How to Live Well on Less: 13 Frugal Tips You’ll Love
You know that feeling when you look at your bank account and think, "Where did all my money go?" Yes, I’ve been there too. That was me a few years ago. I wasn’t living extravagantly, but somehow, my paycheck seemed to vanish into thin air by the end of the month. So, I decided to make a change—by living well on less.
Frugal living isn’t about being cheap or depriving yourself of joy. It’s about getting creative, being intentional with your money, and finding ways to enjoy life while spending less. And guess what? It’s totally possible. Here’s how you can do it, too!
1. Mindset Shift: Want Less, Appreciate More
One of the most overlooked aspects of frugal living is changing how we view our needs versus our wants. The culture of consumerism drives us to believe that we constantly need more. But the secret to living well on less lies in learning to want less and appreciate more.
The key takeaway here is that appreciating what you have leads to less impulse buying. The more mindful you are, the more you realize you already own enough.
2. Smart Grocery Shopping: Go Hyper-Local
Grocery bills can make up a significant portion of your budget, but one little-known trick to save big is to shop hyper-local. This means buying fresh produce and goods from local farms, co-ops, and even neighbors who grow food. Often, these products are much cheaper than grocery stores since they cut out transportation and packaging costs.
- Join a CSA: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) allows you to subscribe to weekly boxes of seasonal produce directly from local farms. It’s often more affordable than buying organic produce from stores, and you get fresh, in-season fruits and veggies.
- Local farmers’ markets: Prices at farmers' markets tend to drop near closing time when vendors are eager to sell remaining goods at a discount.
Hyper-local shopping supports your community while also offering you fresh, nutrient-dense foods at lower costs.
3. Borrowing is the New Buying
One tip that flies under the radar is learning to borrow instead of buy. From tools to kitchen gadgets to party supplies, there are a lot of items we buy that we only need occasionally. Check out local libraries or community centers that now offer "borrowing libraries" for more than just books.
- Library of Things: Some libraries now offer things like tools, electronics, sewing machines, and more, all available for free borrowing. Why buy a power drill for one project when you can borrow it for a weekend?
- Online borrowing platforms: Websites like Fat Llama allow you to rent items from people nearby, often for a fraction of the cost of buying something new.
Frugality isn’t about never having things—it’s about knowing when to borrow rather than buy.
Instead of cluttering your home with items you rarely use, borrowing gives you access to what you need without the long-term expense or storage hassle.
4. Minimalist Wardrobe: Make More from Less
Building a minimalist wardrobe might seem like a familiar tip, but let’s take it further. Consider focusing on multi-functional clothing that can transform into different pieces. Items like convertible dresses, jackets that reverse, or scarves that can be used as beach wraps or blankets can maximize your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
- Look for multi-use pieces: Convertible fashion items are gaining popularity. One dress can have three or four looks based on how you wear it.
- Clothing swaps: Host a clothing swap with friends or neighbors. Everyone brings their gently used clothing and trades—no money required.
Additionally, learning how to mix and match key pieces in your wardrobe can create more outfits with fewer items, reducing the desire to buy more and helping you curate a simple, chic wardrobe.
Yahoo! Finance highlights a survey from CreditDonkey that found women spend about 76% more on clothes each year than men do.
5. Cut Down on Subscriptions: The Family Share Hack
While subscription-cutting advice is common, many people don’t know about the family-sharing options some services offer. This allows you to split the cost of digital services like streaming, music, and apps with friends or family.
- Shared streaming accounts: Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and other major services offer family plans where multiple users can share one account at a discounted rate.
- Library digital services: Many libraries now offer free access to e-books, audiobooks, and streaming services like Kanopy, which provides free movies and documentaries.
A while ago, I realized I was paying for multiple streaming services and apps I rarely used. After doing a quick audit, I canceled most of them and kept just one, which I now share with my sister. We split the cost, and honestly, I don’t miss any of the others. Plus, I found out my local library offers a free streaming service for documentaries—who knew?
6. Frugal Fun: Be a Tourist in Your Own City
Instead of traveling far for expensive vacations, take the opportunity to explore your own city or town. Often, we overlook nearby attractions simply because they’re familiar, but you’ll be surprised at the number of free or affordable activities close to home.
- Free museums or public exhibitions: Many cities offer free admission to museums or galleries on certain days. You can also check out public art installations or walking tours.
- Geocaching: Geocaching is a free, adventurous activity where you use GPS to find hidden treasures in your area. It’s a fun way to explore and costs nothing but a little time.
