Top 20 Frugal Hacks to Save Money

Saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your happiness or living on ramen noodles. With a little creativity and the right mindset, you can cut costs in ways you never imagined—without feeling deprived.

Whether you’re looking to build your savings, pay off debt, or simply make your dollars stretch further, these 20 frugal hacks will help you rethink your spending and maximize every penny.

From clever shopping tricks to mindset shifts that make saving fun, these unconventional strategies will have you saving money effortlessly.

Use the “24-Hour Rule”

Impulse buys add up fast. Before buying anything that isn’t essential, wait 24 hours. This gives time to decide if it’s really needed or just a passing want.

Most of the time, the urge fades, and the money stays in the wallet. A simple pause can lead to big savings over time.

To learn more: Spending Freeze: How to Reset Your Finances in 30 Days

Turn “Fun Money” into “Challenge Money”

Instead of spending freely on entertainment, turn it into a game. Try to spend as little as possible while still having fun. Free events, game nights, and DIY projects can replace costly outings.

Any money saved goes into a fund for something meaningful. It makes frugal living feel rewarding instead of restrictive.

To learn more: 15 Super Fun Ideas to Set a Spending Limit and turn it into a Fun Challenge

Use a “Buy Nothing” Group

Local groups exist where people give away things for free (and my local Buy Nothing group is filled with wonderful people). Whether it’s furniture, clothes, or household goods, someone else’s unwanted items can be useful.

It saves money and keeps good items out of landfills. Before buying new, check these groups first. It’s an easy way to cut costs and help others at the same time.

To learn more: 10 Smart No Buy 2025 Tips to Save Tons of Money

Unsubscribe from Retail Emails

Stores constantly send emails with deals, but most aren’t really deals. They create temptation to buy things that weren’t needed in the first place.

Unsubscribing stops the marketing pressure and reduces impulse spending. Out of sight, out of mind. Less temptation means more money stays put.

To learn more: Quit Buying These Items to Save More Money Every Month

Drink Only Water

Sodas, coffee shop drinks, and juices cost more than people realize. Switching to water cuts those costs to almost nothing. It also improves health and reduces waste from plastic bottles and cups.

A small habit change like this adds up to real savings over time. The best part is that tap water is basically free.

To learn more: 20 Must Know Grocery Items Not to Buy to Stop Wasting Money

Keep a No-Spend Day (or Week!)

Pick a day or even a whole week to avoid spending completely. It forces creativity with meals, entertainment, and daily habits.

The challenge helps reset spending habits and makes it clear what’s really needed. It also makes saving money feel like an accomplishment instead of a sacrifice.

To learn more: 25 Fun Ideas for a No Spend Weekend: How to Have Fun for Free

Round Up Purchases & Save the Difference

Small amounts add up over time. Some banks and apps round up purchases to the nearest dollar and move the extra cents into savings. It’s an easy way to save without even thinking about it.

Over time, those tiny amounts grow into a useful stash of cash. Every penny counts when trying to spend less.

To learn more: 15 Mini Savings Challenge Printables To Save More Money

Use the “Pantry Challenge”

Instead of buying more groceries, use what’s already in the kitchen – yep, time to clean out the items sitting in the back. This prevents food waste and stretches the grocery budget.

Some meals might be odd combinations, but that’s part of the fun. Getting creative with what’s on hand means fewer trips to the store and more money saved.

To learn more: How to Do a Pantry Challenge and Cut Grocery Expenses

Turn Decluttering into Cash

Stuff sitting around the house could be turned into extra money. Selling unused items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay clears space and adds cash to the budget.

Many things that seem worthless to one person are valuable to someone else. Getting rid of clutter while making money is a win-win.

To learn more: How to Flip Items Online for Profit

Do the “Wait & Earn” Trick

When the urge to buy something unnecessary hits, take that amount of money and set it aside instead. Watching the savings grow makes it easier to say no to impulse buys.

Over time, it will become clear how much money was being wasted. Seeing the total rise feels way better than a short-lived shopping thrill.

