Hey there momma! Managing a household budget for a big family is no small feat, is it? With so many mouths to feed, bodies to clothe, and dreams to nurture, those expenses can quickly get out of hand.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the financial pressure, wondering how to stretch every dollar while making sure our loved ones don’t miss out on life’s joys and opportunities. The fear of not providing enough can sometimes cast a shadow on the happiness of family life.
But imagine turning that financial strain into a strength, using smart, creative frugal living strategies that not only keep your budget in check but also bring your family closer together! That’s why I’ve put together a list of 125 extreme – but practical – frugal living ideas, especially for big families like ours!
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools to make the most of your resources, reduce financial stress, and focus more on what truly matters—spending quality time together and creating lasting memories.
Welcome to your new adventure in frugal family living, momma!
My Best Frugal Living Tips – Extreme Frugal Habits
Ready to discover the secrets to a fuller life with your big family without breaking the bank?
Here are my top tips for living a frugal lifestyle:
- Prioritize Needs Over Wants: Focus on what your family truly needs to save significantly without sacrificing happiness.
- Meal Planning is Key: Planning meals not only saves money by reducing food waste but also cuts down on the temptation to eat out.
- Second-Hand is Smart: Opt for pre-loved items to save a few pennies and support sustainable living.
- DIY When You Can: Doing repairs, making gifts, or creating decor yourself saves money and adds a personal touch.
- Energy Efficiency Saves: Small changes in energy use can lead to big savings over time.
- Use Community Resources: Libraries, local gardens, and swap meets offer valuable support and resources.
- Share Skills in the Family: Teaching and learning from each other strengthens bonds and saves on external services.
- Cut Costs, Not Joy: Frugal living should enhance life, not reduce its enjoyment! Treasure simple, homemade, and shared experiences.
Adopting these practices can make living frugally with a big family not just possible, but deeply rewarding. You’ll grow closer while achieving common goals, creating a happier and more connected family life.
How to Embrace a Frugal Lifestyle
Living frugally is about enjoying a simple life filled with joy and abundance. It’s about making choices that ensure long-term happiness and security for your family.
Let’s dive into some practical steps to make frugality a part of your daily life.
Even with a modest budget, your family’s life can be immensely rich, momma.
1. Understand Your Values
Our values shape our financial decisions, guiding us to spend in ways that reflect our core beliefs and priorities. When you understand what’s truly important to you—whether it’s family, education, or a love for nature—you can direct your resources towards what genuinely enriches your life.
This helps distinguish true needs from fleeting wants. Basing your spending and saving on your values not only conserves money but also fills your family’s life with priceless experiences and memories.
It’s all about making smart spending choices and saving money regularly, uniting the family around common goals and dreams.
2. Set Financial Goals
Setting clear financial goals gives your finances direction and purpose. Know why you’re living a frugal lifestyle and what you aim to achieve, like paying for education, buying a home, or securing a comfortable retirement.
Living frugally helps you reach these goals, turning every dollar saved into a step closer to your dreams.
Having financial goals also protects against uncertainty, providing security and motivating us to make sacrifices today for a better tomorrow. By setting these targets, you align your future with your values and aspirations, proving that frugality isn’t about missing out but about enriching your lives in meaningful ways.
3. Track Your Spending
Tracking your spending is key to living frugally. It serves as a guide to ensure your financial decisions align with your family goals. Keep an eye on every penny, from essentials to treats, giving you clear insights into your spending habits and showing where you can improve.
By knowing how you spend and ensuring each purchase reflects your values, you’ll find ways to save, make smarter choices, and promote thoughtful spending.
This approach not only helps achieve your dreams but also turns budgeting into a meaningful family activity, setting priorities and securing your future together.
4. Create a Budget
A budget is your gateway to financial freedom and security, promoting a frugal lifestyle that aligns spending with your values. It’s not about cutting joy, but making choices that bring you closer to your dreams.
A budget gives you control over your finances, helping you distinguish between essential expenses and those you can cut back on. It reduces stress and fosters family discussions about common goals.
5. Practice Mindful Spending and Minimalism
Mindful spending and minimalism lead to a joyful, less cluttered life. By considering each purchase’s necessity and values, you choose lasting happiness over short-term pleasures.
Minimalism simplifies our lives, making room for what truly matters. It encourages a lifestyle that values experiences and relationships over things.
Adopting these frugal habits is a form of self-care, leading to a fulfilling life beyond consumerism and helping us appreciate and be content with our blessings.
6. Audit Your Bills and Expenses Regularly
Regularly checking your bills and expenses is key to managing your finances effectively, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely. It’s about managing your money with care and respect, rather than just counting pennies.
This process helps weed out unnecessary expenses, freeing up funds for more meaningful uses. Make it a habit to audit your finances monthly or quarterly.
