Discover practical ways to live frugally in 2025 with simple strategies to save money, reduce waste, and stretch your budget. Learn how to plan meals, tackle DIY projects, shop smarter, and cut costs in your daily life. Start building a sustainable and budget-friendly lifestyle today!
With the way the economy has been lately and how high the cost of living has become in some places, we are all very likely looking for ways to save money, but that isn’t exactly easy to do when you’re fighting costs that seem to rise faster than a creek that is flash flooding. In other words, it seems to be an impossible feat, but I give you my word, it isn’t. It’s very possible with a little planning, some patience and a little elbow grease!
Basically, even if you’ve never really jumped into living a more frugal life, 2025 is your year! You don’t need to be someone who has lived frugally for years and it doesn’t matter who you are. Anyone can make their money go further and let’s face it; money that goes farther is more money in our pockets and that my friends, is never a bad thing.
What Exactly Does “Frugal Living” Mean?
Frugal living tends to get a bad reputation and frugal people do as well. But in reality, frugality can be defined very simply as wise spending. Sure, some folks take it to the extreme, but that is the beauty of learning how to live frugal; you can do as much or as little as you want. It’s your life and your money so if you want to be frugal about one thing and not another, it’s your choice!
While frugality doesn’t mean cheap, it does mean making intentional choices to save money and use resources wisely without sacrificing your quality of life. That is a big one for me and it’s the reason this site exists as it does today. When I created this site initially, I wanted to show you how it was possible to save money and live simpler without being miserable. Things may be a bit harder today than they were in 2011 when the original site was created, but it is still very possible.
It’s not about being cheap or going without; it’s about finding smarter, more efficient ways to manage your finances. For example, instead of buying something new, you might repair or reuse what you already have. Or, you might plan your meals around sales and what’s in your pantry instead of eating out. Frugal living is about prioritizing what truly matters to you and cutting out the unnecessary expenses that don’t bring value to your life.
At its core, frugal living is simply about being resourceful and creative and understanding that every dollar you save can be used for something more meaningful, like paying off credit card debt, building an emergency fund, or working toward a big goal.
Living frugally doesn’t mean you have to say no to fun or enjoyment either but it does mean finding affordable, discounted or free alternatives that still bring joy and fulfillment such as what CityPass offers. Whether it’s shopping secondhand or finding the biggest discounts, growing your own food, or learning DIY skills, frugal living is a mindset that helps you live better while spending less.
Living frugally in 2025 is all about making smart choices with your money. It’s not about being miserable or miserly. It’s not about becoming a tightwad or cheapskate. It’s not about saying “no” to everything fun or useful. Instead, it’s about building the life you want; one penny at a time and for me, it’s about helping you save for the things that matter most, like family vacations, paying off debt, or building a savings account for emergencies.
How to Live an Extremely Frugal Life?
We live in a society where we are taught from a very young age to prioritize instant gratification when it comes to our money. More often than not, this leads to impulsive purchases we can’t honestly afford. However, living an extremely frugal life starts with embracing the idea of “need versus wants.” This means focusing on the things you truly need to live comfortably and cutting out unnecessary extras so you can put your financial focus where it really belongs; on your money.
Living a more frugal lifestyle may require a little extra effort, but it allows you to build a lifestyle that focuses on saving money while making the most of what you already have and to build a future with a solid financial foundation at the same time.
Using Technology to Save Money
Technology is not always a great thing, but it one of the best tools around to help save money. Between budgeting apps and cash back rebate apps, there is no reason to spend more than necessary. Apps like Simplifi or Tiller can help you see exactly where your money goes each month, making budgeting easier than ever.
For shopping, there are several great rebate apps you can use to put money back in your pocket instead of a website or a store.
If you’re shopping online, don’t skip out on using Rakuten. It’s one of the simplest ways to get cash back on things you already buy. Rakuten has a working relationship with thousands of online and brick and mortar advertisers. When you shop – simply by clicking a button on the Rakuten website or app – Rakuten gets a small commission based on your purchase. They then pass part of this commission back to you as cash back! It’s a win-win for both you and their company!
You can also use smart home gadgets to save money on your energy bills. A programmable thermostat can help you use less heat or air conditioning when you’re not home, and energy-saving light bulbs can reduce electricity costs. These small changes add up over time and keep more money in your pocket.
Buying Less and Using What You Have
One of the simplest ways to save money is to buy less and use what you already have. Before you shop, take a look around your house to see if you already own something that could work. For example, before buying new clothes, check your closet to see if there are items you forgot about. Or, if you’re planning meals, look in your pantry and fridge to see what you can cook with what’s already there.
