12 Realistic Frugal Habits

The internet is filled with ideas and tips for frugal living, however, so many of them are completely unrealistic when you have a family you need to feed and care for. They either have you making so many financial sacrifices that life is no longer enjoyable or take so much of your time and energy that you would be better off getting a second job.

But frugal living doesn’t have to be that way. Here are 12 realistic frugal habits that you need to develop. These are habits that anyone can do and require minimal time and sacrifice.

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1. Check Out Freebie Sites

I love Money Saving Mom she regularly posts the latest freebies and discount deals. Check out a money saving site before heading out to the store.  Successful frugal people have the habit of looking for and scoring as many freebies as they can.  This frugal habit can become addicting, it is very fun scoring great freebies.

2. Shop at Thrift Stores, Garage Sales, and Clearance Departments

I often find name brand quality goods at incredible savings with this habit. There is one particular thrift shop in my area, operated by the Jewish Council.  This store has high-end items (they call them e-tickets) that sell for pennies of the regular price.

I have purchased items with price tags still attached, showing an original purchase price of $300 that I scored for $7.00. Frugal people have the habit of finding the best places to score the best deals. Take some time to do a little bit of research for your area.

3. Shop Around for Internet, Phone Service, and Car Insurance

You’d be surprised at how much a simple phone call can save you. Last year I was able to cut my internet bill in half with a single phone call.  All I did was ask if they were running any specials.

When my daughter started driving, I called around to different auto insurance carriers.  The end result was a 25 percent savings by switching insurance companies.

Companies want your business and will often offer great savings to get you to switch or to stay.  Don’t be afraid to make those phone calls, it could save you a ton of money!

4. Take Advantage of Your Local Library

The library is a goldmine of free entertainment. We regularly check out DVD’s and books for free. Just make sure to return them on time to avoid late fines.

5. Buy Generic Products

Many generic products are just as good as the name brand products, (although this is not true in all cases), but try generic brands for as many items as you can.

A new company that I’m totally loving is Brandless.  Everything is $3.  Yep, that’s it $3.  Brandless carries mainly organic, vegan or gluten-free items.  They also have natural beauty products that ban parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Plus they are also cruelty-free!  And nothing is over $3.

You can even get quality kitchen tools and even school supplies.  If you haven’t checked them out, click here.

6. Cancel Your Gym Membership

How often do you really use it anyway? There are plenty of ways to get frugal exercise by simply heading outside. Go for hikes, use the track and field at your local high school. Many parks have complete workout systems.

An added benefit of this frugal habit is you can take the whole family along on your workout.  We love to regularly hike together as a family.

7. Learn Basic Repair Skills

If you have a home or repair project check the internet for how-to’s instead of calling a repairman. When my dryer stopped tumbling, I got online and learned how to change the drum belt. I did need a little help from my kids to hold it up, but together we did it.  Instead of paying a repairman $150, I fixed the dryer for the cost of the belt, which was about $20.00.

8. Find Free Activities in Your Area

Just a little bit of research will turn up many free activities. This is another reason to take advantage of your local library, they often have many free events, stop by, and pick up a schedule.  This is a frugal habit that is so easy to do and takes virtually no extra time.

9. Cook at Home

There are so many simple 30 minute recipes all over Pinterest that there really is no reason you should not be cooking at home.  If you meal plan ahead of time, you will have the ingredients on hand and can see significant money savings.  Once you implement this frugal habit you’ll find you’d rather cook at home than eat fast food.

10. Stop Buying Paper Plates and Paper Towels

You are literally throwing your money away with these items. It doesn’t take that long to wash a few dishes or rinse out a sponge. These are items that frugal people almost never purchase.  Develop this frugal habit today.

11. Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Here is a list of five easy and frugal cleaning products you can make yourself. I saved so much money once I started making my own cleaning products. In addition, you have the added benefit of eliminating harsh chemicals from your cleaning routine.  Making your own cleaning products is one of the frugal habits you will be very glad you started.

12. Stay Out of the Mall and Cancel your Catalog subscriptions

The quickest way for me to blow my budget is to go to the mall.  Frugal people know that unless you absolutely need something, it is best to stay away from the mall.  If you must go, make sure you go in with a list and stick to it.

Hanging out at the mall is pretty much a guarantee you’ll make some impulse purchase.

Also, frugal people do not subscribe to catalogs. Having catalogs delivered to your home only leads to discontentment and the desire to purchase things you don’t need.

There you have it, 12 simple and realistic frugal habits that you can develop today to help you achieve your money saving goals.

Do you have any frugal habits you would add to this list? I would love to hear, let us know in the comments.