This approach isn’t about extreme frugality, but about ensuring your spending supports your long-term dreams and goals.
7. Celebrate Progress
Celebrating success is key to a frugal lifestyle. Honor every victory, from saving money to resisting impulse purchases. These celebrations, simple as they may be, remind us of our progress and reinforce the positive behaviors that keep us committed to our frugal habits.
These moments foster abundance and gratitude, focusing on the benefits of frugality, such as freedom and peace, rather than the sacrifices. They act as milestones that inspire ongoing dedication to living according to our values.
So there you have it, momma! Embrace these steps to make frugality a rewarding part of your family life, ensuring long-term happiness and security for everyone.
Extreme Frugal Ways to Save Money
Extreme frugality is more than just saving money; it’s about evaluating every expense and finding joy in simplicity. It’s about turning saving into an art and living thoughtfully.
Let’s dive into some effective, albeit radical, ways to save money to understand life’s value beyond material things. Not all ideas will suit everyone, and not all are practices I follow, but they’re worth considering!
Extreme Ways to Save Money on Groceries and Food
To nurture our budgets and well-being, here are some extreme methods to save on grocery shopping and food:
1. Forage for Food
Explore nature’s pantry! Discover fresh wild berries and greens out there.
Scott and Connor enjoy hunting for asparagus, mushrooms, and fiddle-heads. I love finding wild blueberries.
Foraging connects us with the earth and adds a wild touch to our kitchens. Plus, who doesn’t love fresh, free ingredients in their meals?
2. Join or Start a Food Sharing Community
Isn’t it amazing how much food we waste every day? Imagine if we started sharing with our neighbors and friends. We’d save money and strengthen our community bonds.
Ever thought about using food sharing apps or a community fridge? It opens up a new way to connect and care for each other, and it’s practical too!
3. Barter with Local Farmers
Ever considered how your unique skills or homemade treasures could benefit our local farmers? Swap your website design skills for fresh veggies, or trade knitted scarves for farm-fresh eggs and creamy milk.
4. Bulk Buying Clubs
Teaming up with friends or neighbors to buy in bulk saves money when grocery shopping. Splitting a big bag of rice or sharing a warehouse club subscription cuts costs.
It’s good for our wallets and strengthens community ties.
5. Extreme Couponing
Becoming an extreme couponer requires patience and organization, but mastering couponing can equal significant savings when grocery shopping. I used to enhance savings by combining coupons with store sales.
6. Cook and Share Meals Together
Every warm community thrives on the tradition of sharing meals. Why not gather friends and neighbors for potluck dinners or meal-sharing events?
It’s a great way to share cooking duties, save on expenses, and strengthen bonds, creating lasting memories.
7. Learn Preservation Techniques
Isn’t it great that we can enjoy earth’s bounty all year by canning, freezing, drying, or fermenting our food? This lets us savor the delicious fruits and veggies of our labor any time.
We like to freeze garden veggies, dry fruits and herbs with a dehydrator, or even brew our own beer and wine!
8. Support Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs
Subscribing to a CSA means you get fresh, often organic produce straight from a local farm and you also financially support local farmers.
9. Use Leftovers Creatively
Rather than viewing leftovers as eating the same meal over and over again, see them as a chance to get creative.
Leftover noodles without sauce? I turn them into a cold pasta salad or a pizza hot dish. My husband loves turning leftover Kraft mac and cheese into taco mac and cheese.
10. Serve Meat and Potato Meals
Growing up, our meals were always meat and potatoes—my mom literally calls them “meat and potato meals”. I continued this tradition with my kids.
We get potatoes and veggies for free from the garden, so we only need to buy meat.
11. Serve Bread with Every Meal
I also grew up with homemade bread at every meal because it’s affordable and filling. It extends your meal.
Thus, I always include some kind of bread, like homemade, cheesy garlic bread, stuffing, etc.
12. Incorporate Potatoes into Taco Meat
A frugal tip my husband uses is adding chopped potatoes to our taco meat. This stretches the meat for more servings and adds a nice texture and mild sweetness that complements the spices well.
13. Cut the Bacon Strips in Half
Another simple frugal tip we’ve adopted is halving our bacon strips before cooking. This makes our kids think they are eating more, so we don’t need to cook three packages. 😆
Plus, it cooks more evenly. The shorter strips fit better in the pan and curl less, making each piece perfectly crispy and delicious.
14. Keep Powdered Milk on Hand
Another little gem is keeping powdered milk on hand. It may sound old-fashioned, but it’s incredibly useful.
Perfect for baking, cooking, or when you’re out of fresh milk, powdered milk can be a great substitute. It’s comforting to know we have it in our pantry, ready to add a creamy touch to our recipes.
