Inside: Want to save more money each month? Consider the things frugal people to do maximize their savings.

Want to grow your savings account? 

Consider embracing some of the things frugal people do. 

Frugal people have mastered the art of spending less and saving more. While living frugally does take effort, it’s far from unachievable. 

By living a more frugal, cost-conscious life, you can find ways to stow away more cash for a rainy day, your next big vacation or purchase, or whatever financial goals you hold.

Maximizing your savings does take effort – and in some cases, can be a big adjustment from your current spending habits – but the end result is well worth it. 

things frugal people do

7 Things Frugal People Do to Save More Money

Not sure what steps you can take to embrace frugality and boost your savings?

Consider implementing some – or all – of these ideas into your regular routine and see how better off your budget becomes.

1. Look for deals and discounts.

An easy way that frugal people save more money? They take advantage of deals and discounts.

Need to buy groceries? Make your meal plan for the week based on what’s on sale. Check your local grocer’s app for coupons for even more savings on everything from toilet paper and paper towels to snacks and essentials like milk and eggs. 

Need an oil change? Do a quick Google search to find a digital coupon. 

Booking a hotel? See if you can find a “stay three nights, get one-night free” deal. 

There are deals and discounts out there for virtually every product and service – it’s just a matter of finding them and using them to your advantage. 

things frugal people do

2. Cook meals at home. 

One of the biggest ways frugal people maximize their savings is by making meals at home instead of ordering delivery or grabbing food at restaurants. 

Eating out is expensive. Between the cost of the food, drinks, tax, and gratuity, it’s easy to drop way more money than you’d like on a single meal – in some cases, enough to cover the cost of home-cooked meals for a week.

Ordering delivery? That’s often even more expensive thanks to delivery fees and a tip. 

While cooking meals at home can be time-consuming, it’s a far more cost-effective option than relying on restaurants to keep your family fed.

By meal planning, meal prepping, and leveraging leftovers, you don’t have to spend a ton of time in the kitchen and can feed yourself and your family nourishing, healthy, and delicious meals. 

shopping second hand

3. Buy used, not new. 

Shopping for used stuff instead of buying everything brand new is one of the things frugal people do to maximize their savings – and still get what they want.

You can buy pretty much anything used. Clothes, home gym equipment, cars, electronics, furniture… the list is endless.

Virtually anything you buy second-hand is going to come at a pretty good discount from its new counterpart, making it an effective way to save money.

And between thrift stores, online marketplaces, buy and sell apps, auction sites like eBay, flea markets, and garage sales, you have a ton of different options to buy used instead of new. 

Not only will it cost you less but it’s also more environmentally friendly than constantly buying new goods.

woman comparing prices on her laptop

4. Shop around when making big purchases.

While big purchases only roll around once or twice a year for most of us, they can take up a big chunk of our budget and put a serious dent in our ability to save money.

When it’s time to buy a car, replace the fridge, tackle big home repairs, or plan a family vacation, shopping around might take a little time and energy – but it will pay off in a big way.

Instead of going out and buying the first thing that checks the box for their immediate need, frugal people shop around when it’s time to make a big purchase.

By comparing prices and options at a variety of retailers, you can often score whatever you’re looking for at a substantial discount.

Depending on the item, you can look for coupon codes, discounts, or price matching to reduce the cost of your purchase as you compare prices from various sources.

Negotiating may also be an option and be willing to walk away if the deal doesn’t work for you. You can save a lot of money by simply standing your ground.

things frugal people do

5. Avoid impulse shopping & buying unnecessary items.

Many of us are guilty of impulse shopping. We see something we like – and we buy it. It’s as simple as that.

The instant gratification that comes with swiping your card and getting whatever it is you’re craving feels great… but you won’t feel the same way when you’re reviewing your bank statement later. 

A study was done a few years ago that found that the average American spends over $18,000 per year on unnecessary items.

To avoid becoming part of that statistic, wait to buy. Instead of letting yourself immediately purchase anything you want, embrace frugality and think carefully about your decision.

If you have a budget, ask yourself if that purchase fits within it. If you don’t, a good strategy can be forcing yourself to wait at least a week before buying whatever it is you want.

Not only will that time give you an opportunity to reflect on whether or not you really want it, but it’ll also give you time to shop around and see if you can find it for a better deal. 

Being more intentional with shopping will help to prevent buying things that would become clutter in your home while saving you money in the process.

reviewing receipts

6. Evaluate your payments on a regular basis.

Many of us take a set-it-and-forget-it approach to our monthly bills and subscriptions. We sign up for a service or commit to a payment – and we rarely, if ever, look at it again.

