Join the Fun!

artlessdodger10 , Creative Christians Report

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Put stuff in a virtual cart. Leave it. Mull it over for a few days. The urge usually passes, and that's when I realize it wasn't a real need and something else — boredom, insidious advertising, etc.

Final score:

233points

POST

LRevello 2 years ago

Also - the longer you let it sit in your cart without buying the chances of being emailed a COUPON for your purchase gets higher!

6points

ReadingReddit9898 , Leif Christoph Gottwald Report

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver We keep two 5L bottles by the shower and fill them up before taking a shower so we aren't wasting the running water while waiting for the water to be hot enough to shower. We then use this water to mop the floor and water plants. It has actually reduced our water bill quite a bit and helps us save water.

Final score:

200points

POST

Brendan Roberts 2 years ago

We do this with our kitchen tap too. We fill up a container while waiting for the water to heat up (for washing dishes/counters), and pour the water into our water butt.

37points

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Having spares. Took me a long time to get my wife to do this. You have a toothpaste, or a tin of coffee or whatever. The next time it goes on sale, you buy it, even if it's next week. Then once you finish the first and open the second you watch for sales again.

Exekiel , Markus Spiske Report

Final score:

190points

POST

mulk 2 years ago

Yep: Do this for many thing: toilet paper, tooth paste, tooth brush, shampoo, etc.. When the Covid began: I had a good stock of everything before every people rush the supermarket

43points

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver It's not a hack of any sorts, but learning how to cook really well has been my best money saver. I almost never want to go out, because I can generally cook better food at home.

Today's dinner (egg roll in a bowl made with marinaded chicken thighs) came out to less than $2 per portion and was within my veggie-heavy diet.

OneFingerIn , Max Delsid Report

Final score:

155points

POST

Ozzie Ogawa 2 years ago

Learning to cook saved me a lot of money

46points

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver I am dying my black clothes black, its great. The stuff looks like new, even though i had those short pants for 14 years

very-simple-guy , Irma Sophia Report

Final score:

153points

POST

tomchambers 2 years ago

I bet Kelly Richards doesn't do any of these, You know, because she makes $92 per hour working from home!

71points

This is common sense to me, but I know a lot of people around here who don’t live this way: in the cold months I wear long sleeves/enough long sleeved clothing. I avoid turning the heat on unless I’m actually cold instead of cranking up the heat so I can wear a t-shirt and shorts

Electrikitty85 Report

Final score:

151points

POST

Tina Girard 2 years ago

and in the warm months, if you're wearing long sleeves and sweats, or you have to cover up with a blanket in the living room, the AC is set TOO COLD. (This one is for you, fruit of my loins!)

76points

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Cutting my sponges in half. There’s nothing a whole sponge can do that a half one can’t. It’s easily the most simple frugal thing I’ve done that literally doubled my life of a product.

Lopsidedlopside , Artem Makarov Report

Final score:

141points

POST

mulk 2 years ago

Oh! Nice one... I gonna do this when I am back home this evening!

30points

Magickmaster 8 2 years ago

First rule of the internet…. Don’t tell people when you aren’t home.

3points

Sarah Barker 2 years ago

My sponges have life cycles. First they're a dish sponge. Then a sink scrubber. Once they're done with that, they scrub the bath. Finally they get demoted to a toilet scrubber, then thrown in the bin.

9points

Yayheterogeneity 2 years ago

Better: buy washable ones. Last for ages.

7points

Tassenküchlein168 2 years ago

Yeah, we're just back from a world journey trip from the savings!

4points

Sally Barry 2 years ago

Yes! I took a cruise on the Danube!

0points

Vicki Thill 2 years ago

I do this too. Honestly, I don't do it to be frugal, although it is, but because they fit in my hand better.

2points

elcee 2 years ago

I don't like a small sponge, but I do keep the clean by always rinsing and propping up to dry overnight. and get sopping wet w hydrogen peroxide once a week or so to help keep it clean. wish I liked dish rags, but I really can't stand them : /

1point

Ripples 2 years ago

This type of sponge harbors bacteria. Brushes and silicone sponges are more hygienic.

1point

LaToya Mack 2 years ago

Bacteria throw it away use brushes.

