The smallest changes can have the biggest impact on your life. However, at first glance, it’s not always obvious what you could stand to improve. Often, it takes an outsider’s experience and a fresh, creative perspective to make you think outside the box.
Internet user u/Imllo sparked a very helpful thread on the ‘Frugal’ subreddit. They asked everyone to share their cheapest habits and best small life hacks that have drastically improved the quality of their lives. We’ve collected the most useful ones to make your lives a bit easier and more pleasant, Pandas. Keep scrolling to check them out! Bored Panda also reached out to the author of the thread, u/Imllo, and you'll find their insights below.
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#41
Floss. There's a bunch of different products that can be more expensive but once you're addicted to it you can't go back. You will notice if you skip days. I started with just the roll kind but now use a toothbrush looking kind. Never tried the water pick kind but curious if it's any good.
petrastales:
I cannot even fathom sleeping without gliding floss between my teeth, or I feel extreeeemely uncomfortable lol.
petrastales:
I cannot even fathom sleeping without gliding floss between my teeth, or I feel extreeeemely uncomfortable lol.
14points
#42
I buy 2 chickens from Costco for 16 dollars (they come in a set). Thats several meals for two using the chicken and then I boil the bones for broth for future soups. Usually I freeze a whole chicken at a time.
14points
#43
Not "cheap" but good ceiling fans. I've yet to run the AC this year yet. The ceiling fan in the living room at max speed makes me want to grab a blanket. And our electric bill went from $260 last May to $130 last month.
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14points
#44
Taking plants cutting - is so rewarding seeing a new plant growing from a tiny bit pinched there and there.
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13points
#45
I don’t know if this qualifies but I love eating out and trying new cuisines. It’s prohibitively expensive now. I use a couple of apps that offer 50pc off food if you eat at weird times. Love it. I still get to go out but with less worries about the bill.
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12points
#46
I work in the insurance brokerage industry so I preach this frequently…use your annual wellness check up, bloodwork, colonoscopy and other preventive benefits! Get your two dental cleanings, get your eye exam, etc. Those preventive visits can save you SO much in the long-run. You can easily identify things before they’re a real emergent problem.
As an adult (36 now), I’ve always done the visits like clockwork and feel like my health is better for it.
Also, check for manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs for your more expensive medications. They can help offset your co-pays and often still count toward your max out of pocket (not all insurance plans track if you paid or coupons paid).
As an adult (36 now), I’ve always done the visits like clockwork and feel like my health is better for it.
Also, check for manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs for your more expensive medications. They can help offset your co-pays and often still count toward your max out of pocket (not all insurance plans track if you paid or coupons paid).
12points
#47
Small spray bottle of vodka for clothes that smell a bit musty coming out of the drawer. It gets rid of the odor and I don’t have to rewash already clean clothes.
11points
#48
Tennis and/or pickleball when you can play outside! Gets you moving, out in the sun, and will get you talking to strangers and joining in on their games when they need a fourth!
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9points
#49
I spray my shower with “clean shower” cleaner every time before I get out of the shower. I barely have to clean my shower anymore “maybe once a month” because cleaning my shower is my least favorite chore in the world. I have hard water (well water) and I never have any mold, mildew, or spots. I wish I could figure out something to make that cleans this good, but I also kinda like the smell of it.
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9points
#50
Running. I was never a runner but when I turned 40 and started to add some pounds, I somehow managed to train myself up to running a 5k alone. After several years of that, I met running friends in my city and it is now the most fulfilling and enjoyable part of my life. I spend plenty of money on it but all that’s really necessary is a good pair of shoes and some discipline. Can’t imagine my life without it now.
3points
