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[Work & Money](https://www.buzzfeed.com/work-and-money) - [](https://www.buzzfeed.com/badge/trending) # "We Overpaid For Years": Frugal People Are Sharing Their Best Money-Saving Habits "It has made me way more frugal in every aspect of my life." Posted on Sep 20, 2024 58Comments 🔥58 Comments [ by Megan Liscomb Senior Editor As a Senior Lifestyle editor at BuzzFeed, I cover stories about health, home, politics, and relationships, with a special focus on work and money.](https://www.buzzfeed.com/meganeliscomb) ## I love saving money, but sometimes, the things people swear will save you some cash can be so time-consuming that I wonder how anyone finds the time. So when I came across [this Reddit thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/what_was_the_surprisingly_the_easiest_frugal/) of frugal people sharing their easiest money-saving habits, I was all over it like a cat on a brand-new box. Here are some of the top comments: ## 1\. "Writing down every expense in an actual budgeting notebook. I've tried budgeting apps on and off for years and never stuck with them. Having an actual notebook where I physically write all of my expenditures has made me way more frugal in every aspect of my life. Something about writing it and seeing it made me want to stop spending it!"  Peter Dazeley / Getty Images —[u/saltiepopkorn](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt5hot/) "Carrying cash helps too. Parting with a paper \$20 is harder than swiping a card for me." —[u/cake4life1211](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmu4acd/) Advertisement ## 2\. "Put things in the Amazon cart, but don't buy right away. Come back a few days later and realize I don't NEED that, remove. Repeat." —[u/writergeek](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt6b6j/) "I make it even more simple and just write down whatever I'm wanting to buy on the Notes app on my phone. Somehow, it reduces pressure, and most times, I'll just forget it unless it's something I actually need." —[u/summerysunflower](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtm2nk/) ## 3\. "Started shopping at the discount grocery store. Ours has lots of things that are nearing or just past sell-by dates, and I was nervous things might not be good. Haven't had a single issue, and we're literally saving hundreds per month on groceries." —[u/caffeinatedintrovert](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtgvyv/) ## 4\. "Finally got a library card and connected to my Kindle via Libby. I haven't bought a single book, ebook or physical, all year."   Ariel Skelley / Getty Images —[u/suzygreenberg](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtcbtk/) "I do audiobooks through Libby, and it’s great! I’m 'reading' a lot more now." —[u/thecakefashionista](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmunn8g/) Advertisement ## 5\. "Use [the envelope method](https://www.buzzfeed.com/fabianabuontempo/cash-stuffing-envelope-system-tiktok) for groceries and my fun money. It makes me pay attention to how much money I'm spending and what I'm spending it on when I have to count out the cash." —[u/neverenoughgalbi](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtg9kr/) ## 6\. "Buy powdered drink mix for my sports-playing kids instead of bottled sports drinks after every practice." —[u/toastwaver](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt2rrw/) "Walmart sells a BIG (and small) size of Gatorade drink mix. I used to buy it for working at a camp all summer. One BIG one would last all summer and then some. Saves time and money!" —[u/whatshould1donow](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtbyem/) ## 7\. "One morning, when I had some downtime, I went through my email and unsubscribed from basically any email list I was a part of. All of it. Not only has this completely cleared up my inbox, but I no longer get tempted by sale days, coupon codes, etc. It has helped curb impulse spending immensely!"   