1point

Sawdust 2 years ago

Hmm, if a half sponge work's OK , how about a quarter sponge...? :-)

1point

Auntriarch 2 years ago

No. Thirds, yes.

1point

Richard Keel 2 years ago

Since I worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant as a teen, I've wanted to have the comically oversized dish-sponges. I found them in a store a few years back, bought a pack and washed my dishes in luxury (until I moved to a house with a dishwasher)

0points

Michele Lanham 2 years ago

I do this!!

0points

Sapna Sarfare 2 years ago

Yes exactly

0points

Suck it Trebek 2 years ago

I cut my SOS pads into quarters. I never use a whole one without it rusting between my first and second use.

0points

David Timmons 2 years ago

I like this

0points

Melene Majlovic 2 years ago

But these sponges emit microplastic into the water....

0points

Paul Z. 2 years ago

Yep. That works great 👍🏻

0points

Jennifer Norton 2 years ago

Never really thought about this, but am going to start doing this, great tip!

0points

Bex 2 years ago

Yup, been doing this for years. Mom makes fun of me bc I buy my sponges at the dollar store, too, lol

0points

Edurne 2 years ago

I do this too... cutting sponges in half makes it easier to clean glass cups, the whole sponge doesn't fit inside

0points

Kristy 2 years ago

I've been doing this for a long time. Great idea!!

0points

Lothriel 2 years ago

Doing that for about 4-5 years, and yes, I can confirm that

0points

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver I can't stress this enough. Porridge for breakfast. It's roughly €0.06 per person if you only added water and salt. With a little milk, fruit, and other toppings it can still be as little as €0.50 per person. Plus oats keep you full for a long time and are amazing for your health.

Here in Ireland a 1.5kg bag of rolled oats is €3. You don't need to spring for expensive brand names. Any rolled oats will do.

Mix 0.5 cups of dry oats with 1.5 cups of any preferred liquid per person. Leave this mixture in a saucepan on medium heat and walk away for 15 to 20 minutes. Go take a shower. Get dressed, etc. Cooking oats slow gives them their creaminess. When you come back, give it a couple of stirs and add more liquid if you like a creamier consistency. Add your desired topping. And that's it. Even plain salted porridge with a little bit of milk can be really delicious and very easy on the stomach. It's actually really great hangover food.

GiveMeThePeatBoys , Millie Mae Report

Final score:

125points

POST

Andi 2 years ago

try making it the night before - leave it in the fridge and in the morning just pop it in the microwave for a minute or two - job done..

43points

#10

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Definitely growing our own veggies and herbs! I dry the herbs and use all winter!

dahlhouse21 , Dan Gold Report

Final score:

120points

POST

Xottel 2 years ago

Wait! Is that why it's called 'seasoning'?!

40points

Neither-Welder5001 , Volha Flaxeco Report

#11

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Buy good quality clothes, learned basic sewing and hemming to tailor them and look good. I air dry them and they look good for a long time.
Sometimes there are great sales on jeans that are too long for my size. I learned to sew a French hem to keep the original hem.

Final score:

107points

POST

Mermaid Elle-Jaye 2 years ago (edited)

This one is awesome, being short I learnt early to tailor my clothes, people think I spend a lot on clothes also but I don’t. I also will intentionally buy broken clothing items I know I can remake or fix

37points

#12

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver I buy all my furniture and clothes (except underwear) in thrift stores.

MotherOfGeeks , Becca McHaffie Report

Final score:

104points

POST

Nikki Sevven 2 years ago

Nearly all of the furniture in my home began life as a hand-me-down from a relative (who either passed away or was moving and wanted to downsize). All of it is quality wood furniture...no particle board c**p. It's a bit time-consuming to refinish, but totally worth it.

23points

pbandfish_sandwich Report

#13

For our family it was scaling down our food consumption to actual serving sizes and making that amount. I was cooking way too much food and we were all way overeating.

Final score:

101points

POST

K. Lange 2 years ago

It was hard for me to learn to cook for 2 instead of four. Until i learned there were lots of leftovers each time.

27points

dayglo_nightlight , r. nial bradshaw Report

#14

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver This is more environmental than frugal, but I started using kitchen towels instead of paper towels for most tasks. A roll of paper towels used to last me two weeks. Now I buy a three pack once a year.

