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Saving money doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest habits can make the biggest difference. Whether it’s clipping a coupon, snagging a great deal, or finding clever ways to stretch your budget, small steps can add up over time. And if you’re looking for inspiration, the internet is full of frugal living enthusiasts eager to share their best tips.  

When someone asked online, “What’s the most frugal thing you do?”, the responses were both creative and eye-opening. These hacks aren’t just practical—they’re inspiring and might just change the way you look at your own spending. Keep reading to uncover some of the best frugal tips and tricks that could revolutionize your approach to saving money!

#1

Person using a smartphone for online shopping and holding a credit card, representing creative frugal hacks to save money. I wouldn’t say this is frugal but it helps to not spend as much - I guess it’s a form of electronic window shopping - I put stuff in my cart and go back to it days later, 9 times out of 10, I don’t buy whatever it is I was looking at. Helps to not impulse buy.

Marigold2268 , AS Photography/Pexels Report

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Mari
Community Member
16 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is smart, we don't need all those stuff. After a few days you don't need it anymore or you already found something better.

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    #2

    “What’s The Most Frugal Thing You Do?” (50 Answers) I know it’s pretty common now but I am driving the same car I had when I was 22 as a mom now with 2 kids. There’s nothing like a paid off car.

    SnooHamsters3342 , Arthur Brognoli/Pexels Report

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    The Announcer
    Community Member
    14 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same...I sometimes get self conscious about my old car, but then get over it quickly because I save a lot of money not having a car payment.

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    #3

    People walking through snowy city street at night, approaching a tram; an example of creative frugal transportation. When I was a single mom and broke I used to walk to and from work even when I finished at midnight and it was 25C below. Not only did it save me the $3 each ride, but I was fit, I was healthy, and it helped pull me out of depression. Exercise for the win.

    Sprinqqueen , Avijit Singh/Pexels Report

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    Claire Elise
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know where it's safe to do this as a woman...in most places I know of, this would be more foolhardy than frugal

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    Many of us might think frugal living is all about grabbing the cheapest products off the shelf, but that’s not quite the case. Being frugal isn’t about depriving yourself or cutting corners at every turn—it’s about making smart, thoughtful choices that save money without compromising on quality.  

    A blog post by Synchrony sheds light on this common misconception. “One of the misconceptions of frugal living is that you should always buy the cheapest item, no matter what,” they mention. Instead, frugality is about prioritizing value over price. Whether it’s a product or service, focus on what you’re actually getting for your money. Spending wisely sometimes means investing a little more upfront for something that lasts longer or delivers better results.

    #4

    A nearly empty toothpaste tube demonstrating a creative frugal hack for saving money. I cut open all my product containers and use every last drop. It's more about not wasting stuff, but it's also frugal. You would be surprised how much product can be trapped in a moisturizer bottle or toothpaste tube. It takes a lot of resources to make our daily products, using them up is an easy way to reduce my waste footprint. I'm outsmarting corporations who want me to buy more of their products!

    Sad_Goose3191 , Vie Studio/Pexels Report

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    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    13 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Due to my skin conditions, I go through a lot of lotion and lip balm. You'd be amazed at the amount of lip balm that's inside and normally thrown away. Not that difficult to dig it out. Bottles of lotion are cut, allowing me access to the lotion clinging to the sides and getting several more uses.

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    #5

    A person choosing a frugal clothing option, holding a pink shirt from a rack. I buy just about everything used.

    UnBrewsual , Leticia Ribeiro/Pexels Report

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    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    13 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Much prefer high-quality used clothing, some vintage, over the fast fashion stores. Not only am I getting excellent deals, I'm not exploiting workers.

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    #6

    “What’s The Most Frugal Thing You Do?” (50 Answers) I’m an avid reader, I use the public library not only for books, but online classes, learn a new language, Libby, check out tools, & fun activities for the grandkids.

    Genie_noteC , Rafael Cosquiere/Pexels Report

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    Ron Man
    Community Member
    14 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People should use the library more. They do a lot there and it's all free.

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    One of the most important aspects of frugal living is learning to live below your means. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life or treat yourself now and then—it’s about being mindful of your spending and making choices that align with what you can genuinely afford.

