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30 Of The Most Useful ‘Poor People’ Life Hacks, As Shared In This Online Thread
Interview With Expert
Over 700 million people across the world are living in extreme poverty, which means affording basic necessities like food, clothes, or internet is a luxury for many.
That’s why Redditors who once struggled financially are sharing their go-to money-saving hacks for those who could use a little help. These ideas could also come in handy for anyone looking to be more mindful with their spending. Check them out below, and if you have similar suggestions, feel free to write them in the comments!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Buy a bunch of identical socks. If one wears out or gets a hole, I can throw away only that one sock.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 3 months ago
100%. All my socks are black tall crew and nobody can tell if they match or not.
RELATED:
#2
I cut open my lotion, toothpaste, and other products to make sure I use every ounce!
While serious financial hardships are a challenge on their own, many people also struggle with simply managing their money. For instance, a 2020 Intuit survey of over 1,500 people revealed that more than 60% didn’t even know how much they had spent the previous month.
To learn more about how to be mindful and intentional with our finances, Bored Panda reached out to Francesca Henry, the creator of The Money Fox, an Instagram blog where she shares her best cost-cutting tips.
“I started my page because years ago, I found myself in a tough financial situation,” Francesca tells us. “At the time, there weren’t many Instagram pages like mine, and I had to trawl through Google to find websites that could help. Most of what I found was aimed at the U.S., though. When I started trying things for myself, like side hustles and budgeting, I realized I needed to share what I was learning so no one else would feel the way I did—searching for help but not finding any.”
#3
I still reuse my ziplock bags… and grocery bags… and paper bags… and you get the idea.
Edit: ok reading this thread I have more poor person habits than I realized.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 3 months ago (edited)
Same. I reuse old food containers too. Like those plastic butter containers too.
#4
Got a library card to save some money. Haven’t had a streaming service in a while.
#5
Make a big pot of bolognese. Portion and freeze. Base makes chilli, lasagna, spaghetti bolognese and tacos.
Francesca shares that her favorite money-saving tip is finding ways to increase your income when you feel like you’re falling short, rather than cutting into your budget. “It only needs to be temporary until you’re back on your feet—or you can stick with it!” she says. “I tried out several different side hustles and even did overtime.”
To avoid feeling overwhelmed by overspending, Francesca suggests setting up sinking funds—where you save a set amount each month toward specific goals, like Christmas gifts or car maintenance. “You take the total amount and divide it by the number of months you have left. For example, £1,000 over 10 months means saving £100 per month,” she explains. “Also, record your expenses daily so you can see how much you’re actually spending, rather than guessing. This will help keep your budget on track.”
And of course, you don’t always need to spend money to have fun. “Find free activities to do with friends, like potlucks, going for walks or runs, or visiting free museums,” Francesca says.
#6
When I buy things that come in plastic containers (cottage cheese/sour cream/plastic take out type containers) I re use them for leftovers instead of buying the gladware reusable ones. It’s the same thing and I don’t have to worry about losing or ruining them. My fridge looks like my grandmas did growing up but I’m not throwing away more money on something I don’t really need in the end.
Karina 3 months ago
I used to love this, but more and more test proove that they leak chemicals, especially when temperatures change after cleaning with hot water or freezing them. Theee are no actual regulations other than short term food safety, so they may shed more plastic as well. PS Even regular containers, made for storage, leaks far more chemicals than "anyone" (with profits to make) could imagine.
#8
We went from poverty to upper middle class in the span of two years after I finished my Master’s degree. We are still frugal. We just don’t really buy stuff. We don’t travel or do vacations. All of our hobbies have us outdoors doing stuff for free anyways. We save and invest the extra money. We still have our beater cars and cheap apartment. Walmart and thrifted clothes. Buying basic and simple food in bulk and freezing. We just never changed our lifestyle. I think fear of someday losing it all and going back to poverty scares us, so we hoard what we can in savings and investments.
Regina Holt 3 months ago
Thrifted clothes are great. Most of the clothes you buy from Walmart are what we call "fast fashion" They look great, but don't last very long. Buy thrifted clothes and they will last longer than anything you buy from Walmart.
That said, it can be difficult to focus on healthy spending habits when financial struggles cause constant anxiety and take up all your mental energy. Studies show that financial worries are closely linked to higher levels of psychological distress. This often leads to lower self-esteem, feelings of guilt or shame, and can even result in depression.
Having experienced tough times herself, Francesca knows how hard it can be to stay positive. She recommends adopting small, meaningful rituals that can lift your spirits. “Make time for activities that bring you joy, even simple things like spending time with friends at home or reading a book from the library,” she says. “Having accountability partners can help too.”
Although financial setbacks may be temporary, there are still plenty of ways to brighten your life without spending much. Plus, the money habits you develop now can stick with you and benefit you in the future.
