Saving money is something we all think about, especially with prices rising on everything. Living cheaply doesn’t have to feel like a sacrifice. In fact, it can feel like you’re taking control of your finances in a way that benefits you in the long run. Here are 40 simple ways to embrace cheap living without feeling like you’re missing out.
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1. Cook at Home
Eating out adds up quickly. Planning your meals ahead of time helps save money, and you can make larger portions to have leftovers. Try batch cooking on weekends to set yourself up for success during the week.
2. Use Grocery Store Apps for Discounts
Many stores now have apps that offer weekly discounts or coupons. Even if you don’t love clipping coupons, these apps make it easy. Plus, it can help you track what’s on sale so you can plan your meals around cheaper ingredients.
3. Buy in Bulk: Cheap Living Tip
Buying in bulk can seem expensive at first, but over time, it saves money. You can store dry goods like rice, beans, and pasta, which last for months. Just make sure you have the space to store them.
4. Embrace Generic Brands
Store brands are often just as good as name-brand items and can be a key to cheap living, but they’re not always guaranteed to be cheaper. Always check the cost per item to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Sometimes, a sale on a name-brand product might actually be cheaper than the store brand. It’s an easy switch when it works out, especially for basics like pantry staples, but paying attention to the price breakdown ensures you’re truly saving.
5. Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions
Do you really need that extra streaming service or magazine subscription? Cutting back on things you don’t use regularly is one of the simplest ways to live cheaper.
6. Use Public Transportation
If you live in a city, public transportation can be a lifesaver. It’s much cheaper than maintaining a car with gas, insurance, and repairs. Consider walking or biking to nearby places when possible.
7. DIY Cleaning Products
Making your own cleaning products using basic household items like vinegar and baking soda can save you quite a bit over time. Plus, you avoid the chemicals found in many store-bought options.
8. Borrow Instead of Buy When Living Cheap
Need a tool or equipment for a one-time project? Check if a neighbor or friend has what you need before rushing out to buy it. Libraries often have items you wouldn’t expect too, from tools to sewing machines.
9. Shop Second-Hand
Thrift stores and online marketplaces are treasure troves for furniture, clothes, and home goods. You can find high-quality items at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
10. Cut the Cable Cord
Streaming services are generally much cheaper than cable. Combine a few affordable options and say goodbye to that hefty cable bill.
11. Meal Plan to Avoid Food Waste
When you plan out meals for the week, you’re less likely to let food go to waste. It also helps you avoid last-minute takeout when you can’t figure out what to cook.
12. Make Coffee at Home
Buying coffee every day can add up fast. Invest in a good coffee maker and make your brew at home for a fraction of the cost. This is one of the easiest cheap living tips in this post. It’s really a no-brainer way to save money every single day.
13. Take Advantage of Free Entertainment
There’s no need to spend big on entertainment. Look for free community events, parks, and outdoor activities. Many local areas offer free concerts or festivals throughout the year.
14. Use a Budgeting App
Track your spending and get real-time insights into where your money is going. Budgeting apps can help you set limits and find areas to cut back, making cheap living much easier.
15. Share Streaming Services
If you must keep streaming services, consider splitting the cost with a family member or friend. Many platforms offer the option to share an account across several devices.
16. Air Dry Your Clothes
Skip the dryer to save on your energy bill. Air drying clothes not only saves money but also keeps your clothes in better shape longer.
17. Grow Your Own Herbs
Fresh herbs can be expensive. Planting your own herb garden can save you money, and they’re easy to grow even in small spaces like a windowsill.
18. Set Energy-Saving Habits
Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Little changes like these can reduce your monthly utility bill and help you to live more cheaply.
19. Cut Back on Alcohol
Alcohol can be an expensive habit. Try reducing how often you drink, or save it for special occasions. You’ll be surprised at how much you save.
20. Use Coupons for More Than Groceries
Don’t forget that coupons aren’t just for groceries. Many stores offer discounts for clothing, household goods, and even services like oil changes. Keep an eye out for deals that fit your needs.
21. DIY Gifts
Making homemade gifts can be much cheaper than buying something, and it adds a personal touch. Whether it’s baked goods, handmade crafts, or a photo album, people appreciate the thought.
22. Opt for Minimalism
Less truly is more. Simplifying your life and focusing on what you truly need cuts down on unnecessary spending. You don’t have to embrace a full minimalist lifestyle, but cutting back on clutter can make a big impact on your wallet.