    Credit can be a useful tool, but it should be used for convenience, not as a way to buy things that are beyond your budget. It’s a small adjustment that can have a big impact on your financial peace of mind.

    #7

    Plastic containers filled with sliced red peppers, showcasing frugal hacks for food storage to save money. A habit I learned from my mom as I grew up that I still do today: we usually had protein, a carb and two side dish vegetables for dinner most nights, and she used to put the side vegetables leftover from dinner (canned/fresh/frozen peas, carrots, broccoli, sauteed cabbage, mushrooms and onions, greens, peppers, lima beans, green beans, okra [unbreaded], diced beets, potatoes, zucchini and tomatoes, corn, etc.) into a tupperware container (like a large cool whip tub) and put it in the freezer. over a couple weeks she'd add all these smidges of vegetables on top of the previous vegetable dishes in the container and refreeze it until it was full, then she'd make the most amazing vegetable soup with a pound of ground beef sauteed with some chopped onion, a can of crushed tomatoes, a small can of tomato paste and some water, and the contents of the tupperware container. frugal, super nutrious and deeeelicious! she managed to feed a family of five with those pots of soup for dinner one night with cornbread, corn muffins or saltines, and usually lunch for all of us the next day too.

    Bellemorda , Freepik Report

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    #8

    Two people enjoying a budget-friendly meal outdoors, highlighting creative frugal hacks to save cash. I take my lunch to work every day and I haven’t bought coffee at Starbucks in years. I make coffee at home every day. It doesn’t even feel like frugality because I prefer it this way.

    abby-rose , MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Report

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    #9

    Coffee and pastries on a small table, illustrating creative frugal hacks for affordable breakfast ideas. I work at Starbucks, we get unlimited free drinks on the clock and 7 free food markouts a week. I usually work 6 days a week - so 6 days a week, I eat breakfast at work... and oops, someone made an extra sandwich, we don't want to waste it, I guess I'll eat it...


    2 free meals a day almost every day is pretty nice.

    jayyy_0113 , Lina Kivaka/Pexels Report

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    Mari
    Community Member
    16 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At the end of the day they throw away a lot of food. Why not donating it to the staff or poverty organisations?

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    One of the golden rules of frugal living is knowing the difference between wants and needs. It’s easier said than done, especially when everything seems tempting, but learning to prioritize what you truly need can save you a ton of money in the long run. 

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    #10

    Man in a kitchen, using frugal hacks to whisk eggs in a bowl, with milk and blueberries on the counter. I never ever get food delivered.

    Upper-Discount5060 , Vlada Karpovich/Pexels Report

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    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    12 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't cook because I'm a fire hazard, but I'm old, so I get meals on wheels. Knowing I have meals coming, even if they're not the best, is a secure feeling. My retirement and divorce from my ex, the cook, couldn't have been better timed.

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    #11

    Close-up of a DIY haircut, illustrating creative frugal hacks to save money. No cable, but I think that’s typical right now. We also go a long time between haircuts and occasionally do our own. Zero salon trips - strictly Great Clips with a coupon!

    Powerful-Tonight8648 , RDNE Stock project/Pexels Report

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    zak
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I haven't paid for a haircut in at least 20 years. I got a nice barbershop-quality hair trimmer, which will basically last until i die if i take care of it, and I just buzz my own hair every couple weeks 😁👍

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    #12

    Man relaxing in a car, illustrating creative frugal hacks for saving cash. The most extreme thing I do is camp in my car two days a week. I work out of town three days a week and so rather than drive home or rent a room I go to a campground and sleep in the hatch of my car. I save a ton of money but I also just plainly enjoy it at this point. It’s so serene out there that I get great sleep and I usually bring a portable dvd player for entertainment. Then I workout in the morning at the gym and shower. So it helps keep me consistent at the gym too.

    GamingGems , Мария Кашина/Pexels Report

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    When it comes to big purchases like houses or cars, smaller is often better. A smaller home means lower utility bills and less maintenance, and a compact car is usually more fuel-efficient. Downsizing where it makes sense can free up funds for other priorities.

    #13

    I make tea and bring it to work in a big thermos. I eat leftovers from last night’s dinner for lunch.