Final score:

99points

POST

Lothriel 2 years ago

I m using very rarely paper towels. Since i was a kid(20 years ago) my mom used only fabric towels. It reaches a point that you are emotionally attached to one of them. LOL

37points

#15

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Hang drying clothes helps them last longer

barkle , Nick Page Report

Final score:

98points

POST

Irishwoman abroad 2 years ago

Unless you live in sunny Spain, where you need to make sure they're in the shade in summer! Otherwise, your clothes are completely faded by the end of the season. But drying them outdoors is definitely the way to go.

55points

CareerAdviceThrowMe Report

#16

Taking care of my body, exercising, going to the dentist proactively to avoid future costs.

Final score:

95points

POST

SSG49 2 years ago

Preventative care is so important!

35points

#17

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Selling my car and using a bicycle instead. Made me richer, fitter, and happier in one fell swoop!

1ksassa , Clem Onojeghuo Report

Final score:

92points

POST

ben woskje 2 years ago

For us - we went from 2 cars down to 1 car.... when combining work from home, riding my bike where possible and general less usage - it has had a similar-ish effect as far as saving money and being slightly fitter. no car would be great - but not realistic depending on where you live and the stage of your life.

36points

#18

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Budgeting with cash envelopes. Having a budget for everything has been the ultimate frugal hack. Do I want to spend my $60 food budget on a takeout dinner or go wild at an outlet store and get two weeks worth of food?

ss111 , Alexander Mils Report

Final score:

87points

POST

GirlFriday 2 years ago

I do this. I love this method for budgeting.

19points

#19

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Live in a small place. Buy (or rent) the smallest, cheapest place in the nicest neighborhood you can afford- especially if you have kids. Always drive your used car into the ground. You can get a gabillion repairs for the same amount most people spend on car payments. Understand that eating out comes from the entertainment budget, NOT the food budget.

mnorsky , Patrick Perkins Report

Final score:

83points

POST

Hedgeh og 2 years ago

Do NOT drive your used car into the ground; at that point it's probably inefficient on gas/petrol, and possibly leaking oil. Don't c**p on the local environment to be a cheapskate.

33points

#20

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver About 1x a year I go through all of our monthly expenditures and see if I can get a better deal on anything - like cell phones, internet, insurance, etc. Also if there are any monthly memberships of any sort I cancel whatever we don't use regularly. I usually end up saving at least a hundred dollars a month!

Also I joined the local "Buy Nothing" groups on Facebook and I have gotten so much free stuff - for example, my daughter wanted to try piano lessons but I doubted she would stick with it, so I put an ISO for a free keyboard - and someone gave us one! Also I've even received for free small things like painting supplies and an A/C filter. And I've given away a lot of things too.

Dogzmomma , Towfiqu barbhuiya Report

Final score:

81points

POST

Troux 2 years ago

When I was 19-25ish, I would shop for car insurance every 6 months, and always save at least $100 over 6 months by switching. It eventually normalizes, of course.

13points

#21

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Woman here:
Menstrual cup a one time expense that may last for up to 10 years. I've had mine for 5 years and I really I had known about these since my early 20s.

Safety razor, I think I paid like $15 bucks for it and a 250 pack replacement razors. It's been 5 years and still haven't had to buy more.

Bonus is less stuff going to landfills.

_-Mayday-_ , Rebecca Manning Report

Final score:

74points

POST

Tigerpacingthecage 2 years ago

Menstrual cups are great. And if you can't use one (for various reasons) I really like period underwear as well - quite expensive to buy but doesn't feel like you're wearing a diaper (compared to pads) and more eco-friendly. Plus reusable obviously so no need to buy products every month.

48points

#22

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Some of these are kinda weird but here we go:

1) Get a bidet: it takes a little bit to get used to, but once you do, you'll never feel cleaner. That and your TP will go a lot longer.

2) Get a bunch of old rags and wash & reuse them instead of paper towels or anything to wash your hands. You can usually find these cheap if you look around and will save you a ton of money in the long run compared to paper towels.

3) Costco Membership: costco is extremely brand conscious and their products are really high quality and depending on what you buy, can last you a considerable amount of time. More so, the buying in bulk helps out, their gas is noticeably cheaper than anywhere else, and their customer service and the way they treat their employees is light years ahead of any other retailer i ever dealt with.

