Some people are perfectly happy paying full price without checking if there is a discount code. Others would sooner walk into the sea. They have been called cheap and difficult, but through another lens, they have been called debt-free, financially stable, and occasionally smug about it, which is their right.
The online frugal living community is large and evangelical about its methods. But these are not people who are struggling. These are people who made a decision that the default way of spending money is a trap, and then built an entirely different system around that belief.
Some of their hacks are brilliant. Some are the kind of thing you read and think "I could never" before doing it anyway six weeks later when the credit card bill arrives. All of them are worth knowing. People flooded to the internet to share their most proudly frugal ways of living, and the thread delivered everything from grocery strategies to life philosophies. You will feel richer for knowing them.
#21 Sewing Is One Of The Best Frugal Skills. A $1 Pillowcase Turned Into Curtains
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The psychological component of living below your means is something financial therapists have started addressing more directly, because the barrier is rarely mathematical. Perceived social pressure to spend at the level of peers, known in behavioral economics as conspicuous consumption, was identified by economist Thorstein Veblen as far back as 1899 as one of the primary drivers of spending that has nothing to do with need or even genuine desire.
Buying the thing because it signals something about who you are to the people watching is a very old and very expensive habit. The frugal community's most radical act is simply deciding they are not performing for that audience anymore.
#22 Up Cycled Shirts Into A Skirt, Lisa Frank Millennial Style
Shirts from goodwill bins (by the pound), sewing machine was gifted from A friend. Instructional books were from a used bookstore. A newbie at sewing so I'm open to feedback, be nice
Still working on the waist but it was my first attempt at elastic. Might do a drawstring or zipper . I call this "throwing paint at the wall and seeing what sticks."
Excited to make more for sure
Still working on the waist but it was my first attempt at elastic. Might do a drawstring or zipper . I call this "throwing paint at the wall and seeing what sticks."
Excited to make more for sure
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#23 Using My Designated Lotion Syringe To Fill Up Tubes. There's Always So Much Lotion Left At The Bottom Of These Pump Containers
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#24 Simple Quiche That Stretches Ingredients (Feeds 6–8)
If you’re trying to stretch groceries, this has been a solid option: Basic press-in crust (flour, butter, salt - it's literally as easy as playdough) Egg + dairy base (3 eggs + ~1¼ cups milk/cream)
Add whatever vegetables/cheese you have I used broccoli + cheddar, but it’s flexible.
Added fresh Tarragon and a few things which was surprisingly delicious.
Costs are pretty low depending on what’s on hand, and it makes enough for 6-8 slices. Holds up well in the fridge.
Add whatever vegetables/cheese you have I used broccoli + cheddar, but it’s flexible.
Added fresh Tarragon and a few things which was surprisingly delicious.
Costs are pretty low depending on what’s on hand, and it makes enough for 6-8 slices. Holds up well in the fridge.
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The compounding effect of small savings over time is the argument that could convert people who were previously resistant. An extra $200 a month invested at a modest 7% annual return becomes roughly $240,000 over 30 years, without any further contribution.
Everything from your daily coffee calculation to the unused subscription and slightly cheaper phone plan can make a difference. None of these feel significant in isolation, and that is precisely why the frugal mindset reframes them. It is not about the coffee. It is about the cumulative weight of a hundred small decisions made on autopilot, and what happens when you start making them on purpose instead.
What is your biggest frugal tip? Share them with us in the comments!
#25 Did You Know How Easy It Is To Make Brown Sugar?
It feels like kinetic sand it’s so satisfying to make.
Anyway, this solves the problem of not being able to buy it in bulk because it goes hard and stale before I can use it all.
I found some unsulphured molasses for $2 at the discount grocery store and I recently got a great deal on sugar so obviously I bought 25lbs of it and here we are today.
I think I’ll keep making it as needed. Cheers!
Anyway, this solves the problem of not being able to buy it in bulk because it goes hard and stale before I can use it all.
I found some unsulphured molasses for $2 at the discount grocery store and I recently got a great deal on sugar so obviously I bought 25lbs of it and here we are today.
I think I’ll keep making it as needed. Cheers!
