Frugal Living Tips - 100 ways to Save Money and a Few Money Making Ideas

I last updated my list of ways we save money a few years ago. It's essential to take inventory of cost-cutting measures and re-access them every few years or even yearly if there are frequent changes in our lives. 

So here is a brain dump of everything we do to save money and make a little:

1. Limit household lighting to overhead lighting or small task lights.
2. Use a microwave or crockpot instead of a stove or oven.
3. Handwash dishes in dishpans.
4. Use cheap paper plates. It's probably not super frugal, but it saves time and water.
5. Eat simple whole foods.
6. Limit snacks to whole foods.
7. Grow vegetables and plant fruit trees and berry bushes.
8. Live petless. This was a difficult decision after we lost our kitty to old age.
9. Painted floors and polished concrete for ease of maintenance and long-term savings.
10. Paint the walls a dark color to hide stains and marks.
11. Use simple washable cleaning items that don't require expensive replacements.
12. Turn off shower while lathering and scrubbing the body.
13. Use thin beach towels instead of bath towels. They dry faster and last longer.
14. Wash in cold water and use half the recommended amount of detergent.
15. Drink tap water.
16. Make your own coffee.
17. Bag lunches.
18. Buy food in bulk and freeze portions.
19. Use a floor freezer to store bulk foods.
20. When using power strips, turn them off when not in use, or find ones without the standby light.
21. Periodically check your water bill to avoid missing leaks.
22. Visit the thrift stores, flea markets, and yard/church sales for clothing and other needs. Do this often to build up a wardrobe and stockpile of necessities.
23. Keep up with home maintenance to avoid costly repairs and energy inefficiencies.
24. Ditch the dryer and hang clothes on racks to dry.
25. Learn to repair and DIY.
26. Avoid subscriptions.
27. Use the Facebook Events button to find free events.
28. Use the library for books and media.
29. Use YouTube and free social media for entertainment.
30. Save gas and mileage on vehicles with tipless grocery delivery services.
31. Rent a car when traveling long distances to save mileage on your vehicle.
32. Travel off-season.
33. Make use of savings portals when shopping for cash back.
34. If you're responsible and pay off your balance every month, take advantage of cash-back credit cards.
35. Exercise at home with free YouTube videos.
36. Save money by taking CLEP for freshman-level college classes.
37. Go to a junior college and then transfer to a four-year university if you plan to earn an undergraduate degree.
38. Work remote jobs to save on transportation and vehicle costs.
39. Learn to cut your own hair.
40. Get regular checkups and be your own advocate. Use Google and ask pointed questions of your physician.
41. Find a teaching college for medical needs like dental or massage.
42. Donate plasma for cash.
43. Enroll in paid medical studies.
44. Take vacations to destinations with free attractions and inexpensive transportation and /or walkable.
45. Sell stuff online.
46. Craft and upcycle items and sell them.
47. Take a free personal finance course online.
48. Auto-invest with index funds with low fees.
49. Find high-yield savings accounts online.
50. Consider treasury bills that have high returns atm.
51. Take advantage of free courses offered online at places like Coursera.
52. Teach English online.
53. Drought-proof your lawn and garden with native perennials.
54. Controversial, but I do use Temu for dollar store-type items because they are less expensive and offer free shipping.
55. Podcasts for frugal living, finance, and personal wealth. Clark Howard is a good one.
56. Check your medical billing for illegal out-of-network "Surprise medical bills."
57. Use discount online prescription eyeglasses sites for frames and lenses.
58. Watch for free items offered at fast food stores. Taco Bell just had an offer of free tacos with no purchase necessary.
59. Buy loss leaders at grocery stores.
60. Give up alcohol and soda.
61. Buy a bullet blender for healthy smoothie snacks.
62. We have yet to do this, but...downsize and move somewhere that has a lower cost of living.
63. Look for employment closer to home to save on your commute.
64. Look to lower your taxes by adding to retirement funds and HSA. Take advantage of tax-free college funds.
65. Stick to simple Google Chrome books and Android phones.
66. Consider an extended family home/multi-generational where everyone pitches in and shares living expenses.
67. Avoid going out to eat, and consider just dessert or an appetizer when you do.
68. Cook from scratch.
69. Buy vehicles that will last a long time, like Hondas.
70. Use a budget app like YNAB
71. Buy T-bills for the extra interest.
72. High-yield savings account.
73. Shop around for lower home and auto rates every few years.
74. Eat smaller portions.
75. Use receipt apps for free gift cards.
76. Use half the recommended detergent and cleaning products.
77. Go camping instead of renting a hotel.
78. 50/30/20 rule - needs/wants/savings
79. Buy store brands
80. Simplify and minimize your wardrobe with mix-and-match basics in darker colors(hide stains).
81. Clean your drains regularly so you don't have to call a plumber.
82. Drive more slowly for better gas mileage and less wear on the brakes.
83. Clean your own car
84. Plan your route for errands to save on gas.
85. Walk to the grocery store.
86. Find employment closer to home.
87. Look for free classes online to boost your skills
88. Use an HSA for health expenses.
89. Avoid debt.
90. Dividend stock investing.
91. Use Hoopla and Kanopy for free movies and shows with your library card.
92. Use discounts where you can, such as senior, military, veteran, student, etc.
93. Price check vegetables at ethnic markets. Sometimes, they have better deals than the supermarket. 
94. Ask for old vegetables free at local health stores. Sometimes, they are still good for soup. I use them for compost if they are too old. 
95. Check out Reddit frugal living and recipe ideas. Search Google with Reddit and topic for better results
96. Try Poe app for AI help on a variety of topics.
97. Work somewhere that allows free meals.
98. Look for re-training for in-demand jobs via your city or state/federally funded programs. Some are free or greatly reduced. They also help with job placement. Young people can try Job Corp age 16-24.
99. Volunteer with a food pantry in exchange for food.
100. Buy even tickets directly from the event to avoid commission fees.

Free Tacos

Use code 04TACOTUESDAY on Taco Bell app for free taco on 9/5/23. No purchase necessary.