Living a frugal life doesn’t mean you have to overhaul everything overnight—trust me, I know how overwhelming that can feel. As a stay-at-home mom, I’ve faced the challenge of managing a household budget while trying to make life enjoyable for my large family.
The good news? You don’t have to make drastic changes to see actual results. Taking small, intentional steps can transform your spending habits and build a healthier financial mindset without feeling deprived. I’m sharing 12 practical ways to ease into a frugal life —simple, doable changes.
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Here are 12 small steps to save money and start a frugal lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed.
1) Track All Expenses
Tracking expenses is an important first step to understanding your spending habits. It can help you identify areas where you’re overspending and make necessary adjustments.
You don’t need anything fancy to track your expenses. A simple notebook will do. You can even set up an Excel spreadsheet or use an app. I have a free expense tracker you can download on my Free Printables Page.
Look for patterns in your spending and consider what expenses you can reduce or eliminate. For instance, when I was doing mine the last time, I noticed that my husband was stopping and getting coffee at the convenience store numerous times a week, which was adding up fast. That was an expense we discussed and agreed to eliminate.
- Action step: Start with one week of tracking and go from there.
2) Make Your Own Coffee
Coffee shop visits or convenience store coffee purchases can add up quickly, as I discovered with my husband’s frequent coffee stops. A simple cost comparison highlights the potential savings of brewing coffee at home. On average, getting coffee at a coffee can cost $4 to $5 or more, while making the same drink at home can cost less than $1 per cup. Making your own coffee can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
For café-quality coffee at home, purchase coffee beans and grind them just before brewing. Experiment with brewing methods like French press or pour-over to find what suits your taste.
- Action step: Calculate your current coffee spending.
3) Eat at Home
Eating at home can save a ton of money. Not only is it cheaper than eating out, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and portions in your meals.
Give meal planning a try by prepping your meals for the week in advance. Meal planning is a great way to save time and money. It will also help you eat healthier. You can even get creative by finding new recipes online or using up leftovers in different ways.
Our family rarely eats out, saving it for special occasions like birthdays or other celebrations. You can pick up a free weekly meal planning page by visiting my Free Printables Page.
Action step: Try to avoid eating out for a month.
4) Meal Prep Basics
Meal prepping saves time and money while ensuring nutritious meals are ready throughout the week. Getting started with meal prep doesn’t have to be overwhelming—begin by selecting a few simple recipes that utilize ingredients you enjoy and can easily prepare in bulk. Meals such as stir-fries are easy to prepare and store.
To make the process efficient, dedicate a specific time during the week to cook and portion your meals. Use reusable containers to store your meals. By planning ahead and sticking to a routine, you’ll be spending less on dining out or having to go to the store for last-minute groceries. You’ll always having a healthy option available, even on your busiest days.
Simple Meal Prep Recipe Ideas:
- Sheet pan meals
- Casseroles
- Slow cooker or instant pot meals
- Baked Ziti
Action step: Try prepping meals for a week.
5) Get Rid of Subscriptions
Auditing your subscriptions is a great way to cut unnecessary expenses. Check over your bank statements or credit card bills to identify recurring charges.
Unnecessary subscriptions include streaming services you rarely use, premium app memberships, or magazines you forgot you signed up for. Look into alternatives to paid services. You can use free streaming platforms or public libraries.
When I went through my statements last, I noticed that I was being charged double for one of my subscriptions. It’s a good idea to regularly check your subscriptions to avoid overpaying.
By eliminating or replacing these expenses, you can free up more of your budget for savings or other priorities.
- Action step: Cancel one unused subscription.
6) Thrift Shopping
Thrift shopping is a great way to save money and find unique items. The best items to buy secondhand include clothing, furniture, books, and kitchenware. These items are usually a fraction of the original price and still have good quality.
I find better quality clothes at thrift shops than purchasing new clothes at places like Walmart. Look for thrift shops in higher-income areas, as the donated items may be of better quality.
