75 Frugal Living Tips That Will Actually Save You Money (Even on Groceries!)

Cutting back on your spending can really help you when you are going through a rough financial patch or even when trying to save up.

Every year, the cost of groceries, utility bills, and other expenses seems to creep higher and higher. These are some of the main reasons why saving money should be a priority.

To give you some ideas, I have created a list of frugal living tips to help you save money every month.

If you choose to follow some of these money-saving options, you will find that you will have more money left over at the end of the month!

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70+ Frugal Living Tips to Save Money Every Month

These frugal living tips will help you reduce your household expenses at home. Save this money for a rainy day, create an emergency fund, pay off debt, or anything else you want. 

The thing is, by implementing these savings tips, you will help yourself tremendously in the long run! The more options you have, the more you will find you are saving each month. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

1. Use Ibotta to get cash back on groceries.

2. Make extra money and save it!

Sometimes it’s a good idea to earn extra money and save it! Use reward sites to make and save money every month. Here are some of my favorite sites:

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is the fastest and easiest way to start making money! Personally, I’ve had the best experience with Survey Junkie. After signing up they send to your inbox all the qualifying surveys so you can start earning money right away!

Survey Junkie offers excellent payouts to its members and they pay via PayPal! The best part is that it is free and easy to use!

Sign up for Survey Junkie here and start making money ASAP!

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the best rewards programs that gives you gift cards or cash for doing everyday online activities. I personally love Swagbucks because it allows me to make extra money every single month.

With Swagbucks, you earn Swagbucks points each time you answer surveys, search the web, answer daily polls, shop online, play games, watch entertainment videos, and so much more!

You redeem your accumulated SB points and convert them into cash via PayPal or redeem gift cards for your favorite retailers, such as Amazon or Walmart.

Click here to sign up for Swagbucks and get $5 Welcome bonus FREE 

3. Bring your own lunch to work.

Depending on the area where you live, food at restaurants could cost you an average of $8-$12. Preparing your own meals and bringing them to work can save you hundreds of dollars per month. Besides that, you will undoubtedly know what is in your food because you made it.

To save even more money, you can prepare food in big batches that could last you for the whole week. Additionally, you can prepare meals on the weekends and store them in these affordable meal prep containers.

4. Cancel the cable.

The average amount a family spends on Cable TV is around $120 per month. By ditching cable TV, you could save over $1200/year!  With this, I don’t want you to think that you will not be watching TV at all.

There are different affordable options to replace the cost of the cable, such as getting a TV antenna like this one and receiving free local channels. In addition to all the free channels, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy HDTV shows!

5. Cancel the gym membership.

Going to a gym could get quite expensive over the year. The average cost is around $40 to $60 per month. However, there are various ways to get in shape beyond paying for a gym membership.

Take advantage of outdoor activities such as walking or running. Alternatively, you can opt for a more affordable option, such as working out at home.

6. Start a blog.

You might wonder how starting a blog can save you money. Starting a blog can help you save money in various ways. You can make money from a blog and save it. Besides, starting a blog is relatively inexpensive. I know many people who earn a good passive income from blogging.

Starting a blog was also one of the best decisions I’ve made this year. Running a blog allows me to work from home while taking care of my family. I enjoy having a flexible schedule, which means I get to control the hours I spend on my blog!

If you are interested, I’ve developed an easy step-by-step tutorial to help you start a blog for cheap. You can have a blog of your own and the only real expense you need to pay is the low price in blog hosting which starts at just $3.95 per month. 

You can learn more about how to start a profitable blog here.

9. Cook more at home to reduce eating out.

Cooking more at home can help you save money every month. People are often surprised when they track their expenses and see how much they spend eating out per month!

By cooking your own food at home and reducing the amount of eating out you will save money and probably improve your health.

10. Consider a water filter.

Bottled water can be pretty expensive every month.  You could consider drinking water from your own home by installing a water filter. Years ago, I worked for a company that specialized in in-home water filters.

At that time, the cost of a whole-house water filter was around $7k! …I know it’s expensive. Fortunately, I’m aware of other affordable alternatives to water filters that offer a range of features and provide quality water.

