Uncover 7 frugal living tips that will make your mum proud (2024)

1. Line dry your washing

While tumble dryers offer undeniable convenience, they devour a substantial amount of electricity. Whenever possible, opt for the traditional clothesline and take advantage of the natural sunlight On rainy days, consider setting up a clotheshorse indoors or on the balcony. If you find your laundry just shy of complete dryness, utilise the dryer solely for the finishing touch. By adopting these practices, you’ll not only save a considerable amount of electricity but also contribute to a greener environment.

2. Grow your own veggies

While achieving complete self-sufficiency may be a lofty goal, there’s a fulfilling and cost-effective alternative that lies within our reach: growing our own food. By cultivating a small garden or even a few potted plants, you can embark on a journey that not only saves you money at the checkout but also offers a sense of satisfaction. Imagine the joy of savoring a meal prepared with ingredients you grew with your own hands.

3. Stretching meals

When it comes to making the most out of your food, a simple yet savvy approach can work wonders.

If you’ve bought a rotisserie chicken, for example, you can usually get several meals out of it by using different parts. The same goes with a roast lamb; you could use the leftovers in a casserole or a shepherd’s pie.

By exploring creative ways to repurpose leftovers, you not only stretch your meals and reduce food waste but also unlock a world of flavors and textures that keep your taste buds engaged for days to come.

4. Make your own cleaning products

Unlocking the secrets to effective and budget-friendly cleaning doesn’t require a collection of pricey products from the supermarket cleaning aisle.

A little vinegar, bicarb soda, or dishwashing liquid is usually all you need for surface cleaning, so you can skip the expensive products in the cleaning aisle in the supermarket.

With these trusty items at your side, you’ll not only achieve sparkling clean surfaces but also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a more economical and eco-friendly cleaning routine.

5. Freeze leftovers

In the ongoing fight against food waste and the temptation of costly takeaway meals, freezing leftovers emerges as a favourable solution.

If you have a lot of leftovers, freeze them! This way, they don’t get thrown out after a few days, and they’ll be there when you can’t be bothered cooking, saving you from ordering expensive takeaways.

With a well-stocked freezer, you can bid farewell to the guilt that can often come with throwing out precious food and wave goodbye to the hefty expenses of indulging in takeout.

So, let the freezer become your ally, ensuring that no delicious dish goes to waste and the contents of your wallet remains happily intact.

6. Stop using paper towels

When faced with a stash of worn-out towels, don’t be so quick to toss them aside. Instead, consider giving them a new lease on life by transforming them into versatile cleaning cloths.

A simple snip here and there, and you’ll have a ready supply of absorbent companions for tackling spills and wiping down surfaces. These repurposed towels not only help you save some hard-earned cash but also champion the cause of sustainability. By opting for these eco-friendly alternatives, you contribute to the reduction of waste and lessen the burden on our environment.

Once they’ve served their cleaning purpose, fear not, for these trusty companions can be effortlessly tossed into the next laundry cycle, emerging fresh and ready for their next cleaning endeavor

7. Exercise for free

Don’t let costly gym memberships drain your wallet and gather dust when your motivation wanes.

Instead, go for a walk in the fresh air, walk the dog, or if you want to do some strength training, use your body weight at home. No complicated equipment is necessary. Following the recent lockdowns an explosion of exceptional online workouts has emerged, tailored to every age and energy level, right at your fingertips.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your financial or legal situation, objectives or needs. That means it’s not financial product or legal advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a financial or legal decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get independent, licensed financial services or legal advice.

Uncover 7 frugal living tips that will make your mum proud (2024)

FAQs

Uncover 7 frugal living tips that will make your mum proud? ›

It refers to someone who makes economical choices with their finances and resources. A frugal person will manage their money carefully, spend money sparingly, look for sales, and research diligently to make the most prudent financial decisions possible. This will ensure they save more money in the long term.

How to live extremely frugally? ›

12 Tips for Frugal Living
  1. Choose quality over quantity. ...
  2. Prioritize value over price. ...
  3. Use credit wisely. ...
  4. Declutter regularly. ...
  5. Use a budget to guide your spending. ...
  6. Know the difference between wants and needs. ...
  7. Be a savvy consumer. ...
  8. Prioritize your values.
Oct 17, 2023

What is a frugal lifestyle? ›

It refers to someone who makes economical choices with their finances and resources. A frugal person will manage their money carefully, spend money sparingly, look for sales, and research diligently to make the most prudent financial decisions possible. This will ensure they save more money in the long term.

How to be frugal but not cheap? ›

Skip spending more to elevate your status.
  1. Eliminate Monthly Subscriptions. ...
  2. Shop for New Insurance. ...
  3. Reduce Prescription Costs. ...
  4. Buy Used Items. ...
  5. Rent, Don't Own. ...
  6. Purchase at the Right Time. ...
  7. Buy High-Quality Products. ...
  8. Enlist Your Friends.