To find quality items, inspect them closely for wear and tear, check labels for reputable brands, and test electronics or appliances at the store, if possible. For successful thrifting, go with a plan, visit stores regularly, and don’t hesitate to negotiate prices when appropriate. With these tips, you can make thrifting both rewarding and enjoyable.
My post, “How to Thrift Shop Like A Pro: 11 Best Shopping Tips,” will provide more detailed information on how to successfully thrift shop.
- Action step: Visit one thrift store this week.
7) Question Your Purchases
In a frugal life, questioning your purchases is a key step to financial mindfulness and avoiding unnecessary spending. Before you make a purchase, think about “needs vs. wants”. I ask myself if the item is essential or just something that I want. When you consider needs and wants it will help you determine your priorities and prevent impulsive buys.
Another useful strategy is the 24-hour rule. When you’re considering a purchase, wait at least 24 hours before buying the item. This waiting period gives you time to think about whether you truly need the item, preventing buyer’s remorse.
Finally, ask yourself critical questions before purchasing anything, such as: Can I afford this or will it make me go into debt? Will this item add long-term value to my life? Is there a lower-cost alternative? Making mindful spending choices that support your money goals will lead to greater savings, less stress, and a more secure financial future.
- Action step: Create a waiting list for wants.
8) Warehouse Membership Benefits
Choosing to join a warehouse membership, such as Costco or Sam’s Club, for grocery shopping can help you save a significant amount of money. I’ve shopped at Costco for years for much of my groceries. For instance, I can get organic produce and meat much cheaper than I can at regular grocery stores.
For example, if buying items in bulk will save you more than the yearly fee, the membership would be worthwhile. I suggest purchasing items with long shelf lives, such as non-perishable foods, household supplies, and toiletries, as these often provide the most value in bulk.
Be mindful of your available storage space, as buying in bulk requires sufficient room to store items properly to avoid waste or damage. By considering these things, you can maximize the benefits of a warehouse membership while avoiding unnecessary purchases or clutter.
- Action step: Compare prices with regular stores.
9) Free Date Night Ideas
Spending time with your spouse doesn’t have to break your piggy. You can transform your living room into a cozy movie theater with blankets and snacks. Or, you can try a cooking challenge where you create a dessert or dinner together.
You could also take a scenic walk or bike ride to explore nearby trails together. For those near water, a picnic by the beach, lake, or river could also be a nice time to unwind together.
Many local communities host free events like outdoor concerts, art walks, or open mic nights. Check your town’s calendar for these opportunities, and take advantage of the chance to experience something new with your spouse.
These ideas prove that a meaningful date doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag—just a little creativity and time spent together. For more ideas, read my post, “31 Fantastic Free Date Ideas for Love on a Budget“.
- Action step: Plan one free date this week.
10) Water Bottles
Buying bottled water is an expense that can add up quickly. Instead, consider purchasing a reusable water bottle.
A reusable water bottle is a one-time cost that will save you money in the long run. Having your own water with you will eliminate costly purchases of bottled water at a gas station or convenience store.
Using a reusable water bottle also helps the environment because there will be less plastic waste. Also, using a water bottle is better for your health because sunlight can break down chemicals in plastic bottles that could leach into your water.
- Action step: Track daily water expenses.
11) Pack Your Lunch
Another money-saving strategy is to pack your own lunch instead of eating out. Packing your own lunch may require extra effort, but the benefits are worth it. Whether it’s your husband’s lunch or when you go shopping, packing your own food offers financial and health benefits.
Eating out is expensive, especially if you do it a lot. Packing your own lunch allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes, ultimately saving you money.
Also, packing your own lunch gives you more control over what goes into your meals. You can choose healthier options and avoid added sugars or unhealthy ingredients often found in restaurant and convenience food.