#9
Accept free food. I used to be a picky eater. When I was poor I didn't know when I was going to eat again so I was just thankful for anything that wasn't spoiled or rotten.
Be nice and courteous to strangers. I didn't ever beg for money or food. I would help out people in my community whenever I could. Open doors for people. Clean up the trash on the side of the road or a parking lot. I helped this one guy push his car 4 blocks to a gas station after his car broke down in the middle of the street. -That guy gave me 100 bucks! (I was able to buy a cheap cell phone that led to me getting a callback for an actual job.)
I taught myself how to sew. When you only have almost no clothing it starts getting to the point where you need to start "reinventing" your old clothes. I still patch up my suits, pants, and socks when they need it.
Auntriarch 3 months ago
I have recently turned the collar on two of Mr Auntriarch's favourite shirts, first attempt, I'm feeling rather chuffed with myself. Just wish I could tell my nan about it...
#10
I grow vegetables in my garden from seed and put up the produce like grandma used to do.
There is a change jar on the dresser where all the coins go. Roll em up and take em to the bank.
Buy practical things and buy them for life.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 3 months ago
I don't roll up the coins anymore. My bank has a machine that counts and separates it for free now. I even have a special bag for it. It's a small canvas bag with a dollar sign on it like in cartoons. I love bringing it INTO the bank.
#11
It took me a long time to realize this habit of mine stems from me growing up poor, but I tend to overstock on pantry items. I’ve got a million toothbrushes, several spare jars of spaghetti sauce, tons of canned soup I rarely eat, etc. psychologically it stems from this subconscious fear of running out and not being able to afford a replacement later, so I better buy more now while I still can! (Never mind that I can absolutely afford replacements of all this stuff easily. Old habits die hard though. Not too bothered by it though, while my storage is all overcrowded, it’s still nice and comfortable knowing I have everything I need.).
Green Tree 3 months ago
Only a good habit if you periodically do "no buy" periods to clear out old stock before it becomes expired clutter
#12
I will never in my life buy candy at the cash register of the supermarket. If I am tempted, I will simply walk back into the store and buy a whole back. But I'm not paying 1,5 euro for a single snickers when I can buy a 6 pack for 3,5 euro in the back of the store.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 3 months ago
The stuff at the register is there to trap and snag money from people who are more impulsive.
#13
Go up and down every aisle in the grocery store comparing the coust of a product. Also comparing sizes to coust so like I could get one larg bottle of mustard for 5 dollars but the smaller ones are on sale for 2 for 5 and I'll be getting 4 more oz for free.
#14
Save lots of containers for other uses… storing/ sorting screws, etc.
#15
Only drink tap water. It's fine in my location. No money goes to soda, hot drinks, or alcohol. This makes it easier to afford cheap groceries and maybe save up some money. I can afford to be less strict about it now, but it seems like a good and harmless habit to keep (considering sugar, calories, dental effects).
#16
I freeze any food I can to ensure the food lasts and lessen the chances of being hungry the rest of the month.
Javelina Poppers 3 months ago
One extravagant expenditure I made some months back is a vacuum chamber sealer. It not only protects my all foods from freezer burn, but I can vacuum seal liquids like soups, chili and spaghetti sauce. Never regretted it once and it continues to save me money on food on a daily basis.
#17
Make a big pot of chili and eat it for days.
WindySwede 3 months ago
And if you have the possibility, freeze some/all of it. Then you don't have to eat it for days, and still have some homemade in the freezer when you don't wanna cook.
#18
I was never poor, but my parents taught me to live in power saving mode.
Don't buy stuff you don't need.
Travel cost cautiously.
Don't buy expensive cars, cars are pure net negative things you sink money into in time.
Don't eat out all the time, just couple of times a year is enough.
Jude Laskowski 3 months ago
A friend of mine has a great job and makes good money, but she eats out often, then complains when she's laid off and has no savings. Another friend and I meet up once a month for lunch at a place where we take home enough food for another meal.
#19
I research for like 30 minutes before making any online purchase to make sure I'm getting the best deal while stacking the highest cash back and making sure I'm using the right credit card with the best offers. All this to save $30 that I throw away in 5 seconds when I'm drunk.
Comment Deleted 3 months ago
I just LOVE how people on these type of threads get so bent out of shape at suggestions that are not relevant to their particular country or life. Calm down people. If it is not relevant or of use to you them move on. Why so darm angry.
#20
After you finish cooking food, leave the oven open and heat your kitchen for free.
Green Tree 3 months ago
Yep when it's cold in winter that heat is not going to waste! To be clear this is not running the oven with the door open, it's once the cooking is over you leave the door open for like 10 minutes so that heat goes into the house rather than being wasted.
#21
Rich people throw out amazing stuff. If you know someone with a truck, you can go around the wealthy areas on garbage day and get all sorts of furniture, appliances, and clothing. A little cleaning and maybe a few minor repairs and you have lots of stuff to use or sell.
oldguyinstanton 3 months ago
Watch out for the bedbugs. No, really. In everything that has tiny cracks/crevices.