And – we do the same with powdered buttermilk. 😉
15. Go Meatless Once a Week
Adopting a meatless day weekly is kind to your wallet and a great way to explore the colorful world of vegetables, grains, and legumes. You’ll find it easy to create delicious, meat-free meals.
Imagine the comfort of potato soup, the fresh crunch of a garden salad, or the heartiness of a pasta dish filled with seasonal veggies and herbs. These dishes are nourishing and fulfilling, showing that you don’t need meat for a complete meal.
16. Make Your Own Staples
Making your own staples like butter, ice cream, and pasta isn’t just a fun adventure – it’s a smart, budget-friendly choice that brings a whole lot of satisfaction too!
17. Craft Your Own Condiments and Spices
Ever thought about making your own condiments and spice mixes? My husband and I love our homemade barbecue sauce!
It’s a game-changer for your taste buds and wallet. Imagine making your own ketchup, mustard, taco seasoning, apple pie spice, etc. Taking control of the ingredients lets you adjust flavors to your liking and avoid unnecessary additives.
Plus, making batches of these staples means fewer trips to the store.
18. Brew Your Own Beverages
Why limit yourself to solid foods when you can brew your own beverages at home? Imagine making your own kombucha, coffee, beer, or soda.
It’s more than enjoying a refreshing drink; it’s about putting a part of yourself into each sip. My father-in-law used to brew his own beer and wine, and now my son and brother-in-law have taken up the tradition!
19. Process Your Own Meat
My boys are hunters, and processing venison can be so expensive! So, my husband learned to do it himself.
He bought the necessary tools, saving money and enjoying quality time teaching his boys.
Plus, it’s not just about venison. I grew up watching my mom and aunts make blood and potato sausage too!
20. Slice Your Own Deli Meats
Whether it’s ham, turkey, or roast beef, thinly slicing your meats adds a personal touch, saves money, and is healthier than store-bought options. It also lets you control slice thickness, customizing each bite to your preference.
21. Cut Your Own Pork Chops
You can buy pork loins and slice them into pork chops to choose your cut’s thickness. Plus, pork loins are cheaper than buying packaged pork chops, especially when feeding a large family!
22. Bake Your Own Cookies and Treats
Baking your own delights is a great way to save money and a fun chance to get the family involved in the kitchen. Homemade treats are not only healthier and customized to your tastes, but they’re also made with love.
23. Shop at the Bread Store
Visiting your local bread store can be both delightful and practical. They often have a variety of breads, from daily sandwich loaves to exotic artisanal creations, at lower prices than big grocery stores.
24. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables
Grow a small garden of herbs and vegetables to add fresh, organic produce to your meals affordably. Whether it’s herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes and greens in a garden plot, the joy of nurturing and harvesting your own food is fulfilling.
Or, create a large garden to can and stock up for winter!
25. Start a Winter Garden
Though winter’s chill might seem limiting, it actually offers a unique gardening opportunity, though not in my area. Starting a winter garden extends the growing season, letting you enjoy fresh produce even during cold days.
Opt for cold-hardy veggies like kale, spinach, and root crops to keep your garden thriving despite the cold.
26. Start Your Own Plants from Seeds
Starting plants from seeds is economical and rewarding. Imagine planting seeds and watching them grow into vibrant plants for your meals.
Begin with seeds in small containers indoors, then move them to your garden as they grow.
27. Seed Saving for Future Planting
Seed saving involves collecting seeds from top-performing garden plants for future use. It saves money and yields plants that adapt well to your local environment over time.
28. Buy a Pig or a Cow
To enhance your frugal lifestyle, think about purchasing a pig or cow. We like to get a full pig, and a quarter to a half of a cow, depending on our current freezer stock. This supports local farmers and lets you know the origin of your meat.
You’ll stock your freezer with high-quality, ethically sourced meat, perfect for any dish. Additionally, bulk buying is more cost-effective over time.
29. Saving Animal Fat as Lard
Don’t underestimate the value of saving animal fat – it’s rich in flavor and supports zero-waste living. Converting saved fat into lard is a simple and rewarding kitchen practice, honoring traditional cooking methods.
Rendering fat from pork or beef can enhance your cooking, adding richness to fried dishes, pastries, and spreads on fresh bread.
30. Shop at a Scratch and Dent Warehouse
Scratch and dent warehouses are a treasure hunt for savvy shoppers, offering pantry staples at reduced prices despite packaging imperfections. It’s a great way to stretch your budget, something my husband and I relied on when we were newlyweds!
31. Crafting Cocktails at Home
Crafting cocktails at home offers a chance to explore new flavors and tailor drinks to your taste, all from the comfort of your space. It’s a creative, intimate way to enjoy your favorites or experiment with new ingredients.
