You made the decision to save money and live a frugal lifestyle. Fantastic news!

Taking charge of finances and exercising your frugality muscle, is the beginning of living life intentionally. You’ll soon discover many other benefits, besides saving a few extra bucks.

Cheap Living vs. Frugal Living: Why One Keeps You Stuck (and the Other Builds Wealth)

That is not frugal living. That’s self-deprivation.

Simply put, frugal living teaches you to be resourceful and stick to key habits that help you achieve your goals faster, without depriving yourself.

How to Be More Frugal in 2026 (Even If You’ve Failed at Budgeting Before)

Frugal living in 2026 comes down to clarity on your long-term goals and tidying up your finances by plugging the leaks.

Ask yourself the tough questions, discover what’s most important to you. Is it experiences? Is it safety and security? Perhaps status symbols, like a Rolex watch.

Once you know what you want and why, living frugally turns into a game – it becomes engaging and fun, because you’ll know exactly what waits for you on the other side.

For example, buying lunch Monday to Friday at 5 euros per day, becomes +1000 euros a year. That’s an extra vacation, every year, that can bring you memories for a lifetime.

So without further ado, here’s how you can start saving money immediately!

43 Simple Frugal Living Tips for Thriving on One Income

14 Ways To Cut Down Expenses

1. Budgeting

Budgeting helps you get the full perspective of your finances. Allowing you to allocate your hard-earned money to the things that have the highest priority in your life.

Starting out is the hardest part – however, once you get into the swing of things, it’ll take 5-10 minutes to do.

2. Buy Secondhand

Most people wince at the thought of buying pre-owned clothes. However, hand-me-downs used to be a big part of most people’s wardrobe.

Buying second hand is a great way to find quality, name-brand clothing and great for the environment. Get thrifty!

3. Skip Trendy Fashion Pieces

What’s trendy today, is out of fashion tomorrow.

Clothing brands know people happily pay more for clothes that are in vogue. Consider styles that are timeless for a trendy look without forking over a fortune.

4. Exercise at Home

The cost of a gym membership quickly adds up, if you also buy some of the additional products or services a gym will try to sell you.

Working out at home or the nearest calisthenics park – bonus, you’ll get some fresh air too.

5. Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions

I see subscriptions… Subscriptions everywhere!

Although they’re a great solution to have access to your favorite music, movies etc. etc. Subscriptions are silent killers of budgets, making it difficult to save money.

Pick 2-3 subscriptions you can’t live without, cut the cord to the rest and watch how your cash stack up.

6. Buy Prepaid Cell Services

You’ll rarely meet a person who buys prepaid cellphone services, but they’re a great way to buy for your exact needs.

People have reported to save 30% to 50% or more with prepaid plans.

7. Practice the 7-Day Rule When Shopping / Impulse Buying

Next time you’re oogling something that makes you think “I gotta have it!”

Wait 7 days before plunking down the money. Many times, you’re simply caught up in the thrill of owning something new, without a real want for it.

Try the 7-day rule – your bank account, and future-you, will thank you!

8. Swap Out Your Lightbulbs

Electricity prices have been surging the past couple of years.

Swapping regular lightbulbs to LED uses 75% less energy and lasts 25 times longer than traditional lightbulbs.

Double-check your lightbulbs in your apartment and change any lightbulbs that aren’t LED – chances are you’ll save a pretty penny on your monthly electricity bill.

9. Shop for Summer in Autumn

Buying clothes at the end or out of season, can save you 30% to 70% or more, since retailers want to make room for new stock.

If you plan ahead, you can purchase high-quality winter items in early spring and summer gear in late autumn, and secure eye-popping discounts.

10. Shop Around

Although some bills are non-negotiable, many recurring expenses can still be reduced.

First option: ask for a price reduction.

Many providers offer retention discounts if you simply ask.

If negotiating isn’t your style, you can compare alternative providers and switch to the better option.

• Mobile plans
• Internet providers
• Electricity and gas suppliers
• Insurance (car, travel, home)
• Bank accounts

11. Avoid Lifestyle Creep

Lifestyle creep happens when you spend more money every time your income goes up. Shockingly, many high earners still live paycheck to paycheck because their lifestyle gets more expensive every time their income increases.

