23 Unusual (But Genius) Frugal Living Tips

Saving money isn’t easy. But contrary to popular opinion, living frugally doesn’t have to be a huge bummer where you sacrifice all the things you love.

In fact, living a frugal lifestyle actually means honing in closely on those things you value and making thoughtful, intentional choices about money, keeping those things you care about in the forefront of your mind.

These creative money saving techniques will help you get started with implementing some small (but super impactful) frugal habits that will ultimately change your way of living.

1. Make your coffee at home: If you frequent Starbucks (or even McDonald’s) every morning for your caffeine fix, consider the money you will save by making your coffee at home each morning. Even an investment in a nicer coffee pot might be worth it in the long run.
2. Give handmade gifts: Instead of buying Christmas and birthday gifts, get the supplies to make a handmade gift in bulk. Some ideas:
   • Sugar scrubs
   • Lotion bars
   • Candles
   • Lip balms
   • Candy
3. Create a capsule wardrobe (with thrift store finds):
   Instead of constantly buying new clothes, build a capsule wardrobe by selecting a few versatile, high-quality pieces from thrift stores or consignment shops. Focus on neutral colors and classic styles that can be mixed and matched. This not only saves money but also reduces the clutter in your closet and simplifies getting dressed each day.
4. Save gift bags, bows, and wrapping paper:
   Why buy new gift wrap every time you need it? Start saving gift bags, tissue paper, and wrapping paper from gifts you receive. These can be reused for future birthday parties, holidays, or special occasions. Not only does this save money, but it also reduces waste—plus, your presents will still look beautifully wrapped!
5. Use vinegar + citrus peels as all-purpose cleaner:
   Save citrus peels and steep them in white vinegar for a few weeks to create a natural, effective all-purpose cleaner. The citrus oils add a fresh scent, and the vinegar’s acidity makes it great for cutting through grease and grime.
6. Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer:
   Save on electricity by using a clothesline or drying rack for your laundry instead of a dryer. Air-drying clothes not only cuts down on energy use but also extends the life of your garments by reducing wear and tear (and they smell amazing).
7. Have a weekly “no spending” day:
   Challenge yourself and your family to have one “no-spend” day each week where you avoid spending money entirely. Use this time to get creative with what you already have, whether it’s cooking a meal from pantry staples or planning a free activity.
8. DIY your home decor: Don’t underestimate your ability to DIY beautiful home decor. With a willingness to repurpose old things and Pinterest at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless.
9. Upcycle glass jars (or any nice product containers) into storage:
   Save your glass jars from pasta sauce, pickles, or jams and use them to organize your pantry. They’re perfect for storing bulk items like grains, beans, and nuts, and they look charming on the shelf. Plus, using glass instead of plastic is a more sustainable option for food storage.
10. Collect rainwater to water plants:
    Why pay for water when you can collect it for free? Set up a rain barrel in your yard to capture rainwater from your gutters. Use this water to keep your garden hydrated during dry spells. It’s an eco-friendly way to save money on your utility bills and ensure your plants thrive.
11. Recycle old, used candles:
    Melt down the remnants of used candles and pour the wax into a new jar or mold with a fresh wick. This gives you a brand-new candle for free.
12. Make your own ice packs:
    Fill a ziplock bag with 2 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol, then freeze. The alcohol prevents the water from fully solidifying, making it flexible for injuries or cooling lunches.
13. Freeze herb cubes:
    If you have extra fresh herbs, chop them up and freeze them in ice cube trays with olive oil. These herb cubes are perfect for tossing into soups and sauces.
14. Cut down on paper towels:
    Use reusable microfiber cloths instead of paper towels for cleaning up spills. They’re more absorbent, last longer, and can be easily washed.
15. Upcycle old crayons:
    Don’t toss broken crayons. Melt them down in a silicone mold to create new, fun-shaped crayons for your kids.
16. Plan a stay-cation:
    • Instead of going somewhere, plan a fun weekend at home. Play board games, put screens away, watch movies, camp or hike in your backyard, or have a marshmallow roast!
17. Make DIY air freshener:
    Fill a small jar with baking soda and add a few drops of essential oils. Cover the jar with a breathable fabric or lid with holes, and you have a simple, non-toxic air freshener for any room. You can also check out our DIY linen spray.
18. Repurpose wooden pallets for DIY furniture:
    Old wooden pallets can be transformed into rustic farmhouse furniture like coffee tables, outdoor benches, or garden planters. This saves money on new furniture and adds a charming, handmade touch to your home.
19. Make homemade bread:
    Baking your own bread from scratch not only saves money but also adds a comforting farmhouse touch to your kitchen. Use simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and water for delicious, homemade loaves.
20. Preserve your garden harvest:
    Canning or freezing excess produce from your garden helps you store food for the winter months. It’s a frugal way to enjoy your harvest year-round and reduce trips to the grocery store.
21. Compost kitchen scraps:
    Set up a composting system for food scraps like vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and eggshells. The nutrient-rich compost can be used to fertilize your garden, reducing waste and saving on fertilizer costs.
22. Buy in bulk:
    Purchase non-perishable items, like rice, pasta, or toilet paper, in bulk. Bulk buying is often cheaper per unit, saving you money in the long run.
23. Make homemade on-the-go granola bars
    Skip the expensive store-bought granola and make your own at home. Combine oats, nuts, seeds, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and bake until golden. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients and save money while enjoying a delicious, healthy snack.

Though some items on this list may seem like minor changes, remember that living a frugal lifestyle no takes a combination of lots of small efforts. By starting with small frugal habits, you will be able to make a big impact on your finances over time!