Oscar Wong / Getty Images —[u/javajunkie10](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtetrl/) "I subscribe when I’m waiting for a sale and then immediately unsubscribe once I bought what I had been eying. For places I shop at more frequently, I have Gmail filter out the promo emails and send them directly to my trash. Then, when find I need something from one of my subscribed stores, I search my trash for a sale or coupon. That way, I’m completely in control; it happens on my terms. Plus, the trash clears itself every 30 days, so I won’t be bothered by old promotions!" —[u/\_rose-colored\_](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmw4jcf/) Advertisement ## 8\. "I switched my savings from my account I've had literally forever to a high yield savings (4% apy or something). It's not an account I can easily withdraw from, so that money is sitting safe. I went from getting like a single cent from my money every month to \$30 or so." —[u/evangelinetheodora](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmx30zq/) ## 9\. "Cancelled cable. No one was watching ‘regular’ TV. We kept Prime and Hulu. No one in the house has noticed." —[u/according-paint6981](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt5w6m/) ## 10\. "Stopped using DoorDash and started using frozen chicken strips and tater tots when I need a quick fix."   Cappi Thompson / Getty Images —[u/capable\_mud\_2127](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt3ro8/) "I keep Trader Joe’s frozen meals on deck for this reason." —[u/eyesandvibes08](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtv46r/) Advertisement ## 11\. "I have started to go through all drawers, cabinets, wardrobes, etc, having a clear out. Not only have I discovered things I'd forgotten and organized things in such a way that I know how much of everything I have, but it's illustrated to me where I was making impulse purchases that I regretted. That's helped me stop repeating those same mistakes. For example, I am done with eyeshadow, I've never really 'got' how to do it, I end up looking awful, and I've chucked the lot out; it wasn't a matter of finding the 'right palette,' it's just not for me!" —[u/ilovewineandcats](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtxkhz/) ## 12\. "Switching auto and home insurance. Our auto went down by two-thirds and our home by half. I don’t even want to think of the money we overpaid over the years." —[u/librashell](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt6xh2/) "My husband is a retired insurance exec and has always comparison shopped auto and home insurance. It has saved us every year. Advertisement Choose a well-known insurance company that will pay your claims quickly, and that has a good customer service reputation. If you choose to bundle and they don't price match the other competitors, tell them you are looking for the best value." —[u/allisonwhodat](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmuoq70/) ## 13\. "Removed my saved credit card info from every online store. It’s safer, but also, my want for an item goes down significantly if I have to get off the couch to grab my wallet."   Ekaterina Demidova / Getty Images —[u/spinningbetweenstars](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmwor1b/) ## 14\. "Getting rid of paper towels at home. I bought a thing of painter's rags for my art space and brought most of them into the kitchen. They go in a bag to use and into the laundry to wash." —[u/bristlybits](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt7nl2/) ## 15\. "Meal Prep! I prep five oatmeal breakfasts, five chicken pasta and sauce meals, and five chicken, rice, and black bean meals. This saves me so much money and time! I mix in fruit cups for breakfast and lunch. I usually go with pineapple or mandarin oranges. I eat way healthier, and I’m saving money." —[u/ibn\_khomeini](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt1xw2/) ## 16\. "Fewer trips to the grocery store! After routinely popping in three or four times per week for odds and ends forgotten on my primary weekend trip, I started going to the grocery store just once a week. This restricts opportunities for unhealthy impulse purchases, pressures me to use and consume the fresh food and pantry items I already have on hand instead of letting them go to waste, and sometimes saves on fuel for short, inefficient car trips to the neighborhood grocer (if I'm desperate, I make myself ride my bike). The main grocery store chain in my area offers a weekly coupon for four times fuel points on Fridays. By restricting most grocery purchases to Fridays, I can also optimize that perk, which is a great bonus."   