8 Frugal Household Habits Smart People Adopt To Save Serious Money Without Looking Broke
GaudiLab | Shutterstock This economy is difficult for pretty much everyone, which is why so many people are adopting a few classic frugal habits from the past. People from every generation now want to make sure every penny they spend goes as far as it can, and who can blame them?
Frugal people can get a bad reputation as stingy or un-generous, but in reality, most of these are healthy habits that help people save money without looking broke. At this point, we could all benefit from embracing some of these tricks in our daily lives.
Smart, frugal people do little things to keep themselves from overspending
1. They delay non-essential purchases
I’m nothing if not an impulse shopper, unfortunately. When I see something I want, I am guilty of buying it without thinking it through whatsoever. Did I need it? Was it financially responsible? These are questions I’d ask myself if I had an ounce of self-control, but sadly, I don’t.
People who are frugal and living on a budget master the art of delaying non-essential purchases. Often, they practice the 48-hour rule with their kids, and model it themselves, too. This means holding off on a purchase for a few days before making it, and then observing their own reactions.
Over time, they might forget about it or become more apathetic about the item which usually means it wasn't the right purchase in the first place. The result is a surprising amount of money saved, money they otherwise would have spent if they gave in to their impulses.
2. They meal prep in advance
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How many times have you given up on cooking dinner because you were tired or overwhelmed? A long day at work can cause people to crash and instead of putting the energy into cooking, they may feel the impulse to order delivery. This can add up, especially if you are using apps with delivery fees.
Prepping food ahead of time does more than save you energy after a long day, it also helps your wallet. When you have meals in mind, you’re likely to spend less at the grocery store. You’re not grabbing random things off the shelf; you’re sticking to a plan. This also keeps you from ordering food for delivery, which becomes a major expense over time.
While some may see this something only poor people would do, pretty much everyone lately thinks about good nutrition and health, and meal planning and prep can help with that, too!
3. They clip coupons
Cutting coupons has been part of American culture for decades. Think of your mom or grandmother with their little file box full of alphabetically organized coupons clipped from the newspaper.
Now, it’s much simpler and, fortunately, gone are the days of pulling out your scissors. Most companies and stores offer discount codes online or through customer loyalty programs and apps. Saving money has never been easier for frugal people who are dedicated to keeping as much in the bank as they can.
While this is a no-brainer for a frugal person, many of us forget to check for these savings. Instead, we get stuck overpaying when we could be getting a discount, and all those little discounts add up to a lot of money over time! The best thing about digital coupons is that you don't have to pull them out or make a scene in the checkout line. Just show the app so they can scan it and you're done.
4. They build a timeless wardrobe
Frugal people know that trends come and go and don't waste their time or money trying to chase them all.
Rarely is it worth investing in something that they know will go out of style quicker than it came in. Instead, they choose to buy timeless pieces they know will stand the test of time. In the long run, it saves them money, because they won’t need to go shopping nearly as often.
This concept is called a capsule wardrobe. It consists of a handful of items that remain relevant for decades and can be easily mixed and matched. From a good white T-shirt to the perfect pair of jeans, having these staples can keep you from spending unnecessary money.
5. They shop second-hand
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A natural follow-up to the timeless wardrobe is to up-cycle or shop second hand for clothing (and any other items that make sense in your life!).
Even people with spare money to spend enjoy thrift shopping these daysm as there is a thrill in not knowing what you’ll find. You can land serious deals on designer items or find trendiest pieces at half the cost. It’s both fun and strategic for those who are looking to live a more frugal life.
Thrifting is also sustainable, as long as you aren't over-buying items that end up in a landfill or otherwise becoming problematic. Frugality isn't just about buying things cheaper, it's also about being more thoughtful about how you buy.
Instead of buying something brand new, frugal people are getting more bang for their buck without the negative impact of fast fashion. It can also be a bonding experience, creating fun with friends while digging through bargain bins.
6. They maintain their cars to avoid unexpected repairs
When your car breaks down, it feels like the end of the world. For some, it can be. Without a vehicle to get to work or pick the kids up from school, daily life becomes flipped upside down. Plus, taking your car to the mechanic is a massive cost. Why does every car problem cost hundreds of dollars? Where are the 5-dollar repairs of the 1970s?
Experts agree that regular car maintenance saves you money in the long run, as does buying cars that are known for reliability and low cost of repairs. Checking the car’s fluids and routinely changing the oil are just a few ways to prevent major incidents like engine failure, as well as small everyday costs like fuel efficiency.
7. They choose free activities over fancy dinners
Some may assume that living frugally impacts someone’s social life. That’s not always the case. Instead, they may choose to focus on free or low-cost ways to spend time with their loved ones. Instead of going to a fancy dinner, they may invite their friends over or meet at a local park. There are ways to get creative and still have a good time.
Some people who live frugally but don’t look broke still treat themselves to fun activities that cost money. They may have a ‘yes-fund’ set aside that allows them to do things, even if it’s rare. Saying 'yes' to going out is easier that way, and it makes them feel like they are saving money.
8. They buy in bulk
Toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning products will always be used. Someone who lives frugally may choose to buy these items in bulk. Not only will they know they always have it on hand, but it can save them some serious cash.
It’s not uncommon to save 20-50% by purchasing bulk items from wholesale stores like Costco. Plus, if money ever gets too tight, they are stocked up on the essentials and can save money by not going to the store to buy them.
One thing to be careful about: buying in bulk only saves money when you know you'll use the product all the way up. So it's not a great time to try something new!
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities, living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