#22
I make soup for like 5 days at a time.
#23
Listen, cheapo ramen is just damn good.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 3 months ago (edited)
Get familiar with your local Asian grocery store. There's an isle with about fifty different kinds of instant ramen in there and they all cost less than $2 a pack. You can try a different one every day of the month and it doesn't get old. My favorites are Indo-Mie and Mama.
#24
Paying everything i can with cash this helps me keep my expances down since i can see the bills that im paying and then sometimes think yeah no thats not worth it. If i would have paid by card i would still have bought it.
And i still save for the things i wanne buy even though i can buy it immidiatly. I save it first because then im gonne take better care off it and im more proud off it since i saved for it instead off buying it in an impulse.
Regina Holt 3 months ago
I use credit card instead of cash. I pay off the credit card completely when the bill comes. I use a credit card that pays back a small percentage of what I spend. That way, it's like I left the money in the bank a bit longer, plus earning the cash back that I wouldn't get by paying cash.
#25
We eat out now.
but best believe we'll have left overs and those left overs last me lunch and dinner for the next 2 days.
#26
I'm still poor, kinda but I don't think I will stop hording things like good containers when I get rich, if something that usually gets thrown away once it done its original job but still can be reused again, I'm keeping it.
#27
I turn off shower while i lather up. I'm still poor but I grew up where there was not a lot of water bc poor community. Plus didn't have a water heater so we had to heat up water in stove top. We bathed with a 5 gal bucket of water.
Green Tree 3 months ago
"Navy shower" - give yourself an initial all over rinse, turn off the water while you lather all over and then turn the water back on for a final rinse. I still do them periodically and strangely I actually feel cleaner.. I think maybe it's because the soap sits on your skin for a minute coupled with the visual of the suds makes sure you don't miss any spots
#28
I still take hotel shampoos and soaps, disposable chopsticks from restaurants, wet wipes and condiments from random food places, whatever that horsey sauce is from Arby's that nobody ever eats... If it was free guaranteed I've got some in a drawer at my house.
#29
My diet still mainly consists of rice, beans, frozen veg, and oats.
Still shop according to sales and coupons.
Still collect bottles and cans. I tell myself it's to recycle (I'm huge on RRR), but I have the urge to sell them and tell myself if there's an emergency I can cash them in for a quick ten bucks.
Geoffrey Scott 3 months ago
Live in Michigan, 10c deposit on soda, beer, etc. Like a redneck savings account, make about as much interest too LOL
#30
Save chicken carcass after a roast and use for chicken stock.
What do you think ?
Mäandertal 3 months ago
Poor people hacks = common freaking sense. I'll never understand why people insist on wasting stuff to flaunt their status. It's embarrassing, frankly.
Green Tree 3 months ago
Get a second use out of anything you can before tossing it. Stuff like cutting up ripped sheets for rags, use big dog food bags as garbage bags, lemon peels in some simmering water for kitchen deodorizer or microwave cleaner. It's the old school way since the beginning of time to use things up to thier fullest before considering it actual trash
Magpie 3 months ago (edited)
A lot of these are rich people from were I am sitting. .... I can't afford heating / cooling. But manage ok. Look up Aussie sites for how to manage heat. ........ Meat is for rich ppl. Lentils, beans and nuts for protein........ Clothes when needed come from Opshops. Underwear, socks from shops like kmart or big w, on special. ......... Banks here must have one fee free account for pensioners, but you might have to ask for it. Watch out for fees on ATM's ...... Use soap bars for everything. Cheaper than liquid soaps.
Kit Black 2 months ago
Most nuts are more per pound / and per/calorie than meat where I live, so that's def not a universal
Load More Replies... Mäandertal 3 months ago
Poor people hacks = common freaking sense. I'll never understand why people insist on wasting stuff to flaunt their status. It's embarrassing, frankly.
Green Tree 3 months ago
Get a second use out of anything you can before tossing it. Stuff like cutting up ripped sheets for rags, use big dog food bags as garbage bags, lemon peels in some simmering water for kitchen deodorizer or microwave cleaner. It's the old school way since the beginning of time to use things up to thier fullest before considering it actual trash
Magpie 3 months ago (edited)
A lot of these are rich people from were I am sitting. .... I can't afford heating / cooling. But manage ok. Look up Aussie sites for how to manage heat. ........ Meat is for rich ppl. Lentils, beans and nuts for protein........ Clothes when needed come from Opshops. Underwear, socks from shops like kmart or big w, on special. ......... Banks here must have one fee free account for pensioners, but you might have to ask for it. Watch out for fees on ATM's ...... Use soap bars for everything. Cheaper than liquid soaps.
Kit Black 2 months ago
Most nuts are more per pound / and per/calorie than meat where I live, so that's def not a universal
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