32. Reuse or Freeze Your Cooking Oil
Extend the life of your cooking oil and boost eco-friendliness by straining it after use and storing it in the fridge or freezer for reuse. This reduces waste and maximizes resources without changing the oil’s properties, perfect for a sustainable kitchen.
33. Make Your Own Soup Stock
Creating your own soup stock from scratch adds depth and personalized flavor to your meals, transforming simple ingredients into a nutritious and tasty base. All you have to do is save your ham, chicken and turkey bones.
34. Make Your Own Gravy
Making your own gravy transforms meals with a warm, flavorful embrace, utilizing pan drippings and choice seasonings to create a rich sauce.
35. Raise Chickens in Your Backyard
Raising chickens offers a path to self-sufficiency, fresh eggs, and a healthier garden through pest control and soil fertilization. It’s a rewarding experience that brings countryside charm and unique, lovable pets into your life.
36. Eat Less, Enjoy More
Eating less is about savoring every bite and enjoying meals mindfully, not deprivation. Smaller portions and eating slowly can enhance digestion and make each meal a celebration of taste and well-being.
37. Make Your Own Birthday Cakes
Celebrate special moments by baking your own birthday cakes. Not only is it a fun activity to do with the kids, but it also saves money compared to buying expensive store-bought cakes.
Plus, you can customize the flavors and decorations to suit your family’s preferences, making the celebration even more special and memorable!
Extreme Ways to Save Money on Household and Beauty Items
Now let’s explore creative ways to save money on everyday household and beauty items. These frugal tips are wallet-friendly and planet-friendly, blending sustainability with savings.
1. Use All Natural, Chemical-Free Cleaning Products
Switching to all-natural, chemical-free cleaning products is safer for your family and cost-effective. They’re available in bulk, saving money and reducing plastic waste, while a small amount keeps your home sparkling clean.
2. Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Making your own cleaning solutions is a simple, cost-effective, and natural way to save money. These homemade products are great for your family and your budget!
3. Use Refill Stations
Many stores offer refill stations for items like laundry detergent and olive oil, letting you top up your containers without increasing plastic waste. If unavailable, consider buying in bulk and refilling at home.
4. Repurpose Old Clothing into Cleaning Rags
Save money by repurposing old T-shirts and towels into cleaning cloths.
5. DIY Beauty Treatments
Kitchen staples like honey, oatmeal, and avocado can be turned into skin care products. Check out Essential Moves to Wellness for DIY beauty recipes without harsh chemicals.
6. Organize a Swap Party with Friends
Host a swap party for friends to exchange unused household and beauty items, fostering a fun way to repurpose goods. It’s a great chance to find new appreciation for items and save together.
7. Reuse Your Dryer Sheets
Reusing a dryer sheet for multiple loads saves money and reduces waste.
8. Switch to Wool Dryer Balls
Switch to wool dryer balls for an eco-friendly laundry routine; they reduce waste, save energy, and can be scented with essential oils. Plus, they’re reusable for hundreds of washes!
9. Hang Your Clothes Out to Dry
Hanging clothes out to dry in the fresh air is an eco-friendly practice that reduces energy consumption and naturally freshens clothes. It’s a simple tradition that offers a unique, hard-to-replicate freshness.
10. Wash Your Clothes by Hand
Washing clothes by hand is a caring act for both your delicate garments and the environment, using less water and energy than a machine and ensuring clothes last longer.
11. Save Soap Shavings
Okay, so here’s one that’s not for the faint of heart: Collect tiny soap pieces in a jar, then melt and mold them into a new bar to minimize waste and maximize your purchase. 😜
12. Embrace Cloth Napkins
Switching to cloth napkins brings warmth and elegance to meals while reducing waste.
13. Wash and Reuse Ziplock Bags
Another small but mighty step I grew up doing is washing and reusing ziplock bags.
14. Use Plastic Grocery Bags as Garbage Bags
Instead of buying new garbage bags, why not repurpose the plastic grocery bags you’ve got lying around?
15. Repurpose Butter Dishes as Tupperware
Why not save those butter dishes, sour cream containers, etc., for a second act as Tupperware?
Plus, they are the best ‘Tupperware’ to send home leftovers with guests, because you don’t need it back!
16. Keep Glass Jars to Freeze Jam In
Homemade jam in reused glass jars offers a sustainable and delightful way to enjoy summer flavors year-round. They’re sturdy for freezing and bring joy with every preserved fruit opened from the freezer.
17. Use Dish Soap in Place of Cleaners or Soaps
Swapping specialty cleaners for dish soap not only simplifies our cleaning routine but also reduces the clutter of products in our homes. In fact, the care instructions for my new bath tub recommends it!