    Darogaserik Report

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    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Leftovers are the best food, especially indian or italian food, they develop overnight

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    #14

    Hand using a wrench on a bicycle wheel, illustrating a creative frugal hack for maintenance. The most frugal thing that I’ve been the most successful with and consistent with is doing my own car repairs/maintenance. Ironically my whole family and myself drive Honda/Toyota so they barely have issues but I’ve saved myself thousands over the years by now doing it myself and I transferred those skills to help my friends and family which makes me feel better knowing I can help them out financially by doing expensive work for a lot cheaper for them.

    anythingfromtheshop , Julia Schmidt/Pexels Report

    #15

    White speaker on a black table in front of a brick wall, showcasing a creative frugal hack. We run a dehumidifier in the basement. All of the water it generates is used on plants.

    p38-lightning , HS You/Flickr Report

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    Dr Jimmy 03
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's so cool! When you can hook it up to a solar panel powering it, you can deflect negative responses here.

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    Food is another area where frugal living can make a big impact. Planning your meals in advance not only helps you avoid last-minute "I'm starving, let’s order takeout" moments, but it also reduces food waste. A little prep work can lead to big savings over time. 

    #16

    Woman hanging laundry on a clothesline outdoors, showcasing creative frugal hacks to save cash. My clothes dryer broke 7 years ago. I've been using a rack or line to dry clothes since then. Saved $ not buying a dryer, saves $ on electricity, and saves $ because clothes actually last longer since dryers cause them to wear out faster.

    Fantastic_Lady225 , Dziana Hasanbekava/Pexels Report

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    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I‘ve literally never had a dryer and I live in northern Germany. I wouldn’t dream of paying to dry things that only require time and a little air current (both free!) to dry.

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    #17

    A person using a card reader for payment over a basket of fresh produce, demonstrating frugal hacks in a grocery store. I buy my produce from a nonprofit rescues food before it heads to a landfill.

    It's $2 for about 15 lbs of food, and I live in a VHCOL city. My food budget is maybe $100 / month, when I'd previously not bat an eye spending that on a single dinner.

    FranklinsUglyDolphin , Kampus Production/Pexels Report

    #18

    Aerial view of a house with solar panels on the roof, showcasing a creative frugal hack for saving money on energy bills. Use solar panels, power stations and camping lanterns/rechargeable flashlights/etc for almost all electric in my house. It's greatly saved on my power bill, and i had all this stuff just sitting around anyway for camping, now im just making use of it around the house. I basically havent touched an actual lightswitch in over a year!!

    revelized , Kindel Media/Pexels Report

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    Chrissie Anit
    Community Member
    6 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    if you already have solar power devices at hand, good for you - if not: they are really expensive

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    Don’t shy away from secondhand products. Whether it’s furniture, clothes, or gadgets, buying pre-loved items can save you a fortune. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and gives perfectly good items a second life.

    #19

    Try to use up any item until it’s empty, broken or has no use anymore, then I can buy a replacement.

    Xxjcsxx_ Report

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    Racing Tadpole
    Community Member
    10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I zipped tied two washing baskets together as they had holes at opposite ends, voile a perfect basket 🧺

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    #20

    A woman in a white hoodie using her phone, possibly sharing creative frugal hacks to save cash. Pay as you go/prepaid phone plan $30 a month no complaints I'm not missing out on anything.

    Kangaroowrangler_02 , muhammad Shamaoon Malik/Pexels Report

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    Laura MG
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have "Visible by Verizon", no contract, 5G, unlimited text/talk/data and hotspot for $45/mo. I use the hotspot with my tablet and to stream TV. No additional wifi cost!

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    DIY projects are a frugal person’s best friend. From home decor to fixing things around the house, doing it yourself can be surprisingly fun and satisfying—not to mention it saves you from shelling out cash for things you can easily handle on your own.  

    #22

    Black gloved hand cleaning a table with a blue cloth, demonstrating a frugal cleaning hack. Tear up old, worn linens into rags to use for cleaning, and other things.

    CartographerKey7322 , Liliana Drew/Pexels Report

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    Data1001
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought everyone did this. Maybe it was just my mother, lol. But old towels, socks, t-shirts, etc. were often turned into rags. And if there was any old tattered clothing that happened to have a good design on it, they became part of a patchwork quilt.