Seventyfour / Getty Images —[u/freedomcharacter4622](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt78qv/) "We also only go once a week. I refuse to go in between my weekend shops, and it definitely forces us to use what we have at home. Can’t walk out of the grocery store for less than \$100 it seems, even if you just pop in for a few things. So we improvise, and we get creative, and we change it up when we run out of something. It’s great — plus, it means that I save time by only going there once, and that makes everyone happy." —[u/trip\_jachs](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmwrp4d/) Advertisement ## 17\. "I often met up with friends at restaurants, just by default, and that got really expensive, even when they weren't that special. I started volunteering ideas of just meeting for dessert (instead of a drink and meal), going for a hike, or just meeting at a park to sit and chat. The whole point was to just be together, so no one really paid attention to the switch, and they were actually a little glad not to have to plan the outings themselves. My budget is happy about it!" —[u/naturalbornoptimist](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmuopkg/) ## 18\. "Went back to doing my own manicures. I have such a collection of polish to use up!" —[u/kirby73](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt4umw/) "I just want to warn that it's very easy to [develop a gel allergy](https://www.allure.com/story/gel-nail-polish-allergic-reaction) when doing your own nails. I almost lost all my fingernails trying to be thrifty. It was awful. Acrylics and dip powders have way smaller allergy chances and are also super frugal to do yourself." —[u/thatgurl84](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmuauon/) ## 19\. "Starting to cook my own meals more and not eating in restaurants. Every time you cook a meal, you make it better. I’m at the point now where food served in restaurants isn’t good enough for me. Go YouTube!"   Eclipse\_images / Getty Images —[u/thomport](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtfh3j/) Advertisement ## 20\. "Finance hack here. If I need a big power tool for something, I buy it on Facebook Marketplace, use it, and then resell it on Facebook Marketplace. Usually, it’s for the same price, but sometimes I get more. For example, my kids wanted an in-ground basketball hoop. I bought an auger for \$100, used it, and sold it for \$160. I bought a concrete mixer for \$150, used it, and sold it for \$175. For another project, I bought a table saw for \$100, used it, and sold it for \$100." —[u/hookitleft](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmvt7lx/) ## 21\. And finally, "Went on a 'no-buy.' Sounds nuts, but gamifying making do with my existing wardrobe, decor, cooking utensils, gardening tools, etc, has made it so easy. And it simplifies the process of figuring out whether a purchase is worth the money because it DOESN'T MATTER — I'm not allowed to buy it anyway. I did a no buy month and wondered if I would make it through but wound up breezing through it and found it so helpful and easy that I am committing to a year." —[u/peanutbutterprncess](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmu6o45/) ## Do you have any easy money-saving habits? Share what works for you in the comments\! ## Your New Favorite Thing - [It’s The Season For New Beginnings, So Here Are 35 Products That’ll Help Give Your Home A \*Major\* Refresh](https://www.buzzfeed.com/gabrielamanjarrez/new-beginnings-home-major-refresh?origin=shp) - [If You Have 10 Minutes To Spare, Here Are 39 Things That Are Def Worth Your Attention](https://www.buzzfeed.com/dayshavedewi/products-worth-your-attention?origin=shp) - [29 Things That Have No Right To Be This Whimsical And Cute](https://www.buzzfeed.com/melanie_aman/things-that-have-no-right-to-be-this-whimsical-and-cute-an?origin=shp) - [33 Inexpensive Kitchen Items That Don’t Seem Like They’d Change Your Life…But They Will](https://www.buzzfeed.com/hbraga/change-your-life-kitchen-products-an?origin=shp) - [33 Home Items That Will Impress You \*And\* Your Guests](https://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyschumacher/home-items-that-will-impress-you-and-your-guests?origin=shp) - [31 Things Exceptionally Disorganized People Need](https://www.buzzfeed.com/bekoconnell/products-exceptionally-disorganized-people-need-an?origin=shp) ## Comments - 👍 722 - ❤️ 207 - 🙄 40 - 😂 20 - 😬 20 - 😡 19 - 😭 17 - 🤯 14 - Top Comment  [lumpyflamingo](https://www.buzzfeed.com/lumpyflamingo) 1 year ago Sep 20, 202412:41 am \#1 in the comment I’m the opposite, to me cash feels like “extra” money so it’s easier to spend. Its harder to see the number go down in my account 12 people love this comment Reply Show replies (4) 🔥View All 58 Comments Post Comments sidebar Comments Join the conversation By commenting you're agreeing to our [Community Guidelines](https://www.buzzfeed.com/community/guidelines) 58 comments Sort by:Selecting the radio button will refresh the page with new results ordered by either likes or date. Most Reacted -  [lumpyflamingo](https://www.buzzfeed.com/lumpyflamingo) 1 year ago Sep 20, 202412:41 am \#1 in the comment I’m the opposite, to me cash feels like “extra” money so it’s easier to spend. Its harder to see the number go down in my account 