25 Frugal Living Tips to Help You Save Money

I love frugality and it really helped when I became a single Mum. I learned a lot on my journey with frugal living and now I want to share what I have learned so far as I am still learning different things from others.

Living frugally doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or joy, it’s about making intentional choices to stretch your money further. Here are 25 practical tips to help you save money and embrace a more budget-friendly lifestyle.

Number One - Hand Wash Clothes When Possible

While it’s not always practical, hand washing small loads of laundry can save money on water and electricity. If you have just one or two items that need a quick clean, opt for hand washing instead of running a washing machine cycle. It's a simple way to cut down on utility costs.

Number Two - Line Dry Clothes

This is much easier in the summer months but try to avoid using a tumble dryer when possible. Line drying is energy-free, and even in colder weather, clothes will dry as long as the ground isn’t wet. If drying outdoors isn’t an option, consider using an indoor airer or a heated one. A clever trick is placing a dry bed sheet over your wet clothes to help them dry faster—let me know if this works for you!

Number Three - Wear Clothes More Than Once

If your clothes are clean and haven’t been worn during physical activity, consider wearing them again before washing. This reduces your laundry load, saves water, detergent, and energy. Underwear and socks are exceptions, of course, as they should be changed daily for hygiene reasons. I often wear the same leggings or top for a couple of days.

Number Four - Fix Before You Replace

Before discarding broken items, try repairing them. Whether it’s a kettle needing a new fuse or clothing with small holes, fixing things can save money and reduce waste. For damaged towels or clothing beyond repair, consider repurposing them as cleaning rags. Use YouTube to learn how to fix things and learn a new skill.

Number Five - Use Items Until They’re Worn Out

Make the most of what you already own. Whether it’s a phone, appliance, or clothing, use it until it no longer functions before replacing it. Things can last much longer by taking good care of your items which reduces the need for frequent replacements and saves you money.

Number Six - Reuse Glass Jars

Glass jars from food or candles can be repurposed for storage. As I love candles I often get them as gifts once burned. They are used for pantry staples like rice, coffee, or tea, or fill them with treats for creative gifts for birthdays or even Christmas. They’re an eco-friendly alternative to plastic containers and a great way to organize your kitchen.

Number Seven - Learn DIY Self Care Skills (Where You’re Comfortable)

Cutting your own hair is a popular frugal tip, but it’s okay to have limits! If you’re not ready to trim your own locks, consider doing simpler DIY tasks like dyeing your hair or doing your own nails. Learning a new skill could save you significant money in the long run.

Number Eight - Pay with Cash

Using cash helps you stick to a budget and avoid overspending. With cash, you can only spend what you have, making it easier to track your expenses. Plus, it eliminates the risk of unexpected transaction fees from some banks and impulse buying as you have to budget when you shop.

Number Nine - Shop at Thrift Stores

Charity shops and car boot sales are treasure troves for finding bargains on clothes, toys, books, and gifts. You can often score high-quality items at a fraction of the cost, making it a budget-friendly way to shop for essentials and presents.I have often found new items still in the packaging at charity shops which have been great for gift buying.

Number Ten - Use the Library

Instead of buying books, borrow them from your local library. Many libraries also offer DVDs, audiobooks, and computer access for free. It’s a fantastic resource for families and can save you a significant amount over time. My son loves going to the library and choosing his own books if he has yet to finish reading them before the due date. We often go online to extend the date.

Number Eleven - Watch DVDs Instead of Streaming

Canceling streaming subscriptions and using DVDs can save money. Second Hand DVDs are incredibly cheap and readily available at charity shops or car boot sales or you can purchase used DVDs at a much cheaper price on places like Amazon. Plus, having a portable DVD player can be a lifesaver during power outages and long car journeys for children.

Number Twelve - Play Board Games

Board games are a fun and affordable alternative to screen time. They bring families together and provide hours of entertainment without recurring costs. Look for budget-friendly options at thrift stores or discount shops for your next family game night.

Number Thirteen - Look for Free Events in Your Local Community

Everyone loves finding something to do during half-term holidays or weekends, and your local community or neighbouring towns often offer plenty of free activities. Check local event boards, community centers, local community groups on Facebook or town websites for family-friendly activities. Bring your own drinks, snacks, and lunches if you’ll be out over lunchtime to save even more. Enjoy the atmosphere, socialize, and soak up the fun—all without spending a penny!

