Living frugally doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort or happiness. In fact, by making smart choices and being mindful of your spending, you can save money while still enjoying life to the fullest. At Mindfully Abundant Life, we focus on living well – abundantly, joyfully – while spending less. We believe that it’s possible to make your dollar stretch further and live a full, happy life. And, of course, we believe in splurging when you really want to.
1. Cook at Home
Cooking your own meals is generally healthier and also much cheaper than eating out. Plan your meals in advance, buy ingredients in bulk, and cook large batches to save time and money.
Then, when you do eat out or treat yourself to takeout, you’ll enjoy it all the more, because it’s a treat.
2. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replace old, energy-guzzling appliances with energy-efficient models. This will help you save on your utility bills without compromising on comfort or convenience. Don’t just toss all your perfectly good appliances, though. Wait until they need replacing, then buy efficient ones.
3. Shop Second-Hand
Buying second-hand items, such as clothing, furniture, and books, can save you a lot of money. You can find great deals at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces. I love shopping for used bargains. And sometimes, you can even resell them at a profit, so it’s a double win!
4. Cut Cable and Stream Instead
Cancel your expensive cable subscription and switch to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. You’ll still have access to your favorite shows and movies at a fraction of the cost.
5. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat can help you save on heating and cooling costs. Set it to adjust the temperature automatically when you’re away or asleep, so you’re not wasting energy.
6. Grow Your Own Food
Starting a small garden in your backyard or on your balcony can help you save money on groceries. You’ll have fresh, organic produce right at your fingertips, and gardening can be a relaxing hobby. Growing my own food is one of my favorite things to do. It’s relaxing, meditative, and soothing. I get exercise, get my hands wonderfully dirty, and get an unbeatable sense of satisfaction when I harvest the beautiful produce I’ve raised from seed.
7. Use a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are great for making delicious, inexpensive meals with minimal effort. You can throw in your ingredients in the morning and come home to a hot, comforting meal in the evening.
I adore my slow cooker. I have a Ninja multi cooker and I use it for all kinds of things. It works as an air fryer, makes yoghurt, proves bread, and has a pressure cooker function. It’s a wonderful piece of equipment that saves me money and time.
8. Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Many household cleaning products can be made using simple, inexpensive ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These homemade cleaners are just as effective as store-bought ones and much gentler on the environment.
My favorite household cleaner is just 50/50 white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray, leave to soak for a few minutes, and wipe. It’s natural and pet-safe.
9. Use Public Transportation or Carpool
If you live in an area with good public transportation, consider using it instead of driving everywhere. Carpooling with friends or colleagues is another great way to save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint.
10. Take Advantage of Free Entertainment
There are plenty of free entertainment options available, such as public libraries, community events, and outdoor activities like hiking or picnicking. Take advantage of these opportunities to have fun without spending a dime.
11. Learn Basic Repair Skills
Learning how to do basic repairs around your home, such as fixing a leaky faucet or patching a hole in the wall, can save you money on professional services. There are plenty of online tutorials and resources available to help you get started.
12. Use LED Light Bulbs
Replacing your old incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs can help you save money on your electricity bill. LED bulbs last longer and use less energy, so you’ll be saving money in the long run.
13. Make Your Own Gifts
Instead of buying expensive gifts for birthdays or holidays, consider making your own. Homemade gifts, such as baked goods, crafts, or photo albums, are often more meaningful and appreciated than store-bought ones.
14. Use Reusable Products
Using reusable products, such as cloth napkins, refillable water bottles, and reusable shopping bags, can help you save money and reduce waste. Plus, many reusable products are more durable and longer-lasting than their disposable counterparts. And some, like napkins, you can make from other fabric you already have lying around.
15. Plan Your Purchases
Before making any major purchases, take the time to research and compare prices. Look for sales, discounts, and coupons, and consider waiting for big sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday to get the best deals.