12 people love this comment Reply Hide replies Show More Replies -  [hannahh43](https://www.buzzfeed.com/hannahh43) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20247:38 am Cash worked for me when I was a student budgeting hard. At that point I did all my spending (outside regular bills) via cash to make sure I wasn't going to spend the money I needed to save to feed myself at the end of the month. Nowadays there's too many options for rewards cards... Read more 2 people love this comment Reply -  [robert\_dunder](https://www.buzzfeed.com/robert_dunder) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20245:52 pm Yes, I rarely take money out of my account. Most of the time money in my wallet has been out of the bank for months or was given to me by someone else (gift or repayment for something). When I'm viewing my finances, I never add in the cash that is in my wallet. 2 people love this comment Reply -  [atripp6120](https://www.buzzfeed.com/atripp6120) 1 year ago Sep 20, 202411:41 am These are good but if you've already done all this years ago... what else you got? I've never needed to cut out manicure because I've never gotten them let alone been able to afford one. I mean buying an auger and cement mixer to install a basketball hoop? You couldn't just dig a... Read more 9 people love this comment Reply Hide replies Show More Replies -  [cheesytrash505](https://www.buzzfeed.com/cheesytrash505) 1 year ago Sep 26, 20243:25 pm You can also rent tools from Lowes and Home Depot for pretty cheap. I've done it before. I agree with you 100%. Most of these are people who didn't have money shortages to begin with. I've NEVER had cable for the simple reason it's always been way too expensive but streaming is just... Read more 2 people love this comment Reply -  [bubblyglue653](https://www.buzzfeed.com/bubblyglue653) 1 year ago Dec 13, 20244:33 pm I agree. She did a lot of work buying & selling. To each his own. Like Reply -  [lovelychicken23](https://www.buzzfeed.com/lovelychicken23) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20245:34 am I got really into batch cooking during lockdown and can't tell you how much I've likely saved thanks to it. The amount of times I've gotten home tired from work and not up for cooking, where before I'd cave and get a takeaway there's now usually something I've made before ready to... Read more 8 people love this comment Reply -  [robert\_dunder](https://www.buzzfeed.com/robert_dunder) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20245:55 pm Most of this comes down to- What do you "waste" your money on? This varies from person to person. Some people online shop too much. Some people eat out too much. Some people spend money on things they don't need or don't fully utilize. Some people don't shop for deals. It takes... Read more 6 people love this comment Reply -  [cattrekker](https://www.buzzfeed.com/cattrekker) 1 year ago Sep 20, 202412:53 am \#2 is so true. I am disabled and use InstaCart for my groceries. I often put things in my cart and then delete them later when the urge passes (usually sweet stuff). 6 people love this comment Reply -  [crunchycomet567](https://www.buzzfeed.com/crunchycomet567) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20242:11 pm For once a month shopping, I use a standard list I created on my phone (Notes). It lists all the regular items we use (ie. Laundry soap, coffee pods, mayo, etc). I highlight everything we're out of and buy just what's highlighted. Saves me from buying from memory and impulse. 5 people love this comment Reply -  [Crimsonkay](https://www.buzzfeed.com/crimsonkay) 1 year ago Sep 20, 202412:41 am These are all really good ideas. The one that never worked for me is carrying cash. I’ll spend it on things, not remember what I bought and then wonder what I spent it on. With a card (only debit theses days) I can track where I spent, and am terrified of my card declining. It works... Read more 4 people love this comment Reply -  [hcsencsi](https://www.buzzfeed.com/hcsencsi) 1 year ago Sep 24, 20245:30 pm Dollar stores. We're a two person household, we don't need big boxes of food. Price per unit/ounce may be a little higher, and somethings are better priced in regular grocery stores, but cereal, microwave popcorn, napkins, and other things save us quite a bit of money. Plus I know... Read more 3 people love this comment Reply Hide replies -  [bubblyglue653](https://www.buzzfeed.com/bubblyglue653) 1 year ago Dec 13, 20244:38 pm Yes. I'm a dollar store/thrift store devotee from way back. Plus I sew and will refurbish my crocheting skills. 