These days, it feels like even breathing air costs money. So if you want to make it through without your bank account crying for help, you have to be smart with your finances. And sometimes, that means getting a little creative.
Luckily, r/Frugal is full of people who know exactly how to stretch a dollar without making life miserable. We’ve rounded up some of their best frugal wins, clever tips, and money-saving ideas. Scroll down to check them out, and maybe steal a few for yourself.
#1 When I Got Married, I Bought My Wedding Dress At A Thrift Shop. I Paid Only 40 Dollars For A Gown Made Of Real Silk. It Fit Perfectly Right Off The Rack. This Secondhand Purchase Shaved Probably 2 Grand Off The Cost Of Our Wedding
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84points
#2 Turned An Old Crib Into A Movable Green House
Here in the north east temperatures are still to low to place seedling outside unless you happen to have a green house. I don't. What I have is an old crib and a $1.59 roll of clear plastic wrap. Notice the thermometer. Outside temp is 62F inside the green house is 77F.
Since the crib has wheels we can chase the sun around the porch to keep the temp at an optimal level for growth.
Since the crib has wheels we can chase the sun around the porch to keep the temp at an optimal level for growth.
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83points
#3 Almost A Full Bottle Of Body Lotion, That I Scraped Out Of My Empties…
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76points
Honestly, it is rough out there right now. The cost of living has crept into every corner of daily life, from energy bills to rent to the weekly shop. Even popping to the supermarket can feel like a luxury these days, with prices on so many everyday staples noticeably higher than they were just a few years ago.
#4 No One In My Life Appreciates The Thrill Of Not Buying Something Because I Made It Instead
I know this sub isn't very keen on paper towel, but some things require it (namely bacon grease, and cat vomit).
I had saved the ribbon handles from a gift bag, because metal aglets!
I had eye screws.
I had an idea to keep the paper towel roll off of my very limited counter space.
I am quite chuffed with myself, and I would like a proper pat on the head for my genius, please.
I had saved the ribbon handles from a gift bag, because metal aglets!
I had eye screws.
I had an idea to keep the paper towel roll off of my very limited counter space.
I am quite chuffed with myself, and I would like a proper pat on the head for my genius, please.
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75points
#5 I Never Thought I’d Be This Excited Over Used Furniture
Just scored this beautiful Crate & Barrel AXIS couch. It has been meticulously maintained and was barely used by the seller. I could not stomach spending the amount that this couch goes for. We did drive to a much higher class area to get it (about an hour drive from us, but so worth the trip.)It is 6 years old and still looks brand new. Not only does it look pretty, it is SO comfortable! The best part about it? It only cost us $300. We. Are. PUMPED!!!
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66points
#6 Support Your Local Libary Book Sales. Grabbed All Of This For $61 Today And It Helps One Of The Best Causes In Your Community :) Look At All Those Books!!! Plus Two Full Great Courses And Some Nice Jazz Vinyls
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64points
And the numbers back that up. According to the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Lives survey, reported by the BBC, one in ten UK adults is currently saving no money at all.
The same report flagged a significant rise in the use of buy now, pay later services, with nearly 11 million people using BNPL in 2024 alone, two million more than three years prior. Clearly, a lot of people are feeling the squeeze.
#7 My Dishwasher Broke Last November. Was Saving To Buy New, But Decided To Try And Fix It
My dishwasher has been broken since Thanksgiving. I decided to try and fix it instead of buying new.
I’m a 35f and have no idea how appliances work. I have done simple DIY repairs around my house but nothing too crazy.
My dishwasher broke in November and I didn’t want to spend the money on a new one. We’ve been hand washing since. I’ve been getting into frugality and anticonsumption since the beginning of the year. I just read it’s more efficient to have a washing machine to do your dishes and it saves water! So I decided to do some research and get to work.
After 3 hours of research, YouTube videos, and frankly just unscrewing bits and bobs on my machine, I was able to figure out the problem. My circulation motor had gone bad. $90 later on eBay (yeah, eff you Amazon) I have the part on the way!! I am going to deep clean all the parts in vinegar and get the hard water and calcium buildup off, and my goal is to have my dishwasher fully functional within the week.
Might not seem a big deal to many, but in the past my appliances stop working and I just buy a new one. I did fix my washing machine drain pump late in 2024 and was successful, and this inspired me to stop being scared of my appliances and just try to fix them! Worst case scenario I can call someone with experience to help, or ultimately buy “new” if I have to. Even if a new dishwasher was $200, I’ve saved my appliance from ending up in landfill. Im determined to fix more of my things from now on instead of just tossing and buying new.
TLDR; dishwasher broke, would usually buy new but with some youtube and research I was able to diagnose and fix on my own and save this from ending up in a landfill.
I’m a 35f and have no idea how appliances work. I have done simple DIY repairs around my house but nothing too crazy.
My dishwasher broke in November and I didn’t want to spend the money on a new one. We’ve been hand washing since. I’ve been getting into frugality and anticonsumption since the beginning of the year. I just read it’s more efficient to have a washing machine to do your dishes and it saves water! So I decided to do some research and get to work.