Instead of upgrading everything when you earn more, put more money towards your priorities, savings or goals.

12. Always Live Under Your Means

Living below your means, is how you put money away reliably month after month.

Avoid ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ services like Klarna and other loans to get by. As a rule of thumb, your housing costs shouldn’t exceed more than 30% of your income.

13. Tone Down the Guilty Pleasures

Turn your every day guilty pleasures into rewards.

Instead of buying Starbucks on your way to work, buy it on Saturdays as a way to treat yourself and something to look forward to.

14. Buy Generic

Generic brands and popular brands are usually the same quality, what separates them is the marketing budget.

Don’t be afraid to try the generic brand of pasta or laundry detergent.

7 Frugal Living Ideas That Let You Eat Well Without Blowing Up Your Budget

15. Don’t Skip Breakfast

Lay a solid foundation in the morning and you’ll be less vulnerable to cravings later in the afternoon. Your waistline and wallet will thank you.

16. Never Shop on an Empty Stomach

Ever left the supermarket with a cart full of snacks you had no business buying?

You probably went shopping on an empty stomach. Instead, find something to snack before or while shopping, like carrots, bananas or nut mix.

17. Learn How To Cook

Learning how to cook is a huge money saver.

You don’t have to be Chef Ramsey to cook a tasty meal. Learning the basics of cooking will go a long way to make simple recipes sprawl with flavour.

Meal Prep (save up to 7 hours a week and +1,800 euro a year)

Batch cooking meals on Sunday, will help you avoid food (& money) waste by planning out your meals 1 week ahead.

You also save time, because all you have to do is grab the tupperware from the fridge and pop it into the airfryer.

And voila, dinner’s served! Bon appetite.

18. Invest In A Crockpot

Who else wants to save even more money (and time)!

Get a crockpot.

Cut up a couple of vegetables, some potatoes, fish or meat. Let it cook for a few hours and you’ll have a meal that rivals that of your grandmother. Okay, maybe not exactly, but it will be delicious!

19. Eat Less Meat

If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on meat you’re not alone, whether you’re doing it for dietary reasons or financial, there’s many tasty meat alternatives that are easy on the pockets.

If meat is non-negotiable for you. You’re free to disregard the advice, but pay attention to the next tip.

20. Embrace The Manager’s Special

When a product is close to expiration, there’s often a sticker with a reduced price on the item, that’s the Manager’s Special.

Spend less on meat products, by looking for the sticker in the meat section.

How to Live Cheap Without Feeling Like You’re Missing Out

21. Deal Hunting on Groupon

Activities and entertainment on a budget!

Groupon has great deals you can do solo or with friends.

From soap-making classes, to yoga or wood working sessions. You’ll find countless interesting things to do on Groupon, for great prices.

22. Take Advantage of Happy Hour

Bring back Happy Hour!

Grab drinks without breaking the bank, you’ll save a great deal money while still enjoying a night out.

23. Date Night In

You can save money and keep your dating life intact.

Instead of wine and fine dining, buy salmon and a white wine of your liking and invite your crush to a cosy candle lit dinner in the comfort of your home.

24. Entertainment Can Be Found In The Cards

Card games have been a source of entertainment for over a thousand years.

Save yourself a few bucks on entertainment on a Thursday evening, Invite a few friends over for a card or board game. You can play the classics like Monopoly, Dungeons and Dragons or the good ole’ Uno.

25. Last Minute Flights

Ladies & gents, pack your bags and sun hats!

Travel on a budget with last-minute flights is a great way to see the world. Keep in mind you’ll have to be prepared, available flights can pop up at the drop of a hat because it’s random who cancels their flight at the last minute.

26. Book 3 Months Or More In Advance

Alternatively, if you really want to go to a specific destination. Research the destination in advance, and buy the ticket at least 3 months or more in advance.

You can call it the “early bird” price for traveling!

27. Join the Local Library

Public libraries offer a wealth of knowledge & entertainment.

You can learn lots of things, like negotiation, persuasion or you can be entertained for hours by the greatest non-fiction writers. All for the price of FREE!

You can also borrow magazines, boardgames and movies!