1 people love this comment Reply -  [magicalpotato986](https://www.buzzfeed.com/magicalpotato986) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20244:56 pm 1\. Old synthetic clothes stay new after a 1000 washes and 100 years, so they go to salvation. All cottons fade so they get cut up in tiny bits and used for cleaning. Instead of paper towels and wash cloth. 2. Frozen food instead of take-outs and delivery. Invested in a small freezer.... Read more 3 people love this comment Reply -  [radelf247](https://www.buzzfeed.com/radelf247) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20241:49 pm If you have or can get a credit card that has cash back use it instead of a debit card, but always make sure you pay it all back once a week so that you don't have to pay interest. This will slowly add up, and also help increase your credit score, which will help lower your interest... Read more 3 people love this comment Reply -  [KaityDid](https://www.buzzfeed.com/kaitydid) 1 year ago Sep 23, 20244:07 pm You can rent the big tools, instead of buying them. 2 people love this comment Reply -  [wylyjoan](https://www.buzzfeed.com/wylyjoan) 1 year ago Sep 20, 202410:04 pm I rarely buy anything on impulse now. I do like suggested, if I see it on Amazon I put it in my cart and wait a couple of days. And I keep cash on hand to pay for anything under \$20. It helps keep me honest about my spending -- I had \$100 in my wallet last week and now I have \$20?... Read more 2 people love this comment Reply -  [silkyswan37](https://www.buzzfeed.com/silkyswan37) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20244:07 pm I'd like to add a home garden of you have growing space. Even when living in an apartment I grew a few things in pots. Look on Facebook Marketplace, there's always stuff for sale. Be careful reducing insurance in case the worst ever happens. Your home and health (auto accident)... Read more 2 people love this comment Reply Hide replies -  [silkyswan37](https://www.buzzfeed.com/silkyswan37) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20244:13 pm We love traveling so we have a travel credit card and put as much as we can on it while still living within our budget. It has an annual fee which includes travel insurance and we get money through the reward system to use for travel. It's paid for a few trips. Like Reply -  [catchmemesifyoucan1351](https://www.buzzfeed.com/catchmemesifyoucan1351) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20243:02 pm \#13 Would probably work for me since I'm so lazy, but I've memorized my credit card numbers lol 2 people love this comment Reply Hide replies -  [sleepingalligator64](https://www.buzzfeed.com/sleepingalligator64) 1 year ago Sep 21, 202412:12 am Me too! 😂🤣 Also my bank account numbers!\! 1 people love this comment Reply -  [peacefulshield522](https://www.buzzfeed.com/peacefulshield522) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20247:51 am I really enjoyed reading these tips. I do some of them already. I thought about trying the cash tip, but I get cash back when I spend on my card so I don't want to lose that perk. It's definitely motivated me and I particularly like the one about writing all expenses down. I type... Read more 2 people love this comment Reply -  [justanobserver](https://www.buzzfeed.com/justanobserver) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20242:23 am I do \#2 for practically everywhere. Amazon-save for later Etsy- save for later Ebay- save for later (or see if I can bid on it for a cheaper price) 2 people love this comment Reply -  [lazynugget32](https://www.buzzfeed.com/lazynugget32) 1 year ago Oct 3, 20243:54 am I use the Kroger app to purchase items and schedule to pick up groceries later. While I select items in the app, I see the cost adding up clearly, and realize if I don’t want to spend that much, I remove the items that I really don’t need or want before I checkout. This makes me... Read more 1 people love this comment Reply -  [sharpking75](https://www.buzzfeed.com/sharpking75) 1 year ago Sep 21, 202411:54 pm In my area there is a library that also lends tools to card holders. 