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45 People Share Which Frugal Choices Are Absolutely Worth It And Which Are A Waste Of Time
I'll admit – I sometimes fall victim to the spending bug. Online shopping makes it especially easy to buy things on a whim, which, if you don't have a lot of self-control, can become a pretty bad habit over time.
The rate at which Americans are saving up for the future has been decreasing lately. The personal savings rate jumped incredibly high during the pandemic, with people staying at home and not spending money and all. So we might still be seeing consequences today.
Still, advice from frugal people never hurt anybody. That's why we're bringing you some money-saving tips from two threads online. In one, people shared the frugal choices that were absolutely worth their time. In another, they revealed which ones are actually a huge waste of time.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Not having children.
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#2
ALWAYS paying off the credit card bills in full every month. Knowing the cc company is floating me money and not making a dime off me in interest is extremely satisfying.
Making dinner at home every night - I get food prepared exactly the way I want it, it’s less expensive and healthier.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
My tip would be not having credit cards...(I know in the US this is hard because of credit scores, not that I really understand that)
#3
Buying thick curtains. One time purchase for long term savings energy bill wise. AC/Heat is very expensive these days.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
Makes a big difference during summer in Australia. When I've lived in rentals where the standard window coverings are louvered blinds it was always more likely to get really hot. Now I have the blinds closed and on many days that makes it cool enough for me, though my dad will put the air con on. Even better, at the house I grew up in we also had outdoor blinds we pulled down in summer. We had a pretty ancient, ineffective air con (pretty sure my grandad put it in when he built the place in 1974) but we rarely used it.
#4
Buying Christmas/Birthday gifts year round. I shop clearance everywhere I go and have a covered bin in the attic for all things gift.
Edit: this has also helped for last minute invites to birthday parties or special occasions.
ScrapieChick 2 weeks ago
I really struggle with anxiety and I am not a fan of most types of shopping, but if I am out and about and see something that I think "that belongs in X's life" ill pick it up and then save it to give to the person for Christmas or Birthday. Obviously there are plenty of times I haven't picked something up that way and have to shop for gifts and the anxiety having a deadline is horrendous.
#5
Packing my lunch every day. My colleagues spend $10-15/day purchasing lunch. I bring leftovers in a microwave dish with some snacks like Greek yogurt, hummus & crackers, and fruit. It's insanely cheaper.
#6
Allways buy the cheap storebrand grocery products if they exist for the product. Can often save between 20-60% on these items.
#7
It isn't particular to money but being friendly with neighbors and seeking out the advice of my older coworkers has saved me so much money.
Having engine trouble?
I describe it to Dave and he'll tell me it's the throttle body gasket causing the misfire. He's been right 17 out of 17 times. He used to have the same car, he might even have some spark plugs and ignition coils for it at home. He's saved me so much time and money.
Need a tool but can't afford to buy or rent it right now?
Well, my neighbor heard me cursing about it and is really grateful that I shoveled their sidewalk all winter so he left it at the door along with some of their homegrown tomatoes for me to borrow without even asking.
My boss heard me whining about not having any counter space and gave me a cabinet we built for a product line that never left R&D.
There are countless examples of this.
#8
Trying to save money on moving. Hiring professional movers is always the right choice for me. The stress of family, tempers, fatigue is too much.
#9
Unplugging my electric dryer during this heatwave from hell. Putting up a rotary clothesline I had in storage. My clothes dry outside anywhere from 40 minutes to one hour and 20 minutes. Should have started this midwinter (it never really got cold). I’m not heating up my house with the dryer, thus making the air conditioner work harder. My electric bill is lower. I get a bit of exercise.
#10
Cheap toilet paper. I can use the good Charmin I love that does the job with much less, or I can use 2-3x as much cheap toilet paper.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
This is what I don't get about schools and public places using the single ply paper. Surely they would find it just as, if not more expensive than quality paper, because people use more of it?
#11
Meal planning/making a shopping list full of cheap ingredients that are flexible and last for a while like potatoes and celery.