18. Cut Your Own Hair
Cutting your own hair at home can be an empowering way to save on salon visits and personalize your style. With the right tools and some tutorials, it’s a rewarding act of self-care and a step towards self-sufficiency.
19. Opt for Microfiber Cloths Over Swiffer Refills
Switching to reusable microfiber cloths from disposable Swiffer refills tidies your space while reducing waste, making each cleaning swipe a step towards sustainability. These cloths are effective, washable, and can be used countless times.
20. Use a Spray Bottle and Swiffer for Eco-Friendly Floor Cleaning
Instead of a Swiffer WetJet, I use a spray bottle with a natural cleaner and a Swiffer with a microfiber cloth.
21. Make Your Own Bathtub Paints
Elevate bath time fun by making your own bathtub paints! It’s a creative and budget-friendly way to entertain the little ones while saving money on expensive store-bought bath products.
Mix up some simple ingredients like cornstarch, food coloring, and a dash of baby shampoo to create vibrant and washable paints. Not only will your kids enjoy getting artistic in the tub, but you’ll also appreciate the savings and the joy of crafting something special for them!
Extreme Frugal Ideas for Kid Expenses
Raising kids is an adventure full of joy, challenges, and expenses. Yet, it’s a chance to impart lessons on sustainability, creativity, and thriftiness.
Here’s how to eco-consciously manage costs while still enjoying the fun.
1. Breastfeed
Breastfeeding offers a special bonding experience and saves money by eliminating the need for expensive formulas. It naturally provides all essential nutrients and antibodies for baby’s health.
2. Make Your Own Baby Food
Making baby food at home is cheaper than buying, and it ensures your little one gets the freshest, healthiest ingredients. Start with simple fruit and vegetable purees, then slowly add different flavors and textures as your baby grows.
We used a Magic Bullet to do it, but any food processor or blender should work.
3. Buy Used Clothing and Toys
Thrift stores and online marketplaces are great for finding second-hand treasures, teaching valuable lessons about sustainability and reusability. It’s not only budget-friendly but also a way to give items a second life.
My favorites are “Once Upon a Child’ and “Play It Again Sports”.
4. Organize Clothing Swap Parties
Organize clothing swap parties with other parents. Everyone brings clothes their children have outgrown and swaps for fitting items.
This is a great way to update your child’s wardrobe for free, while promoting community and sharing among families.
5. Utilize Your Local Library
Local libraries offer much more than a vast selection of children’s books, including free activities, classes, and toys. Regular visits nurture a love for reading and provide endless entertainment without straining your budget.
6. Cherish Hand-Me-Downs
Hand-me-downs are treasures imbued with love and memories, strengthening familial bonds with each shared item. Seeing my nephew in my boys’ clothes brings a special joy that prompts an extra squeeze!
7. Buy Clothes in the Off-Season or on Clearance
Shopping off-season or during clearance sales is a smart trick to keep your child stylish on a budget, with winter clothes discounted in spring and summer wear in fall. This strategy saves money and preps your child for the next season early.
8. Pack Lunches for Sporting Events and Outings
For family outings or all-day sports events, don’t hit the fast food restaurant or concession stand! Pack your own lunch.
It ensures you and your little athletes get nutritious, delicious meals and saves you money compared to buying food on the go. Plus, having a nearly endless supply of treats in a cute little lunch box will keep them plenty busy. 😉
9. Go Through Last Year’s School Supplies Before Buying New
Sift through last year’s school supplies with your children to find barely-used items; it’s cost-effective and teaches resourcefulness. It’s also a great way to bond and get excited for the upcoming school year.
10. Reuse Backpacks and Lunch Boxes
Reuse backpacks and lunch boxes for the new school year to promote sustainability and savings. Personalizing them with patches or stickers can rejuvenate their appearance, exciting your child for their upcoming school adventures.
11. Be Diligent About Teeth Brushing
Consistent brushing, flossing, and dental visits are not just about protecting your smile—it’s an investment in your health and wallet. Regular dental hygiene can prevent costly treatments for cavities and gum disease.
12. Set a Christmas and Birthday Budget
The excitement of holidays and celebrations often makes us want to give our children everything they wish for. Yet, setting a budget for Christmas and birthday gifts is a nurturing approach to manage expectations and instill the value of thoughtful spending.
13. Make Your Own Baby Wipes
I made my own baby wipes! This eco-friendly method is gentle on your baby’s skin and can save money too.
14. Teach Your Kids to Be Frugal with Toilet Paper
Teaching children to use toilet paper sparingly promotes resource conservation and environmental responsibility. 🤪 It’s a simple, cost-saving habit that can also provide a humorous learning experience!
15. Use Cloth Diapers
At first, using cloth diapers might seem daunting, but their benefits are worth it. They’re not only cute with various patterns and colors but also gentle on your baby’s skin and much cheaper.
