Concerned about money or just looking for a way to be more intentional with your finances? In this article I’m sharing 20 frugal living habits to help you spend more wisely every day.
WHY I’VE ADOPTED MORE FRUGAL LIVING HABITS
Whilst I’d never profess to practicing extreme frugal living, I have certainly become more frugal. My husband and I run our own business, my “day job” if you will. The past few years, from world pandemic through to the current cost of living increases, have been a challenging time for small business owners.
As a family we’ve had to curb our spending, mindful of quiet times in the business and the inevitable knock-on effect for our personal finances. Save whilst we can, shop more mindfully and embrace some frugal living habits to help us spend more wisely every day.
But the financial concerns of living in the modern world don’t just stop at the practicalities of making sure you have enough money for the essentials. Living more frugally has an important place in a wider context – in a world that’s not just expensive but a distracting and enticing world where (I feel, anyway) it’s increasingly important to stay true to our values and priorities.
FRUGAL LIVING IN A WORLD THAT ENCOURAGES MORE
In a world that often encourages more—more spending, more possessions, more commitments—choosing a frugal lifestyle can feel like a breath of fresh air. Frugal living isn’t about deprivation or cutting out all joy; it’s about being intentional with your money and making choices that truly align with your values. When you spend wisely, you create space for the things that matter most—financial security, meaningful experiences, and a life with less stress and more freedom.
Living frugally goes hand in hand with simple and intentional living. By focusing on what you genuinely need and value, you naturally cut out the excess, making room for a lifestyle that feels more fulfilling and aligned with your priorities. Whether you’re trying to save for a big goal, reduce financial stress, or simply make your money work harder for you, adopting frugal habits can make a huge difference.
20 FRUGAL LIVING HABITS TO HELP YOU SPEND MORE WISELY EVERYDAY
Here are 20 practical and effective frugal living habits to help you make smarter financial choices every day.
1. Create and Stick to a Budget
A budget is your roadmap to smarter spending. It helps you see where your money is going, identify areas where you can cut back, and make intentional choices about how you use your resources. Instead of seeing a budget as something restrictive, think of it as a tool for freedom—it ensures that your money is working for you and your goals. Start by tracking your income and expenses, then set realistic spending limits in different categories. A simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app can make this process easy and effective. Even pen and paper will do to simplify your finances.
2. Meal Plan to Reduce Waste and Save Money
Food waste is one of the biggest drains on a budget. Meal planning helps you avoid unnecessary purchases, reduce impulse spending, and use up what you already have. Each week, take a few minutes to plan your meals based on what’s in your fridge and cupboards. Write a shopping list and stick to it. Not only will this save you money, but it will also cut down on food waste and make mealtimes less stressful.
3. Cook More Meals at Home
Eating out regularly can add up quickly, but home-cooked meals are almost always cheaper and healthier. Learning a few simple, go-to recipes can make cooking at home feel easy and enjoyable. Batch cooking and freezing meals can also help on busy days when you’re tempted to order a takeaway. Consider making meals that use affordable ingredients like rice, pasta, lentils, and seasonal vegetables to stretch your budget further.
4. Shop with a List and Stick to It
Impulse purchases can quickly derail your budget. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, clothes, or household items, always go in with a list and a clear idea of what you need. If it’s not on the list, don’t buy it! This means you won’t be second-guessing yourself, getting buyer’s remorse and trying to make a perfect purchase. A great tip is to wait 24 hours before purchasing anything that isn’t essential—this gives you time to decide if you really need or want the item.
5. Buy Second-Hand Whenever Possible
There’s no need to buy everything brand new. From clothing to furniture to electronics, second-hand options are often just as good but come at a fraction of the cost. Charity shops, online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Vinted, and car boot sales are fantastic places to find bargains. Buying second-hand is not only budget-friendly but also environmentally responsible.
6. Reduce Energy Usage at Home
Small changes in how you use energy can lead to significant savings over time. Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug devices when they’re not in use, use energy-efficient bulbs, and lower your thermostat slightly in the winter. Simple habits like only boiling the amount of water you need in the kettle and washing clothes at 30°C can make a real difference to your energy bills.
7. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Many people have multiple subscriptions—streaming services, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions—that they don’t use regularly. Review your monthly direct debits and cancel anything that’s not essential. If you only use a streaming service occasionally, consider sharing an account with family or switching between services rather than paying for multiple ones at the same time.
8. Use the Library Instead of Buying Books
If you love reading, the library is your best friend. Instead of buying new books, borrow them for free. Many libraries also offer digital lending, so you can read e-books or listen to audiobooks without leaving your home. If you do prefer to own books, consider second-hand bookshops or swapping with friends.
9. Embrace DIY and Learn Basic Repairs
Learning to fix things yourself can save a fortune. Whether it’s sewing a button back on a shirt, painting a room, or fixing a leaking tap, having some basic DIY skills means you don’t have to rely on expensive professionals for every little task. YouTube is a great resource for learning new skills (be aware of safety though!).
10. Choose Quality Over Quantity
It can be tempting to buy cheap items, but in the long run, investing in quality often saves you more money. Whether it’s clothing, appliances, or furniture, well-made items last longer, meaning you won’t have to replace them as often. Look for timeless, durable pieces rather than chasing trends that will quickly go out of style.
11. Cut Down on Convenience Purchases
Paying for convenience—pre-cut fruit, pre-packaged snacks, takeaway coffee—might save time, but it costs a lot in the long run. Simple swaps, like making your own coffee at home, packing lunches, or preparing snacks in advance, can save you a surprising amount of money over time.
12. Use Cashback and Discount Apps
If you do need to make a purchase, why not get money back? Explore apps that offer cashback on purchases from retailers. Additionally, using loyalty cards, discount codes, and signing up for store newsletters can help you save money on essentials.
13. Borrow Instead of Buying
Before buying something new, ask yourself if you can borrow it instead. Tools, books, party supplies, and even clothes for special occasions can often be borrowed from friends, family, or local lending schemes. This not only saves money but also reduces clutter in your home.
14. Use Public Transport or Walk When Possible
Owning and running a car is expensive. If you live in an area with good public transport, use it instead of driving. Walking or cycling for short trips is even better—it’s free, keeps you fit, and reduces fuel costs. If you need a car, consider car-sharing or choosing a fuel-efficient model.
15. Be Mindful About Gift Giving
Gifting doesn’t have to be expensive. Thoughtful, meaningful gifts—such as homemade treats, a heartfelt letter, or an experience you can share—often mean more than something pricey. Set a budget for gifts and plan ahead to avoid last-minute panic spending.
16. Reduce Your Wardrobe to Essentials
Having fewer clothes that you truly love and wear regularly saves money and reduces decision fatigue. Instead of buying into fast fashion trends, focus on a small, high-quality wardrobe with versatile pieces that work well together.
17. Find Free or Low-Cost Entertainment
Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive. Instead of costly nights out, look for free events in your community, have a movie night at home, go for a walk in nature, or take up hobbies that don’t require a big financial investment.
18. Buy Generic Brands
Supermarket own-brand products are often just as good as branded ones but come at a much lower price. Try switching to generic versions of household staples, and you’ll likely save money without even noticing a difference.
19. Practice Gratitude for What You Have
Frugal living isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s also about shifting your mindset. When you focus on being grateful for what you already have, you naturally feel less of a need to buy more. Take time each day to appreciate what you have, and you may find you need less than you think.
20. Make Frugality a Lifestyle, Not a Sacrifice
Frugality doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy. It’s about making mindful choices that allow you to live well without unnecessary financial stress. When you embrace frugality as a positive lifestyle rather than a restriction, you’ll find that spending wisely becomes second nature.
CONCLUSION
Living frugally isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being intentional with your money so that you can focus on what truly matters. By adopting these habits, you’ll not only save money but also create a simpler, more intentional life with less stress and more freedom. Start small, one habit or shift in a mindset at a time, and remember that every little change adds up to a big difference.
Which frugal living habit do you already practise? Which one would you like to try next? Let me know in the comments below!
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy people declutter their home and life and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.