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    #23

    Person holding a blue credit card near a laptop, illustrating frugal hacks for saving money. I used to be trigger happy with my debit card, but now I take out money for expenses for the week.
    The first month was the hardest because you're breaking old habits. That and I had to get ahead of the curve with the bills.

    Forfina , Anna Shvets/Pexels Report

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    Dr Jimmy 03
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Debit Card" is a habit I never picked up. I suppose that makes me old. Get off my lawn!

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    #24

    Air fryer and toaster on a kitchen counter, showcasing creative frugal hacks to save cash. Today, I purchased a $130 air fryer for $8. I got a $50 coupon for applying for a target red circle credit card and waited until black friday, when the item was on sale for around $58. I used my $50 coupon s well as another $2 coupon to walk out with a practically free air fryer.

    ThatPunkGinger , Lisa Fotios/Pexels Report

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    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    18 minutes ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Be careful with them, my son had a target card that was paid off and they kept sending him the last bill and adding interest to it. He sent them the copy of the last bill with the balance and a copy from the bank showing that exact amount had been paid off for months.

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    And of course, let’s not forget about coupons! They’re an absolute lifesaver when it comes to cutting costs on groceries, services, and even big-ticket items. With a little effort, you can snag some incredible deals and stretch your budget even further.

    #25

    I work construction. We often throw out a disgusting amount of cut offs and leftover lumber. Between that and landscaping cast-off that I stumble across, I have not had to buy firewood for many years (I also have a natural gas furnace but usage is reduced to less than 1/4).

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    #26

    I make my own pizza dough from scratch - flour, yeast, water etc. Buying pizza from a shop or having it delivered has gotten way too expensive.

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    #27

    Save all of your vegetable scraps, peelings, tops and bottoms of veggies etc and place them in a bag in the freezer. When the bag is full, place all these peelings in a pot, cover with water, add salt and pepper, a bay leaf etc and simmer for an hour or so. Let it cool completely then strain. Now you have homemade vegetable stock.

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    So, which of these tips do you think is the most practical—or maybe the most challenging? Do you have your own frugal living advice to share? Let us know—we’d love to hear your thoughts and learn from your experience! 

    #28

    Jars of homemade pickles on a wooden stand; creative frugal hacks for saving cash. I buy small cucumbers and put them in my pickle jar when I run out of pickles.

    Captain_Spicard , Леся Терехова/Pexels Report

    #29

    Glass of iced coffee with a bamboo straw on a wooden table, illustrating a creative frugal hack. Me and my wife have been splitting a soda when we eat out for over 30 years. Here recently we usually split a meal. They give you so much food we both end up full anyways.

    Apprehensive-Neck-12 , Olena Bohovyk/Pexels Report

    #30

    Discarded can in the bushes, a symbol for creative frugal hacks to save cash by repurposing waste. Pick up cans I find on the ground and recycle them for 10 cents.

    Cutieincalvins1020 , Lisa Fotios/Pexels Report

    #31

    Gloved hand cleaning tiles with sponge, demonstrating a frugal hack. I cut my sponges in half.

    Klutzy-Jellyfish9591 , Kaboompics.com/Pexels Report

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    Data1001
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I switched from sponges to washcloths a couple of years ago, and will never go back. They often clean better, and they are far less likely to retain bacteria (especially if you drape them over the faucet to dry after use). And when they do get too grimy or gross to use, just wash them with the rest of the laundry.

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    #32

    Black Friday 50% discount tag on denim, showcasing creative frugal hacks for cash savings. Friday in the US next week everyone else storms the electronics at Walmart but I'm grabbing 1/2 priced Turkey's and other food. I spend half of what I would for two months of cooking at home. Then I go back in throughout the following weeks for more good deals. My deep freeze is 1/4 full today...next week it's full.

    anon , Ivan Samkov/Pexels Report

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    Alice Landers
    Community Member
    14 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My local grocery store 'weekly sales' items start on Wednesday .I go in on Tuesday and lots of stuff marked down (perishables) Meat department called 'manager special' with a bright yellow sticker are marked down almost 1/2 price! of course use by date expire within 2 days usually.So use asap and freeze rest!