After 3 hours of research, YouTube videos, and frankly just unscrewing bits and bobs on my machine, I was able to figure out the problem. My circulation motor had gone bad. $90 later on eBay (yeah, eff you Amazon) I have the part on the way!! I am going to deep clean all the parts in vinegar and get the hard water and calcium buildup off, and my goal is to have my dishwasher fully functional within the week.
Might not seem a big deal to many, but in the past my appliances stop working and I just buy a new one. I did fix my washing machine drain pump late in 2024 and was successful, and this inspired me to stop being scared of my appliances and just try to fix them! Worst case scenario I can call someone with experience to help, or ultimately buy “new” if I have to. Even if a new dishwasher was $200, I’ve saved my appliance from ending up in landfill. Im determined to fix more of my things from now on instead of just tossing and buying new.
TLDR; dishwasher broke, would usually buy new but with some youtube and research I was able to diagnose and fix on my own and save this from ending up in a landfill.
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64points
#8 Homemade Christmas Gifts Are Underrated
If you’re on a tight budget this season, homemade gifts can be thoughtful and go a long way. In my family, baked goods and homemade gifts have always been better received than store-bought desserts or gifts.
I’ve also done crocheted hats and scarves, small paintings, and things like homemade bath bombs, sugar scrubs, and salt soaks.
I’ve also done crocheted hats and scarves, small paintings, and things like homemade bath bombs, sugar scrubs, and salt soaks.
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64points
#9 Butter Lettuce Replenishes Itself Every 1-2 Weeks, So You Can Grow One Little Plant And Have Salad For Free
I bought butter lettuce from the grocery store for less than $5, it still had the roots attached (due to butter lettuce being fragile, it’s often packaged this way for grocery stores). Then I put it in a planter with drainage holes and placed that inside of an insulated shopping bag. I put it under a grow light on the kitchen counter and it grows enough new lettuce for me to pull off enough for a salad every 1-2 weeks for totally free! It’s as fresh as it gets and you’ll never need to buy bag lettuce again.
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58points
That is what makes communities like r/frugal so valuable. It is a corner of the internet where people share genuinely useful, real-life tips for stretching their money further, without any judgment. And beyond Reddit, there is plenty of practical advice out there worth borrowing from too.
#10 I Bought 300’ Of Sisal Rope For $17 And Redid My Cats Scratching Tree Instead Of Buying A New One. I Also Fixed The Top Bed That Fell Off
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58points
#11 Before And After Of Me Trimming The Broom Head
All I have done was taken a pair of kitchen shears and cut the misaligned and frayed strands as close to the bottom as possible. Looks a whole lot better right? This helps me sweep in tighter corners and stops dirt and hair from tangling with on the edges of the broom. I am stretching to reach the character limit but try it yourself!
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58points
#12 My Win For The Day, 12kg Of Freshly Roasted Coffee
My win for the day
I work for a cafe/coffee roastery and we unfortunately (or not) have to get rid of a 12kg of coffee because 6kg is caffeinated and 6kg is decaf. They got slightly mixed although most of it is fine, just a little bit of each through the other.
Boss is happy for me to take it all home, freezer is gonna be stocked for months! I can just take out a bit at a time when I need it and it will last
I work for a cafe/coffee roastery and we unfortunately (or not) have to get rid of a 12kg of coffee because 6kg is caffeinated and 6kg is decaf. They got slightly mixed although most of it is fine, just a little bit of each through the other.
Boss is happy for me to take it all home, freezer is gonna be stocked for months! I can just take out a bit at a time when I need it and it will last
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55points
Forbes Advisor suggests that one of the simplest places to start is with meal planning. Planning and preparing meals in advance is a reliable way to cut costs, since having home-cooked food ready to go makes it much easier to avoid expensive mid-week takeaways. One-pot meals like chilli or soup are a good entry point, as they are cheap, filling and easy to batch cook.
#13 Silver To Golden Details In Shoes I Only Need To Wear Once
I'm attending a casual (dressy but not formal) morning event for which I purchased a beautiful second-hand jumpsuit, because I needed something I could wear with the booties I already own.
The jumpsuit is navy blue, which looks beautiful with golden jewelry. So I was bummed that the booties have silver details.
That is, until 5 minutes ago, when I remembered I have a golden permanent marker lol
It dried and can be touched. I only need it to last a couple of hours.
The jumpsuit is navy blue, which looks beautiful with golden jewelry. So I was bummed that the booties have silver details.
That is, until 5 minutes ago, when I remembered I have a golden permanent marker lol
It dried and can be touched. I only need it to last a couple of hours.
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51points
#14 Before&after Of My Local Food Pantry. Filled Entirely With Unwanted Food From My Coworkers/Peers
My coworkers and I have established a system where if we don't like or don't want a good we bring it in to share amongst each other. At the end of week if unclaimed/untouched I collect it and donated (unopened) items to the local pantry. I'm able to fo this about every other month with their help!