#12
I’ve gotten quite good at sewing and crafts, and have learned to do so quite cheaply. Everyone gets handmade gifts from me and they love them.
whineygingercat 3 weeks ago
I took a set of queen sized sheets that don't fit my double pillow top mattress and turned them into a set of twin sized sheets that fit the spare room bed perfectly. I love my Singer sewing machine
#13
Buying a house that cost about half as much as I could “afford.”.
Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein 3 weeks ago
Bank told us we could get a mortgage for £250k but we bought a house for £100k and made maximum overpayments to pay it off in 9 years instead of 25. Now we both work part time.
#14
I learned to start plants from seed instead of buying plant starts. Bonus - you get a wider variety of plants to choose from also.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
I've never had the confidence for this. If they are in packets I will likely forget them (I actually have ones my mum gave me two years ago) whereas if I see the plant in a pot I am more likely to realise it needs to be planted. Also, I did try seed once, for a ground cover, and none of it grew. I know it would be cheaper (my mum actually collects her own seeds a lot) but I am too forgetful for it.
#15
Small one, making bread. We have a bread machine and our bread tastes better, is astronomically less expensive, doesn't have questionable ingredients, and is easy with the machine. Absolute win.
Ryan-James O'Driscoll 2 weeks ago
Good for families, less so for individuals or couples unless you eat a lot of bread.
#16
So many food choices. Even fast food is outrageously expensive.
Prepare food at home. I probably paid for my instant pot in a week or two by simply using it to prepare meals ahead of time.
Traveling Lady Railfan 3 weeks ago
I prepare food at home and love doing it (but the time/skill involved...that has cost too) Today, I washed and cut up four large squash from the garden, roasted them (three batches of 4 baking sheets, 1 hour per batch) then cleaned everything up. It was so much work. 20 hours later my house still smells like roasted yummy. Time / money. You're going to spend one way or another.
#17
Buying meat in bulk and breaking it down into smaller packages at home
The cost difference is staggering.
Most small packages of meat are only a small amount list than the cost of the larger uncut meat. Like hamburger. I can buy 12lbs for the same cost as $5lbs in shall packages.
Traveling Lady Railfan 3 weeks ago
Buying in bulk (large quantities= cheaper per pound) doesn't seem to be a thing much anymore. I always look at the price per weight and depending on the store, there's not a lot of difference. And having/running a large freezer costs money every day, too.
#18
Switching out cat litter. Went from a good brand but also came with a higher price tag to the one at Costco. Deep cleaning the litterboxes became a weekly chore because of how much that cheap litter got stuck everywhere. Went back to the original litter and never again will I switch.
Cheryl May 2 weeks ago
For several years we used Feline Pine cat litter, which we and the cats loved for its natural smells and environmental friendliness. Cost around $20-25 for a 40lb bag. Then we discovered that you could buy 40lb bags of pine "horse pellets" from the farm store for $6-7. Exact same stuff. Huge money saver for us!!!
#19
Eating less in general, and now what I eat is whole foods I cook myself. I had weight to lose anyway. Seems silly to eat calories that I then have to spend extra time exercising hard to burn off.
Also, I stopped drinking alcohol. That saves so much money, and I didn't really drink much.
Traveling Lady Railfan 3 weeks ago
It takes a lot of training to learn that when your mouth "wants something/I could eat"...does not mean your body needs food. Retraining your hunger cues and food preferences (away from desiring sugar/fat/salt) is HARD but worth it
#20
Minimalism. I only purchase items that bring long-term value to my life, food, and consumables. "Value" is subjective and will be specific to you.
For example, I do own guitars and a drum kit, but not a television. If I think I want something, I add it to a wish list for at least 2 weeks so I can evaluate it. How often will I use it? Do I just think it's cool or do I actually need it? Will having this new thing make me happier? Why? I don't purchase immediately unless there's a need to do that.
I'm able to save a lot more. Ordering takeout less often helps, too. I cook most of my meals now.
#21
Coupon clipping
I spend less money when not shopping the coupons. Lol
The thing was even if I had the coupon there was always a cheaper option so I didn't use them anyway. I stopped bothering with coupons a long time ago.
