. However, everyone can save in the long run by maintaining their home properly.
Address maintenance issues promptly and invest in preventive measures to avoid costly repairs and potential damages in the long run. This proactive approach not only saves you money on major repairs but also ensures your home’s safety, comfort, and longevity, ultimately protecting your investment and enhancing its resale value.
12. Cutting Spending Costs
Frugal people don’t just have a budget. They have a budget that they regularly review and use. This doesn’t make them cheap.
So, review your budget and identify areas where you can reduce spending without sacrificing your quality of life. This might include renegotiating bills, finding more affordable entertainment options, or seeking discounts and deals. Pay close attention to subscription costs, dining expenses, utility bills, grocery expenses, and your shopping habits.
13. Practicing Mindful Spending
Being frugal means knowing exactly what you’re spending. Mindful spending empowers you to make intentional and informed decisions about how you allocate your resources. You’ll prioritize spending on items and experiences that align with your values and goals rather than simply chasing the lowest price. This approach allows you to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle without regret while managing your finances responsibly and avoiding unnecessary debt or overspending.
14. Planning Ahead
Keep in mind the items you might purchase in the future to keep you aware of financial expenses. From replacing tires on the vehicle to car taxes, paying for housing taxes, etc., sometimes those items can be forgotten as they are not a monthly expense.
15. Using Your Local Library
Instead of purchasing books, movies, or video games, take advantage of your local library’s resources. Borrowing books, DVDs, audiobooks, and even video games from the library can provide hours of entertainment at no cost, promoting frugality without sacrificing leisure activities.
16. Not Spending More Than You Have To
Being frugal without being cheap means not spending more than you have on anything. Research prices, compare options, and seek out discounts or deals to get the best value for your money. Consider traveling during the off-season, enjoying an early dinner at happy hour, and going to matinees to pay lower prices. By prioritizing cost-efficiency without sacrificing quality, you can stretch your budget further.
Featured Image Credit: NDAB Creativity and Shutterstock.
Theresa is the founder and owner of Simple Is More from Beavercreek, Ohio. She is a nationally syndicated writer whose work has been featured on the Associated Press Wire, Blox Digital, and more. With a passion for words and a love for simplicity, Theresa has built a reputation as a trusted source on minimalism, home organization, budgeting, travel, and wellness. When she's not writing or tidying up, Theresa loves to explore new places, read a good book, and spend quality time with her family.