Being a tourist in your hometown can open up new experiences and perspectives without the hefty travel costs.
7. Utility Savings: Home Energy Audits Can Pay Off
You’ve probably heard about cutting down on utility bills, but did you know many local governments or utility companies offer free or discounted home energy audits? These audits can help identify areas where you’re losing energy—and money—such as poor insulation or inefficient appliances.
- Energy-saving programs: Many cities offer rebates or incentives for homeowners who upgrade to energy-efficient appliances or improve insulation.
- Smart thermostats: Installing a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by optimizing temperature settings when you’re not home.
Small tweaks in your home can lead to big savings over time.
8. Secondhand and Upcycling: Make the Old New Again
Frugality doesn’t mean giving up nice things—it’s about finding ways to enjoy those things without the hefty price tag. One way to do this is by embracing secondhand shopping and upcycling.
- Thrift stores: Not only can you find amazing clothing pieces, but thrift stores are also great for home goods, furniture, and even décor.
- Upcycling: With a little creativity, you can turn old or unwanted items into something fresh and functional. Whether it's repainting old furniture or repurposing glass jars, upcycling is both sustainable and budget-friendly.
A bit of DIY spirit and imagination can make secondhand items feel new, giving your home a unique style without costing a fortune.
9. Frugal Fitness: Work Out Without the Price Tag
Gym memberships and expensive fitness classes can eat up a big portion of your budget. But staying healthy doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
- At-home workouts: There are tons of free workout videos available online that can be just as effective as a gym membership.
- Outdoor activities: Hiking, running, and cycling are all great ways to stay in shape for little to no cost.
- Budget equipment: Resistance bands, yoga mats, and even secondhand weights can be purchased cheaply and used at home to build a versatile workout routine.
Exercising doesn’t have to come with a high price tag—nature and online resources offer endless, cost-free opportunities to stay fit.
10. Embrace Simple Living: Find Joy in the Basics
Frugality isn’t just about saving money—it’s about finding joy in simplicity. When you strip away the excess, you’re left with the things that truly matter.
- Declutter: Get rid of items that no longer serve you. A tidy, organized space can bring clarity and peace of mind.
- Spend time with loved ones: Instead of focusing on material possessions, prioritize experiences and connections.
- Practice contentment: Focus on what you have rather than what you want. Contentment is a key part of frugal living and leads to long-term financial health.
In our world of endless options and distractions, choosing simplicity can lead to a fuller, more content life—while saving you money.
11. Hobbies on a Budget: Enjoy What You Love Without Overspending
You don’t have to give up your hobbies to save money—you just have to find frugal alternatives. Many hobbies can be adapted to fit a smaller budget.
- Creative hobbies: Whether it’s painting, knitting, or gardening, focus on low-cost materials or find secondhand supplies to support your passion.
- Book lovers: Instead of buying new books, visit your local library or explore free e-books.
- Music lovers: Learn an instrument by using free online tutorials or swap lessons with a friend.
By finding budget-friendly ways to pursue your interests, you can continue doing what you love without breaking the bank.
12. Boost Income with Frugality: Side Hustle from What You Already Have
A great frugal hack that’s often overlooked is finding ways to earn money from what you already own or can do. Instead of just saving more, how about making more with minimal investment?
- Rent your car or driveway: Services like Turo let you rent out your car when you’re not using it, and Neighbor.com allows you to rent out unused storage space, including your driveway.
- Freelance your skills: If you have marketable skills like graphic design, writing, or even knitting, consider selling your services online. Websites like Fiverr or Etsy allow you to turn hobbies into extra income.
With minimal effort, you can turn assets you already own—whether it’s skills or physical items—into a reliable side income.
13. DIY Holiday and Gift-Giving
Holidays can be a financial strain, but with a bit of creativity, you can give meaningful gifts without overspending.
- Handmade gifts: Consider making homemade gifts like candles, jams, or knitted items. These thoughtful presents often mean more to the recipient and can cost significantly less.
- Regifting: It may have a bad reputation, but regifting is a frugal way to pass on items that you’ve never used. Just be mindful of choosing gifts that the new recipient will genuinely appreciate.
Final Thoughts
Frugal living isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making smarter, more informed decisions with your money and your resources. These unique, lesser-known strategies not only help you save but can also enhance your quality of life.
Living well on less means discovering new ways to create value, whether that’s borrowing instead of buying, traveling in exchange for volunteering, or even earning from the things you already own.
With a little creativity and intention, you’ll find that living on less doesn’t just save you money—it can bring more joy, freedom, and satisfaction into your life.
