If you want to be more frugal, join the club! There are always ways to save money. But, where to start? Many people think that frugality involves cutting big costs. While this can be the case, it's not always necessary. You can save money by taking on small actions. Here are some small frugal ideas that can add up to big savings.
Don't Wash Clothes If They Don't Need To Be Washed
Many times people throw everything into the dirty clothes basket. This doesn't always have to be automatic. Many shirts, pants, dresses, and jeans can be worn multiple times. This will keep the clothes lasting longer. Plus, you will save in reduced costs for laundry.
Drink Water. From The Tap!
Are you paying money for drinks? Coffee? Soda? Even bottled water? You can save money by drinking regular old tap water. Now, you don't have to cut every purchase out, but even starting with half can make a big difference in your budget.
Use Rags Instead of Paper Towels
When we get new dishrags or towels, we keep the old ones for rags. These are great to use instead of paper towels. Every sheet of paper towel you don't use is one less you have to buy. Even a few rolls per year can cost a few bucks. This won't make you right, but hey, every bit helps, right?
Make Your Own Coffee
If you have a coffee habit, which I do, you can save money by making your own. I actually spend a little more on extras like real half-and-half, but I still save tons compared to buying it at a coffee shop.
Pack Lunches
If you love going out for lunch, you're probably spending big bucks to do so. You can still go out, but mix in some packed lunches. This can save a few bucks per week, which adds up to a few utility bills if you think about it.
Use Your Library
I love our library. I rent books, movies, and music. They have expanded their electronic resource catalog, so I can get books on my Kindle without even leaving the house. They even have museum passes that you can use. Check out what your library has to offer. You can almost certainly save some money.
Look For Free Activities
If you love to get out and go, that's great. But, how much is this costing you? There's good news. You can go out and do many different things with no cost at all. Communities have fairs, festivals, and many different activities. Look around social media or your community website to find out what's going on. There are probably many fun and free things for people of all ages.
Buy Stuff On Sale Whenever You Can
This seems like a no brainer, but hear me out. Start looking at things you buy and figure if you can get it on sale. Many people pay full price for things when they need it. Ask if you can wait until it's on sale. Is it even on sale at all? Can you get it somewhere else? You don't have to go too crazy here, but if you can wait to buy that pair of jeans until you know they'll be on sale at the event a store has every year, consider waiting?
Get Free Entertainment
Are you paying for video games? Why not play free games that are available for anyone to download? If you're paying for music, why not get a free streaming app and listen that way instead? The downfall with many free things like this is that you either have to watch ads or listen to them, but that can be a small price to pay for some money in your pocket, don't you think?
Those were just some of my ideas. What I like about these is that, for the most part, they're easy. Most people give up on frugality because it's too hard. That can come from taking on too much all at once. With the tips above, you can get started and start making a difference today.
Readers, what are some of your favorite small frugal ideas?