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#26 A $6 Jar Of Rooting Compound Pays For Itself In Plants
Rooting compound is probably been the single best gardening investment we've made.
Rooting compound is a plant hormone that stimulates root production. It's used to propagate plants from cuttings, and gardeners are often willing to give away cuttings for free.
We bought a small jar of rooting compound ten years ago and it's still half full. Although there have been viral videos about propagating roses using a potato, IMO rooting compound is the better deal.
Rooting compound is a plant hormone that stimulates root production. It's used to propagate plants from cuttings, and gardeners are often willing to give away cuttings for free.
We bought a small jar of rooting compound ten years ago and it's still half full. Although there have been viral videos about propagating roses using a potato, IMO rooting compound is the better deal.
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#28 Eggs Are Best By May 28 And Theyre 79 Cents Each Dozen At My Local Savealot, So Naturally, Like A Totally Normal Person, I Stocked Up On 12 Dozens, Cause I Can Eat 6 A Day Easy
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#29 The Frugal And Health-Concious Deliciousness Of Tortilla Pizza
For those not in the know, tortilla pizzas are a wonderful option for those of us in tight financial situations or in need of watching health concerns.
I go to Trader Joe's and get a 12 pack of Mexican flour tortillas ($2.29), a jar of organic chunky marinara ($3.49) and 1lb of mozzarella ($4.49). That makes me 12 meals for about 89 cents each, and 250-300 calories each.
Standard home oven at 425° for 6-8 minutes results in some really good crisp. Sometimes I'll add toppings like bacon and fresh garlic if I'm feeling extra. The crispness can hold one or two toppings. Any more than that gets a little floppy.
It's a perfect quick lunch that I've been eating for years. In a pinch it beats the shit out of eating ramen and beans, and it takes barely any more time than making white bread sandwiches. I can be finished eating 15-20 minutes after I start cooking. Pizza power, my friends.
I go to Trader Joe's and get a 12 pack of Mexican flour tortillas ($2.29), a jar of organic chunky marinara ($3.49) and 1lb of mozzarella ($4.49). That makes me 12 meals for about 89 cents each, and 250-300 calories each.
Standard home oven at 425° for 6-8 minutes results in some really good crisp. Sometimes I'll add toppings like bacon and fresh garlic if I'm feeling extra. The crispness can hold one or two toppings. Any more than that gets a little floppy.
It's a perfect quick lunch that I've been eating for years. In a pinch it beats the shit out of eating ramen and beans, and it takes barely any more time than making white bread sandwiches. I can be finished eating 15-20 minutes after I start cooking. Pizza power, my friends.
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#32 Home Exterior Lighting Can Last A Lifetime. Don’t Replace If You Can Clean & Re-Paint
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#33 If Interested In Arts And Crafts, Check Out Creative Re-Use Stores
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#35 Hvac Company Wanted $350 To Fix My AC. I Did It Myself For $25
My heat pump stopped blowing cold air yesterday. Instead of calling out an emergency technician and paying a massive diagnostic fee and markup I checked the panel myself. Took a while to find a store that sold one.
The Issue: A blown dual run capacitor.
The Fix: Found the exact 40+5 micro farad replacement locally for twenty five bucks.
The Result: Staying cool while keeping cash in my pocket.
The Issue: A blown dual run capacitor.
The Fix: Found the exact 40+5 micro farad replacement locally for twenty five bucks.
The Result: Staying cool while keeping cash in my pocket.
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#36 Homemade Ice Cream! No Machine Needed, Coffee And Vanilla!
Pickle Jar Coffee Vanilla Ice Cream
No machine, no cream, no problem! A creamy coffee vanilla ice cream made in a pickle jar with just 5 ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 cup ice (for the ice bath)
• 1/4 cup table salt (for the ice bath)
STEPS
No machine, no cream, no problem! A creamy coffee vanilla ice cream made in a pickle jar with just 5 ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 cup ice (for the ice bath)
• 1/4 cup table salt (for the ice bath)
STEPS
- Add 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 pinch salt into a large clean glass jar. Seal the lid tight and shake until the sugar is dissolved.
