14 Frugal Living Tips to Help You Save Money and Thrive on Less

Life is expensive and many of us are searching for ways to cut our spending but without missing out on opportunity and enjoyment. In this article I’m sharing 14 frugal living tips to help you save money and thrive on less.

IS YOUR BANK BALANCE FEELING THE PINCH?

As I’m writing this we’ve just come out of one of the most expensive times of the year – Christmas. January feels like a loooong month where we’re recovering from overindulgence, for our bodies as much as our bank balances.

And, the cost of living isn’t exactly doing us any favours right now.

Groceries, bills, rents and mortgages… it all adds up, doesn’t it? Many people find it hard to make ends meet and feel like they’re just scraping by, not just in January but for the rest of the year too.

So, I thought it might be helpful to list a few ideas and some simple changes you could consider to help your money stretch further, save wherever possible and maybe even enjoy life more in the process.

14 FRUGAL LIVING TIPS TO HELP YOU SAVE MORE AND SPEND LESS

Today I’m sharing 14 frugal living tips – the kind that’s practical, realistic, and won’t make you feel like you’re depriving yourself of life’s little joys. Let’s take a look…

1. Master the Art of Meal Planning

If you’re anything like me, the odd last-minute takeaway can sneak its way into your week. The rest of my family aren’t very reliable when it comes to making the evening meals so it usually always comes down to me.

And, when I get tired, hungry and ready for bed but still have to get dinner on the table, it feels easier to reach for the takeaway menu. Before you know it, you’ve spent more than you planned (certainly more than it would cost to make it yourself) on a dinner that’s gone in ten minutes.

The secret to cutting food costs is meal planning.

Take 20 minutes at the start of each week to plan your meals. Check what’s already in your cupboards, write a shopping list, and stick to it. Look out for versatile ingredients (hello, lentils and tinned tomatoes!) and plan meals that use them in different ways.

My favourite tip for saving money and waste in the kitchen is batch cooking. It’s been a game changer in our house as even my husband and kids can heat up a meal in the oven or microwave!

Whip up a big pot of chilli or soup and freeze portions for busy days. That way, you’re less tempted to splash out on overpriced pre-made meals.

2. Embrace Second-Hand Everything

Why buy new when second-hand will do? Charity shops, car boot sales, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Vinted are absolute goldmines for bargains.

I used to avoid second-hand shops and around us there’s certainly some that are better than others in terms of value and quality control. Take some time to shop around your local charity shops and see what they offer. Also explore how often they rotate their stock so you can check out the best bargains as soon as they’re available.

From clothes to furniture to kids’ toys, you’d be amazed what you can find at a fraction of the cost. And vintage is popular nowadays!

Pro tip: If you’re after something specific, set alerts on apps like eBay so you’ll be notified when a bargain pops up.

3. Get Savvy with Energy Saving

With energy prices on the rise, cutting back where you can is essential. Small changes really add up over time. For example:

• Use draught excluders (a rolled-up towel works in a pinch) to stop heat escaping under doors.
• Turn down your thermostat by just 1°C – it can save you a fair amount each year without making much difference to how cosy your home feels.
• Wash clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C and always air-dry if you can.
• Invest in LED bulbs – they use way less energy and last forever.

If you’re renting, it might feel like you’re limited in what you can do but even little adjustments can help.

Here are some ways you can save energy and money at home.

4. Ditch Brand Loyalty

You know those big, shiny brands at the supermarket? What is you forget them and try the supermarket own-label versions instead – they’re often just as good (if not better) and a fraction of the price.

Start with non-perishables like pasta, rice, and cleaning products. You might just find your new favourites in the bargain aisle.

Also, look out for the reduced-to-clear sections – those little yellow stickers offer some great deals. Just make sure to freeze anything you won’t eat right away.

5. Cut Down on Subscriptions

Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime, Disney+… how many subscriptions are quietly draining your bank account? Take stock of what you’re actually using and cancel the rest.

If there’s a streaming service you just can’t live without, see if you can share the cost with friends or family. Many platforms let you create multiple profiles on one account, so you can split the bill and still enjoy your shows.

6. Shop Smarter (and Slower)

Impulse buys are the enemy of frugal living. If you’re tempted by something, follow the “30-day rule” – give yourself a month to think about whether you really need it. Chances are, you’ll forget about it by day 15. If a month feels too long, start with a couple of days.

When you do need to buy something, always check for discounts, cashback deals, and voucher codes before hitting “checkout”. Check the reviews and the sections where it says what other customers viewed or bought. Maybe they found something that was better in terms of cost for quality so you can benefit from their research.

7. Learn the DIY Basics

You don’t need to have amazing handyman/woman skills to tackle small DIY projects around the house. Learning a few basic skills – like sewing on a button, fixing a leaky tap, or hemming your own curtains – can save you a fortune on replacements and tradespeople.