16. Share Babysitting
Sharing babysitting with trusted friends and family strengthens community and relationships. It offers valuable time for self-care or errands, ensuring your child is in a loving, familiar environment
17. Create DIY Gifts for Christmas from Your Kids
Encouraging kids to make DIY Christmas gifts fosters creativity and teaches the value of giving. Handmade items like painted frames and vases add a personal touch that store-bought gifts can’t match.
18. Make Their Clothes
Learning to sew can be a rewarding way to tailor your children’s wardrobe to their needs while significantly cutting down on costs. By creating unique, fitting clothes, you not only nurture your creativity but also ensure your little ones are stylishly dressed on a budget.
19. Make Their Toys
Crocheting and knitting offers a way to handcraft toys and gifts filled with love, while making wooden toys, though initially daunting, can become a rewarding hobby that teaches children the value of craftsmanship.
20. Host Your Own Birthday Parties
Instead of shelling out big bucks to take a pile of kids somewhere, consider hosting your own birthday parties at home. Not only is it a more budget-friendly option, but it also allows for more personalized and intimate celebrations.
You can get creative with DIY decorations, games, and themed activities without breaking the bank. Plus, hosting at home means you have full control over the menu, saving money on expensive party packages.
It’s a win-win situation – your kids get to have a blast with their friends, and you get to save some serious cash!
Absolutely, momma! Here’s the addition to your list with the same friendly and practical tone:
21. Find Ways to Have Fun for Free or Cheap
Get creative with family entertainment by finding ways to have fun for free or cheap. Explore local parks, museums with free admission days, or community events.
You can also plan budget-friendly activities like movie nights at home, DIY craft sessions, or backyard picnics. By seeking out affordable or no-cost options, you can enjoy quality time together without breaking the bank.
It’s all about making lasting memories without the hefty price tag!
Extreme Frugal Living Tips for Automobiles
Managing the costs of owning a car might sound a bit overwhelming, but hey, with a little bit of creativity and a dash of dedication, you can really cut down those expenses.
Here are some frugal tips to help you and your family save while ensuring your vehicle remains reliable.
1. Prioritize Regular Maintenance
It may seem odd, but spending on maintenance can save money by avoiding expensive repairs later. Regularly check and change your oil, keep tires properly inflated, and pay attention to unusual sounds that could signal problems.
2. Learn Basic DIY Repairs
Online, you’ll find plenty of tutorials and guides for simple car repairs and maintenance. Learning how to change your oil, replace air filters, and handle minor repairs can save you a lot of money over time
3. Expand Your DIY Skills to More Complex Repairs
Challenge yourself to tackle more complex car repairs like replacing brake pads or changing the timing belt, using the many online guides and video tutorials. My husband even rebuilt our engine with a YouTube video!
4. Drive Gently
A gentle driving style not only reduces wear and tear on your vehicle but can also significantly improve your fuel efficiency. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking whenever possible.
5. Adapt Your Driving Habits for an Aging Vehicle
Adopting a gentler driving approach, such as easing into accelerations and decelerations, can significantly extend your car’s lifespan by reducing engine and brake strain. My husband even got an extra 100,000 miles out of his work car doing this!
6. Drive Your Car Until It Is No Longer Worth Repairing
Regular maintenance can help vehicles last well beyond 100,000 miles, even reaching 300,000 miles. When repair costs exceed the car’s value, it’s time to move on.
7. Buy Used Tires
Many tire shops offer ‘gently used’ tires that still have plenty of miles left on them, at a fraction of the cost of new ones. You can also find them on online marketplaces.
8. Never Buy a New Car
Opting for a pre-loved car over a brand-new one can lead to significant savings, as its value depreciates the moment it leaves the dealership. Many used vehicles are in excellent condition, offering both quality and the promise of countless adventures.
9. Consider Sharing a Family Car
In many homes, multiple cars seem essential, but sharing one family car can boost togetherness and coordination. It prompts family members to discuss their schedules and needs more, turning daily logistics into chances for connection.
10. Stay Home
In today’s tech-enabled world, staying home can significantly save on gas, allowing us to work, shop, and socialize virtually. This not only keeps our wallets fuller but also gives us more time to spend with family, on personal projects, or simply relaxing.
11. Combine Trips and Errands
By combining trips and errands, you can save time and fuel.
12. Scrap Outdated Vehicles
When repair costs exceed a car’s value, it’s time to consider scrapping it for a bit of extra money.
Frugal Extreme Money Saving Tips for the Home
Now that we’ve sailed through some savvy tips to keep your car-related expenses in check, let’s shift our focus to our humble abodes.