11. Stop smoking.

Smoking is a bad habit that is very difficult to get rid of. However, the amount of money you spend on cigarettes is not only the issue, but the consequences that come with smoking. Things such as doctors’ or hospital bills due to smoking will really cost you a lot of money. Don’t think twice; today is your day. Quit now! I know it isn’t easy,  but you can do it!

12. Grow a garden.

By growing your own food, you will not only save money but also enjoy eating organic and healthy food. Growing your own plants or herbs is incredibly affordable and easy to get started with.

You can buy seeds for less than $2 and start your own little garden at home or an apartment! My preferred herbs to grow are basil, cilantro, and parsley.

13. Use Rakuten when shopping online.

Rakuten allows you to earn cash back when shopping online. It is so simple to use. Visit their website and click the link for the store you would like to buy from.  They give you cash back when you shop through their links.

Get a Free $10 gift card bonus to different stores such as Target, Macy’s, Kohls or Walmart when you sign up through my link here.

14. Plan your meals for the week.

I always recommend planning your meals for the week. Consider using the $5 meal plan to start saving money on your meals for the week. The plan is only $5  per month (after the 14-day trial period!).

They will send you the meal plan for the week, along with the exact shopping list needed to prepare the meals, directly to your inbox.

With this $5 dollar meal plan every meal with cost you $2 or less to make, super affordable! Find out more about the $5 meal plan here.

15. Buy generic brands.

Generic brands are generally cheaper than products with a well-known name. Usually, generic brands are 20% to 30 % more affordable compared to name-brand products.

Besides, by simply checking the product label, you’ll notice that most of the time, generic brands contain the same or even better ingredients and fewer chemicals than named brand products!

16. Make your own coffee/tea at home.

Those, $3-$5 for a cup of coffee or tea from your favorite local coffee shop can really add up to some serious spending by the year’s end.

However, don’t feel deprived about enjoying a good cup of coffee or tea. Instead of buying it outside you can make it at home.  Save that money and put it towards your emergency fund or paying off debt.

17. Eat less meat.

Meat is expensive and it adds up a good part of your grocery bill. Consider buying chicken, beans, or any other type of meat.

You can prepare dishes that don’t focus on meat. Instead, you can try beans, lentils or chicken. They are not only cheaper than meat but they are also healthier alternatives.

18. Buy seasonal produce.

You will save more money buying seasonal produce. Whenever you see a sale on seasonal produce, buy it and use it in your meals. Any leftovers can always be preserved, frozen, and used later in other meals.

19. Try different stores for groceries.

Don’t be loyal to only one store; try different stores. Most of the time, products from store to store are cheaper by $1 – $2 or even more. Visit various stores to find the best deals and maximize your money.

20. Eat before you go grocery shopping.

Avoid going hungry whenever you do your grocery shopping. When you’re hungry, everything looks good, and you might end up buying things you don’t really need. Eat before you shop, and you will avoid the temptation of buying unnecessary things.

21. Unplug appliances when they are not being used.

You don’t need to go overboard and unplug every electronic item at home. Prioritize the following items to reduce the amount of energy: TV, laptops, desktops, lamps, modems, toasters, or coffee machines.

22. Cancel landline phone and only use cell phones.

Nowadays, you can do almost everything from your own cell phone. You don’t need to pay two bills at home for the same purpose. Cancel your landline phone and stick to your cell phone.

23. Replace light bulbs around the house with LED.

Install energy-saving lights around your house. Recently, we installed these LED energy-saving lights in most areas of the house. They utilize less energy and last longer.

24. Run the dishwasher when it is full of dishes.

The amount of water it uses is the same whether it is complete or half full.

25. Use a programmable thermostat.

We use this programmable thermostat in our house, and we are pleased with it. To save more money, try running the thermostat in summer at 75 degrees and in winter at 68 degrees.

26. Fix any air leaks around windows and doors.

Air leaks around windows and doors could be the reason you are paying high electricity bills at home. Try to seal them and save money on electricity. If you’re unsure, learn from YouTube, where you can find tons of helpful videos.

27. Turn off the lights when you are not in the room.

Living with the lights on is a waste of time and money. Make it a habit and turn off a light every time you leave a room.

28. Wash your clothes in cold water.

Using warm or hot water can increase your electricity bill. Try to wash your clothes with cold water only. Not only will you save money, but it is better for your clothes!

29. Walk or ride a bike for close commutes.

If your workplace is close to home, why not take advantage of the convenience and walk or ride a bike? You will save money on gas, and it is a great way to stay in shape!

