Frugal living isn’t about being cheap or feeling deprived; it’s about being resourceful.
It’s finding ways to save where you can — whether via coupons, freebies or DIY hacks — so you can focus your money and attention on the things you value, whether that’s saving for a comfortable retirement, traveling or paying down debt.
Frugal food tips
Cooking, and even growing, your own food can help you stretch your budget. And simple tricks like splitting entrees or hitting happy-hour specials can help you dine out on a dime.
- Plan your meals in advance. Last-minute eating decisions often lead to more expensive "I’m hungry now" splurges.
- Opt for less expensive cuts of meat. Make economical substitutions and search online for "meatless recipes" or "ways to use less meat."
- Buy store brands and generic labels. Generics can be comparable in quality to brand names and cost much less.
- Compare unit prices, such as the price per ounce or pound. These are often shown on the price labels on grocery store shelves, or you can use a mobile app to calculate. Then you can determine the true savings and not fall for a "discount" pricing tactic that might be misleading.
- Dine out less often and use money-saving tips at restaurants when you do go out. Trim home meal deliveries, too. For inspiration, check last month’s spending on restaurants and food delivery services. They can add up quickly.
- Keep an eye on your pantry and use up stockpiled supplies before they expire.
- Buy a water filter or filtered pitcher rather than bottled water. That means fewer plastic bottles in the environment and more money in your savings account.
- Grow your own herbs and vegetables. It gets you outside and active, and is as close as "farm to table" as it gets.