To learn more: No Spend Challenge: The #1 Fastest Way To Save Money

Borrow Instead of Buying

Many things are only needed once in a while. Instead of buying, try borrowing. Libraries offer free books, movies, and audiobooks.

Neighbors or friends might have tools or equipment to lend. Renting or borrowing saves money and avoids cluttering up the house with rarely used items.

To learn more: 30 Bills Frugal People Don’t Pay and What they Do Instead

Refuse Impulse Buys at Checkout

Stores place small, tempting items near the checkout for a reason. These last-minute purchases add up over time.

Pausing before grabbing something extra keeps spending in check. Walking away with only what was planned means more money stays in the bank.

To learn more: 12 Straightforward Ideas to Cut Spending and Budget Better

Create a “Use It Up” Bin

Collect the things that tend to go to waste—half-used beauty products, forgotten pantry items, or cleaning supplies. Challenge yourself to use them up before buying more.

This helps stretch what’s already been paid for and reduces waste. Less spending and less clutter make for an easier, cheaper lifestyle.

To learn more: The 60 BEST Budget Grocery List Items for Cheap Eating

Adopt a Minimalist Mindset for One Month

Try living with just the basics for a month. Avoid buying extras and focus on what’s truly necessary. It becomes clear how much is really needed versus what’s just habit spending.

The bonus if you can declutter your house quickly and your home will stay cleaner. Since you cut down on unnecessary purchases, thus frees up money for more important things.

To learn more: 12 Straightforward Ways to Become Minimalist and Save Money

Turn Off One Streaming Service Per Month

Streaming subscriptions pile up fast. If multiple services are active, pause one each month and see if it’s even missed.

Rotating subscriptions prevents paying for things that aren’t being used. This small change helps stop overspending on entertainment.

To learn more: Top 12 Mind Blowing Habits of Successful Frugal People

Do a “No New Clothes” Challenge

Set a goal to buy no new clothes for a few months. Use what’s already in the closet in new ways. Mending, swapping with friends, or shopping secondhand can help if something is truly needed.

Turn the hangers in the opposite direction. So, you will quickly see what has been worn and what hasn’t been worn. It’s a simple way to cut back on spending and rethink shopping habits.

To learn more: How to Shop for Clothes on a Budget

Start a “Free Entertainment” List

Fun doesn’t have to cost money. Make a list of free activities like parks, free museum days, or community events – focus on things you want to do.

When boredom strikes, check the list instead of spending on entertainment. This makes it easier to enjoy life without blowing the budget.

To learn more: 105 Fun Things To Do With No Money

Ask for a Lower Rate on Bills

Many service providers will lower rates if asked. A quick phone call to negotiate better prices on the internet, insurance, or phone bills can lead to big savings.

Companies want to keep customers, so they often offer discounts when asked. It only takes a few minutes to possibly save hundreds a year.

To learn more: The Vicious Cycle- Learn How to Stop Spending Money Now

Keep a Picture of Your Savings Goal

Having a visual reminder of what the money is going toward makes it easier to say no to wasteful spending. Whether it’s a vacation, a house, or just an emergency fund, seeing the goal helps keep motivation high.

It turns saving into something exciting instead of something boring.

To learn more: What I Refuse To Give Up To Save Money

Make Saving a Game

Turning saving into a challenge makes it feel rewarding. Set weekly goals, track progress, or compete with a friend to see who can save more.

Turning it into something fun makes sticking to a budget easier. The more enjoyable it feels, the more likely it becomes a long-term habit.

To learn more: Top 20 Epic Money Saving Challenges Unveiled to Save Money

You can cut expenses… if you put your mind to it

Saving money doesn’t have to be complicated or feel like a sacrifice. Small changes, like waiting before making a purchase, borrowing instead of buying, and cutting back on little daily expenses, can add up fast.

These frugal hacks aren’t about giving up everything fun—they’re about being smart with money so it works for you, not against you.

You can cut expenses and build financial freedom if you put your mind to it. It starts with one small step at a time. Keep finding creative ways to spend less, and you’ll see the difference in your bank account.

For more practical tips and motivation, follow Money Bliss and take control of your finances today.

To learn more: How to cut expenses quickly without feeling deprived

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