Saving money goes beyond discount shopping or using coupons. For those willing to go the extra mile, extreme frugality can lead to major financial gains. If you’re serious about living more frugally try some of these hardcore ways to save money.
Ditch Air Conditioning and Heating
If you want to save on your electric bill, try cutting back on heating and AC. In winter, throw on a hoodie or grab an extra blanket. When it’s hot, use fans or crack open a window instead. It won’t always be perfectly comfortable, but you’ll see the savings pretty fast.
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Move Into a Smaller Space
Thinking about downsizing? Living in a smaller place cuts your rent, utility bills, and even those extra shopping trips. You’ll have less clutter and more room to enjoy the things you actually care about. It’s a quick way to save—and to make life feel a little lighter.
Swap Cars for Biking or Walking
Having a car gets expensive fast. If you can bike or walk instead, you’ll skip paying for gas, insurance, and repairs. If you need to go farther, take a bus or train. You’ll save money and squeeze in some extra exercise along the way.
Try Dumpster Diving and Freecycling
People throw away plenty of things that still work, like clothes, dishes, or even food. If you look on freecycling sites or in places where people set items out to give away, you can often find what you need for free. It’s smart to check that everything is clean and in good shape before you take it home. This way, you save money, avoid buying new things, and make sure what you pick up is safe to use.
Limit Showers and Use Washcloth Wipe-Downs
Skipping a daily shower now and then is an easy way to save on water and energy. If you haven’t been active, a thorough wipe with a washcloth will probably get you clean enough. This can lower your bills and is often easier on your skin, too.
Reuse Gray Water
You don’t have to use fresh water for everything. Try catching water from your shower, kitchen, or rain and use it for things like watering plants, cleaning floors, or even flushing the toilet. It’s a simple switch that cuts down your water bill and makes the most of every drop.
Barter Instead of Buying
Swapping what you have or what you can do is a great way to get what you need without money. You can trade homegrown veggies, help with a task, or offer a skill in exchange for something useful. It’s a simple approach that still works today and keeps your spending low.
Wear Clothes Until They Can’t Be Repaired
Wear your clothes for as long as they last. If something tears or loses a button, fix it instead of throwing it out. Small repairs let you hang onto your favorite things and skip extra shopping trips. You’ll save money and cut down on waste at the same time.
Stick to Minimalist Eating and Avoid Dining Out
A basic grocery list and cooking at home saves the most on food costs. Simple staples like rice, beans, and seasonal vegetables offer nutrition and stretch the budget. Skipping restaurants, lattes, and takeout slashes monthly spending.
Cancel All Subscriptions
It’s easy to lose track of subscriptions you don’t really use. Dropping extra streaming apps, gym passes, or subscription boxes puts more money back in your pocket each month. For books and movies, try the library or swap with friends instead.
Wash Laundry Only When Necessary
You don’t have to wash clothes after every wear. Wait until they’re actually dirty, and run the washer only when you have a full load. Hang clothes to dry instead of using the dryer. You’ll save water, energy, and money—and your clothes will last longer, too.
It’s Not for Everyone
Extreme frugality isn’t for everyone, but some people go far to save every dollar. Trying just a few of these habits can cut your spending and give you more room in your budget. Even small changes make a difference and can help you enjoy a simpler, less expensive life.
I’m Frugal, But I’m Happy To Spend Money on These 15 Things
When living a frugal lifestyle, spending money wisely is key. It’s easy to assume frugality means avoiding all unnecessary expenses, but that’s not the case. Instead, frugal people are willing to spend money on the things that matter most to them. Here are 15 things I’m happy to spend more money on because they are important to me and align with my values. I’m Frugal, But I’m Happy To Spend Money on These 15 Things