Traveling Lady Railfan 3 weeks ago
That USED to bee a savings but not anymore (where I live, anyway). The coupon value has gone dramatically down (ex instead of 75% off with coupon, it's 10%) and the cost of the newspaper you have to buy to get the coupon has gone dramatically up (ex instead of $0.50, $4.00)
#22
Working out. Best thing for my mental and physical health and investment in my future.
keyboardtek 2 weeks ago
The small town we retired to has a health membership for $160 a year that gives us access to an indoor aquatics center and a full exercise equipment building as well as a gym for pickleball. The best $160 I ever spent.
#23
My wife and I drove two states over to pickup a brand new stove and microwave (that we found on FB marketplace) for what seemed like a good deal.
Of course, neither one of us had a truck big enough, so we had to rent a u-haul. And pay for the gas. And lose a day.
When we arrived, it wasn't quite the model we were expecting from the listing, but we had come too far at this point. Literally. So we took it.
Later, I found that exact model on eBay. It would've cost about the same to have it delivered.
#24
Driving ten hours each way instead of flying. It'd make sense if it were more than one person, but I only saved like $100 and it was stressful
Maisey Myles 3 weeks ago
I love a good road trip and having my own car wherever I end up. Flying is such a mess now
#25
i heated my house with a wood burning stove for 2 years.
spent a ton of time making firewood,
managed to tear my shoulder up chopping wood, now i have an injury i have to do special exercises to keep my shoulder normal.
my roof got dirty as hell with all the soot combining with water or fog and landing on the roof.
ended up buying a hydrolic splitter after the injury, so waste of money there.
it was cool having $80 electric bills in winter, and i didnt mind the exercise or getting as much heat as i wanted. it was nice converting the random wood from around my property into something useful.
it was just all in all a waste of time, money, and compounded problems/injuries.
i did keep the stove, if shit ever hits the fan, its nice knowing i wont freeze to death without electricity. the damn lifetime shoulder injury is the real drawback from the experience.
Jared C 3 weeks ago
I'll be 60 next year. I've used a wood stove in my house for heat in the winter for 30 years with absolutely no problems. If you are going to seriously commit to using something like that you need to commit to acquiring the correct (and quality) tools to go with it, such as chainsaws, splitting wedges, machine-type, ring, and/or manual slide splitters. I have axes. But I do not "chop" wood. My splitters do that. From fallen dead trees/branches on my property I can produce 2-3 days worth of firewood in 30 minutes or less without touching an axe and can keep my house at 75-80F when it is 30F outside. Things like heat powered fans are also a plus when using a wood stove as a main home heat source.
#26
DIY projects usually end up costing more than if I bought the dang thing.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
Depends if it's something you are already skilled in or is easy to learn.
#27
Meal planning, including “treat nights.” I know I never want to cook on Tuesdays, so that’s my DoorDash night. Once a week is fine with my budget. The rest of the time, eat what’s on the list.
Riley Quinn 2 weeks ago
Once a month for me. But having a treat night is good for your mental health which has it's own cost.
#28
I got a bidet. Feel way cleaner and TP use is reduced by 90%!
Green Tree 3 weeks ago
Ok every time bidet is brought up people have questions and misconceptions. It is not showering your entire backside using tons of water and needing a towel after. Think water fountain /drinking fountain instead. So your standing at the drinking fountain with your mouth closed letting the water rinse your lips, that's about what is going on at the other end of the digestive tract. It's not getting your entire face wet, it's not gallons of water, you don't need to take off your shirt or need a towel after. Just the water fountain hitting your lips and falling right back into the basin
#29
Creating an amazon wishlist. Before amazon discontinued their browser plugin to bookmark from any site I saved so much money adding things to a list that I thought I needed or wanted to buy.
I would eventually go through the list and a huge amount of things weren’t even available anymore because I had forgotten about them for so long. I’ve since created a google doc with the same purpose. Its been so helpful in saving money and realizing I truly don’t need a lot. Impulse spending has been drastically cut.
Upstaged75 2 weeks ago
I have more than 5 different Amazon lists for various things. It's great for gift giving. If I see something I think my SIL will like I put it in that list. Same with my niece and nephew.
#30
Reusable menstruation products. It’s kind of a pain and time suck to hand wash my pads BUT I’m saving at least $10 every period. My reusable products have paid for themselves many times over.
