86 Extreme Frugality Tips to Save Hundreds Every Month

Introduction

Are you struggling to save money? Do you feel like your paycheck disappears too quickly? Many people live paycheck to paycheck, but the good news is that you can change that by adopting extreme frugality.

These 86 extreme frugality tips will help you save hundreds every month. You don’t have to follow all of them. Just pick the ones that fit your lifestyle, and you’ll notice a big difference in your savings. The goal is to become more mindful of your spending habits and find creative ways to cut costs while maintaining a good quality of life.

By making simple changes to your daily routine, you can start building a strong financial foundation. Whether you’re saving for a major goal, paying off debt, or just trying to have more control over your money, these tips will help you get there faster.

Housing and Utility Savings

1. Downsize your home – A smaller home means lower rent, property taxes, and utility bills. Consider moving to a smaller space that suits your needs without unnecessary extra rooms.
2. Get a roommate – Splitting rent and other expenses with someone can save you hundreds each month. It may require some compromise, but the financial relief is worth it.
3. Move to a cheaper area – If you work remotely or have job flexibility, relocating to a more affordable city or neighborhood can significantly lower your cost of living.
4. Negotiate rent – Ask your landlord for a discount, especially if you’re a long-term tenant. Highlight your reliability as a tenant, and you might get a better deal.
5. Use energy-efficient light bulbs – LED bulbs last longer and use less electricity than traditional ones, which saves money in the long run.
6. Unplug appliances – Even when turned off, many appliances still use electricity. Unplugging them when not in use reduces phantom energy consumption.
7. Turn off lights – Make it a habit to switch off lights in rooms you’re not using. You’ll notice the savings on your electricity bill.
8. Use a programmable thermostat – Setting your thermostat to adjust temperatures when you’re asleep or away from home can save a lot on heating and cooling.
9. Take shorter showers – Reducing your shower time saves both water and the energy used to heat it. This is an easy habit to build that pays off over time.
10. Wash clothes in cold water – Cold water is just as effective for cleaning most clothes, and it significantly reduces energy costs.
11. Hang-dry laundry instead of using a dryer – Air drying your clothes not only saves electricity but also helps extend the life of your clothing.
12. Insulate windows and doors – Proper insulation keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing heating and cooling costs.
13. Close vents in unused rooms – Don’t waste energy heating or cooling rooms you don’t use often.
14. Use a fan instead of air conditioning – Ceiling fans and portable fans are much cheaper to run than AC units.
15. Cook with a slow cooker or pressure cooker – These appliances use less energy than a conventional oven.
16. Collect rainwater for gardening – This can help you reduce your water bill if you have a garden or outdoor plants.
17. Seal drafts in doors and windows – Weather stripping or caulking prevents heat loss in winter and keeps cool air inside in summer.
18. Lower your water heater temperature – Reducing the temperature slightly can lead to noticeable savings without affecting your comfort.
19. Use blackout curtains – These help maintain indoor temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
20. Take advantage of natural light – Open blinds and curtains during the day to use natural sunlight instead of turning on lights.
21. Use solar-powered outdoor lighting – Reduce electricity costs by using solar lights for outdoor spaces.
22. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets – This reduces water usage without affecting water pressure.
23. Turn off the heater or AC when not at home – Save energy by adjusting the temperature before leaving home.
24. Only run appliances when full – Don’t run the dishwasher or washing machine until they are full to save water and electricity.
25. Use draft stoppers – Place draft stoppers under doors to prevent heat loss in winter and cool air from escaping in summer.

Food and Grocery Savings

26. Meal plan – Planning meals in advance helps avoid unnecessary grocery purchases and reduces food waste.
27. Buy in bulk – Purchasing larger quantities often costs less per unit and reduces the need for frequent trips to the store.
28. Cook at home – Home-cooked meals are significantly cheaper than eating out and usually healthier.
29. Use store-brand products – Most generic or store-brand items have the same quality as name-brand products but cost much less.
30. Stop buying bottled water – Invest in a water filter and a reusable bottle to save money and reduce plastic waste.
31. Grow your own food – Even a small herb garden can reduce your grocery bill. If you have space, consider growing vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, or peppers.
32. Eat less meat – Meat is expensive compared to plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu.
33. Freeze leftovers – Instead of throwing away extra food, store it for future meals. This saves time and money.
34. Shop at discount stores – Stores like Aldi, Lidl, or Dollar Tree offer lower prices on groceries and household items.
35. Use coupons and cashback apps – Digital coupons and rebate apps like Ibotta and Rakuten can save you money on groceries and other purchases.
36. Avoid convenience foods – Pre-packaged and pre-cut foods cost more than whole ingredients.
37. Drink more water – Soft drinks, juices, and fancy coffee drinks add up. Drinking water is free and healthier.
38. Stock up on sale items – When non-perishable items go on sale, buy extra to save money later.
39. Shop at farmer’s markets – Produce is often fresher and cheaper than at supermarkets.
40. Make homemade snacks – Instead of buying expensive chips, granola bars, or cookies, make your own.
41. Bring lunch to work – Eating out daily is costly; preparing your own lunch can save hundreds per month.
42. Avoid buying coffee at cafés – Brewing coffee at home costs a fraction of what you’d spend at a café.
43. Use every part of your food – Use vegetable scraps for broth and bones for homemade stock.
44. Practice portion control – Eating reasonable portions helps food last longer and is healthier.
45. Try intermittent fasting – Skipping meals occasionally not only saves money but can also have health benefits.
46. Batch cook meals – Save time and money by cooking in large quantities and freezing portions for later.
47. Make your own bread and pasta – Homemade staples are often cheaper and healthier than store-bought versions.
48. Dehydrate or can food – Preserve fruits and vegetables for later use instead of letting them go to waste.
49. Make homemade condiments – Ketchup, mustard, and salad dressings can be made at home for a fraction of the cost.
50. Use loyalty programs – Many grocery stores offer rewards programs that give you discounts or cashback on purchases.