Number Fourteen - Shop Smart: Sales, Offers, and Discounts

Before making a purchase, always check for sales or upcoming discounts at your favorite stores. Use cashback sites like TopCashback and voucher code platforms to save extra. Instagram and TikTok can also be goldmines for influencer discount codes. Waiting a few days for a sale or finding a discount code can make a big difference. Plan your purchases wisely to maximize savings.

Number Fifteen - Buy Unbranded Items

Save money by choosing unbranded items over branded ones, whether it’s food, clothing, or household goods. Supermarkets often place the more affordable items on lower shelves, so look carefully. This also applies to clothes; shop at budget-friendly stores or online platforms like Temu, Shein, or Amazon for cost-effective options. For kids, unbranded options often work just as well unless they specifically want branded items, like my son does with Cadbury chocolate!

Number Sixteen - Make Food at Home

Homemade meals are not only healthier but also significantly cheaper. Get your family involved in cooking and consider meal prepping or batch cooking to save time and effort. For instance, make extra portions to freeze for later. I’ll be sharing more tips on meal planning and batch cooking in the new year, so stay tuned!

Number Seventeen - Grow Your Own Food

This year, I plan to start growing my own fruit and vegetables—something I didn’t manage last year. Growing your own food is a cost-effective way to eat fresh and healthy. There are plenty of online tutorials to guide beginners (like me) in starting their own small garden. Even a few pots on a balcony can make a difference.

Number Eighteen - Make Things at Home

Instead of buying coffee or lunch on the go, prepare them at home. Invest in a good thermal cup for your coffee, and pack lunches before work. Even if you cut back on coffee shop visits to just once or twice a week, the savings will add up. Over time, these small habits can make a big difference.

Number Nineteen - Look for Kids Eat Free Deals

When dining out, search for restaurants that offer deals like "kids eat free" or "kids meals for £1" with a paying adult. These promotions can significantly reduce the cost of family outings. Don’t forget to check for additional discounts or voucher codes before heading out.

Number Twenty - Work Out at Home

Save on gym memberships by switching to home workouts. There are countless free workout programs available on YouTube, catering to all fitness levels and preferences. Whether you enjoy cardio, dance, or weightlifting, there’s something for everyone. As a trained personal trainer, I love creating my own workouts, but YouTube is my go-to for fresh ideas.

Number Twenty One - Combine Errands into One Trip

Plan your errands strategically to save time and petrol. For example, if you’re dropping your child off at school, combine it with nearby shopping or other errands. Consolidating trips reduces back-and-forth driving, saving both money and energy.

Number Twenty Two - Turn Off Lights

Teach your family to turn off lights when leaving a room. It’s a small habit that can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bill. I’ve started teaching my son this habit, and while my son occasionally forgets, it’s a simple way to reduce unnecessary electricity use.

Number Twenty Three - Buy Needs, Ask for Wants

Spend your money on essentials throughout the year, and reserve your "wants" for birthdays or holidays. When someone asks what you’d like as a gift, focus on things you’d love but might not buy for yourself. This approach keeps your budget focused on necessities while treating yourself occasionally.

Number Twenty Four - Be Happy with Less

You don’t need the latest gadgets or trendy items to be happy. Focus on essentials and a few meaningful extras rather than chasing every trend. Shifting your mindset to appreciate what you already have can save money and bring more contentment.

Number Twenty Five - Learn to Say No

Sometimes, the best way to save money is to say no. Politely decline invitations, requests, or purchases that don’t align with your budget. This applies to others, your children, and even yourself. Before making impulse buys, take 24 hours to decide if it’s truly necessary. Saying no, when needed, helps protect your finances and priorities.

Frugal living is all about making mindful choices that benefit both your wallet and the environment. Start with small changes like reusing jars or line drying clothes, and you’ll soon see the savings add up. I hope you found these frugal living tips helpful! If you have more tips to share, please drop them in the comments I’d love to hear from you. Don’t forget to subscribe for more money-saving content!

Until next time

Rachel