20 Frugality Tips That Save Us Thousands Every Year
(Without Feeling Like We’re Missing Out)
Being frugal doesn’t mean living without joy — it means living intentionally. It’s about making your money work for you, keeping more in your pocket, and spending on what truly matters to you and your family.
Over the past few years, I’ve built habits that have helped us save thousands of dollars — and no, they don’t involve extreme coupon clipping or skipping every little indulgence. These are realistic, doable frugality tips you can start using today.
1. Embrace Hand-Me-Down Furniture 🛋️
New furniture is expensive — and honestly, it’s often unnecessary. Hand-me-down pieces from family or local “buy nothing” groups can save hundreds, even thousands, and you can always DIY or refresh them with paint or updated hardware. Our couch had been well-loved by my family before we got it handed down to us 7 years ago.
2. Start a “Use-Up Products” Project Pan 🧴
Before buying the latest skincare, makeup, or home products, commit to using up what you already own first. It reduces clutter, saves money, and helps you buy intentionally rather than impulsively.
3. Reuse Gift Bags & Get Creative with Wrapping 🎁
Gift bags, tissue paper, bows — it all adds up! Reuse what you already have or try wrapping presents in fabric swatches, scarves, or thrifted linens for a beautiful, eco-friendly twist.
4. Use Upside for Gas Perks ⛽
Gas prices aren’t going down anytime soon, so apps like Upside help you earn cashback on every gallon. Over time, it really adds up — especially for families who drive often.
5. Use Fetch to Earn Receipt Rewards 🧾
The Fetch app lets you scan receipts from almost anywhere — grocery stores, restaurants, Target, you name it — and earn points you can redeem for free gift cards. It’s free money for purchases you’re already making.
6. Stack Coupons Whenever Possible 🏷️
One coupon is great. Two or three stacked together? Even better. Always combine manufacturer coupons, store promos, and cashback apps when you can — especially for household essentials and baby items.
7. Shop Grocery Store Coupons 🛒
Stores like Aldi, Costco, Target, and Walmart often have hidden savings in their apps or weekly flyers. Stack those deals with rebate apps to double your discounts.
8. Drive Your Car Until It Dies 🚗
We live in a world where upgrading cars every few years feels “normal,” but the truth is, keeping your car longer is one of the easiest ways to save thousands. Maintenance is cheaper than monthly payments.
9. Refinance When Mortgage Rates Drop 🏡
If you’re a homeowner, keep an eye on interest rate trends. Refinancing when rates drop can shave hundreds off your monthly payment and save tens of thousands over the life of your loan.
10. Use Grocery Pickup to Avoid Impulse Buys 🛍️
Walking into a grocery store with no plan? Dangerous. Doing grocery pickup helps you stick to your list, skip the snack aisle temptations, and control your budget better.
11. Use Online Shopping Extensions for Online Shopping Discounts 💻
Before buying something online, use extensions like Couport, SimplyCodes, or others to automatically search for the best coupon codes. If you know you want the item, why pay full price?
12. Avoid Smoking Altogether 🚭
This one’s simple: not smoking = thousands saved over a lifetime. Plus, your lungs (and wallet) will thank you.
13. Limit or Cut Out Alcohol 🍹
Especially when it comes to buying drinks at bars, restaurants, or events. Markups are wild — sometimes 300% or more. Enjoy at home instead, or limit it to special occasions to save hundreds a year.
14. Skip the Salon Nails 💅
Between tips, fills, and gel sets, getting your nails done regularly can cost hundreds each year. Skipping the salon (or doing simple at-home manicures) frees up that money for more meaningful spending.
15. Use Libby for Free Digital Books & Audiobooks 📚
The Libby app lets you borrow Kindle books and audiobooks from your local library for free. Perfect for cozy reading nights or listening on the go without paying for subscriptions.
16. Shop Used Bookstores & ThriftBooks 📖
If you love owning books, check out ThriftBooks or local used bookstores. You’ll find amazing deals on both classics and new releases — often 50% or more off retail prices.
17. Choose Experiences Over Things 🌿
Frugality isn’t about deprivation — it’s about prioritizing what matters. Instead of buying another “must-have” item, put that money toward family experiences and memories that last.
18. Say No to “Keeping Up” Culture ✌🏼
Social media makes it look like everyone is upgrading constantly, but intentional spending beats trendy spending every time. Comparison steals joy — and your paycheck.
19. Track Spending Without Obsessing 📊
You don’t need to manually budget every dollar. In fact, I tried that method in various ways over years, and it never worked for me. But apps like Rocket Money are a game changer help you see where your money’s going at a glance. Awareness = power.
20. Spend Intentionally, Always 💛
Frugality doesn’t mean saying “no” to everything — it means saying yes to the things that truly add value to your life and cutting back on the rest.
When you make mindful choices, your budget stretches further, your home feels lighter, and your financial goals feel more achievable.
Final Thoughts
Frugal living isn’t about restriction — it’s about alignment. It’s choosing where your money goes instead of letting it slip away on autopilot. By stacking small habits like thrifting, reusing, cashback apps, and intentional choices, you can save thousands each year without feeling deprived.
Your money should support your values, memories, and peace of mind — not clutter your home or cause more stress. That’s what Spending Intentionally is all about.
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