1. DIY Household Repairs
Consider fixing minor home issues yourself using online tutorials to save money and learn new skills. This empowers you and saves on professional fees.
2. Barter Services
Consider bartering your skills with friends or family, like trading gardening for electrical work. It can lead to significant savings for both parties.
3. Invest in Preventative Maintenance
Though it seems odd to spend money to save, investing in preventative maintenance can avoid expensive repairs later. Regular checks and maintenance on your home’s key systems ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
4. Insulate and Seal Your Home
A well-insulated home keeps heat in winter and cool air in summer, cutting down on heating or air conditioning use. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed to boost savings.
5. Add Plastic to the Windows During Winter Months
Wrapping windows with plastic in winter is a cost-effective method to keep homes warm by significantly reducing drafts. Window insulation kits are easy to install, making this a practical tip for both comfort and savings.
6. Pile Straw Around Your Home for Additional Insulation
To nurture your home and finances, consider the traditional method of stacking straw around your home’s base for added insulation. This old-fashioned but effective technique can help guard against the cold, especially in older or rural homes.
7. Incorporate Multiple Heating Sources
Using a mix of heating sources like wood stoves, fuel oil, and electric can save money on energy bills and provide a backup in case one fails. The wood stove was the most cost-effective, particularly when we cut our own wood.
8. Seal All Gaps and Drafts
Sealing gaps and drafts in your home is an easy, cost-effective way to stay warm and cut heating costs. Use caulk, weather stripping, or door draft stoppers for significant savings over time.
9. Use Insulated Curtains
Insulated curtains block drafts and retain heat, making them ideal for winter warmth. They’re available in various styles and colors to complement your home decor.
10. Seal Off Unused Spaces
By sealing off infrequently used rooms and utilizing heavy curtains or temporary door seals, you can focus heating on essential areas, saving energy and creating a cozy environment.
11. Utilize Natural Heating Sources
Use natural heat by keeping curtains open during the day for sunlight and using a fireplace or baking to warm up in winter. In summer, close curtains and open windows at night to keep it cool.
12. Run the Air Conditioner Only When Necessary
To save on energy costs, use the air conditioner sparingly and consider alternatives like fans or open windows for cooling. Fresh air can be as refreshing as artificial cooling, also giving your AC a break and saving energy.
13. Adjust Your Thermostat
During winter, set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable level and wear warmer clothes to ease the adjustment. Cozy sweaters, soft socks, and warm blankets can help reduce your reliance on heating and lower energy consumption.
14. Repurpose and Upcycle
Before buying new items, think about repurposing what you have. A new paint job or hardware can fully transform furniture, doors, or cabinets at a lower cost.
15. Explore Scratch and Dent Warehouses
Discover hidden gems at scratch and dent warehouses for substantial discounts on appliances with minor cosmetic flaws but in perfect working condition. We recently saved big on a fridge and washing machine!
16. Buy Used Appliances
Buying used appliances saves money and reduces waste by extending item lifecycles. Trustworthy sellers often offer warranties on refurbished items, ensuring quality and savings.
17. Harvest Rainwater
A simple rainwater collection system can cut your water bill. Use it for gardening, washing your car, or flushing toilets. It’s a step towards self-sufficiency with a big impact.
18. Take Timed Showers
By setting a limit on your shower time, you can significantly reduce your water usage, leading to lower utility bills. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your finances.
Ways to Be Extremely Frugal When Out and About
When you’re out and about, it’s the little things that can add up quickly. Here are a few ways to save that extra penny, nurture your savings, and still enjoy the world around you.
1. Pack Your Snacks and Water Bottle
There’s something truly special about preparing your own snacks and drinks. Not only does it save you money, but it also ensures you have healthier options at hand.
2. Pack a Lunch and Eat at a Park
Enjoying a homemade lunch in a cozy park spot is economical and delightful, offering a chance to connect with nature and find peace in our busy lives.
3. Enjoy Nature’s Bounty
Instead of spending on entertainment, enjoy nature’s beauty. Walking in the park, hiking, or a beach day bring joy and relaxation for free.
4. Look for Free Events
Keep an eye out for free events in your area. Many communities host free concerts, art exhibits, workshops, and other events that can enrich your life and spark joy without spending money.
5. Shop at Sam’s Club During Snack Time
Visiting Sam’s Club during snack time turns a simple trip into a delightful and frugal adventure with free samples as fun treats for kids. It’s an excellent way to try new things and satisfy hunger without spending extra.
Bonus Extreme Frugal Tips
Now, for those always seeking ways to stretch their dollars, we’ve gathered some extreme frugal tips. These are for the adventurous who want to give extreme frugality all they have!
1. Travel Off-Peak
Being flexible with travel dates, like flying mid-week and staying in hotels on Sundays, can make vacations more affordable. We often travel during the week to take advantage of lower hotel prices.