1 people love this comment Reply -  [stephaniejog](https://www.buzzfeed.com/stephaniejog) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20243:10 pm My parents have used the envelope method since the 1980s. It enabled my mom to be a SAHM, and they were able to cash flow my entire college tuition, wedding, and they were able to buy out my dad’s retirement 10 years early. They are a normal middle-class family. And my parents,... Read more 1 people love this comment Reply Hide replies -  [stephaniejog](https://www.buzzfeed.com/stephaniejog) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20243:16 pm Also, the envelopes previous to the 1997 envelopes were of indeterminate origin. The envelopes are tattered and fragile. They were kept in a Lane sample box given to my mom for free in high school. The lid broke and wasn’t replaced until I bought them a new one 10 years later (found... Read more 3 people love this comment Reply -  [rachadach23](https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachadach23) 1 year ago Sep 20, 202412:38 pm Every Sunday, out grocery store puts out all their discounted food. We have a large family and I plan the week’s meals around what we find. We score really fantastic deals on meats, sandwiches, ready-to-eat meals, and snacks. Game changer. 1 people love this comment Reply -  User *This comment has been removed by the user.* Reply Hide replies -  [KHandcock](https://www.buzzfeed.com/khandcock) 1 year ago Sep 20, 202412:52 pm We do something similar with a credit card that offers cash back. If you’re disciplined about paying the balance it’s a great way to have some extra money just before the holidays since ours pays out in November\! 1 people love this comment Reply -  [geow1234](https://www.buzzfeed.com/geow1234) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20245:55 pm We've been married for 36 years and in all that time we have had exactly ONE monthly interest payment on our credit cards. We weren't making quite enough to pay it off as we had just charged all our house furniture on the card. Like Reply -  [WhoAmI?](https://www.buzzfeed.com/velvetviolet) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20249:50 am i bring my own bottle of water I refill it at home or at work so whenever I eat out I have my bottle of water. I'm saving a lot, no need to buy drinks at restaurants. 1 people love this comment Reply -  [peacefultree457](https://www.buzzfeed.com/peacefultree457) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20241:27 am Since my husband and I separated our finances, I buy less things for myself (I already have a lot) because it’s coming out from MY pocket, so to speak\! 1 people love this comment Reply -  [fluffycookie791](https://www.buzzfeed.com/fluffycookie791) 1 year ago Feb 7, 20252:35 pm I saved hundreds of dollars last year by purchasing discounted items from online sale. Like Reply -  [angryasteroid20](https://www.buzzfeed.com/angryasteroid20) 1 year ago Dec 15, 20241:54 am Back in the day I used to hang out with my Uncle and his track team every now and then. He always had the powdered Gatorade and lots of water. I didn't realize you could save soo much compared to bottled drinks. Thanks for bringing that up 😉 Like Reply -  [cheesytrash505](https://www.buzzfeed.com/cheesytrash505) 1 year ago Sep 26, 20243:22 pm I'll just go on Facebook and find all my tools... because that's the safest, cheapest way to do anything. No way anything could go wrong and no way you could get scammed either! 😒 Like Reply -  [cornycupcake333](https://www.buzzfeed.com/cornycupcake333) 1 year ago Sep 22, 20242:39 pm Some of these can work for all people but some are dependent on the individual. Some people can't stand buying used clothes but I have no issues with it, definitely for pants and boots. Best boots I've ever got were from goodwill \$5. Fashion isn't important to me, I like my graphic... Read more Like Reply -  [Beat It](https://www.buzzfeed.com/nutsoftruth) 1 year ago Sep 21, 20241:16 pm Double or triple every number on that breakdown sheet of Monthly costs, and Welcome to Trudeaus Canada. Like Reply -  [Beat It](https://www.buzzfeed.com/nutsoftruth) 1 year ago Sep 21, 20241:14 pm I can't get past "Mortgage:\$908\$ " Like Reply Hide replies -  [cornycupcake333](https://www.buzzfeed.com/cornycupcake333) 1 year ago Sep 22, 20242:57 pm That's half of what some people pay. Like Reply -  [messytable4965](https://www.buzzfeed.com/messytable4965) 1 year ago Sep 20, 20248:36 pm I agree with these points, and I think it’s good to “reduce, reuse and recycle” aside from being more frugal. I’m also increasingly frustrated with the tendency to blame individuals for poverty or neglecting society’s most vulnerable, rather than addressing the rampant greed in our... Read more Like Reply Hide replies -  [cornycupcake333](https://www.buzzfeed.com/cornycupcake333) 1 year ago Sep 22, 20243:03 pm Majority of the time it's both cases. I know it's feels gross blaming an individual when a large part of it is out of their control but being low income myself and my whole social circle being low income I see the individual problem way too much to not share the blame. 2 different... Read more 1 people love this comment Reply -  User *This comment has been removed by the user.