How to be frugal with kids? ›

RAISING A KID COSTS HOW MUCH? WAYS TO WHITTLE DOWN THE COST OF PARENTHOOD
  1. How to Save on Raising Kids Every Step of the Way. ...
  2. Saving Money on Newborns Through Age 5. ...
  3. BUY USED CLOTHES. ...
  4. LIMIT SNACKS. ...
  5. LIMIT TOYS, TOO. ...
  6. SAVE ON ENTERTAINMENT AND BABYSITTERS. ...
  7. BUY LESS HOUSE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD.

How to live like the Great Depression? ›

Frugal Living Tips from the Great Depression
  1. Cook from scratch. If you don't know this already, then it's time to learn. ...
  2. Eat at home. Eating out is one of the quickest ways to waste money. ...
  3. Plant a garden. ...
  4. Grow your own fruit. ...
  5. Forage. ...
  6. Eat less meat. ...
  7. Make your own specialty coffee. ...
  8. Pack your lunch.

How to live well as a cheapskate? ›

Pay for value when it really counts. Consider cost per use, not just purchase price. “Embracing quality is an enlightening way to live well as a cheapskate,” said Ganeshram. “When we focus on quality, we invest in items or experiences that add true value to our lives, and this is central to living well on less.”

What is the 70 20 10 Rule money? ›

The 70-20-10 budget formula divides your after-tax income into three buckets: 70% for living expenses, 20% for savings and debt, and 10% for additional savings and donations. By allocating your available income into these three distinct categories, you can better manage your money on a daily basis.

What is the 30 day rule? ›

The premise of the 30-day savings rule is straightforward: When faced with the temptation of an impulse purchase, wait 30 days before committing to the buy. During this time, take the opportunity to evaluate the necessity and impact of the purchase on your overall financial goals.

What is the difference between cheapskate and frugal? ›

A frugal person will try to buy quality stuff, but probably wait for a genuine sale and find a coupon or use cash back (or both) to offset some of the costs. A cheap consumer just buys whatever they can find at the lowest price possible.

What kind of behaviour makes you frugal? ›

They budget carefully, allocate a predetermined portion of their income to savings and investments, and do not exceed it. They save up for big purchases, prefer to buy with cash (as opposed to credit), and keep an emergency fund for times of need.

What are the disadvantages of being frugal? ›

“Unfortunately, many people become spending-phobic in their quest to live a more frugal life, which can lead to anxiety around money,” she explained. “In the worst instances, people may become overly hesitant to spend money on even essential items, which can lead to a lower overall quality of life.”

Do kids get cheaper as they age? ›

The annual cost of raising a child increases as the child gets older.

How to save money as a 12 year old? ›

  1. Discuss Wants vs. Needs.
  2. Let Them Earn Their Own Money.
  3. Set Savings Goals.
  4. Provide a Place to Save.
  5. Have Them Track Spending.
  6. Offer Savings Incentives.
  7. Leave Room for Mistakes.
  8. Act as Their Creditor.

What are the 9 components of a family budget? ›

A family budget will contain expenses, which is the amount of money that they spend on things, such as groceries and rent, as well as things like housing, household expenses, transportation, insurance, medical expenses, communications, financial expenses, and taxes.

How can I live a full life without money? ›

How to live off the grid with no money
  1. Do a work exchange. If you're new to the off-grid life, a great way to start is through Worldpackers. ...
  2. Join an off-grid community. ...
  3. Find low-cost or free land. ...
  4. Construct a cabin or tiny house. ...
  5. Grow your own food. ...
  6. Fish responsibly. ...
  7. Forage for edible plants. ...
  8. Collect and filter water.

How can I live frugally and retire early? ›

10 Ways to Live Frugally in Retirement
  1. Stick to a Budget. ...
  2. Plan for Healthcare Costs. ...
  3. Cut Your Housing Costs. ...
  4. Pay Yourself. ...
  5. Move to a Lower Cost Area. ...
  6. Forgo Eating Out. ...
  7. Hire a Financial Advisor. ...
  8. Reassess Your Insurance Needs.
Sep 6, 2023

Is frugal living worth it? ›

Living a frugal lifestyle not only helps you save money, but it can also help you establish healthier habits over time. For example, when you start to become mindful with your spending, chances are you'll be cooking more meals at home instead of eating out all the time.

How to live frugally on one income? ›

Living on a one-income budget
  1. Assess your financial situation. Start by understanding your current financial status. ...
  2. List fixed expenses. ...
  3. Track changing expenses. ...
  4. Differentiate needs vs. ...
  5. Set financial goals. ...
  6. Create an emergency savings fund. ...
  7. Allocate for savings. ...
  8. Start a debt repayment plan.

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