2. Choose Perennials Over Annuals for Your Garden
Adding greenery to your home isn’t expensive. Perennials, which bloom seasonally without replanting once established, are cost-effective and long-lasting.
3. Bring Outdoor Plants Inside When the Season Ends
Consider moving your plants indoors as the outdoor gardening season ends to keep your home vibrant and full of life during the colder months. This cozy activity transforms your space into a warm, green oasis, extending the joy of gardening year-round at no cost.
4. Plant Seedlings Instead of Buying Mature Plants
A budget-friendly and heartfelt way to care for your garden is to plant seeds rather than buy fully grown plants. It’s special to watch a tiny seed grow into a flourishing flower from the start.
5. Split Flowers and Plants
Dividing mature plants is a cost-effective way to enhance your garden’s beauty and create new, robust plants. This technique also facilitates swapping and sharing with friends and family, enriching your community’s green spaces.
6. Composting
Transform kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden by starting a composting system. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to reduce waste while nourishing your plants.
Simply designate a corner of your yard for a compost bin or use a small indoor composter. By composting, you’ll not only save money on buying fertilizers but also contribute to a healthier environment for your family and community.
7. Build Your Own Furniture
My husband’s talent for crafting furniture has filled our home with unique, personal pieces, from cozy bunk beds to a magnificent king-sized bed. This DIY approach has saved us money, allowing us to create a home that truly reflects our style without spending a fortune.
8. Save Your Copper and Metals
Our household enjoys collecting and recycling copper and other metals from items like old wires and kitchen gadgets for extra cash. This practice supports recycling and reduces environmental impact.
9. Start a Change Jar
Our family saves all loose change in a jar, turning it into a game where our kids guess the amount before we count it together. This teaches them the value of saving and brings joy when we decide how to use the money as a family.
10. Grow Your Own Fruit Trees from Seeds and Pits
Planting a tiny seed and nurturing it into a fruit tree is incredibly rewarding, turning kitchen scraps like an avocado pit or apple seed into a thriving tree that bears fruit for years. It’s a sustainable way to enjoy nature at home and watch your efforts bloom.
11. Give Up the Cell Phone
Living without a cell phone fosters a deeper connection with the world and ourselves by encouraging presence and engagement in the real world. It’s a creative challenge that rewards us with peace and mindfulness, proving life without constant digital connection is not only possible but liberating.
12. Go Without the Internet
Disconnecting from the internet can bring immense calm and joy into our lives, encouraging us to explore forgotten hobbies and enjoy the simple pleasures without digital distractions. Libraries and coffee shops offer connectivity when needed.
13. Refunding
My mother-in-law turned the routine task of claiming rebates and refunds into unforgettable family moments, using her savings to fund magical trips to Disney World and Disneyland.
14. Reuse Gift Bags and Wrapping
Reusing gift bags and wrapping paper is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to reduce waste and contribute to sustainability.
15. Give Up TV
Giving up TV can lead to a life filled with real experiences, more quality time with loved ones, and new hobbies. It’s about exchanging screen time for creating precious memories and living a genuinely fuller life.
FAQs
Now, I get it—you might have a few questions about these clever frugal tips and tricks. That’s why I’ve put together a handy list of frequently asked questions to steer you in the right direction.
How do I live extremely frugal?
Living frugally is about joy in simplicity and smart spending on essentials while cutting unnecessary expenses. It’s about thoughtful choices for financial stability and appreciating what you already have.
How can I live off very little money?
Living on a tight budget demands creativity and a new outlook. Start with a basic needs budget, find ways to cut costs like shared housing and cooking at home, and utilize free community resources for entertainment and learning.
Embracing simplicity can lead to a rewarding life.
How can I be extremely cheap?
Being extremely cheap involves stewarding resources carefully and intentionally, focusing on gratitude for what you have. It’s about making conscious choices to align with long-term goals and happiness, not cutting corners on quality of life.
How do you practice extreme frugality?
Extreme frugality means intensively questioning every expense and finding joy in maximizing resources. It’s about living richly with less by cutting unnecessary costs, adopting a DIY mindset, and engaging in community sharing, not about deprivation.
At the End of the Day…
Being extremely cheap isn’t just about saving money; it’s valuing each penny for the freedom and opportunities it brings. It’s choosing financial security and simple living, finding warmth in those choices.
By opting for intentionality over impulse buys, and community over solo shopping, we build a life rich in experiences, not just stuff. Enjoying a home-cooked meal, celebrating a great deal, or appreciating a clutter-free space, that’s what extreme frugality is about.
It feeds our true happiness and contentment. Remember, wealth isn’t measured by your bank balance, but by the richness of your experiences and the love you share.
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