Hey Thrivers!
Here we talk mostly about how to make money online, but saving and investing money is as equally important as earning money.
So, today, I want to talk about some frugal living tips I followed and that helped me grow financially in my life.
To let you know, as a techie I love tech gadgets and you won’t believe it, but I bought my first iPhone only when we made our first $100k – Yes, it was iPhone 14 Pro Max (I am still using it in 2025). Until then, I was using my old Android OnePlus 7T.
Well, let’s now first understand what does frugal living means, and then we will dive into the frugal living tips you can follow as a beginner.
So, let’s dive in.
What Does Frugal Living means?
Frugal living isn’t about being cheap or depriving yourself. It’s about being intentional with your money and making conscious decisions on cutting out what doesn’t matter so you can spend on what truly does.
It’s all about thinking the question : Do I really need this?, before buying anything.
Frugality is freedom. It gives you control, helps you save, invest, and say yes to bigger goals, whether that’s buying a house, retiring early, or finally taking that Europe trip.
Now, let’s get into the beginner-friendly tips that worked for me and will work for you too. But first, let’s talk about “Why”
The “why” should be clear because:
Frugal living isn’t a temporary diet; it’s a lifestyle shift
The Foundation: Your Mindset
Know Your Reason: Why do you want to live frugally? Is it to pay off loans, save for travel, or have more freedom in life? Keep that reason clear in your mind. It’ll help you stay strong when you feel tempted to spend.
Notice Your Spending Habits: Many times, we spend without thinking. Maybe it’s a coffee every day, a new dress for just one event, or ordering food because we’re tired. Start asking yourself: Do I really need this, or am I just doing it out of habit?
Celebrate the Small Wins: Made dinner at home instead of ordering food? Nice! Move that money into savings and feel good about it. These little wins keep you going.
Frugal Living Tips For Beginners
Now for the actionable tips.
Don’t feel like you have to do all of these at once. Pick a few that resonate with you and start there.
Track Every Dollar
If you don’t know where your money is going, you won’t know where to cut back.
Use a budgeting app (like YNAB, PocketGuard, or even a simple Google Sheet).
For the first 30 days, track everything such as : rent, coffee, impulse Amazon buys. It’s eye-opening.
Practice the 24-Hour Rule Before Buying
Want to buy something that isn’t urgent?
Wait 24 hours. For bigger purchases, wait 72 hours or even a week.
You’ll be shocked how often the “want” fades.
I used to load up carts on Amazon and just… let them sit. Half the time, I forgot about the items.
Learn to Cook
Eating out kills your savings.
Even “cheap” takeout can blow your budget when done regularly.
Start with 4-5 go-to meals you enjoy cooking simple, healthy, budget-friendly.
Cooking is by the way is really simple, you can literally make anything in just 20–30 minutes following a simple recipe.
Cut the Fancy Subscriptions
Netflix, Spotify, Apple One, Canva Pro, Audible – look at what you’re paying for and be honest: Am I actually using this enough to justify the cost?
I canceled three services and saved $40/month. That’s $480 a year ; basically a flight ticket.
Buy Quality, But Less Often
Frugal doesn’t mean buying the cheapest item.
It means buying things that last. A good backpack, a solid pair of shoes, or a stainless steel bottle will save you from replacing junk every 6 months.
I have my pair of good Nike, Adidas and Puma shoes and they easily last for 2–3 years. Of course, I wear them in rotation.
Other Frugal Tips
Home & Utilities: Smart Savings
Your home is a great place to find hidden savings.
- “Kill” the Vampire Power: Unplug electronics that aren’t in use. They’re silently sucking electricity (and your money).
- Bundle and Negotiate: Call your internet, phone, and cable providers and ask if they can offer you a better deal. You’d be surprised how often they will.
- DIY Before You Buy: Before you buy a new piece of furniture, see if you can find one second-hand and give it a fresh coat of paint.
- Maintain Your Home: A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Checking for leaky faucets or sealing drafts can save you a lot on your water and energy bills in the long run.
Entertainment & Hobbies: Frugal Fun
Frugal living doesn’t mean boring living!
- Use Your Local Library: It’s a treasure trove of free books, movies, magazines, and even digital resources.
- Free Events are Everywhere: Check your local community calendar for free concerts, festivals, and workshops.
- Embrace Nature: Hiking, picnicking in the park, or simply taking a walk are all free and wonderful ways to spend your time.
- Host a Potluck or Game Night: Socializing doesn’t have to mean an expensive night out.
- The “30-Day Rule”: When you see something you want, wait 30 days before buying it. Often, the desire will have passed, and you’ll realize you didn’t need it after all.
Frugal living is about building a life you don’t need to escape from. It’s about intentionally designing your life around what truly brings you joy, rather than what society tells you to buy.
So, go ahead. Start small. Pick some tips from this list and see where it takes you. You might just find that living on less is the key to having it all.
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