If you want to or need to start saving money adopting a frugal lifestyle can really help with saving the pennies.
From a personal viewpoint I enjoy the challenge of coming up with different ways to do things and as a result we are also doing more as a family and more quality time together.
We have compiled a list of the top ten tips to live a more frugal lifestyle.
Disclosure – this post may contain affiliate links.
1. Clear out old junk and sell it
We all have items kicking around the house/garage/shed that we don’t use. As time goes by we accumulate even more stuff that you don’t use.
Sort your items into 3 categories:
Sell: Items that are in good condition and can be sold.
Bin: Items that are broken or damaged.
Maybe: Items that you are unsure will sell. I have been surprised many times by maybe items that have gone on to sell very well.
2. Set a budget
If you don’t have a budget, now is the time to create one. If you already have a budget, it is time to pull it out and review it.
The Clever Fox Budget Planner is a great tool for planning and managing your finances,
Your can grab yours here.
3. Grown your own fruit and veg
Growing your own fruit and veg can save you quite a bit of coin. It’s a great activity to get the kids involved.
You don’t need a lot of space to get started. Even if you don’t have a garden you can grow herbs or even lettuce indoors in pots.
4. Get the whole family involved
It’s easier to live a frugal lifestyle if the whole family is involved with the activities. Getting my daughter to part with old toys is easier if she gets to keeps the profits from selling them.
5. Switch out the big brands
It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying big and popular brands when you are shopping. After all supermarkets count on this and display those products at eye level.
Don’t be afraid to try different brands and also the supermarkets own brands as they can be significantly cheaper than the main brands,
6. Cut out the take aways
Buy food from a take away can be pretty expensive. Cooking at home can save you significant amounts of money. There are lots of recipes out there for homemade versions of take away food.
We have just started making our homemade donner kebabs, so much cheaper than buying one and also you know exactly what went in to making it.
7. Have a no spend weekend challenge
This can be a fun challenge, to make it through a weekend without spending any money. You need to be creative and use what you have at home to eat. Also no spending on entertainment, check our list of fun activities to do with no money.
8. Buy in bulk
Buying your kitchen staples can lead to some fantastic cost savings. Things like flour, oats, sugar all store well in the cupboard.
Meat can be bought in bulk, portioned and then frozen or cooked ahead into meals.
9. Hold the coffee
Grabbing a coffee everyday on the way to work does not seem like a big expense but that $5 everyday is $100/month.
Grab yourself a travel cup and make a coffee at home and take it with you. This is my favourite and it keeps the coffee hot for so long.
10. Sign up for rewards
Make sure you are pointed up for supermarket rewards, they cost nothing and do build up.
They can be cashed in for discounts etc.