12 Penny-Pinching Principles for Practical Living

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Looking to make the most of the money you’re trying so hard to manage? There’s a simple solution: adopting some practical living principles! Here are twelve that every frugal person should try for themselves.

1. Plan Meals in Advance

top view of hand filling meal plan on weekly table with salad and fresh vegetable on dining table.
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Pre-planning your meals isn’t just cost-effective; it’s incredibly practical! Now, you’ll never have to open your fridge and wonder what’s for dinner.

2. Shop Thrift Stores

Young Woman Buying Used Sustainable Clothes From Second Hand Charity Shop
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You can find some magical things if you know where to look, and thrift stores are an excellent start! Shop at thrift stores and see if someone else’s trash is waiting to become your treasure.

3. Take Advantage of Free Entertainment

Interior of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), an art museum, Midtown Manhattan, New York.
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Free museum days, concerts, and practically everything else is happening all the time around your city; take advantage of them and have fun for next to nothing!

4. Use Your Local Library

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Libraries are incredible resources for more than just books. Whether you need movies, music, or just about anything media-related, you can probably find it — and rent it for free — at your local library.

5. Make Cleaning Products

Unrecognizable person making cleaning product from ecological ingredients.
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Making your own cleaning products is practical because you likely already have everything you need in your cabinets. With just a few ingredients, like vinegar and baking soda, you can create some seriously strong all-purpose cleaner!

6. Audit Your Streaming Services and Subscriptions

Boy holding a smartphone iPhone 14 Pro with Amazon Prime Video streaming app app on the screen. Website blurred in the background.
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It’s practical to double-check the services you pay for and see if they’re still worth it. So, when was the last time you checked in with your streaming services, and how often do you use them?

7. Adjust the Thermostat

Portrait of smiling woman lowers the temperature on digital thermostat at home. Energy saving, efficient and smart technology.
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It might not be the most comfortable, but it’s incredibly practical to throw on a sweater or grab an extra blanket and turn down the heat. Even adjusting the temperature slightly can result in significant savings throughout the year.

8. Invite in Instead of Going Out

Beautiful Caucasian smiling woman putting a plate with meal on dining table at backyard celebration.
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If you’re tired of spending a fortune going out to eat with friends and family, start inviting people over for a potluck! It’s a fraction of the cost, and you can still enjoy spending time with the people you love.

9. Hit Up Rummage Sales

Various things placed on table and chairs in backyard, garage sale concept.
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Like thrift stores, rummage sales are where you can find some absolute gems. Keep an eye out for them on Saturdays and Sundays and see what fantastic items people practically give away for nothing.

10. Always Use a List When Shopping

Woman with notebook in grocery store, closeup. Shopping list on paper. Check purchases in grocery cart.
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Practical penny pinchers wouldn’t dare go grocery shopping without a list — and neither should you! Use a list when shopping anywhere, and don’t deviate from it, no matter how great the impulse!

11. Compare Unit Pricing

Woman shopping online on Amazon website on iPad.
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Sometimes, the smaller can might seem like a better deal. But penny pinchers know to compare the unit pricing to see if that’s really the case. You’re often getting a better bang for your buck with larger items, so they’re the best value if you plan to use them all.

12. Look For Swap Opportunities

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Many online marketplaces center around bartering and trading with other local penny pinchers. If you’re looking for something specific and don’t feel like thrifting or rummaging, this is a way to get similar results by searching on your laptop from the comfort of your couch.

14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking

Smiling girl eating food from takeaway paper box outdoors.
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More companies are now offering free samples to get customers to try a new product. Over time, these companies gain loyal customers and can increase their sales. As a customer, you also get to test out free products and sample foods you’ve never tasted.

Read on as we explore some companies that will give you food and products for free just by asking.

14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking

28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

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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.

28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

30 Super Simple Ways To Save Money at Home in 2024

Woman looking at a bottle of orange juice in a supermarket.
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Looking for some ways to save money at home? Now is the time to cut expenses, save some money, and keep your money in your wallet. Here are some simple ways to save money at home this year. Whether it’s as simple as switching what you buy when you go to the store or being a little more creative in the ways you use items in your home, maybe some of these ways will work for you!

Here are 30 ways to save money at home and put more in your pocket.

30 Super Simple Ways To Save Money at Home in 2024

Author: CJ Darnieder

Bio:

CJ is a writer and musician from Chicago.  When he’s not practicing the divine art of stoicism, focusing on achieving a deafening inner quiet, or attempting to reconcile with the inherent powers of the universe, he loves to cook!

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