20 Frugal Habits People Didn’t Know They Were Doing
Having frugal habits is usually a sign that people value their money and are willing to make a few sacrifices to reach the next level. However, many people have such habits without even being aware of them. Almost everyone has a frugal habit that helps them get more value for their money. We will discuss some common frugal habits that most people don’t realize they have.
1. Reusing Plastic Bags and Containers
Using deli bags, yogurt containers, and hummus containers for storing items like cat supplies is a form of reusing to avoid waste. A Reddit user shared how they repurposed cereal box plastic bags to individually store chicken breasts before placing them in larger ziplock bags for freezer storage allows for easy retrieval and defrosting.
2. Rag Bag for Cleaning
Creating a rag bag from old clothing is an eco-friendly alternative to using disposable paper towels. These rags are used for cleaning and then laundered, minimizing the need for single-use paper products, which is also cost-saving.
3. Preparing Meals at Home
Making lunch for work and cooking meals at home instead of dining out is a cost-saving measure. This practice helps save money that would otherwise be spent on daily lunches or restaurant meals. These can be a few bucks per day, but they add up over time.
4. Self-pruning and Reusing Garden Waste
Another Reddit user shared how they prune crepe myrtles instead of hiring someone for the job. This not only saves money but also provides reusable materials. Repurposing the trimmed limbs as stakes for tomatoes and utilizing leftover juice from canning for soup stock showcases resourcefulness.
5. Using Bread Ends for Bread Pudding
Saving bread ends to make bread pudding is a clever way to prevent food waste and turn otherwise unused parts into a tasty dessert. A Reddit confessed to doing this all the time.
6. Getting the Most from Bottles
Maximizing the use of bottles by storing them upside down to collect the last drops of product, such as cooking oil or rum, is a way to minimize waste.
7. Repurposing Plastic Shopping Bags
Using a plastic shopping bag as a makeshift shower cap demonstrates resourcefulness, prolonging its use and avoiding the need to purchase a dedicated shower cap. Similarly, repurposing items, like making toddler toys from discarded materials, not only reduces waste but also fosters creativity and resourcefulness.
8. Creative Furniture Upcycling
Utilizing hardwood floor samples as coasters and buying secondhand furniture to repaint and revitalize is a savvy way to save money while giving items a fresh look. The detailed process of dyeing a used couch with RIT dye to restore its appearance showcases a thorough DIY approach to furniture refurbishing.
9. Reusable Containers Over Plastic Bags
Opting for reusable plastic containers instead of disposable bags for food storage reduces the consumption of single-use plastics. This conscious choice not only minimizes waste but also cuts down on the need to purchase new plastic bags.
10. DIY Haircuts
A Reddit user shared how they have been cutting their own hair using clippers for several years, which has saved them on grooming costs. Over the span of several years, this practice likely can save a significant amount of money that would otherwise be spent on professional haircuts.
11. Coupon Savvy
Making use of coupons for various outings, whether it’s a boys’ night out or a date night, demonstrates a commitment to finding the best deals and maximizing savings for both oneself and friends. This habit emphasizes optimizing spending by seeking discounts or rewards.
12. Being cautious of home bills
Eating meals at home and freezing leftover food items to avoid waste showcases a mindful approach to managing food expenses. Additionally, using household appliances during off-peak hours, controlling the thermostat to conserve energy, and utilizing cold water for various purposes are practical strategies to reduce utility bills.
13. Smart Shopping and Storage
For instance, buying hamburger meat in bulk and freezing it in smaller portions is a smart way to take advantage of discounts and ensure cost-efficient meal planning.
14. Secondhand Shopping
Shopping for secondhand clothing is not only enjoyable but also a sustainable way to find affordable fashion. Making personal care products like dry oil perfume, cutting one’s own hair, and adopting a mindful approach to purchases by considering necessity over a good deal is indicative of a conscious consumer mindset.
15. Bulk Buying on Sale
Taking advantage of sales by purchasing food items in bulk is another frugal habit you can adopt. One Reddit shared how they bought discounted cans of pinto beans, which they ate for several days, saving on overall food expenses.
16. Water and Energy Conservation
Opting for a short, cold shower while multitasking by brushing teeth within a few minutes. This approach minimizes water usage and demonstrates an eco-conscious approach to personal hygiene.
17. Using Bikes for Short Trips
For instance, you can choose a bike for trips under 5 miles instead of using a car. This habit reduces fuel consumption and contributes to a more sustainable mode of transportation while also promoting physical activity.
18. Investing a significant part of your salary
This is a significant commitment to financial planning and securing future stability. Allocating such a substantial portion of income (like 50%) towards investments is a sign that an individual prioritizes long-term financial growth and wealth accumulation.
19. Smart Food Purchases and Preparation
Opting for dried bags of beans and cooking them instead of buying canned beans is a cost-effective approach. Freezing cooked beans in controlled portions not only saves money but also allows for better control over salt content, offering both financial savings and healthier eating habits.
20. Furniture Refinishing Expertise
Learning how to refinish furniture is a valuable skill that allows for the purchase of inexpensive secondhand items. With a bit of effort and time invested in refinishing, these items can be transformed into beautiful pieces at a fraction of the cost of buying new furniture.
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