4) Switch to LED bulbs - they last longer, are cost effective now to other lightbulbs and use a fraction of the energy so you save more money too.

5) Make sure you keep your tire pressure right and to also change air filters yourself. These seem like easy things to gloss over but will save you a ton of money on getting better gas mileage and also just saving you maintenance costs as well. Also, the air filter replacements at most garages cost for some reason way more than they should. Go on YouTube and you'll find videos of how to do it, and you'll be more well-rounded. It's pretty dang easy.

6) Get sleep (and a good mattress if you can). I found i spend more money or dont function as good and spend more time on needless stuff/redoing things if im sleep deprived. Getting that good sleep is free and you're health and happiness.....health is wealth!

ThatChicagoDuder , Funky Tee Report

Final score:

74points

POST

Zero 2 years ago

Gotta be price conscious with Costo. Some things are a great deal (like pills and meat), but many other things you actually pay more for the same quantity.

16points

#23

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Growing my own vegetables from seeds, in my own little patch of land. And then canning those.

HotChildinDaCity , Markus Spiske Report

Final score:

73points

POST

Huddo's sister 2 years ago

I just got my first lot of veg planted today!

28points

deltacurious , National Cancer Institute Report

#24

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Any meds that are out of pocket, I asked the doc to prescribe the generic ones

Final score:

70points

POST

El Dee 2 years ago

We are fortunate here with universal free healthcare and free prescriptions, there is literally nothing to pay, ever..

40points

#25

Joining local Buy Nothing and secondhand groups. I've basically outfitted most of my house and garden for free or very cheap thanks to them. Furniture, kids clothes, plants, etc. The quality is actually better than most newer bargain c**p and plus it's better for the environment. As a bonus, when I am done with something I just pass it on and it stays out of landfill. Win win really.

Arrowmatic Report

Final score:

68points

POST

Vicki Thill 2 years ago

I caught my neighbor going through my garbage and putting stuff in her car. I went out to see if she was okay or needed something specific, and she said that I throw away too many good things. From that day on, I put anything that I no longer want or need outside in my front yard for free. My favorite is when someone knocks on the door to ask if the free sign is for real. It's a great way to meet, honest, friendly, excited people. I'll never forget the little girl who asked if she could take the short white wooden garden fencing, that I had put out. Later she showed me a picture of her bunny playing in a fenced in area of her lawn she created. Not everybody is collecting stuff for a garage sale, give it away for free if you can.

53points

#26

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Using curbside pickup through my local grocery store app. My account is connected, so I get points and can apply discounts from the ad. But the main takeaway is that I have removed all temptation to buy things I don’t need! It probably cut my grocery bill at least in half at this point.

sydj_k941 , Burst Report

Final score:

67points

POST

El Dee 2 years ago

IF you don't have a car you can order a lot more ie for the month instead of making weekly trips. So the delivery charge will still be less than your transport costs..

20points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

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Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#27

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Eating vegan has saved me a ton of money. I don’t eat a lot of specialty 'vegan' products. The majority of my diet is beans, rice, vegetables, fruits, oats, peanut butter, etc.

lo_dolly_lolita , The Matter of Food Report

Final score:

61points

POST

Lothriel 2 years ago

I'm so sorry if i'm bothering someone, but i find vegan diet so expensive. I repeat, i don't want to offend someone, just an opinion

98points

Seminolehighlander , Van Tay Media Report

#28

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Sharing streaming services with friends/library card (so easy to get, please just do yourself a favor and check out your library's requirements).

Final score:

60points

POST

Kevin Beard 2 years ago

This. The library. Free books, movies, music. Free access to consumer reports and wall street journal online. Ours has partner passes for botanical gardens, the zoo, museums and other local attractions. You just have to check them out.

37points

123throwawaybanana Report

#29

Honestly, one of the things that made a huge difference for me is weighing my food - mostly meats and seafoods. By eating proper portion sizes I'm saving a TON of money. Turns out one chicken breast is like 2-4 servings depending on size. A bag of frozen shrimp would get eaten in 2 or 3 meals but sticking to 100g portions I'm stretching that a lot further.

Final score:

55points

POST

nini 2 years ago

I often reduce the amount of meat in my recipes and add more veggies instead - healthier, better for the environment, and it's still enough meat to be satisfying tastewise. They ask for a lot of meat in most recipes, I think.