YouTube is your best friend here. There’s a tutorial for almost everything, and it’s free!

That being said, always bear safety in mind and call out an expert if in doubt.

8. Adopt a Capsule Wardrobe

Fast fashion can be a real money sink, not to mention bad for the environment. Companies spend a fortune on marketing strategies to make us part with our money, often despite our better judgement, and make us feel that we absolutely can’t live without the latest trend.

Instead, focus on building a capsule wardrobe with a handful of high-quality, timeless pieces that you can mix and match.

It’s not about spending more upfront – you can often find excellent quality items second-hand – but rather being intentional about what you buy. Look for pieces that suit your lifestyle and will last for years.

Avoid seasonal trends as much as possible and, if you go shopping, be mindful. Ask yourself questions such as:

• Do I have something like this already?
• When will I get to wear it?
• What would happen if I didn’t buy this item?
• Do I like the piece more than what I already have?

Take cash, set yourself a spending limit, and try not go shopping if you’re feeling sad or down. We don’t make the wisest choices when we’re in these kinds of mindsets.

Read more about the benefits of a capsule wardrobe for more ideas and how to get started creating your own capsule wardrobe.

9. Use Public Transport and Your Feet

Driving is pricey – fuel, insurance, parking fees, the list goes on. If you can, swap some of your journeys for walking, cycling, or taking public transport. Not only will you save money, but you’ll get some exercise and do your bit for the environment, too.

For longer journeys, check for railcard discounts or split ticketing – it’s amazing how much you can save by booking strategically.

10. Make Use of Free Entertainment

Who says you need to spend money to have fun? From free museum days to community events and beautiful parks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself without forking out.

Check out your local council’s website for free activities in your area, or join local Facebook groups to keep an ear out for events.

Library memberships are another underrated gem – not only can you borrow books, but many libraries also offer free access to audiobooks, magazines, and even online courses.

11. Grow Your Own

If you’ve got a garden, a balcony, or even a sunny windowsill, consider growing some of your own herbs, veg, or fruit. It’s incredibly satisfying to pick your own homegrown produce and it can save you a bundle on fresh produce.

Start small with herbs like basil or mint, which are easy to grow and really handy in the kitchen.

12. Negotiate with Confidence

Did you know you can often negotiate your bills? Whether it’s your broadband, insurance, or mobile phone contract, don’t be afraid to call up and haggle.

Do a bit of research beforehand to see what competitors are offering and use that as leverage. The worst they can say is no, right?

13. Declutter and Sell

If you’re short on cash, have a look around your home – chances are, you’ve got things lying around that you no longer use. Decluttering can be surprisingly therapeutic, and you can make a little bit of money by selling items online.

Sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Vinted, and Gumtree are perfect for this. And if selling feels like too much effort, consider donating to a charity shop – you’ll still feel good knowing your items are going to a good cause.

Beware though if you’re using selling as the only way to clear your unwanted stuff. It’s not always easy to get the money you thought you would and buyers might not turn up when they say they will.

Read these surprising ways that decluttering saves you money for some more ideas.

14. Embrace Minimalism

Living frugally doesn’t mean just cutting costs – it’s also about shifting your mindset. By focusing on what truly adds value to your life and cutting out the rest, you’ll find you’re not only saving money but also enjoying a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle.

Before buying anything new, ask yourself: “Do I really need this? Will it bring me joy or serve a genuine purpose?” Often, the answer is no – and that’s OK!

Whilst minimalism is not the same as frugal living, there are many parallels. Not least an intentionality to spend money wisely and mindfully.

CONCLUSION

Living frugally doesn’t have to feel like a chore. In fact, once you get into the swing of it, you’ll probably find it quite empowering. It’s all about being mindful with your money, prioritising what truly matters, and finding clever ways to make the most of what you’ve got.

What are your thoughts? Are you ready to embrace a more frugal lifestyle this year? Let me know which tips you’d like to try – and if you’ve got any of your own frugal living tips to add, I’d love to hear them!

Here’s to both saving money and living well this year.

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MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Here are some articles on saving money and shopping intentionally which you might find helpful:

• Minimalism and Shopping: How to Shop with Intention
• 11 Tips to Stop Impulse Buying and Purchase More Intentionally
• How to Stop Buying Clothes You Don’t Need
• How to Simplify Your Finances and Manage Your Money More Easily

GET YOUR FREE WARDROBE DECLUTTER CHECKLIST

Building a capsule wardrobe and selling some of your unwanted clothes to make money are all easier when you’ve decluttered your wardrobe and know what you like and what you don’t.

Use my free Wardrobe Declutter Checklist to help you with this. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it!