Want to become a super saver so you have more money in your bank account each day?
Being a super saver is also known as being frugal. And frugality is often confused with being poor or cheap and spending only the minimum.
But I’ve found that living a frugal life isn’t about sacrificing and feeling deprived.
Being frugal is learning to live smarter so that you can afford to live the life you want. It’s about being thrifty with not just your money, but your food and time as well.
Frugal people tend to be less wasteful and get the most out of their money.
Being frugal is basically learning to live smarter so that you can afford to live the life you want. This is called “delayed gratification.”
I began my frugal journey years ago, and I am still learning new ways to live more frugally.
We cut our cable bill completely, we pack our snacks & meals for outings, and even make all our cleaning supplies from scratch.
We also sold some of the possessions we didn’t want or need anymore, and I love to find creative ways for us to save even money on our everyday purchases.
Frugal habits never came naturally to me, I was always careless about spending money. Once we started paying off debt, I started questioning every dollar we spent and even stopped buying certain items when I know I can get them cheaper elsewhere.
I’ll share with you my best frugal living tips so you can get on board with easy frugal living too.
And, when you learn how to be frugal, you won’t believe why you wasted so much money before this!
If you are still on the fence about frugality because you think you might feel deprived, let me show you what it actually means to be frugal. Then you can look at it as being a “Super Saver” instead.
Being Smart With Your Money
Frugal people are smart with their money. They know how to build a budget to track what they spend each month.
When you know how much is in your bank account, and how much you need to cover your expenses, it’s easier to make better financial decisions.
Frugal people also know how to stick to a budget. They know what they can afford, and what they simply have to do without. (This is the delayed gratification I mentioned above.)
Frugal people take charge of their finances by knowing where they stand on paying off debt, savings balances, and then investments.
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Spending Your Money Smarter
A Super Saver will stretch their money as far as it will go.
They learn sales cycles and know when to get the best deal on everything they buy. They search clearance racks, thrift stores, and yard sales to find deals on clothes and other items so that they never pay full price.
When there is a great deal, they stockpile to fill their pantry until they go on sale again.
Frugal people also know when NOT to shop. If a purchase doesn’t fit into their budget, they wait for a sale or a better deal. (There’s that “delayed gratification” again!)
Frugal shoppers are in complete control of their spending. They are truly a Super Saver!
Being Creative
A Super Saver lives by three goals:
- Make do
- Use it up
- Do without
Frugal living is learning how to get the most use out of an item. Sometimes frugal living involves getting creative in order to use what you already have on hand. That’s why knowing how to substitute things is so important.
When we moved into our first apartment together as a married couple, we didn’t have a coffee table or anything to put the TV on. We didn’t immediately rush out to buy those things because we didn’t have the money to purchase them. Initially, we used a dresser for the TV (hey it was nice to have extra clothing out in the family room) until we had enough money to buy one. We also used vintage crates as end tables that we later reused as shelving.
A Super Saver recognizes opportunities and turns them into savings.
Get Weird
When James and I were fighting to reduce our debt we figured out that living frugally needed to be our new norm. We found several cooky ideas that might inspire you with ways to save a little money by simply paying attention.
Get Multiple Uses Out Of Towels and Jeans
Laundry is inevitable. Even if you clean every last bit of clothing you have, you’ll still have dirty clothes by the end of the day! Running a zillion loads in your washer and dryer is expensive. So James and I made a rule that our kids only got new towels on Sundays… for the whole week ahead. One towel per person per week.
We also taught them a “squeegee dance” (it kinda looks like the Macarena except you’re wiping the water off your body before getting out of the shower so you have less water to dry off). And jeans have to be worn at least 3 times before they get washed. {I hope you don’t think I’m gross now?!!} But then the CEO of Levi doesn’t wash his jeans at all!
Stop Washing Your Hair In Every Shower
I know this sounds kinda gross, but most of us are probably washing our hair far more than we need to. Instead of washing your hair every single day, see how long you can go before it gets too out of control. You may be shocked to find it’s longer than expected. Don’t worry, you can still wet it. Just don’t use the shampoo and conditioner every single time you get it wet.
Experts suggest washing your hair every 4th shower, and that you’re actually damaging your hair by washing it every day. By washing your hair twice a week, your hair will still be clean and stay healthy, and your water bill will be a little lower.
Eat Expired Food, Within Reason
Expiration dates refer to the date when the food item is no longer considered at its freshest. Most food is still good long after its sell by or use by date if it stored in the right conditions. Just because your milk is expired, doesn’t mean it’s gone bad yet!
The best way to test if your food is still good is to give it a sniff before you use it if it smells bad, it probably is. This won’t work for all foods so please use caution when choosing what to toss, and what to hang on to. But I’ve found that most food can still be used plenty of time past the expiration…
{Side Note: Here’s 17 ways to use up that almost expired milk. You know when it starts to smell sour… but you hate to pour it down the drain.}
Hoard Condiments
We’ve all been guilty of getting a few extra sauce packets while at a restaurant. If you are already eating at the establishment, there is no reason not to get a few extra packets to take home! While it may seem weird, you can end up with quite the stockpile! You’ll never need to rebuy ketchup! And FREE ketchup is always good at my house!
