11 Frugal Habits I No Longer Subscribe To

Living frugally is a great way to save money, but some habits don’t make sense forever. Some strategies feel restrictive, waste time, or even cost more in the long run. Here are eleven frugal habits I’ve stopped following because they no longer fit my life or my budget.

Clipping Paper Coupons

Clipping coupons from newspapers once felt like a smart routine. But with most brands offering digital discounts and loyalty apps, the old method isn’t worth the time. Hunting for scraps of paper rarely beats the savings from store apps or online codes. These days, I let apps do the work for me!

Driving Across Town for Gas

I used to chase the cheapest gas, even if it meant driving 20 minutes out of the way. The small savings rarely outweighed the extra fuel and time spent. Now I use apps like GasBuddy to find the best nearby price. Convenience has become worth the few extra cents per gallon. The habit of burning gas to save gas simply doesn’t add up anymore.

Buying the Cheapest Shoes

Going for the lowest price seemed smart at first, but the shoes never lasted. Constantly replacing them ended up costing more than buying quality pairs that last years. Comfort and durability also matter for long-term health. Spending a little more upfront saves money and hassle later.

Reusing Plastic Baggies

I once washed and reused plastic sandwich bags, thinking I was cutting costs. But it was tedious and didn’t save much over time. Switching to reusable silicone bags eliminated the waste and effort. They last for years and are easier to clean. It’s a smarter, more sustainable solution.

Cooking Everything From Scratch

Cooking at home saves money, but insisting on making everything from scratch became overwhelming. The time and energy spent didn’t always justify the savings. Pre-cut produce, meal kits, or bulk-prepped freezer meals now balance convenience with cost.

Cutting My Own Hair

DIY haircuts worked in college, but they don’t cut it now. A professional cut is worth the confidence and polish it provides. The results are better, last longer, and avoid costly mistakes. I still keep trims simple, but skipping the barber entirely is no longer worth it. Some spending is really self-investment.

Buying the Cheapest Devices

I used to buy the lowest-priced phones, laptops, and devices. But they wore out quickly and lacked features I needed for work. Investing in mid-range or higher-quality tech has saved me replacement costs and frustration. The upfront price is higher, but the value lasts. It’s one area where cheap has proven expensive.

Avoiding All Subscriptions

Canceling every subscription once felt like the ultimate money-saving move. But the truth is, some services save money compared to piecemeal alternatives. Streaming bundles or grocery delivery can reduce costs in the right context. The key is reviewing what I actually use. Cutting them all blindly wasn’t the smartest approach.

Skipping Preventive Care

I once avoided routine doctor or dental visits to cut costs. But that only delayed problems until they became emergencies—and far more expensive. Preventive care saves money by catching issues early, so it truly pays to be proactive with your health.

Buying in Bulk Without Planning

Stocking up on bulk deals sounded frugal, but I often ended up with wasted food. Without careful planning, those “savings” rotted in the fridge or expired in the pantry. Now I buy in bulk only for items I know we’ll use. Wasted food is wasted money. Smarter bulk buying beats mindless stockpiling.

DIYing Every Home Repair

Fixing everything myself used to feel like a badge of honor. But some repairs took too long or ended up costing more when mistakes needed fixing. Now I pick my battles—DIY for small jobs, professionals for the rest. Paying for expertise often saves money and time in the long run. Frugality doesn’t mean ignoring value.

Best When Flexible

Frugal living still matters, but it works best when it’s flexible. Focus on habits that save money without draining time, health, or happiness. Evaluate whether your efforts truly pay off, and don’t be afraid to invest in quality where it counts. Smarter spending beats strict penny-pinching every time!

Like our content? Follow us for more!
The article 11 Frugal habits I no longer subscribe to first appeared on Cents + Purpose.