30. Carpool a few times a week.

If you drive a car, then take advantage of carpooling options. Split the cost of gas and travel between passengers. You will save time and money by carpooling with people who live and work near you.

31. Skip movie theaters and rent videos at home.

Going to the movies could cost you a lot of money. You will not only pay for the movie ticket but also for the pricey food at the concessions. Instead, you can rent movies from Red Box or watch on Netflix.

32. Try a no-spend weekend often.

Save money and try a no-spend weekend often. If the weather permits, do free activities instead and enjoy a fun time with the family.

33. Wash your own car.

Bringing your vehicle to the car wash could take most of your saved change or money. Why not save those $5, $10, or $25 and do it yourself?

34. Consider getting an affordable car.

If you are in the market for a new car, consider buying a used model to save money. Look for a good deal on a vehicle with low mileage.

35. Shop for groceries each week and save money.

Check out sales on the weekly flyers you get in the mail. You can save a good amount of money by buying items that are on sale for that particular week at your local store.

36. Go to garage sales for clothes and other household goods.

Often, you will find items in good condition or even brand new at garage sales for a really cheap price.

37. Don’t buy things impulsively.

Wait at least 24 hours before buying an item. It will give you time to think if you will actually use it or if it’s worth spending the money.

38. Change your AC/heater filters.

By changing your AC/heater filters, they will not only run better, but they will also work more efficiently to maintain the desired temperature.

39. Try to air-dry your laundry when you can.

Air drying your clothes can help you save money on electricity. You can purchase a rack to set up indoors if you have space.

40. Shop after the holidays.

Do your holiday shopping immediately after the holidays, when most items are on clearance. Usually, the after-holiday prices are around 70% to 80% off clearance.

41. Create a minimalist closet.

Usually, trendy clothes go out of style very quickly. Creating a minimalist closet with only essential pieces of clothing will save you not only money but also time. This is because you won’t need to shop as often. Keep neutral colors that are easy to mix and match with outfits.

42. Pay more than minimum towards debt.

When possible, try to pay more than the minimum towards debt. Even if the amount is $10 a month extra, this will contribute to making progress toward being debt-free.

43. Pay bills online.

Try online bill payments at your bank. Often, you can get discounts if you enroll in the paperless system.

Other miscellaneous ways to save more money:

44. Invite friends over instead of going out.

45. Don’t use credit cards to avoid paying interest.

46. Avoid the mall and go to discounted stores such as T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, or Ross.

47. Cancel magazine subscriptions and read them online.

48. Try to fix items around your house instead of calling a handyman.

49. Attend free events around your area for a night out.

50. Bring your own snacks and drinks whenever you are on a road trip.

51. Consolidate your student loans and lower your interest rate.

52. Save your leftovers and eat them.

53. Color your own hair.

54. Invest in energy-efficient appliances.

55. Bathe your own pets.

56. Stop buying soda and drink more water.

57. Save your change, and once your container is full, cash in.

58. Install low-flow toilets and shower heads at home.

59. Buy in bulk on food items you and your family eat regularly.

60. Use gasbuddy.com and download the app to find the best deals on gas around your area.

61. Switch car insurance and lower your monthly payment

62. Sign up for free reward programs at your local stores.

63. Switch bank accounts and take advantage of other bank promotions.

64. Learn to do basic maintenance on your car like changing oil, rotating tires and so on.

65. Cut down on vacations.

66. Avoid overdraft or out-of-network ATM fees from your bank.

67. Make DIY cleaning supplies.

68. Consider downsizing your house.

69. Declutter and sell your stuff for extra cash.

70. Use public transportation instead of driving.

71. If you are a student, then take advantage of student discounts.

72. Use the library for free movies, books, and events.

73. Make a grocery list and stick to it.

74. Make sure to use reusable soap dispensers instead of buying new soap containers each time. Then buy refills to pour in.

75. Try to do your laundry once a week.

As you can see, the list above outlines numerous ways to save money each month.  By putting into practice all or some of these simple ways to save money, you can end up saving thousands per year!

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• How to Build an Emergency Fund and Save Your First $1000 Fast
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• 15 Smart Ways to Save Money In College
• 11 Ways to Save Money On Groceries Without Using Coupons