Another good trick is to wait 30 days before making a big purchase. Sometimes we buy things we don’t really need just because we see them on sale. If you still want it after 30 days, you’ll know it’s something you truly value.
Get Creative with DIY Projects
Doing things yourself, or “DIY,” is a great way to save money. You can make homemade cleaning products using simple things like vinegar and baking soda instead of buying expensive cleaners. Cooking meals at home instead of eating out is another way to save, and it’s often healthier, too.
If you’re looking for creative ideas to try, check out my DIY category. I’ve got tons of tips and projects that are not only budget-friendly but also practical and fun. They have helped me save thousands over the years and they can you too.
Shopping Smarter
When you do need to shop, there are lots of ways to make your dollars go further. Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace are great for finding things at a lower price. You can often find clothes, furniture, and toys in great condition for just a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Another way is to curb your impulse buys. Impulse purchasing is a fantastic way to find yourself broke before you realize it. If you don’t need it or you haven’t planned for it; don’t buy it. It really is as simple as that.
For groceries, apps like Ibotta or Fetch can help you save money without a ton of effort. Ibotta lets you earn cash back on groceries, household items, and even online shopping. All you have to do is browse the app, add the deals you like, and upload your receipt after shopping. It’s an easy way to save on items you’re already buying, and the rewards can add up fast.
Fetch is the same type of app but when you create a Fetch account, you’ll purchase items for points. Then, you’ll scan your receipts to get the points. Those points can then be exchanged for actual merchandise or for gift cards to several stores including Sam’s Club and Walmart.
Plan Meals and Reduce Food Waste
The food budget is one of the biggest expenses for most families, but there are lots of ways to save. Start by planning meals for the week so you know exactly what you need to buy. Cooking at home instead of eating out saves a lot, and you can make big batches of meals to freeze for later.
Don’t forget to use leftovers! Yesterday’s dinner can become today’s lunch or even a brand-new meal. If you have fruits or vegetables that are starting to go bad, you can use them in soups, smoothies, or baked goods. For example, overripe bananas make delicious banana bread.
If you have trouble remembering what meals you want to make, using a printable menu plan can be a great help; especially when you pair it with a printable grocery list.
Cut Down on Energy Costs
Saving energy at home is another easy way to live frugally and will lower your utility bills pretty quickly. Simple things like turning off lights when you leave a room or unplugging devices when you’re not using them can lower your electricity bill. If you have kids, you’ll know that lights get left on a lot. Those lights are costing you more money than you realize.
Air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer is another good way to save. Laundry in itself can cause your utilities to rise if you do enough, but line drying is a great way to cut that cost down. If you don’t have an actual clothesline, look at buying a clothes drying rack that you can use indoors.
You can also save on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat. Try wearing a sweater in the winter instead of turning the heat up, or using a fan in the summer instead of cranking the air conditioning. These small changes can make a big difference over time.
Save on Transportation
Getting around can be expensive, but there are ways to save. If you can, try walking, biking, or taking public transportation instead of driving everywhere. If you do drive, keeping your car in good shape by getting regular oil changes and keeping the tires filled with air can help it last longer and save on gas.
If you need a new car, think about buying a used one instead of a brand-new one. Used cars cost less, don’t typically require car payments, and they often work just as well as new ones. You’ll save a lot of money right away and avoid the steep drop in value that happens when a car is brand new.
Live Simply and Find Joy in Free Activities
Living simply doesn’t mean going without—it means focusing on the things that truly make you happy. Instead of buying lots of new things, try to enjoy experiences like spending time with family, reading a good book, or going for a walk outside. Many communities offer free or low-cost events like outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, or festivals. Your local library is also a great place to find free books, movies, and even classes.
Spending time in nature is another free way to relax and have fun. Go hiking, have a picnic, or just watch the stars at night. These moments often create memories that are far more valuable than anything money can buy.
The Frugal Mindset
Living frugally isn’t just about saving money or building your bank account—it’s about thinking differently. When you focus on what matters most, like your family, your goals, and your peace of mind, it’s easier to make smart choices with your money.
If you’re looking for even more ways to save, check out my book, Six Dollar Family: From Six Dollars to Six Figures. It’s packed with practical advice and real-life strategies to help you build a frugal lifestyle that works for you. Frugal living in 2025 is about making your money work for you and creating a life that’s both happy and sustainable.
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