Easy Lunch Ideas
Some easy lunch ideas to pack include:
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Mason jar salads
- Leftovers from dinner
- Snack boxes with fruits, veggies, and protein
My post, “51 Easy Cheap Lunch Ideas to Make Quick and Stay on Budget“, will inspire you to pack your own lunch.
Action step: Pack lunch twice this week.
12) Smart Shopping
Becoming a savvy shopper starts with comparison shopping. Before making a purchase, take some time to compare prices and look for deals.
Timing your purchases can make a big impact—buying seasonal items during the off-season or capitalizing on holiday sales can save you a lot.
Another tip is to make a grocery list and stick to it. Inventorying your pantry and cabinets first can help avoid buying items you already have, reducing waste and saving money.
Use grocery store apps or loyalty programs to earn rewards and discounts. You can also look for in-store or online coupons to further save on your purchases.
Before I make any purchase online, I always search for a coupon code. Most of the time, I can easily find a code that will save money on my purchase. I made an online order for $40 for a health supplement yesterday. I found a 20% off coupon saving me $8 off my purchase. It’s worth the few minutes to look for a code for every online purchase.
Action step: Compare prices on your next purchase
More Frugal Living Tips
Here are other ways to save money and live a frugal life:
- Grow your own food to reduce your environmental impact and live more sustainably.
- Use a local library to access free books, movies, and music.
- Buy clothes and other necessities at garage sales.
- Use laundry detergent or make homemade laundry detergent that is environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
- Repurpose old clothes to make new items, such as turning old t-shirts into reusable bags.
- Perform regular maintenance on your car to improve fuel efficiency and reduce costly repairs in the long run.
- Use less meat in your meals and incorporate more plant-based proteins to save on groceries.
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use to reduce your electric bill.
- You can save money on laundry by washing your clothes washing it in cold water helps conserve energy.
- Hanging your clothes out to dry saves money on electricity.
Encouragement and Getting Past Day One
Adopting a frugal life can sometimes feel overwhelming, but make small changes gradually. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, and remember that every little bit of savings adds up over time.
Find a community or support system that shares similar frugal living values. A support system can provide encouragement, accountability, and new ideas for saving money on your frugal life journey.
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Small Steps Toward a Frugal Life
Living a frugal life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with small, manageable changes, such as seeking out discount codes or making your own coffee, you can begin to see the rewards of saving money.
Taking frugal life baby steps will build your confidence and create positive habits. Build to lasting success by finding new opportunities to save and make the most of what you have.
After mastering the basics of a frugal life, push yourself further by setting and sticking to a monthly budget. Frugal living is a journey, and with steady effort, you’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve while enhancing your financial health and quality of life.
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We recently invested in an espresso machine and have preferred making lattes at home rather than spending $15 at Starbucks—I can’t believe we didn’t do it sooner. 😊
Way to go, Kelly! I’m sure you’re loving the savings!
These are some great ways to save a little more.
Thanks, Elisa!
I love your tips, living well while staying on budget takes time. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Domii! It does take time, but so worth it!
I love Costco because you can get so much more when buying in bulk! But yes, I have to be careful because my house is small and storage is tight! Also, Mason jar salads sound delightful! Thank you for that suggestion! Nice post!
Thanks, Kat! I couldn’t imagine not having Costco to shop at. I’m excited that you liked the post!
So I live in a van full time with my wife and furbags. I tell people this; they think we must save so much money. We are, but not because we live in a van. Its because we cook our meals, don’t eat out, drink black coffee. Every time I save money I take 25% into savings, 50% into my retirement fund and 25% into my pets. Yes, I spoil them, but it brings me joy lol I personally will probably never be filthy rich, but I’m ok with that. I don’t need to be a billionaire like some of the books I read tell me to be. Thanks for sharing your info, hopefully more people will read and start to save and invest some of the money they save!
Yeah, Jarrod, I’d never want to be a billionaire or millionaire. I would just like to have enough money to be comfortable and have everything I need and my family needs. You must really get around if you live in a van full time!