Huddo's sister 2 weeks ago
Despite the messiness, I love my menstrual cup! It saves so much, especially since the price has gone down by about 30% in the 10 years since I bought my first one. It also doesn't have to be emptied as often and pads/tampons have to be.
#31
Learning to fix my own car.
London Paris 2 weeks ago
Great idea in theory but, as an example, I had to change the starter motor on my 2008 Impreza: broke three sockets and had to take to mechanic. Later found out the bolt is over six inches long and required better tools than mine. Can't do anything about a/C or computers . . .I have unused tools sitting in my garage for nigh on ten years now: modern cars are too sophisticated nowadays.
#32
Canning. Many of my jars are free or dirt cheap, I look for lids with end of season discounts, and buy veggies from farmers markets. One garden lost with divorce, second with boss's marriage, but I'll find another one someday.
Thrifted clothes whenever possible. I mend them myself with a reconditioned school machine. Not good at making clothes but I do good curtains if I can get discount fabric.
Giving up fancy hair for DIY. One too many stylists butchered my hair and I decided that if it was going to be ruined, I could do that myself for free. Chose a simple style, bought some inexpensive shears off eBay, and eliminated an expense and a stressor.
Huddo's sister 2 weeks ago
All of my clothes bar undies, socks and swimwear are second hand. I also cut my own hair- it's curly so it doesn't matter if it's cut slightly unevenly.
#33
Making homemade laundry detergent. I saved a dollar, I spent 15 minutes handgrating a Fels Naptha bar into tiny pieces, my laundry felt slimy and smelled funny.
Green Tree 3 weeks ago
Bit a good thing to know is you can use a remarkably small amount of laundry detergent. Those giant cap cups are purposefully misleading plus the majority of laundry getting cleaned is the mechanical action of the cloth getting agitated, not soap. So get to know the actual suggested amount to use which is probably only a couple spoonfuls (think those pre measured pods) and if you are really in a pinch run the clothes with no soap at all
#34
Driving to a gas station that is far away just to save 15c a gallon
Mike Loux 3 weeks ago
Kroger gas station + Kroger Plus customer card + shopping on Fridays to earn fueling points = discounts at the pump. Today I filled up for $1 off per gallon. Not always that good, but frequently is. Plus it's a 10 minute drive from home and I'm going there to shop anyway, so it's not a detour.
#35
I absolutely hated grinding my own coffee beans. I hated cleaning the grinder. So I went back to ground beans for my cold brew and noticed only positive improvements.
#36
Man o man did I spend money on rainwater barrels that I never set up and became a home for mosquitos.
Green Tree 3 weeks ago
Too bad! My county has rain barrel workshops a couple times a year where $30 gets you all the materials and a demonstration on how to set up and use. We have two and they are really nice for watering the garden all summer without having to use the hose
#37
Getting a nicer vacuum sealer and a chest freezer were very helpful choices. We got the sealer as a Christmas gift and the freezer was left by my BIL when he moved. Both have gotten us through a couple months of little-no income when they were fully stocked with couponed or discount foods.
Also checking weekly grocery deals and sales. I split shopping between Safeway and Fred meyers. they’re across the street from each other so I don’t care about wasting gas. Freddie’s has fuel points that helps a ton and free points for taking weekly surveys. Safeway consistently has coupon savings and member savings, so I usually add $100 worth in the cart and check out for $40-50.
UncleJohn3000 2 weeks ago
I use the vacuum sealer as intended for things going into the freezer but it gets far more use resealing chip and cereal bags.
#38
Buying whole fruit (watermelon, grapefruit, cantaloupe, pineapple, oranges, etc), cutting them up, and refrigerating them. I can’t believe how much prepared fruit costs and it never tastes as good.
Robin Roper 2 weeks ago
Also buying fruit in season only. A watermelon in December will have been grown in a country far away from where I live, picked unripe, transported a far distance only to have no taste. It's such a waste.
#39
Bought a used Chevy Volt in 2016 for around 8K still going plus just got a free battery replacement, so like a new vehicle now. Charge on 110V and never worry about range unlike Tesla. I use about $20 in electricity in a month and fill gas about 2-3x a year.
Kicker is worth 8-10K today.