Act Like Your Grandma
This might sound silly, but our grandparents lived in an era where they had to survive and thrive on much less. Our grandparents learned how to make do or do without. Some of the ideas are flat-out genius and will save you so much money. Put these practices into your own life, and see how far you can get with this mentality. You may find you need a lot less than you thought.
Reuse Disposable Products
Ziploc bags are one of the best examples that come to mind, but this can work with some other products as well. Many of these items can be used a few times before they’ve reached their limit. Plastic bags can be washed, dried, and reused again like new for a few times before being thrown away. Paper plates that are used for a sandwich or toast can be wiped off and reused for pets. This will help extend the life of your products and save you money.
Did you know you can even reuse your dryer lint? Sure can!
BONUS FREE DOWNLOAD
Create A Plan For Your Money
These FREE Budgeting Spreadsheets will help you keep a pulse on your money (from the palm of your hand).
Treat Yourself
I know spending money on yourself may seem a little counterproductive, but it can be your best defense against overspending! Now and then, go ahead and get yourself something you will enjoy. Potential impulse purchases will tempt you less often, and it will help you save more money in the long run. The more you restrict your ability to buy something, the more you will want it.
There are so many ways to save money, and while some of the ones listed below are borderline cheapskate, they will add up quick!
When I emailed this list to my super saver readers, they had some great additional suggestions:
Cut Your Own Hair
Eleanor suggested cutting your hubby’s and kids hair… I forgot that I used to do that too! You’ll make your money back for buying the clippers after only one or two cuts!
Keep Watch For The Expiring Bakery Products
AJ looks for the almost expiring french/Italian bread at Walmart (it’s only 50¢ a loaf!!). Then he makes garlic bread that night for dinner, or it can be frozen it and it’ll last a month or so!
When Traveling, Save The FREE Toiletries
Christina travels for work and brings back all the mini toiletries, coffee and tea to either use, or donate to a Veteran’s home!
Learn From An Older Generation
Aislinn suggested taking a few tips from a few generations ago such as hanging our laundry out to dry instead of using the dryer inside… not only will that extend the life of your dryer, but we’ll save loads of money on electric too!
Save Your Shower Water
Nancy puts a bucket in her shower while it’s warming up to catch the water to use for her indoor plants.
Reuse Vitamin Bottles & Styrofoam Veggie Trays
Nancy also grows herbs on her porch, dries them and puts them in old vitamin bottles with new labels. She takes styrofoam veggie trays, remove the electrical outlet faceplates and traces them onto the styrofoam, cut them out and put them back on the outlet to insulate against drafts that seep in or out! Smart!
Use Blackout Curtains & Windshield Reflectors on Windows
Blackout curtains will insulate against the heat during the summer months and auto windshield reflectors (bought at the dollar store cheap in the right season) and put on house windows in the summer will reflect the sun.
Grow Indoor Air Instead Of Buying Furniture
I love this tip! Nancy also uses plants instead of furniture to fill large spaces in rooms. It’s cheaper than furniture, feels good and provides oxygen.
“Buy Several… Get One FREE!”
Joe reminded me of the opportunity of the tiny tidbits left inside deodorant, tubes of toothpaste and shampoos! I’ve saved my face makeup before by adding alcohol to the broken pieces…but didn’t even THINK of all that wasted extra that when combined over several tubes that end up making a new one! It’s like a “Buy Several… Get One FREE!” {BOOM!}
Waste Not, Want Not
Linda had a genius idea that when you eat fast food and have extra plastic forks, spoons that you didn’t use, instead of the restaurant throwing them away (because no one is allowed to use them after you’ve taken them to your table) take them home and put in a bag to use for camping (or picnicking).
One of my Pastor’s used to say, always go for the “low hanging fruit”. If you keep your eyes open to the potential for saving, a Super Saver will find there are loads of ways to save money every day!
Why Should You Live Frugally?
Frugal living opens a door to possibilities. Frugal living can help you become debt free, save for your children’s college fund, or even retire early.
It means figuring out what you want out of life by having a long-term mindset and then identifying the steps to make it happen.
Our frugal life has allowed us the freedom to travel more as a family and build our savings account.
I think it helps us to cherish the little things and live a more meaningful life. Plus, we never feel pressured to “keep up with the Jones’.”
While some are living frugally out of necessity (I’ve done that too!), a vast majority of people are doing so by choice.
If you are thinking about embarking on your frugal living journey, let me start by saying keep at it. Look at yourself as a Super Saver!
I hope you see how easy my best frugal living tips are so can get on board with easy frugal living too.
And, when you learn how to be frugal, you won’t believe why you wasted so much money before this!
Frugal living can sometimes be hard because it goes against everything society preaches. But the dedication is worth it for the payoff, I promise.
YOUR TURN: What frugal steps will you try in the next month to become a Super Saver? Let me know in the comments below!