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    #33

    Getting into sport. All the activities I like doing are free. I usually go hiking, cycling (okay you need a bike) etc. Take a sandwich with me. I usually set off from my house, so no transport fees either. I invested in a tent, so now when I go on holiday, I hike and wild camp in the tent. Makes for a very cheap holiday.

    The other thing is asking yourself ‘do I really need this’ before buying something. Usually it’s a no.

    pallascat4life Report

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    Socks Thecate
    Community Member
    16 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Moved into a new home and a new gym was starting up in the neighborhood. For those who put money into a membership before it opened they gave a $20 membership that would never ever go up in price. It hasn't. I get yoga classes, spin classes, weight room, pool access all for $20 a month and if I go once a week it's still value for money.

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    #34

    I use fallen tree limbs as garden bed borders. They bank water and when they decay they make new soil.

    DisastrousHyena3534 Report

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    #35

    Hands counting cash with a notebook nearby, illustrating creative frugal hacks for saving money. There are a lot of frugal things I do, but the ones that have the biggest impact are tracking every penny I spend and sticking to a budget. It surprises me how many people DON'T do these. I know people who have never reconciled their accounts (checking, credit card, etc)! I use a free program called GnuCash to do these (and more... keep track of investments, net worth, etc).

    DIYnivor , Kaboompics.com/Pexels Report

    #36

    Fun thing to do is to get a small compost bin. Turn your coffee grounds,eggshells, and other organic stuff into excellent soil for plants. If you aren't into plants, there are people who would like what you have done.

    911coldiesel Report

    #37

    I shower at work for convenience and to save money. There’s a soap dispenser in the shower and fresh towels. I also take home things that are opened but not used and will be disposed of (we are allowed to). I wear clothes more than once if they aren’t dirty. I eat expired food as long as it smells and tastes ok. I pick and eat wild berries in late summer. I want to get into harvesting mushrooms too.

    Alternative-Art3588 Report

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    Verfin22
    Community Member
    1 hour ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have "work" clothes and "home" clothes. Work definitely gets washed, while home can chill for a bit unless there's an accident.

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    #38

    Person walking a dog on a grassy path during sunset, illustrating frugal outdoor exercise hacks. Save my bread bags for dog poop. They are actually really good bags for picking up dog poop though. .

    thegirlisok , Dariusz Grosa/Pexels Report

    #39

    I wash my cars using rain water to save on water bill. I soaped up my cars when I see dark clouds, and let the rain wash away the suds.

    PudjiS75 Report

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    Pernille
    Community Member
    7 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Washing your car at home is illegal where I live most of the time, it uses huge amounts of water. I just don't wash my car anymore.

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    #40

    I bring home half used soap bars from hotels that I already opened. Mostly for the environment but most people won’t bother.

    tsukieveryday Report

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    Bec
    Community Member
    14 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this too and my family makes fun of me for it, it has come in handy when we've run out of soap at home, or' we got to a place where we didn't like the soap option and I still had one from another hotel in my bag.

    #41

    I dumpster dive to supplement my grocery budget.

    Rules of thumb: I don’t do meat unless it’s refrigerator temperature outside (so, rarely, as it’s still annoyingly warm in the Boston area)

    Never take anything with a compromised packaging/seal

    Only take produce you will eat within 2-3 days, and wash thoroughly before eating.

    Have found loads of shelf-stable almond milk, cereal, cheese, yogurt, pre-made meals, snacks, chips, etc.

    Just use common sense. If it looks, smells, or tastes off don’t risk it. Been doing it for years now and not once did I get sick.

    PutNameHere123 Report

    #42

    A woman with a shopping bag turns off a light switch, demonstrating a creative frugal hack to save money. -keep my house at 50F degrees in winter and AC not kicking in until 80F degrees in summer
    -use the library and free apps like Tubi and a cheap tv antenna for most of my entertainment (books, movies, TV, sports, audiobooks, podcasts, etc.)
    -get most of my clothes at thrift shops or on clearance
    -eat probably 90% of my meals at home
    -whenever possible try to fix things myself (latest example was fixing my car AC fan myself - i am not very handy but turning a $1000 charge into the cost of half an hour and $40 for a part is worth it if there's not much chance your "repair" will just make things worse lol).

    garbageprimate , Liza Summer/Pexels Report

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    The Darkest Timeline
    Community Member
    14 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    50 F and 80 F parameters for climate control will definitely save money but are pretty extreme for most people

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    #43

    I keep a bucket in the shower that fills up with rinse water. When full, water is used to flush the toilet!

    dankmemedadbod Report

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    C Hendrix
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    During a drought, we were encouraged NOT to flush if we'd just gone #1 -- I still do that even now. (I do close the toilet lid, however.)

