50 Tips for Frugal Living

(Read the complete article, along with examples, tips, and discussion at:

The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living)

(picture added by SeniorArk)

I am fairly frugal (though not always), but sometimes I take it too far: I have T-shirts with holes in them, I never buy new clothes, we’re shopping for a new couch because our current one has holes in it, and I ran my current pair of running shoes until the soles fell off.

However, I have gradually learned to be frugal in many ways that I would recommend to others. I don’t think you should have holes in your couch, and you should definitely replace your running shoes more often than I do, but there are many ways to cut back on spending and live a more frugal lifestyle.

Why live frugally? First, because it allows you to spend less than you earn, and use the difference to pay off debt, save or invest. Or all three. Second, because the less you spend, the less you need to earn. And that means you can choose to work less, or work more but retire early. Or take mini retirements. You have more options with a frugal lifestyle.

I know what I’m going to hear in the comments, because it’s been done repeatedly with my other frugal articles: I have no life. This is boring. I might as well live in a box. You have to enjoy life sometimes.

All of which you might believe, but I believe I do have a life. A great one. One where I spend time with my family, where I have conversations and read and get outside and do things that are fun and exercise and focus on what’s important and spend my free time the way I want. This is a good life. Read this article for more.

So, if you’d like some tips on frugal living, here are just a few, from a cheapskate. I should note that I do most, but not all, of these tips.

1. Go with one car.
2. Go with a smaller house.
3. Go with a smaller car.
4. Rent rather than own.
5. Look for used first.
6. Eat out less. .
7. Eat out frugally.
8. Brown bag it to work.
9. Adopt a minimalist wardrobe.
10. Stop online impulse buys.
11. Don’t shop.
12. Use a 30-day list.
13. Cut out cable. 
14. Use the library.
15. Find free entertainment.
16. Frugal exercise.
17. Stay healthy.
18. Commute by bike.
19. Carpool or ride the bus.
20. Walk.
21. Sell your clutter.
22. Frugal gifting.
23. Quit smoking.
24. Alcohol in moderation.
25. Sweets in moderation.
26. Drink water.
27. Batch your errands.
28. Stay home. 
29. Stop using credit cards.
30. Cancel subscriptions.
31. Make your own.
32. Do it yourself.
33. Stop paying interest.
34. Reduce convenience foods. 
35. Travel frugally. 
36. Cut the cell phone.
37. Cut your own hair.
38. Maintain stuff.
39. Save energy.
40. Save gas.
41. Only buy bargain clothing (when you need clothes).
42. Telecommute.
43. Plan ahead. 
44. Cook ahead.
45. Wash clothes less.
46. Sun-dry clothes.
47. Eat less meat.
48. Save on groceries.
49. Frugal Christmas.
50. Eat a cheap breakfast.

Read the complete article, along with examples, tips, and discussion at:

 The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living