Not pictured is all the food I keep and cook for myself that they have given me. It's really helped reduced my overall food waste!
Not pictured is all the food I keep and cook for myself that they have given me. It's really helped reduced my overall food waste!
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51points
#15 Took This Group's Advice And Unlocked A Whole New World, Thank You!!!
I always put "Reddit" at the end of my search engine content and found these great threads of different ways to combine old soap pieces laying around that I felt too guilty to toss. So wasteful. Many were "Just wet them a bit and press them together, it's not difficult..." but I wanted a more refined product. Cheese grater, a bit of water, patience with 'Power Level 1' in the microwave and voila! Yes, I'm proud of myself.
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49points
While you are at the supermarket, ditching brand loyalty is another easy win. Own-brand products are almost always significantly cheaper and, in many cases, taste virtually identical.
That branded ketchup might look appealing on the shelf, but there is a good chance the supermarket version is just as good for a fraction of the price. Those small swaps add up fast across a full weekly shop.
#16 My Wife Just Introduced Me To This Black Magic…
This little thing basically restores “tired” looking “bobbled” clothes to their near original state. No idea where you buy these things from but my wife had one and I was like “woah” when I saw its effects. Only downside is it takes AA batteries and I think I need something more industrial since I don’t like spending time and money on new clothes. I’m sure you folks have these too, if so please drop a line on your favourite tools for this kind of restorative work.
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48points
#17 Every Year I Make Most Of My Xmas Ornaments From Crafty Stuff I Have Around The House. This Year's Theme Is Cats!
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46points
#18 You Can Join Three Used USPS Mailing Tubes And Make A Free Cat Tunnel
I collect and sell posters. The USPS delivered my mailing tubes in the rain, so they got all damp and mushy.
I was about to throw them out when I realized three of them make a large tube.
Behold: the priority meowspress tube!
They just slot into each other. You can fold the tops in and they make the corners strong.
These tubes aren't available in the post office you have to order them from the web site.
I was about to throw them out when I realized three of them make a large tube.
Behold: the priority meowspress tube!
They just slot into each other. You can fold the tops in and they make the corners strong.
These tubes aren't available in the post office you have to order them from the web site.
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46points
For anything beyond food, buying second hand is worth considering seriously. Apps like Vinted and Depop make it easy to find pre-loved clothing without having to rummage through charity shops or thrift stores. You can filter by size, brand and condition, so it is a pretty painless way to refresh your wardrobe without the full price tag.
#19 Don't Sleep On Used Office Furniture Warehouses!
TLDR: If you need office furniture, consider used.
I've been researching quality office chairs for a couple of weeks, the one I had was on it's last leg and I decided that I'd spend some real money on a quality chair. I've probably bought 5 different office chairs for around $200 over the last 10-15 years and they never last.
I was looking at Hermann Miller or Steelcase, and someone on a different reddit suggested checking Used Office furniture warehouses in my area.
So I went on Saturday and found a nice high-back, heavy, memory foam cushioned one with tons of adjustment settings, very sturdy, but I was not familiar with the brand (LifeForm). There was no price tag on it, so I flagged down the sales guy and he said their used office chairs can go anywhere from $149US to $179US.
I was so hyped up because I had prepared to spend $500-$800. He said he could let me have it for $149, so I told him to ring me up!
He said I'll have a guy shampoo/steam clean it, I told him that's okay I didn't want to wait and that I had a fabric cleaner at home. He knocked $10 off the price.
I rolled out of there for $150 including sales tax.
Here's the chair at full retail. SCORE!!!
I've been researching quality office chairs for a couple of weeks, the one I had was on it's last leg and I decided that I'd spend some real money on a quality chair. I've probably bought 5 different office chairs for around $200 over the last 10-15 years and they never last.
I was looking at Hermann Miller or Steelcase, and someone on a different reddit suggested checking Used Office furniture warehouses in my area.
So I went on Saturday and found a nice high-back, heavy, memory foam cushioned one with tons of adjustment settings, very sturdy, but I was not familiar with the brand (LifeForm). There was no price tag on it, so I flagged down the sales guy and he said their used office chairs can go anywhere from $149US to $179US.
I was so hyped up because I had prepared to spend $500-$800. He said he could let me have it for $149, so I told him to ring me up!
He said I'll have a guy shampoo/steam clean it, I told him that's okay I didn't want to wait and that I had a fabric cleaner at home. He knocked $10 off the price.
I rolled out of there for $150 including sales tax.
Here's the chair at full retail. SCORE!!!
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44points
#20 Hit Up Your Library. Free Video Games 🤘🏼
Please utilize your local library. I know this is posted daily, but many of you still don't capitalize on it. They have an immeasurable amount of books, movies, computers, printers, scanners, 3D printers, supplies and video games. It is all there for the taking, might as well use it. There has never been a better public institution in this country. Period.
Save $70 and rent video games for free. It is a no brainer.
Save $70 and rent video games for free. It is a no brainer.
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44points