- Fill a large bowl with 4 cup ice (for the ice bath). Pour 1/4 cup table salt (for the ice bath) generously over the ice — don't be shy, this is what drops the temperature low enough to freeze your mix.
- Nestle the jar into the ice bath. Shake vigorously for 2-3 minutes, then let it rest in the ice for 5 minutes. Repeat for 20-30 minutes until the mixture is thick and milkshake-like. ⏱ 30m
- Transfer the jar to the freezer for 30-45 minutes. ⏱ 45m
- Remove from freezer and stir well with a long spoon, scraping the frozen edges into the middle. This breaks up ice crystals and keeps it creamy.
- Return to the freezer for another 30-45 minutes until scoopable. ⏱ 45m
- When the ice cream holds its shape and scoops cleanly, it's ready. Serve straight from the jar!
NOTES
You need a large jar (a gallon pickle jar works perfectly), a big bowl, lots of ice, and table salt for the ice bath. The sour cream makes this surprisingly rich and creamy without any heavy cream. For a stronger coffee flavor, increase coffee to ¾ cup and reduce milk to ¼ cup. Leftovers keep in the freezer — just let sit out for a few minutes before scooping.
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#37 Bird Baths Are Expensive, But Some Pavers And A Plant Saucer Have Given Me Endless Hours Of Enjoyment
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#39 You Can Make Your Own Glass Cleaner Refill For $0.04
Store bought glass cleaner is made up of mostly water, then some alcohol, ammonia, and a small amount of detergent. I don't personally find the alcohol necessary for a streak free finish on glass, so I just make mine with 1/4 teaspoon dish detergent, 2 tablespoons of ammonia, fill up the rest of the 32 ounce spray bottle with water. with 1/4 cup of isopropyl alcohol, the cost would increase to $0.29 per refill.
Ammonia is an excellent degreaser. it's purpose in glass cleaner is to cut through the grease in fingerprint smudges, but this same property makes it work well for things like grease splatters on the stovetop from cooking. big caveat here that ammonia can be harmful over time to some surfaces such as natural stone and ceramic, so make sure anything you use it on won't be damaged.
I know nobody is going to get rich saving $2.40 on bottles of glass cleaner, but most of us already have dish detergent and ammonia in the house, and it's less annoying to make up a bottle real quick than have to wait for a grocery run to get more anyway, IMO. bonus points if you're environmentally minded and want to reduce your single use plastics consumption (since you can make 64 batches out of the two plastic bottles of cleaning products.)
Ammonia is an excellent degreaser. it's purpose in glass cleaner is to cut through the grease in fingerprint smudges, but this same property makes it work well for things like grease splatters on the stovetop from cooking. big caveat here that ammonia can be harmful over time to some surfaces such as natural stone and ceramic, so make sure anything you use it on won't be damaged.
I know nobody is going to get rich saving $2.40 on bottles of glass cleaner, but most of us already have dish detergent and ammonia in the house, and it's less annoying to make up a bottle real quick than have to wait for a grocery run to get more anyway, IMO. bonus points if you're environmentally minded and want to reduce your single use plastics consumption (since you can make 64 batches out of the two plastic bottles of cleaning products.)
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#40 My Road Trip Activities- From $0-$100
Just finished a road trip (to get there and back to a bike riding tour). Two of us, retirement age, no kids with us. Some fun along the way, most really low cost, but some planned $$ and definitely which could be adapted to any locale :)
- Collected fossils in a known deposit. These are 1 to 100 million year old leaf fossils. The local residents have a ‘optional $5 donation box’ to help maintain the area. I donated as requested. Look for rock collecting sites on your trip.
- Picked 4 boxes of wild blackberries. Just can’t beat free!
- Picked a box of apples from a tree that was signed ‘free’
- Passed through a small town festival that had raspberry ice cream for $2 (wish I could’ve eaten two!)
- Hiked to a natural hot springs and soaked da feet :)
- Wine tasting with appetizers! By buying bottles (I was pretty sure I would) and using a coupon it came to $68 for a special couple hours treat.
So many things to do and see right??
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