The result?

Many of us are paying for monthly subscriptions that we don’t ever use.

We’re paying higher rates for things like insurance because we don’t regularly shop around and get new quotes.

And we’re facing household bills that increase over time with no understanding of why.

By simply keeping a close eye on your bank account and monitoring your monthly payments, you can stop overpaying and maximize your savings.

Frugal people pay attention to their outgoing payments and charges and are willing to simplify to save more money.

woman holding a mug and reading a book

7. Pursue low- and no-cost hobbies.

It’s easy to go out and spend a ton of money having fun – but in many cases, you can have just as much fun without spending a ton of cash.

Many frugal people have found ways to cut costs when it comes to entertainment. Some low- and no-cost hobbies and pastimes you can enjoy include:

  • Reading. Head to your local library and pick up a few books to read, or sign up for your library’s free app and download books to your e-reader.
  • Walking. Fresh air is always free! Put on your sneakers and a good playlist and head outside for a walk around the block, or explore a local nature trail or park. 
  • Listening to podcasts. There’s a podcast about virtually anything and everything!
  • Meditation. You can find guided meditations on free apps and Youtube to get started. 
  • Playing games. Board games and card games might come at an initial cost, but you can enjoy them again and again.
  • Volunteering. It’s a great way to meet new people and do something good for your community. 

There are plenty of simple things you can enjoy in your life right now that don’t have to cost you a thing.

Which of the things frugal people do will you work on first? Leave a comment and let me know!

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14 Comments

    1. Love it all. I would also add being very mindful of debt where you are paying interest or fees and tackling what you can to pay off one at a time until you can pay off in full every month. It took me years to make that happen but it’s a great place to be. A mortgage is a different category.

    1. Me too Jenny! My toyota corolla just turned 18 and to celebrate I had the car painted. It was pricey 1500 but it was really getting faded and rusty. I have 150k on it and she rides like a dream. I have kept up w maintenace and oil changes. Someone even asked me if I got a new car! I use it for my city driving and if planning a road trip I get a rental. Have saved thousands.

  1. Carpool
    Always pack your own family snacks instead of stopping at a convenience store.
    Take advantage of senior discounts if applicable.
    Check the scratch/dent section when purchasing appliances. Many scratches/dents are on the side and won’t show.
    Trade babysitting with another couple once a month for a date night.
    Pack a picnic lunch for the park instead of picking up fast food. It feels special and is cost effective.

  2. Both my husband and I stopped going to coffee shops once we became accountable with our spending. (shocking to see we spent approximately $200 per month!) I keep a folder in my computer to track all our bills, groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous. We make savings goals a part of our plan and does it ever work! For us, accountability is key!

    I love to read, but my favorite author’s books are very pricey! So, when I found our closest thrift store has a treasure trove of his books, we feasted! (for less than $3 apiece instead of close to $30!) Then when finished, we avoid clutter by donating them back for someone else to benefit. (One good habit leads to another). Thanks Julianna for all your expert advice!

  3. One really useful approach, although it does involve some effort and habit forming is this. Keep a record of every (EVERY) purchase that you make. Home from shopping or paying the electric bill write it down somewhere under what ever heading makes sense for you: food (groceries or eating out), transportation, insurance, medical, utilities, entertainment, travel, charitable donations etc. Over time you can see exactly where your money is being spent and how it compares with the money that you have coming in. Sure it takes commitment and time but having the money available for needs and wants is worth it, so is the peace of mind this practice brings.

  4. Use reusable containers instead of repeatedly buying disposable ziploc bags etc. It adds up over time even though it seems like a small savings.

  5. Visit your local public library – it’s FREE! They have books, magazines, DVDs, games, puzzles – you name it! They also offer fun activities like trivia and game nights, craft classes, book clubs – many fun (and free) ways to meet new people. And if you have the time, you can volunteer there.

  6. local op shop sells blankets. Cut hole in middle, a bit larger than head size, make a 6 inch cut from where middle of front would be. Wash with white vinegar and some essential oil (optional). Great for extra layer
    when at home, or if scored and got coloured or pattern outside on cold days, or weekends

  7. I only order groceries online for free pickup. You will always know how much you are spending and there are no impulse buys. We also always pack snacks in the car for road trips and pack a picnic lunch so as to not eat on the road. If we don’t have the food packed I at least have the drinks as the price of a drink is ridiculous! We also pause our gym membership for the summer when we can ride bikes, walk or play pickleball for free!

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