29points

#30

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver - Taking advantage of residual heat when cooking saves me on gas and electricity.
- Learning how to make sauces (mostly for Asian dishes) and dressings from scratch.
- Not buying cleaning products for every part of the house. If you have bleach, dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda, you're pretty much set for any mess in the house.
- Making a list of the dishes you most frequently make
- Setting a time limit for certain appliances. For instance, I'll only turn on the TV after 7pm and I'll try to towel dry my hair to keep hair dryer use at a minimum.

nava08al , Sincerely Media Report

Final score:

53points

POST

Sander 2 years ago

The first point is more of an advanced cooking technique, but very useful and something you should be aware of. A nice technique for salmon that still has the skin on, is to cook it skin side down on medium heat until the fish is halfway pink, then turn off the heat, flip the salmon a let the residual heat cook it for about a minute or two. The exact timing depends on the thickness and material of your pan.

20points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

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“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#31

1. Bartering. I exchanged dog walking services (not daily, maybe once every month), with my neighbor in exchange for her wifi password. Technically illegal? Maybe? but I wasn't downloading anything or watching movies - I just needed to check my email.
2. Installing a woodstove and collecting free firewood in the summer. I was able to go 10 years without turning on the heat in my 2 story house. I'd search on Craigslist for free wood, especially after storms. I did need them to be cut to size (thank you, kind neighbor with a chain saw and pickup truck), but I split them myself with a maul and sledgehammer. This also meant I didn't need to join a gym. lol
3. Working PT at my gym (when I broke down and joined when home workouts lost their appeal.) I greeted gym members 3 hours a week, so in addition to my small paycheck, I got free membership.
4. Only buying used Honda Civics (off Craigslist). I've done this since 1992, so I can pretty much tell by ear if something is wrong. I now know by heart and experience their recommended maintenance schedule for service. Once I hit 60K miles, the timing belt gets replaced (although my current Civic has a serpentine belt instead). 120K - I get the head gasket replaced. Overkill? Probably. I'm okay with that. At 200K, I re-sell them (average $2500). That mileage seems to be the sweet spot between "It's just now broken in" and a lemon.
5. Never paying full price for clothing/shoes. Things like undergarments and socks excluded. :) Normally, I only go through the sales racks without even looking at the regular racks.

Disclaimer: It can be very hard at times to live a frugal lifestyle, because the time and research needed to live frugally can be a limiting factor. Also, I am now older (but not "old" lol), no kids, retired, and live on my own. I still gravitate to the clearance racks, but, dangit...if I see something that screams "me", I buy it now.

Fun_Delight Report

Final score:

26points

POST

Katherine Boag 2 years ago

Why would using your neighbour's wifi be illegal ?_?

5points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

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#32

I don't know about other countries but here in the Netherlands we have this drugstore called Die Grenze. They sell snacks and other goods for really cheap. A while ago they had small applesauce pots (~200g) 6 for €1. I once bought high quality protein bars for €0,25 a piece. I couldn't believe my eyes, I thought this store owner is insane, because normally they're €2 a piece. Other than that mostly sodas and candy. I'd look if there's anything similar in your area.

Other than that buying frozen fruit/veggies helps a lot. Very easy to use for smoothies. Also buy meat that's 1 day off from expiration date, it's perfectly edible but most stores here put a ~35% discount on it.

myopicsurgeon Report

Final score:

23points

POST

Jan Rosier 2 years ago

Do the same with French cheeses, like Brie or Camembert : buy at discount and immediately freeze at home. When unthawed, immediatly 'a point' to eat.

4points

#33

If you’re in need of kitchen items, check out public estate sales. Items like dishes, coffee mugs, cooking utensils, flatware, etc. are often sold in box lots, which frequently can be picked up for $1–$2 per box. Plus, you often get older items that are much better quality. I pick out what I want and donate the rest. They’re perfect for someone setting up a new apartment.

tinaloco Report

Final score:

21points

POST

LRevello 2 years ago

Also, it sounds weird, but CLEANING products at estate sales if it is a home where the owner is moving/has passed on. You can get a bottle of Windex, etc. for sometimes as little as 25 cents (partially used but still an awesome deal!)