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    #44

    I take my clothes to the tailor to have repaired if they rip or get a hole.

    I’ve had the tailor chuckle at me for bringing her 20 dollar old navy flannels to repair but she’s happily patched the holes and I still have the shirts. Almost all my jeans have the crotches patched in them but some of those jeans I ripped the crotches on 5 + years ago and I’m still wearing them.

    The repairs are always far less than a new item would cost and I’m not creating more waste and buying more junk it’s an all around win in my book.

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    Ron Man
    Community Member
    13 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd like to know how much your tailor charges. I couldn't do that here. It would cost less to replace most things.

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    #45

    Every year in winter time I give myself a budget of around €40,- and spend it on vegetable seeds. This usually gives me a season worth of produce and more. The excess is shared between our neighbors, one neighbor had terrific strawberry plants, another great brambles, and so the exchange begun. I’d give them tomato seedlings and they would give me theirs. Now I can safely say my frugal treat is not spending any money on fruit and veg from may up to oct/nov. 😁

    (I currently buy produce again, which adds up to about 25-30 euros a week… so I guess the €40,- worth of seeds for a season is a pretty good investment.).

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    #46

    I work at a school, and any leftover school lunches in our class never go to waste. I have like 15 pizza pockets in my freezer right now, all free! 😂.

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    #47

    Bathroom sink with chrome faucet and soap dispenser, illustrating creative frugal hacks for home decor savings. I bought a few foaming hand soap dispensers a few years ago. I refill them with a quarter inch or less of Dawn dish soap in the bottom and fill the rest with hot water at a slow rate so it dosent foam, then I shake it a few times to mix it. It gives you a nice thick foam that lifts dirt and greasy goo easily. I think it is a waste of money buying the overpriced foaming hand soap every time you run out and the regular hand soap isn't as good.

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    Data1001
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bar soap always seemed like a more economical option to me. And it's easier to regulate how soapy you want your hands to get.

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    #48

    Probably track the deli and meats area for clearance. 3 weeks after super bowl you get awesome charcuterie boards you can freeze and enjoy a long while.

    But really, tracking prices and working to not pay fees or subscriptions and double points consistently.

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    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t know why but this one cracks me up! It’s the juxtaposition of the SuperBowl growly, sweaty men in tight clothes and scouting around for charcuterie, I think.

    #49

    I don’t drink anything that isn’t water, no one in my household does. We’ve kept it this way for years now.

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    Settled for Infamy
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I only drink water and tequila. Not frugal, but I hope it balances out to being semi healthy 😏

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    #50

    Wow, a lot of you guys are very frugal! I’m jealous! lol! For me, there’s things I don’t do… I don’t dye my hair or do fake lashes. If I buy make up, it’s from Walmart and it’s literally concealer and eyeliner. I feel like I’m saving that way lol..

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    Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein
    Community Member
    4 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for you. The multi billion pound makeup industry thrives by making us feel bad about our natural selves. Even if a lot of women feel they wear makeup for themselves and not for someone else, we should all still be really angry at the total lack of makeup-free female role models in the media.

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    #51

    I shop at a very popular deep-discount salvage grocer.

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    #52

    I buy bread and baked goods at 50% off only.

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    #53

    Sorry I don't have crazy answers, but I appreciate the question.

    I started saving my recycling this year, and will cash in soon to see if it's worth the haul

    I have 0.5-cup containers to freeze small amounts of food to save money and reduce food waste.

    I am trying to learn how to sew.

    I propagate the houseplants I have already instead of buying more.

    I work hard to have a deep pantry and am getting better at prepping veggies to a usable form quicker after getting them. The goal being that my fridge doesn't have food at risk of going bad very frequently. I spend a lot of time on this, but it's so satisfying to be improving the inventory system, that might just be a spicy brain thing lol.