* Reply Hide replies -  [cornycupcake333](https://www.buzzfeed.com/cornycupcake333) 1 year ago Sep 22, 20243:05 pm Learning to enjoy water has saved me so much money. I used to drink sports drinks, juices, and pop all the time. I've cut those by well over half now. 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## I love saving money, but sometimes, the things people swear will save you some cash can be so time-consuming that I wonder how anyone finds the time. So when I came across [this Reddit thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/what_was_the_surprisingly_the_easiest_frugal/) of frugal people sharing their easiest money-saving habits, I was all over it like a cat on a brand-new box. Here are some of the top comments: ## 1\. "Writing down every expense in an actual budgeting notebook. I've tried budgeting apps on and off for years and never stuck with them. Having an actual notebook where I physically write all of my expenditures has made me way more frugal in every aspect of my life. Something about writing it and seeing it made me want to stop spending it!" ## 2\. "Put things in the Amazon cart, but don't buy right away. Come back a few days later and realize I don't NEED that, remove. Repeat." —[u/writergeek](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt6b6j/) "I make it even more simple and just write down whatever I'm wanting to buy on the Notes app on my phone. Somehow, it reduces pressure, and most times, I'll just forget it unless it's something I actually need." —[u/summerysunflower](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtm2nk/) ## 3\. "Started shopping at the discount grocery store. Ours has lots of things that are nearing or just past sell-by dates, and I was nervous things might not be good. Haven't had a single issue, and we're literally saving hundreds per month on groceries." —[u/caffeinatedintrovert](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtgvyv/) ## 4\. "Finally got a library card and connected to my Kindle via Libby. I haven't bought a single book, ebook or physical, all year." ## 5\. "Use [the envelope method](https://www.buzzfeed.com/fabianabuontempo/cash-stuffing-envelope-system-tiktok) for groceries and my fun money. It makes me pay attention to how much money I'm spending and what I'm spending it on when I have to count out the cash." —[u/neverenoughgalbi](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtg9kr/) ## 6\. "Buy powdered drink mix for my sports-playing kids instead of bottled sports drinks after every practice." —[u/toastwaver](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt2rrw/) "Walmart sells a BIG (and small) size of Gatorade drink mix. I used to buy it for working at a camp all summer. One BIG one would last all summer and then some. Saves time and money!" —[u/whatshould1donow](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtbyem/) ## 7\. "One morning, when I had some downtime, I went through my email and unsubscribed from basically any email list I was a part of. All of it. Not only has this completely cleared up my inbox, but I no longer get tempted by sale days, coupon codes, etc. It has helped curb impulse spending immensely!" ## 8\. "I switched my savings from my account I've had literally forever to a high yield savings (4% apy or something). It's not an account I can easily withdraw from, so that money is sitting safe. I went from getting like a single cent from my money every month to \$30 or so." —[u/evangelinetheodora](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmx30zq/) ## 9\. "Cancelled cable. No one was watching ‘regular’ TV. We kept Prime and Hulu. No one in the house has noticed." —[u/according-paint6981](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt5w6m/) ## 10\. "Stopped using DoorDash and started using frozen chicken strips and tater tots when I need a quick fix." ## 11\. "I have started to go through all drawers, cabinets, wardrobes, etc, having a clear out. Not only have I discovered things I'd forgotten and organized things in such a way that I know how much of everything I have, but it's illustrated to me where I was making impulse purchases that I regretted. That's helped me stop repeating those same mistakes. For example, I am done with eyeshadow, I've never really 'got' how to do it, I end up looking awful, and I've chucked the lot out; it wasn't a matter of finding the 'right palette,' it's just not for me!" —[u/ilovewineandcats](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmtxkhz/) ## 12\. "Switching auto and home insurance. Our auto went down by two-thirds and our home by half. I don’t even want to think of the money we overpaid over the