6points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

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#34

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Marry a frugal person. If you are Frugal and your partner is not, it can be a lifetime of pain. Partner up with a frugal person though and you can encourage each other on the journey and revel in the savings.

requiem_whore , Jonathan Borba Report

Final score:

18points

POST

Irishwoman abroad 2 years ago (edited)

Yes, but this could pave the way to just being stingy, so watch out for that. You don't want to end up being that person who NEVER goes out for a nice meal, and ends up bitter in their old age, still watching every penny.

19points

#35

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Pet insurance. Hands down has saved me thousands of dollars

ogaldu , Priscilla Du Preez Report

Final score:

18points

POST

The IRS 2 years ago

Got to be careful with it - lots of insurance have all kinds of caveats and ways to not pay you.

8points

#36

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver I've saved myself thousands by doing my own car maintenance and repairs. Started with 0 knowledge and was driven by pure spite.

Similarly, buying used electronics on eBay rather than new.

mungie3 , Maxim Hopman Report

Final score:

17points

POST

El Dee 2 years ago

I agree with the used electronics but wouldn't risk carrying out work that I'm not expert in nor do I have tools or ramps etc. If you are going to either an independent garage or a main dealer you can source parts yourself. I had a car that needed really specialist stuff and saved £100s buying from online specialists and using eBay..

3points

#37

Do chores when the electricity rate is lower. It costs me almost five times less during off-peak hours. Look up when your off-peak times are. It varies by time of year

niversally Report

Final score:

16points

POST

lizard67 2 years ago

That's great advice!'

3points

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

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#38

>shopping grocery sales

Purchasing a decent sized freezer to put all the 'sale' stuff into so we don't have to eat it in one week!

Yesterday, my favourite frozen pies were 40% off. So I bought 5 packs. We probably only eat them once a fortnight, but they can just sit in the freezer.

Our supermarkets tend to have different types of meat on sale each week. So, if chicken is on sale, I buy chicken only. Next week will be pork, etc.

After a few weeks, there is a nice selection of meats in the freezer.

Bulk buys and freeze also.

Kementarii Report

Final score:

15points

POST

Paul C. 2 years ago

Make a list. Go up and down the aisle, in your head, chose items for meals for the week. Try to stick to the list. Try not to impulse buy. We've found that with a list we don't pick up the frivolous items, so much. If you do pick something up, it is that little bit more of a treat, if you don't do it too often.

4points

FapFapkins , sippakorn yamkasikorn Report

#39

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver Gaming the Kroger gas points program to save on gas. Before the massive price jump, I regularly paid less than 50 cents a gallon, and was proud to show anyone who'd listen that I had, more than once, paid less than 10 cents a gallon.

Final score:

14points

POST

Leo Domitrix 2 years ago

My hubby could have written this one. He games that program to the point we once paid about 3 cents a gallon, and he gloated for a week.

6points

#40

Every bill, expense or purchase I make gets rounded up and transferred to a High Interest Savings account (online, no fees). That ice cream that you might buy at $3.50 looks way different after you round it up to $10. If you go ahead and splurge any ways, $6.50 into savings and you won't miss it. When I get to a certain amount, I buy a savings bond or similar. I've managed to buy off all debt and working on that nest egg... on minimum wage.

JuliciousMe Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Irishwoman abroad 2 years ago

Wow, that is discipline!!

8points

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

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#41

Someone Asks What Is "The Most Frugal Hack You’ve Discovered That Made The Most Difference" And 30 People Deliver APS. always pack snacks. bonus points if you cut up fruit rather than toss an orange in your bag as you’re much more likely to eat it. i made like 3 dozen muffins at a time and freeze it.

Hilaryspimple , Marco Verch Professional Photographer Report

Final score:

12points

POST

Sawdust 2 years ago

Now I'm hungry for a sandwich.

3points

#42

Paying extra off your mortgage you would not believe what a difference it makes long term like even $20 per month. And when you get a windfall make an extra payment.

mariawest Report

Final score:

12points

POST

Boris Long-Johnson 2 years ago

This one may or may not be good advice - at the current mortgage rates I’m better investing the “extra” and paying down on the end of my mortgage. Also depends on t&cs but overpayments are not always free.

5points

#43

Before buying anything, seeing it 3 times.

