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Living within our means is important, most of us don’t, but nevertheless if we want to attain wealth or just live a better stress free life, living frugally can help. I’ve created 25 top frugal living tips for 2021 to help you decide where and how to spend money. Of course you don’t need to take all 25 of the tips and apply them to your life, we’re all different and have different reasons for the things we choose to spend our hard earned money on.
Millennials have made it clear they like nice things and luxury living, so this post isn’t to sway you from that. However, there are things you can cut back on and change your mind set about to benefit you in the long run. Some of these things are easy changes that you may not even notice, that will help you save loads of money to spend on something else you enjoy. As always if you are interested check out my about me page to learn more about me. Now let’s move on to the list! 🙂
- Cook more at home!
This one is so obvious but it really helps you save so much money that you would otherwise spend eating out on one single meal. If you have a difficult time cooking or shopping for groceries, check out different recipes or shopping lists or Pinterest or YouTube. I found a nice planner and grocery list tracker that can help you create a meal plan, which keeps you accountable. They’re both less than $10 each, or you can make your own using a regular notebook, point of this tip is to save money!
2. Buy less expensive food if you do eat out!
If you do end up eating out some days, order water (healthier) instead of a high priced sugary drink. This can save you some money even if in the moment it may not look like it.
3. Create a list of when you will buy new clothing!
Having a plan of when you will buy clothes you need is a way to save on pointless spending. This can be as easy as using the seasons to decide when you’ll go out and buy that new jacket or new shoes you want. Of course if you really need some new clothes for an event or something special go ahead and purchase it, but otherwise stick to your spending plan.
4. Use dryer balls!
This is one that some people don’t even think about. They may think dryer sheets are essential, but there are alternatives to almost everything in this world. Here is a dryer ball set that will last you for years, and it’s less than $17.
5. Use a water filter!
Using a water filter instead of buying packs of water every week saves so much money. You can also save the earth, win win 🙂 Here is a water filter from Amazon for less than $15.
6. Use homemade cleaners!
Cleaning your home with homemade cleaners can assist with saving money over time. You can create solutions using vinegar and water or baking soda.
7. Trade services with friends
Utilize your friends for things such as babysitting, and they can in return ask you to do something for them such as styling their hair, etc. This is an easy way for you and a friend to save money!
8. Sell your unused items!
Selling things you many not use or need anymore can make you money and that seems frugal to me!
9. Do your own nails/hair!
Being able to get our hair and nails done is such a luxury most don’t want to give up. But if you have the skills and patience to do your hair and nails yourself you can save lots of money! Buy a gel nail kit on Amazon such as the one below for less than $40! That is less than one mani / pedi! It also includes tools and polishes, you can’t beat that.
10. Stop buying Starbucks!
You can make your own coffee at home, say it with me! This is the easiest way to live more frugal and save money. Most people have a Keurig already, but if you don’t here is one from Amazon for less than $80. (I’m sure you spend this in one month on your latte fraps, whatever they’re called)
11. Use reusable bags!
Especially if you have kids, I’m sure you’re using Ziploc bags all day! Or when you’re grocery shopping, in certain states you have to pay for bags now. Save some money and purchase these reusable bags from Amazon. Very affordable!
12. Use cloth towels instead of paper towels!
This is a super easy one!
13. Grow your own vegetables & herbs!
Using your back yard to grow a garden or even planters in your home to cut back on the cost of herbs and vegetables each weeks is super helpful, and a great hobby!
14. Pack your own snacks when traveling!
This is definitely a mindset change, but airports have such high priced foods, pack your own and it can be healthier!
15. Host at your home instead of going to fancy dinners!
This is one that people usually don’t think of, but going out for drinks or dinner costs so much money, and when you’re drinking the costs probably don’t matter much LOL that’s how they get you! Host dinners or hangout’s at your home and save money! You can use an air fryer to make simple easy meals also! Check this one out that I actually have and use every week, it cost about $80!
16. Cancel store email subscriptions!
This one I never really thought about until quarantine. I was getting a bunch of bath & body works emails and bought an unnecessary amount of candles. Cancel stores subscriptions and I’m sure you’ll spend less overtime! Frugal livers just know this one too well!
17. Buy generic brands when you can!
They’re all the same thing most of the time and you can save money over time by doing this.
18. Make grocery lists!
Before going to the store make a list and stick to it instead of going to the store and picking up a bunch of random things you ‘think’ you need. This is something we don’t think about, but be mindful and try it out, you’ll save big!
19. Get a roommate!
If this is something you can handle and it doesn’t bother you to live with someone else, split the rent with a roomie to save money!
20. Utilize thrift stores!
You can buy things for 80% less than you would from a store like Target. Thrift stores have amazing finds for decor, reading, clothing, etc. Ultimate frugal living tip! Obviously you don’t need to buy everything from a thrift store, but check it out!
21. Shop at discount stores!
Shop at stores that have name brand items for cheaper prices such as Marshall, TJ Maxx, Ross, just to name a few! This is an easy way to save funny and live more frugal in 2021.
22. Use your time to work a side job!
Check out my post on side jobs to make extra income in 2021! This list is legit and anyone can do these jobs!
23. Fix items yourself!
Use YouTube to figure out how to fix things you would have otherwise paid someone to do. This is a way to learn a new skill and save money!
24. Use Amazon Trade-in!
Trade in items on Amazon Trade in and get money back from items you don’t use anymore!
25. Use Airbnb!
Use Airbnb when traveling if it makes sense, this can help you save money and have more privacy than hotels!
Bonus – if you’re serious about frugal living, you should learn to invest your money to have money for later use. Such as a house, car, etc. You can contact Anthony Daniels at Instagram: @Iam_anthonyDaniels to learn more!