years." —[u/librashell](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt6xh2/) "My husband is a retired insurance exec and has always comparison shopped auto and home insurance. It has saved us every year. Choose a well-known insurance company that will pay your claims quickly, and that has a good customer service reputation. If you choose to bundle and they don't price match the other competitors, tell them you are looking for the best value." —[u/allisonwhodat](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmuoq70/) ## 13\. "Removed my saved credit card info from every online store. It’s safer, but also, my want for an item goes down significantly if I have to get off the couch to grab my wallet." ## 14\. "Getting rid of paper towels at home. I bought a thing of painter's rags for my art space and brought most of them into the kitchen. They go in a bag to use and into the laundry to wash." —[u/bristlybits](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt7nl2/) ## 15\. "Meal Prep! I prep five oatmeal breakfasts, five chicken pasta and sauce meals, and five chicken, rice, and black bean meals. This saves me so much money and time! I mix in fruit cups for breakfast and lunch. I usually go with pineapple or mandarin oranges. I eat way healthier, and I’m saving money." —[u/ibn\_khomeini](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt1xw2/) ## 16\. "Fewer trips to the grocery store! After routinely popping in three or four times per week for odds and ends forgotten on my primary weekend trip, I started going to the grocery store just once a week. This restricts opportunities for unhealthy impulse purchases, pressures me to use and consume the fresh food and pantry items I already have on hand instead of letting them go to waste, and sometimes saves on fuel for short, inefficient car trips to the neighborhood grocer (if I'm desperate, I make myself ride my bike). The main grocery store chain in my area offers a weekly coupon for four times fuel points on Fridays. By restricting most grocery purchases to Fridays, I can also optimize that perk, which is a great bonus." ## 17\. "I often met up with friends at restaurants, just by default, and that got really expensive, even when they weren't that special. I started volunteering ideas of just meeting for dessert (instead of a drink and meal), going for a hike, or just meeting at a park to sit and chat. The whole point was to just be together, so no one really paid attention to the switch, and they were actually a little glad not to have to plan the outings themselves. My budget is happy about it!" —[u/naturalbornoptimist](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmuopkg/) ## 18\. "Went back to doing my own manicures. I have such a collection of polish to use up!" —[u/kirby73](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmt4umw/) "I just want to warn that it's very easy to [develop a gel allergy](https://www.allure.com/story/gel-nail-polish-allergic-reaction) when doing your own nails. I almost lost all my fingernails trying to be thrifty. It was awful. Acrylics and dip powders have way smaller allergy chances and are also super frugal to do yourself." —[u/thatgurl84](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmuauon/) ## 19\. "Starting to cook my own meals more and not eating in restaurants. Every time you cook a meal, you make it better. I’m at the point now where food served in restaurants isn’t good enough for me. Go YouTube!" ## 20\. "Finance hack here. If I need a big power tool for something, I buy it on Facebook Marketplace, use it, and then resell it on Facebook Marketplace. Usually, it’s for the same price, but sometimes I get more. For example, my kids wanted an in-ground basketball hoop. I bought an auger for \$100, used it, and sold it for \$160. I bought a concrete mixer for \$150, used it, and sold it for \$175. For another project, I bought a table saw for \$100, used it, and sold it for \$100." —[u/hookitleft](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmvt7lx/) ## 21\. And finally, "Went on a 'no-buy.' Sounds nuts, but gamifying making do with my existing wardrobe, decor, cooking utensils, gardening tools, etc, has made it so easy. And it simplifies the process of figuring out whether a purchase is worth the money because it DOESN'T MATTER — I'm not allowed to buy it anyway. I did a no buy month and wondered if I would make it through but wound up breezing through it and found it so helpful and easy that I am committing to a year." —[u/peanutbutterprncess](https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1ff9qnn/comment/lmu6o45/) ## Do you have any easy money-saving habits? 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