Oldmansoulman Report

Final score:

12points

POST

El Dee 2 years ago

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#44

Stop getting gas on Friday or over the weekend. Prices ALWAYS go up for the weekend.

elegant_sale Report

Final score:

8points

POST

El Dee 2 years ago

Not in my country..

4points

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

#45

Switching to pay-per-mile car insurance

_cuntessa Report

Final score:

5points

POST

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Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

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Gabija is a photo editor at Bored Panda. Before joining the team, she achieved a Professional Bachelor degree in Photography and has been working as a freelance photographer since. She also has a special place in her heart for film photography, movies and nature.

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What do you think ?

POST

Joe Blowe 2 years ago

Some of these tips will depend quite heavily on where you live and I have never heard of pay-by-mile car insurance.

21points

Irishwoman abroad 2 years ago

Same here

4points

Shortstuff 2 years ago

In NZ, if you did less than 8,000kms a year, you got $100 off your insurance premiums. Most companies have stopped it though, sadly.

0points

TheReader19 2 years ago

It's a recent thing in the UK, like having the 'black box' in your car to ensure you're driving safely

0points

B181 2 years ago

The pay-per-mile one is no longer visible, but: at least here in Belgium, it's getting to be more and more common. Some insurance providers have both, some only time (per year etc), some only per kilometer. If you're a fairly infrequent or short distance traveler, it can save you quite a bit. Car insurance can be expensive.

0points

Leo Domitrix 2 years ago

Most of these I just thought, "Doesn't everyone already do this?" Then I realized, "No, probably not in the developed world". TLDR: Good tips in the top 20, and get a laundry rack if you can't dry outside due to weather.

8points

Sapna Sarfare 2 years ago

Laundry rack is a good idea... we have one. Since we live in India, it is pretty good to dry clothes. the monsoon season is the only time we have an issue

1point

ThumbsUpGuy 2 years ago

put up some shade to keep the sun off your AC compressor if it is on the south side of the house & gets summer sun during the day... do not block air flow over the fins... no reason to have the AC fight the heat from the sun on the compressor

5points

Sooploosh MacSchnibble 2 years ago

a tip I learned from Reddit: If you turn off the beeping machines at the hospital everyone sleeps much better.

2points

L Johnson 1 year ago

I started carrying reusable containers everytime I leave the house. I have a special bag I carry them in, so my husband even grabs it when he goes somewhere without me. Food, drinks, desserts...anything that you would be asking for a "disposable" container. PLUS, if you are watching food portions, you can divide before you start eating. I even used them for plants, when I saw a sign that my neighbor was dividing her plants and she did not have containers. AND added benefit...my containers came from thrift stores. They are silicone or bamboo!!

0points

bill marsano 2 years ago

y. So far as I can tell, high-yield savings accounts no longer exist--online search shows the top ones are paying less than 1% interest, (Some credit cards give more than that 'cash back.") Try to find something like /'investing for dummies' to get started on the safest, simplest types of investment that will pay more. 8. For books and magazines, use your local library. 9. Even if you can't 'cut the cord' of cable TV, you might find the same savings I did: I used RCN, which is officially a "telecommunications" company, for which reason fully half my monthly bill was a LONG list of related fees and taxes. My smart wife switched us to Spectrum, which of officially an 'entertainment' company--and there are no such taxes. Net result: cabled bill cut in HALF.

0points

bill marsano 2 years ago

1. Don't buy bottled water if the tap water in your area is good. NYC has the best water in the USA==clean, delicious--yet people buy bottled stuff by the case. 2. If you have good public transport, use it + walking. Then you can dump your car and your gym membership. 3. Stop living on your cellphone. I have a T-Mobile card for 1000 minutes for $100 for one year--w/leftover minutes rolled over to the next year for $10. So far it has lasted me 3 years. 4. Learn to cook has been, properly, mentioned already (and a copy of 'Joy of Cooking' can teach anyone the basics), but if you must eat take-out, walk to the restaurant, pick it up and walk back. More exercise, no delivery tip, and some owners, once they see you as a regular, will give you some kind of better treatment. And you'll have a human relationship with those who feed you. 5. Stay the hell out of Starbucks and don't use 'pod' type coffee machines (pod coffee costs about $60 a pound). 6. Dry clothes indoors on a rack from Ikea.

