Save Big This Year Using These 17 Frugal Hacks

Living a frugal lifestyle can be challenging. You make intentional choices to save money and live simply. Imagine taking this to the next level to stretch your budget further.

Although it might seem like extreme frugality takes the joy out of life, think again. Some methods will allow you to live happier, all while saving money.

1. Homemade Cleaning Supplies

Making your own cleaning supplies may seem odd, especially if you’re accustomed to purchasing popular cleaning brands. However, you likely have the ingredients to make a solution at home: baking soda, water, and vinegar.

2. Cutting Your Hair

Cutting your own hair can save you money if you have a simple haircut. For example, a buzz cut is relatively easy and mainly involves ensuring all the hair is even throughout. If you’ve been curious about learning how to cut hair, there are many free YouTube videos to guide you.

3. Growing Vegetables

With grocery prices rising, it may be worth growing vegetables. Depending on your garden space, you can grow tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and more. Remember that you’ll have to properly care for and protect your vegetables, as animals may try to snack on them.

4. Using Cloth Instead of Paper Products

Cloth items are not only more eco-friendly than paper products, but you can reuse them. Currently, you may use paper sheets to clean your home. However, switching to cloth will eliminate the need to keep repurchasing paper sheets. You will need to clean your cloths weekly to ensure they remain sanitary.

5. Buying in Bulk

It’s no secret that Costco can save you money. Most foods will last a few weeks in the freezer. Additionally, you’ll save time and money purchasing recurring items in bulk. However, you can purchase many items in bulk from many retail stores. Pay attention to sales and purchase in bulk when it’s more cost-effective.

6. Repurposing Old Clothes

If you’re handy with sewing, you can convert an old pair of jeans into shorts or a T-shirt into a tank top. The beauty of repurposing old clothes is you’ll eliminate the need to purchase new clothes as frequently. You’ll also use your entire closet. It’s not uncommon for many to have a closet filled with clothes they rarely wear.

7. Canceling Cable

Paying for cable is most likely unnecessary. You’re better off getting an antenna and picking a streaming service. Nowadays, you can purchase antennas with amplifiers to get clear signals in most of your home. If you feel tied to cable, don’t switch overnight. Install an indoor antenna to one of your TVs and figure out how the new channels work. After a week or so, make the switch completely.

8. Making Gifts Instead of Buying Them

You may be accustomed to purchasing a gift or giving money during the holidays or birthdays. However, sometimes, a gift you make can mean a lot more, like a specialized photo album or handmade candles. If you see an opportunity to make a gift, go for it. You’ll save money and make someone happy.

9. Using a Library Card

Using your library card is a great way to invest in your personal growth without breaking the bank. You don’t have to read 100 books a year, but reading at least one per month can do wonders. You’ll constantly learn new skills or gain fresh perspectives from other people’s lives or ideas.

10. Cooking in Bulk and Freezing Meals

Want to avoid cooking lunch or dinner daily? Consider cooking in bulk the week prior. You’ll save time not having to brainstorm dinner ideas daily and money buying food you’ll eat ahead of time. Food waste is an issue, and you’ll avoid purchasing items you don’t need when planning meals.

11. Reusing Containers

You can reuse containers for plants, to store office items, and more. There’s no need to fill your home with reusable containers, but being mindful about how you repurpose them is key. Otherwise, you may end up purchasing additional containers, creating more waste, and spending more money.

12. Drying Clothes on a Line

Good old-fashioned air drying is still effective. Be sure to shake your clothes before hanging them on a line. You can hang them inside your home or outside during warm weather. You’ll save money not having to use a dryer, whether at the laundromat or on your bills. Also, your clothes won’t shrink in the dryer.

13. DIY Home Repairs

Being handy comes in handy with home repairs. If you’re good at home repairs, you’ll save money doing most of them yourself. However, if you’re not handy but want to learn, plenty of free online videos can help you get started.

14. Using Freecycle or Swap Groups

Instead of throwing away your items, consider swapping them with someone else. Many swap groups can be found on social media. You’ll reduce waste and potentially trade for items you’ll use more.

15. Homemade Beauty Products

Similar to making your own cleaning supplies, you can make your own beauty products. Face toners, masks, and more are easy to make at home. Just be careful when mixing ingredients and follow instructions from credible online resources.

16. Minimalism

Practicing minimalism is easier than you think. You can try avoiding impulse purchases and clutter. To reduce impulse spending, try the 30-day rule. If you want to purchase something, wait 30 days. If after 30 days you still want the item, purchase it if you have the budget. Additionally, avoid clutter by choosing a day every week to clean your home.

17. Walking or Biking Instead of Driving

With gas prices rising, it may be worthwhile to consider alternative options to driving everywhere. Biking to work may not be an option for everyone. However, instead of driving to local stores, consider walking or biking there. You’ll get cardio and a dose of nature.

Keep Trying New Things

We're not a fan of extreme frugality.

After all, what's the point of saving money if you’re living miserably?

But you still need to save money. Find a balance that works for you. We hope one of these tips helps you or sparks your imagination to save more without sacrificing your lifestyle.

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