28. Look for Community Classes and Facilities

Local municipalities often have classes available for cheap. Often there’s local facilities you can access, because you’re a taxpayer in the municipality.

Browse through your local institutions and you’re sure to find something interesting to participate in!

29. Free Days at the Museum

Most museums offer free entry to visitors, in the beginning of the month or towards the end.

It’s an excellent chance to learn something new or reflect on how far we’ve come as the human race!

30. Picnic in the National Park

Get outside and enjoy some fresh air in the National Park.

National Parks are a breath of fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. If the sun is out, make sandwiches, cut a couple of fruits and bring a refreshing beverage and you will have yourself an enjoyable afternoon.

Make It at Home

31. Bake Your Own Bread

Baking your own bread is a satisfying way to save money, it’s surprisingly easy to do as well.

Plus, you’ll enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread in your home.

32. Put Pinterest To Use And Make Your Own Gifts

Birthdays and holidays can cause more stress and pressure than they should because of how expensive gifts can be.

Instead, open Pinterest and look for DIY gifts, you’ll be surprised by the cool, creative and crafty things you can make without breaking your budget.

33. Make Your Own Lunch

Buying lunch is convenient, but it comes at a cost of up to a thousand euro a year.

Prepare your lunch the night before and you’ll be able to put your hard-earned euros towards more exciting goals, than feeding yourself throughout the week.

34. Make Your Own Coffee

For many, coffee is a necessary morning ritual to start the day.

Buy your own coffee machine and save a bunch of money. Whether you choose to brew it or use a coffee machine, you can have it the way you like it every single time!

35. Make Your Own Homemade Cleaning Products

Household cleaning seems to become pricier every year. The good news is, you can easily and cheaply make your own.

The added benefit is, you’ll be using a natural product that isn’t harmful to the environment or cause allergies.

Did you know there’s 27 use-cases for white vinegar? It’s literally a natural all-purpose cleaning product.

36. Make Your Own Natural Self-Care Products

You don’t have to spend a fortune to pamper yourself. Most store bought products are produced with natural ingredients.

Try your hand at creating your own self-care products. A great rule of thumb to follow is: Never put something on your face you wouldn’t put in your mouth.

Money Tips: Frugal Living Edition

37. Start a (Money-Making) Hobby

With internet access, there is an endless way to earn extra cash.

Do you have a talent? Maybe you’re knowledgeable about a niche topic.

No matter what it is, it’s almost guaranteed someone on the internet will pay you to show them how they can do it too.

38. Sell Clutter For Cash

Tour through your storages and closets – chances are you’ll find stuff you don’t use anymore or worse, never used!

If you haven’t used something in the past 12 months, it’s worth considering if it’s time to sell it.

39. Build an Emergency Savings Fund

An emergency savings fund doesn’t just help you sleep better at night, knowing that you’re financially prepared if an unfortunate event should happen.

It also prevents your carefully planned budget from getting turned upside down.

40. Automate Your Savings

Almost everyone wishes they started saving and investing earlier.

Automating your savings and investments helps you reach your goal without having to think about putting the money aside each month.

41. Avoid Debt Like the Plague

Nothing will put a stop to your financial security like debt.

Do your best to never take on any debt. And if you do, pay it off as soon as possible.

There’s a reason why people say that a burden was lifted after they became debt free.

42. Track Your Expenses

When you come face to face with what you actually spend your money on, week by week, your money habits improve automatically.

43. Use Survey Sites

These websites will pay you money to answer questions.

The payout is not anything you can live off of. But they’re straight-forward, and can be done in between Netflix episodes.

Take Care of Yourself

Living frugally can at first be a shock to the system when you attempt to cut down spending.

Make it a priority to treat yourself in the process.

Can Frugal Living Make You Rich?

Many rich people practice frugal living.

However, living frugally alone won’t make you rich. But it’s without a doubt part of the equation to becoming and staying rich.

Being frugal means you have a set of priorities or goals you’re working towards. Then you “trim the financial fat” around your spending habits, this way, you set yourself on a path to reach your financial goals faster, all without living like a monk in the process.

The great thing about being frugal is YOU decide what’s important and what’s a priority, and what isn’t.