0points

Adam Zad 2 years ago (edited)

If you can afford to, start a "Christmas Club." Every time someone hands you a $5 bill, set it aside. Once a month or so, deposit it in a high-yield savings account. By the time November rolls around, you have plenty of money for gifts. BTW... if you pay a $4.50 charge with a $20, and the checker gives you three fives, ALL THREE go into the club!

0points

Sapna Sarfare 2 years ago

I am trying to take public transport a bit. And it is not just environment friendly but also budget friendly. One suggestion would be choosing buckets over showers. You can take a bit of hot water and mix some cold water to make it perfect. less than half a bucket is good enough. My family prefers to shop from our local shop near our house for groceries. Special stuff is from the shop on my way to office. I love getting free ebooks. YouTube has quite a few good stuff online

0points

Awsomemom52 2 years ago

I buy larger quantities of fruit and vegetables when they are on sale. Then cut it into cubes, slices or pieces and freeze it. I cook a lot more often now because they're quick to use and taste better than canned veggies/fruit. Apart from that, it's also a lot cheaper and healthier... at least where I live (Germany).

0points

Jenn C 2 years ago

Buy decorations, Christmas wrapping paper, and other holiday supplies the week after when it's on deep discount, and save it for next year. The candy goes on sale too the day after. February 15 and day after Halloween are the best!

0points

albernistuff 4sale 2 years ago

Look for a book called the "Tightwads Gazette" Incredible advice backed by financial math. There is no "one size fits all" and the book talks about how to work the numbers and stretch your dollar.

0points

Curry on... 2 years ago

I got tired of cooking and cleaning the kitchen everyday, so for the past few years, I devote about 4 hours on the weekend to cook (baking and boiling) for the whole week. I'll freeze the food in portions, give the kitchen a good cleaning, and I'm pretty much free the rest of the week

0points

FABULOUS1 2 years ago

Me personally I plan out my bills for the entire year, not much really changes and I adjust them if necessary. I also figure the amount I add to my savings as a bill each month, I move that money as soon as I get paid. I buy things after the holiday is over to either save for the following year or if its something I can use for something else. I dont buy in bulk because its not cost efficient since its just me and my wife. I even figure out early how much I have to spend towards each holiday, birthday for each persons gifts or food. I have been driving the same car for 12 years and as long as we keep up with the maintenance it should last at least a couple more years, and I still work remotely so no need to get one anytime soon. I wouldnt say I am completely frugal with my money, but it does allow me to have a nice savings put aside and still have everything I need.

0points

Justme 2 years ago (edited)

After the TP rush in early pandemic days - I remembered a backpacking hack (for women) to use a pee-rag. Since urine is usually sterile, backpackers just use a pee-rag and hang it to dry on their pack as they hike. So I started crocheting cotton squares and stocking my bathroom. Once used (#1 only) I toss it in a designated hamper and wash with undies. Now a Costco pack of TP lasts 2 years.

0points

C OnlyC 2 years ago

We hired a housecleaner. Saving us soo much money. They bring all the detergents which they buy in bulk and dilute, they use shop grade equipment which they bring. We buy very few cleaning supplies. They clean better so we have peace of mind and can use the time and focus working at our employment and doing laundry, cooking etc.and doing preventative maintenance at the house. Also they house sit for an additional sum. This has been even more invaluable now that everyone in the household is mostle based at home since the pandemic.

-1point

Sue Hazlewood 2 years ago

Hacks? Or, in a lot of cases, just plain common sense and normal actions.

-2points

Patrick McKemie 2 years ago

Heaven forbid someone wants to live in a house they like. This whole thing wreaks of self-righteous arrogance.

-3points

POST

Joe Blowe 2 years ago

Some of these tips will depend quite heavily on where you live and I have never heard of pay-by-mile car insurance.

21points

Irishwoman abroad 2 years ago

Same here

4points

Shortstuff 2 years ago

In NZ, if you did less than 8,000kms a year, you got $100 off your insurance premiums. Most companies have stopped it though, sadly.

0points

TheReader19 2 years ago

It's a recent thing in the UK, like having the 'black box' in your car to ensure you're driving safely

0points

B181 2 years ago

0points

Leo Domitrix 2 years ago

8points

Sapna Sarfare 2 years ago

Laundry rack is a good idea... we have one. Since we live in India, it is pretty good to dry clothes. the monsoon season is the only time we have an issue

1point