Traveling Lady Railfan 3 weeks ago
I just asked a friend yesterday...he has a 2022 electric something or other (not hybrid) and it was on a "slow charger" at a place we were at. He said the cost was $2/hr, and in 3 hrs the car got enough to bring him home (about 150 km) where he could connect to his home charger on "super low overnight electricity costs". Most gas cars get 20ish mi per gallon at about $1.50ish per liter right now, so it would have cost about double if he'd had a gas car (Um...I know. Miles, kilometers, liters, gallons?? That's Canadian driving math.)
#40
I tried to groom my dog myself, cut her and ended up at the vet getting stitches. Tried to save 60$ and ended up spending 150..
#41
Moved close to my job.
WalterWhiteSavannah 2 weeks ago
I've saved money moving away from my job. 40 mins driving round trip and I still save hundreds a month. Even close to a grand. I live in a tiny town that's the last affordable place in the southern interior. I'd easily pay an extra 750 or more in rent to live in the city I work in. And even then would still need a car for shopping and likely to get to work still as well.
#42
1 liter bottles of high end shampoo and conditioner at TJMaxx -$20 but they last over a year.
featherytoad 2 weeks ago (edited)
I switched to Dove moisturizing shampoo/conditioner. My hair was so soft and tangle free. I then decided to try just the shampoo to see what would happen. I no longer need to buy conditioner because my hair is still so soft and what tangles I get are easily combed through. I also save on water and time.
#43
Making homemade butter from heavy cream in my mixer. I found I still needed to use store bought butter in my baking and some main dish recipes. It tasted great but it didn't save any on the grocery bill.
Kelly Scott 2 weeks ago
The cream to buy to make the butter with is super expensive. I'd wager I spent about $8 a pound making a pound of butter from cream. For that price, I'd rather buy Kerrygold.
#44
Cord cutting I spend more on subscriptions now.
MotherRobinson 3 weeks ago
Yeah, but less commitment. If you don't like one streaming service you can just cancel without absurd contact fees.
#45
Taking public transportation to and from work.
What do you think ?
Alex Boyd 3 weeks ago
Randomly mixing the good tips and the "not worth it" ones sure was a choice, huh? It was a little fun trying to guess from the first line what each one would be.
Rob D 2 weeks ago
Been on this site for years now. Interesting that they've started a premium paid tier, because over the last few months the quality of content has plummeted.
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Lyone Fein 2 weeks ago
The best frugal thing I did was to move out of an urban environment and to a small town. The cost of living is less than half of what it was in the city. Plus the air is cleaner, the crime is much lower, there is much less stress in general.
John W 2 weeks ago
I can't believe that riding a bike is not in the list. You save time otherwise stuck in traffic, Very low maintenance, no gas needed, and it's great for your physical and mental health.
Neb 2 weeks ago
I think a lot depends on your situation. I live relatively close to work, and with car my drive takes around 10 min in the morning, 15 if I count parking and going from-to with elevator rides. Biking would take me 30+ min just riding. Public transport - 1h+, walking 2.5h. Not sure about mental health when you have to ride during the rain or other bad weather.
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Alex Boyd 3 weeks ago
Randomly mixing the good tips and the "not worth it" ones sure was a choice, huh? It was a little fun trying to guess from the first line what each one would be.
Rob D 2 weeks ago
Been on this site for years now. Interesting that they've started a premium paid tier, because over the last few months the quality of content has plummeted.
Load More Replies... Lyone Fein 2 weeks ago
The best frugal thing I did was to move out of an urban environment and to a small town. The cost of living is less than half of what it was in the city. Plus the air is cleaner, the crime is much lower, there is much less stress in general.
John W 2 weeks ago
I can't believe that riding a bike is not in the list. You save time otherwise stuck in traffic, Very low maintenance, no gas needed, and it's great for your physical and mental health.
Neb 2 weeks ago
I think a lot depends on your situation. I live relatively close to work, and with car my drive takes around 10 min in the morning, 15 if I count parking and going from-to with elevator rides. Biking would take me 30+ min just riding. Public transport - 1h+, walking 2.5h. Not sure about mental health when you have to ride during the rain or other bad weather.
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