22 Ways You Can Switch to a Frugal Lifestyle and Save Money
Not all of us are crazy rich Americans. Some of us have paychecks that don’t allow us to save. This brings forth the need to live frugally and save as much money as possible. Saving helps you prepare for the future and any obstacles it might bring along.
Talking about frugal living, the first step to it is to not care too much about what other people think. The second step is to not compare yourself to anyone else. The third step is to get to it and make some major lifestyle changes. Not sure where to start?
The 22 tips below will help you save money and lead a cost-efficient lifestyle.
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Make the most of samples
Whether it is sample makeup, fragrances, meals, spices or any other products, treat the samples that you are able to collect as if they are all you’ve got. You can also collect samples by calling some stores.
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Use jam jars for storing spices
You don’t have to invest in new storage containers for your spices when you can simply keep them in old jam jars. You can also store the spices in the sachets they come by wrapping a rubber-band around them.
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Don’t throw the plastic packaging of takeout meals
Enjoyed a home-delivered meal? Great, now don’t throw any plastic packaging away. Look for what is good enough to continue using after a proper wash. You’ll be able to save several cups and containers.
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Marry someone who lives frugally
It helps to save money when your partner is in on the action. That’s why it is a good idea to tie the knot with someone who understands your money-saving approach.
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DIY everything that you can
Wash and iron your clothes yourself, don’t join the gym by working out at home, cut your hair yourself, etc. There are several things you can DIY rather than having to pay for them.
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Don’t invest in tissue paper boxes
Rather than purchasing tissue paper boxes, simply collect the tissues that you can from eating out. Always request extra tissues. Use these tissues when you have a runny nose otherwise towels and toilet paper can work.
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Save on Clothing
Instead of spending a big chunk of your salary on branded outfits, try to keep a steady hand. If your wardrobe is in need of an update, go for a cheaper option. For instance, ClothingRIC is a website that lets you get fashionable items on amazing discounts. Utilize every available opportunity to save money on clothing.
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Be mindful of electricity usage
Keep the bills low by not switching on too many lights. Switch off all electronics when they are not in use. Switch off the refrigerator when it’s too cold outside and the heater once the room is hot enough in winters. It helps to save money on electricity as soaring bills can be detrimental to your financial health. You can also get paid to save energy, up to $300 per year, if you live in California through OhmConnect.
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Live clean and uncluttered
The fewer items you have sitting around in your house, the less mess. Make minimal living into a habit, so you wouldn’t even be inclined to shop big. This will also allow you to clean better. You know, Marie Kondo it! 😉
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Walk when you can
Don’t waste money on car fuel when you can simply walk a mile to the store nearby. Walking is also great for health.
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Cancel your phone contract
There is simply no use of phone contracts in a world that is powered by the internet. Wi-Fi is publicly available, so you can use WhatsApp for texting and calling. You can also get a free sim card that grants you a Pay as You Go provider.
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Cut the cable
You don’t need the cable to go by anymore. You can cut the connection and subscribe to Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, etc. instead. With the evolution of coupon, you will also get the chance to save money on online subscriptions as well.
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Don’t buy the newspaper
You also don’t need the daily paper when you can read all the news on your phone. If can’t live without doing the crosswords, try convincing your neighbors to pass on their newspaper once they are done reading for the day. Newspaper often comes with coupons; ask if your neighbor doesn’t need them so you may utilize them on your own. Learn some coupon statistics on the internet to see how you can properly use them.
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Shop off-season
You can buy your clothes when the season is off. Clearance sales can help you avail several amazing items at great prices. In the same way, several other things can be bought when their season is off. My favorite stores for purchasing off-season clothes at an extreme discount include TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Nordstrom Rack!
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Buy second-hand
Purchase used furniture and electronics. The prices would be a lot more favorable than if you buy brand-new. Since the market is big, you will be able to pick from several options.
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Quit alcohol and smoking
Not only are these two bad for your health but also your wallet. If you just simply ditch them, you are able to save a lot.
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Learn to negotiate
Specialize in negotiation and then use this skill to bargain with small shop owners, your insurance providers and wherever you can without making a fool out of yourself. Good negotiation skills help save money on a daily basis.
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Spend out of your wallet
Don’t pay with your credit card. In fact, hide your credit card someplace safe. Instead, pay your bills from what’s available in your wallet. You don’t want any loans to pile up.
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Couponing can help you save a big chunk of your money. You can collect coupons by visiting coupon shops online, using mobile coupons or looking out for coupons live. Some of the blogs will tell you everything you need to know about coupons. Learn this craft and it will help you cut down your expenses by a great margin.
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Make your gifts
Instead of purchasing gifts for others, prepare them yourself. You can also add a small handwritten note. Gifting won’t cost much this way.
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Don’t enter expensive places
Don’t even enter expensive boutiques otherwise the urge to buy things might kick in. Similarly, avoid the mall. Everything is way more expensive there. Shopping at lower-end stores will help you save money as you won’t be enticed by luxurious items.
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Compare prices to stick to your budget
You can compare the prices and go for whichever is cheaper. This way, you will be able to spend only as much as you can afford to.
Key takeaway
Stretching your arm further than your sleeve is not a good idea. It always makes you end up in a bad place. With the simple ways we have shared above, you can cut down your costs of living on several levels. Do you have any other ideas in mind? Share with us in the comments!
