My wife forgot her cup of water on the way out the door. She didn't realize it until it was too late when we were well on our way to our friends. She was thirsty and asked me to stop for water.
I walked into the grocery store, used "unit pricing" to decide, and grabbed the best value. As you can see, she was not pleased about drinking water out of the jug.
With a cup in the car, my decision would have been frugal. But like I said, we didn't have a cup, so expecting my wife to drink out of the jug is me being cheap and, in hindsight, a jerk.
I don't want you to have the wrong impression of me. My decision was the default of my financial mind; it's like a computer calculating the best financial choice. My challenge is working on not being cheap, and certainly being more thoughtful.
Living a frugal lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing quality or relationships. It's about making intentional decisions to save money without coming across as miserly or cutting corners where it matters.
Frugal Spending Tips
Here are 21 frugal spending tips to help you balance frugality with generosity and mindfulness.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Invest in items that last. Paying more upfront for durable goods saves you money in the long run by reducing replacements.
Use Coupons and Discount Codes Wisely
Hunt for deals, but avoid buying items just because they're on sale. Use coupons on things you genuinely need.
Cook at Home
Preparing meals at home is cheaper and healthier than dining out. Experiment with new recipes to make it enjoyable.
Related: Click here to review our easy to make and popular recipes.
Buy Generic Brands
Generic or store brands often offer the same quality as name brands at a lower price. Compare ingredients to make an informed choice.
Repair, Don't Replace
Fix appliances, clothing, and furniture when possible. Learning basic repair skills can save you a fortune.
Shop Secondhand
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces are treasure troves for finding quality items at a fraction of retail prices.
Create a Budget
A clear budget helps you allocate funds effectively and avoid overspending. Use apps or spreadsheets to track your expenses.
Related: Click here to review our articles laser focused on budgeting in your marriage.
Limit Impulse Purchases
Avoid making spontaneous buys by adopting a 24-hour rule: wait a day before purchasing non-essential items.
DIY When Possible
Do-it-yourself projects can save money and add a personal touch. From home decor to cleaning products, the possibilities are endless.
Plan Your Grocery Shopping
Make a list before heading to the store to avoid buying unnecessary items. Stick to the list and look for weekly specials.
Embrace Minimalism
Owning fewer things reduces clutter and spending. Focus on owning what adds value to your life.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and use them wisely to cut down on utility bills. Simple habits like turning off lights save money.
Learn to Negotiate
Polite negotiation can reduce costs on big-ticket items, services, or even monthly bills like cable and insurance.
Carpool or Use Public Transport
Share rides or use public transportation to cut fuel and maintenance costs while being environmentally conscious.
Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Review your subscriptions and memberships regularly. Cancel any you don't use frequently enough to justify the cost.
Invest in Reusable Items
Replace disposable products with reusable alternatives like water bottles, shopping bags, and cloth napkins.
Shop Seasonal Sales
Take advantage of end-of-season sales to stock up on essentials for the next year at heavily discounted prices.
Learn to Say No
Avoid unnecessary expenses by politely declining invitations or requests that don't align with your budget or goals.
Focus on Experiences, Not Things
Spend money on experiences like trips or events that create memories rather than material possessions.
Give Thoughtful, Budget-Friendly Gifts
Choose meaningful gifts within your budget. Handmade or personalized gifts are often more cherished than expensive ones.
Save, Don't Hoard
Saving money is about being intentional, not fearful. Allocate funds for future goals while still enjoying life today.
Wrapping it Up
Frugality is a state of mind, a consistent approach to spending that prioritizes spending less on what we value least. That said, when it comes to what's most important to your relationship, it's more than okay to open the purse strings.
Do you need support to better manage money or the home as a team in your marriage?
I hold an M.Ed., and am CPFFE®, Fair Play Certified®, AFC® Candidate, married since 2002 and am passionate about the importance of teamwork in marriage with two working spouses.
Click here to learn more about me and how I can help.