23. Join a Local Freecycle Group
Freecycle groups are places where people give away things they no longer need. You might find household items, toys, or even furniture that someone else is getting rid of, completely free.
We have a Facebook group like this in our nearby city, Oviedo, called O-Free-Do. This group is amazing! People give away furniture, toys, clothes, food, pool tables, trampolines, you name it; I’ve seen it posted for FREE in O-Free-Do.
24. Use Reusable Items
Ditch disposable products for reusable ones. Whether it’s swapping plastic bags for cloth ones or using a refillable water bottle, small changes add up over time.
My family was super annoyed with me when I told them I was going to stop buying paper plates. The cost had gotten ridiculous at Publix, and we were tearing through a large family-sized pack every week. After a few weeks, the family didn’t care anymore and got used to using our regular plates over the disposable ones.
25. Take Advantage of Sales
Waiting for sales on items you need can lead to big savings. Look out for annual or seasonal sales and stock up on essentials like clothes, bedding, or household items when the prices drop.
26. Make Your Own Snacks
Pre-packaged snacks are convenient but often overpriced. Making your own snacks, like trail mix or granola bars, is easy and cheaper in the long run.
27. Learn Basic Home Repairs
You don’t always need to hire someone to fix small issues around the house. Learning simple tasks like unclogging drains or fixing a leaky faucet can save you the cost of hiring a handyman.
28. Utilize Cash-Back Apps
There are plenty of cash-back apps that give you money back on your purchases. It may not seem like much at first, but these small rewards add up over time.
29. Avoid Credit Card Interest
If you can, pay off your credit card in full each month to avoid interest charges. Carrying a balance means paying more in the long run, which defeats the purpose of living cheaply.
30. Buy Reusable Grocery Bags
Some stores charge for plastic bags, and even if they don’t, reusable bags are sturdier and better for the environment. A small investment in reusable bags can last you for years.
31. Use the Library
Libraries offer much more than books. Many provide free access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and even classes. You can also borrow items like Wi-Fi hotspots and museum passes in some locations.
32. Make Use of Cashback Credit Cards
If you use a credit card for daily expenses, pick one that offers cashback. You can earn money back on things you’d be buying anyway, but remember to pay it off monthly to avoid interest.
33. Shop Off-Season
Shopping for clothes or holiday decorations during the off-season means you’ll get the best deals. It’s a smart way to save on things you need without paying full price.
34. Cut Out the Fancy Gym Membership
You don’t need an expensive gym membership to stay active. Try free workout videos online or go for a walk or jog outside. Many parks offer free outdoor workout equipment too.
35. Host Potlucks with Friends
Instead of meeting up at restaurants, consider hosting a potluck dinner. It’s a great way to save money while still enjoying time with friends, and everyone brings something to share.
36. Take Advantage of Store Loyalty Programs
Many stores have loyalty programs that offer discounts, cashback, or coupons for future purchases. Even small savings can add up when you shop there regularly.
37. Use What You Have
Before you go shopping, check what you already have. Whether it’s in the pantry or closet, you might find that you have more than you realized, which can help you avoid unnecessary purchases. I’m always harping on my kids to check the pantry, fridge, or freezer before they write something on the grocery list. It’s one of those cheap living habits that can save a surprising amount of money over time. You’d be amazed at how much we overlook just because we don’t take the time to double-check what’s already there.
38. Rent or Borrow Special Occasion Clothing
Instead of buying a new outfit for a wedding or special event, consider renting or borrowing from a friend. You’ll save money and won’t have to store something you may only wear once.
39. Look for Free Samples
Many companies offer free samples of products online or at stores. It’s a fun way to try new things without spending any money.
40. Avoid Impulse Buying
Impulse purchases can wreck your budget. Take time to think about what you need before you buy. If it’s not on your list, ask yourself if you really need it.
I’ve been really working on this cheap living tip myself. I tend to think if it’s only a few bucks (hello Temu and Dollar Tree) that it doesn’t really count. I guess this is my version of “girl math.” But those small purchases add up fast, and before you know it, they can throw off your budget. Being mindful of even the little expenses is key to making sure your overall spending stays in check. It’s easy to justify the small stuff, but staying disciplined here can make a big difference in the long run.
Cheap living doesn’t mean giving up the things you enjoy. With a few changes, you can save money and still live comfortably. Every small step adds up, so pick a few that work best for you and watch how quickly those savings grow.
