30 Frugal Life Hacks That Make Saving Money a Breeze

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Are you searching for simple, effective life hacks to trim your expenses and save money? We’ve all faced that challenge!

Regardless of your income, it often feels like it’s insufficient, and we all need new ways to save money that we haven’t done before. Have you cut down as much as you can? Here are some ways you might not have thought of to save money easily and put the cashback in your bank account where it belongs!

1. Shop at Discount Stores

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Are you looking for some reliable life hacks to save money? Well, look no further than your local discount stores. Shopping at discount stores is a foolproof way to save every time you shop.

 

2. Use Cloth Napkins

Empty wooden deck with table cloth, napkin over wall background.
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Cloth napkins can be washed and reused in a variety of ways. Replace paper napkins and paper towels with this cost-friendly alternative.

 

3. Repair Clothing Instead of Replacing

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Image Credit: Katerina Maksymenko/Shutterstock.

If you’re accident-prone, you likely know what it’s like to tear or stain your clothes. Instead of buying new clothing every time, learn how to fix the problem at home! Bleach or a needle and thread is all you’ll need for most accidents.

 

4. Cut Your Own Hair

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Salons and barber shops are expensive, especially when you visit regularly! Try trimming or cutting your own hair at home to save.

 

5. Use Prepaid Phone Plans

attractive japanese woman using smart phone.
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A prepaid phone plan is a cheap, minimalist option for anyone who doesn’t need unlimited perks.

 

6. Cancel Unused Gym Memberships

Happy healthy young African American woman working out in a gym with a pair of dumbbells.
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What’s the last time you hit the gym, honestly? Staying fit is important, but if you aren;t using your gym membership, cancel it!

 

7. Shop at Farmers’ Markets

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Farmers markets are fun, local spots to enjoy food and knick-knacks of all kinds. Support your community and save money at your local farmers market.

 

8. Create a Compost Bin

Couple throwing away raw meat in kitchen at home
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Reduce your trash bill and start composting food waste. It’s good for you, and good for the earth.

 

9. Refurbish Old Furniture

Recycling furniture pieces and work
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Thinking of retiring that old couch and getting a new one? Instead of moving on, try refurbishing your old furniture. You might just be able to breathe some new life into it!

 

10. Grow Your Own Herbs

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Herbs like basil and cilantro are easy to grow, and go great in many recipes! Grow your own at home instead of constantly shopping for new produce.

 

11. Buy Frozen Vegetables

Fall Pantry with Jars With Pickled Vegetables.
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Frozen vegetables last longer, and are often cheaper than fresh produce. Substitute fresh with frozen when you can to save some money.

 

12. Use a Slow Cooker

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A slow cooker is a great kitchen tool for cooking cheap meals that don’t take up time! Put food on in the morning, and it’ll be ready when you need it.

 

13. Batch Cook Meals

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Batch cook several meals at once to avoid ordering take-out or delivery because you’re hungry!

 

14. Buy Refurbished Electronics

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Refurbished electronics, also known as pre-owned electronics, are a great way to save money. If you don’t want to spend hundreds on a new phone or laptop, check out pre-owned options instead.

 

15. Cut Out Sugary Drinks

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Sugary drinks aren’t just unhealthy – they’re also addictive, and can be expensive! Cut sugary drinks out of your diet and try drinking more water instead.

 

16. Use Hand-Me-Downs for Kids

Baby clothes are drying on the street. Selective focus. nature.
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Hand-me-downs are an item, often clothing, that’s passed down from one person to another. Kids growing out of their clothes too fast? Give it to the next in line!

 

17. Shop at Discount Grocers

Woman looking at a bottle of orange juice in a supermarket.
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Discount grocery stores are a great place to get groceries cheaper than average. Go get those deals!

 

18. DIY Home Decor

Young woman decorating DIY jars with paint.
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DIY home decor is cheaper than store-bought alternatives. Plus, it adds a unique, homemade touch to any space!

 

19. Use Public Parks for Recreation

Happy couple having fun at amusement park in London .
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Public parks are free for the public to use, and they often have many helpful features! From basketball to tennis courts, there’s no end to the recreational activities you can enjoy.

 

20. Avoid ATM Fees

Sad woman beside ATM bank machine.
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Avoid steep ATM fees by withdrawing cash from your bank, or getting cashback when shopping.

 

21. Repair Electronics Instead of Replacing

Technician repair faulty mobile phone in electronic smart phone technology service.
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Cracked phone screen? We’ve all been there, but no need to panic. Many places will repair your electronics for a low rate.

 

22. Shop at Warehouse Clubs

In a accessories store beautiful lady customer looking at the bags from the shelves while one charismatic salesman wants to help the customer
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Warehouse clubs are large retail stores with bulk discounts and deals any member can enjoy! Popular examples are Costco, Sam’s Club, and even Amazon Prime.

 

23. Use a Fan Instead of AC

Modern electric fan in room.
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AC units can be expensive, loud, and take up a lot of space. Consider using an inexpensive box fan instead, if you live somewhere cooler.

 

24. Set up Automatic Bill Payments

Woman suffering financial stress reading energy bill and home expenses.
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As you may know, a missed or late payment often leads to a late fee. Avoid this inconvenience by setting up automatic payments for your bills.

 

25. Use a Bike Share Program

a woman riding a bike in a park.
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A bike share program is a great way to stay fit, while still getting around town with ease. These programs are free in some communities, and cheap to join in others!

 

26. DIY Pest Control

Colorado potato beetle crawling on the branches of potato
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Pests can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. However, it’s possible to DIY pest control for a fraction of the expected cost. Solutions like bait containers and even just cleaning more often can do the trick.

 

27. Learn Basic Car Maintenance

Car repair mechanic fixing auto. Man working on car in garage. At home do it yourself.
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Maintaining your car is the number one way to ensure it lasts as long as possible. But those car appointments sure do add up! Learn how to work on your car by yourself to save on long-term costs.

 

28. Use a Reusable Shopping Bag

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Many counties charge for shopping bags, so consider taking your own instead. Reusable shopping bags can be aesthetic, and they’re good for the environment!

 

29. Keep a Coin Jar

Saving, male hand putting a coin into piggy bank.
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These days, it seems like coins are hardly valuable at all. But that doesn’t mean they’re actually worthless. Save up your coins in a jar or piggy bank and count them up once every few months. You’ll be amazed how far the money actually goes!

 

30. Shop During Off-Peak Hours

Happy young woman shopping for sports footwear
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Shopping in a packed store can be stressful, and you might end up rushing or making mistakes and spending more than you planned. Instead, visit the store during off-peak hours. You’ll get what you need without being stressed and this will save you money!

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Image credit: Sharomka/Shutterstock.

 

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Image Credit: DedMityay/Shutterstock.

 

Saving money doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to life’s little indulgences. With a few smart tweaks, you can stash away cash for that dream vacation, rainy day fund, or splurge-worthy purchase without feeling like you’re on a constant budget patrol.

Think of it as a side hustle that pays off without the extra hours. Whether you’re looking to conquer debt or simply boost your bank account, these tips are guaranteed to put more money in your pocket, painlessly.

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