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    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    7 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In South Africa we have informal recyclers who come around with these giant trolleys with bags on them taller than they are to get the plastic, paper, tin and glass recycling. We wash all our recycling so that it doesn't smell or stick when they come get it. The informal recycling sector is actually a big part of South Africa's economy, believe it or not.

    #54

    1) I don't go to the gym. So no need for any subscriptions or accessories. I have a portable pull-up bar, 10 kg mugdal, 3 kettlebells, and gymnastics rings. This is all I bought over the period of 3 years. And to be honest, I have kept myself not insanely fit but pretty decent. This also aligns with the minimalist and stoic philosophy, which kind of calms me in difficult situations. 

    2) Making chocolate shakes at home rather than having it outside. Not only it's cheap but also yummy and healthy. I don't use sugar (use bananas instead), plus I mix protein powder and some healthy seeds too. 

    3) I avoid eating food outside and especially ordering food online. If I go outside, I make sure that I don't spend a significant amount, and even if I do, I make sure that it's not junk but relatively a high-protein healthy diet. 

    4) I don't drink, nor do I smoke. I hate going to crowded places, so that eliminates bars and pubs too. So instead, what I do is go on treks, hikes, or cycling. Not only is this healthy for me, but it also keeps me connected to nature, and I have met some really good people that way. 

    5) I split the bill. But if I really like someone and sense that we're gonna meet again, I don't mind paying it

    6) I use a kind of bike, which gives me a good average. I have seen my friends crying over how their vehicles average is so low and fuel is getting so costly, etc. .

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    #55

    Buy lightly used shoes on ebay for 1/4 of the new price......literally 'dead mans shoes' sometimes.

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    8 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The tip/dump shop near me has had brand new shoes sometimes- I don't know why they go there instead of the op shop/thrift store, but at least people can buy them for cheaper instead of them going into landfil.

    #56

    You'd be surprised what food scraps can hide in either smoothies or desserts. Most of the time, I don't tell.

    Also we are replanting pineaapple tops in a sunny section of our large yard that yield the most delicious, albeit slow growing, fruit. We have quite a few banana plants too that are prolific with both flavorful fruit and new plants.

    Also, I've lost weight and a girlfriend gained so we swapped wardrobes.

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    8 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a book No Waste Kitchen that has recipes for things people mustn't usually cook with. It surprised me some things, because I grew up with my mum using as much of vegetables as possible. Like using the leaves of celery as well as the stems in soup or the both the green and white parts of spring onions.

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    #57

    I water down our Sunny Delight…can get about twice the volume. Kids have never noticed!

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    #58

    When a bank has a cash reward for opening a new account with ACH, I transfer the minimum from savings to the account and set up a small deposit from my paycheck until the requirements are met.

    Its been a few hundred bucks each time.

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    #59

    Bidet and washable cotton mini towels to pad dry. I haven’t bought TP since the great shortage of 2020.

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    Socks Thecate
    Community Member
    16 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do still buy TP but the bidet has cut down use so much. Love it, no wasting those disposable mini wipes, think TP use has been cut in half.

    #60

    Fill empty/dead space of my fridge with water gallons or bottles.

    Water holds as a thermal mass better than air. You don't want to overfill and make it hard for air to circulate, but filling voids with liquids is far more efficient for the fridge.

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    #61

    Close-up of two plugs in a wall socket, illustrating creative frugal hacks to save cash. Unplug my tv every night to save on electricity. I have a meter and realized it uses about 100watts/hr while not in use ....

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    #62

    I carry a flask of coffee around but I know someone that carries tea bags around and asks for hot water.

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    #63

    I reuse tea bags multiple times throughout the day.

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    #64

    Taking the extra roll of toilet paper when leaving a hotel. (Along with the facial tissue).

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    Laura Lawson
    Community Member
    14 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is stealing & raises the cost of the room. False economy in my books.

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    #65

    I use baking soda as deodorant. .

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    8 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not sure why this was down voted. If it works then there is no problem. I made my own deodorant with coconut oil and bi carb but I am going to swap to vinegar with the oil because the way the oil sets, all the bi carb settled at the bottom and made it too grainy when you get about halfway through. It worked to stop smelly pits though.

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    #66

    I don't pay for media (movies, tv, books)! discovering how to do it has saved so much money. is it illegal? eh probably but finders keepers.

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