Budgeting

One approach that helped: wash dishes at a pizza place in exchange for a large pizza instead of paying cash.

This trade provided enough food to last for a week.

• If you do not wash dishes, you are charged $5.

one person who lived it

Cook a large batch of rice (4-5 cups) in one session to provide a cheap, versatile base for a week's meals.

Rice is inexpensive and pairs with many dishes, though it lacks fat so the feeling of fullness may not last long.

• The full feeling from rice may not last because it lacks fat.

one person who lived it

Roast whole chickens and use the leftovers for multiple meals (like enchiladas or salad) and boil the carcass for stock.

A whole chicken can provide enough food for several meals, stretching the budget.

7 people, independently

Apply for government assistance programs like WIC or SNAP (food stamps) if eligible, especially for households with children.

It is there for a reason and will help you and your dependents.

3 people, independently

Choose frozen fruit over fresh to cut costs, particularly when the produce is out of season.

Frozen options tend to cost less than fresh ones, and off-season fruits are often pricey.

• The texture is different.

3 people, independently

• Swap fresh produce for frozen or canned options to cut costs and waste.4
• Buy frozen fruit bags instead of fresh fruit to save money per ounce while retaining most nutritional benefits.1
• Buy frozen berries instead of fresh ones.3
• Use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones to save money and reduce waste.3

Make your own sandwiches at home using grocery store ingredients instead of buying them from fast-food chains.

It is cheaper and results in a better quality sandwich.

4 people, independently

• Make tuna sandwiches at home using equal parts canned tuna and mayonnaise to replicate the fast-food taste for less money.1
• Make your own sandwiches at home instead of buying them from chains like Subway.1
• Make sandwiches at home using bulk ingredients to save money.1

Make your own soil using leaf mulch, kitchen scraps, native soil, and grass clippings to avoid buying expensive bagged soil.

Bags of raised bed soil cost a small fortune.

4 people, independently

Buy potatoes at the grocery store instead of buying fast-food fries.

Potatoes are cheaper per serving than restaurant fries.

3 people, independently

Avoid buying more food than you can consume before it spoils, even if the unit price is lower.

It is not a savings if you waste the food due to spoilage or getting sick of it.

3 people, independently

• Only purchase food that you will actually consume to avoid wasting money on spoiled items.1

Swap canned beans for dried ones to cut costs; it takes a bit more planning and time.

• If you have an Instant Pot, no soaking is required.

3 people, independently

• Purchase dry beans, lentils, and peas in bulk and prepare them yourself rather than buying canned goods.5
• Use a pressure cooker to prepare dried beans instead of buying canned ones.4
• Buy dried beans instead of canned, and purchase potatoes in big 5lb bags.1
• Prepare dried beans yourself rather than purchasing canned versions.6
• Substitute a can of rinsed, no-salt-added red beans for some of the meat in boxed meal kits.1

Buy pre-made ice cream instead of making it from scratch to save money.

Making it yourself can cost about twice as much as buying it.

2 people, independently

View fast food as a luxury item rather than a poverty staple.

Fast food is expensive.

• Based on one couple's experience

one person who lived it

Learn to cook and prep meals for the week to save money on eating out.

Eating out adds up and cooking for yourself usually saves money.

2 people, independently

• Learn to cook food from scratch and experiment with new dishes.1
• Spend time learning to cook more meals at home to save money, even if you work minimum wage.1
• Learn basic cooking to eat at home.1
• Prep ingredients in advance to prevent eating out.1

Avoid grocery shopping while hungover.

It may lead to poor decisions such as buying junk food or large quantities of fruit juice, or leaving with an empty fridge because nothing looks appetizing.

• One person reported that impulse buys were easier to avoid because nothing looked appetizing, but they ended up starving with an empty fridge.

2 people, independently

• Avoid grocery shopping when you are hungry or under the influence of substances.4

Buy turkeys on sale to get a large amount of meat for a low cost per pound.

It results in way more meals for a low price.

one person who lived it

Shop for groceries at one place only once a week, and do not go while hungry.

Going back every few days leads to spending more.

one person who lived it

• Avoid grocery shopping while hungry.3
• Eat before going grocery shopping to reduce impulse purchases driven by hunger.2

Add pinto beans, rice, and eggs to your diet.

They are cheap and nutritious.

one person who lived it

• Include rice, dried beans, and frozen vegetables in your meal plan to increase nutritional value and variety at a low cost.3
• Eat rice and beans as a diet staple when money is tight but you need protein.1
• Get the bulk of your calories from cheap, filling staples like rice, beans, lentils, corn, and eggs.5
• Focus on high-nutrition, low-cost foods like rice, beans, eggs, and sweet potatoes.1

Cook one or two meatless meals per week, such as soup, beans, or rice.

You will definitely see savings on your food budget.

one person who lived it

Check local food pantries that offer multiple free boxes per month to reduce food costs.

Helps cut food budgets.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying convenience snacks like soda and chips at work to save money.

These snacks can cost around $4 a day or $80 a month.

one person who lived it

Cut out buying lunch by brown-bagging meals made from batch cooking.

It eliminates the cost of buying lunch.

one person who lived it

• Pack lunches instead of buying them daily to lower food costs.2
• Batch cook meals at home when working from home to avoid the daily cost of buying lunch and coffee.1

Buy a bread maker from a thrift store to automate bread making.

It produces bread in a couple of hours and can be a low-cost purchase.

one person who lived it

Buy meat in bulk during sales to freeze for the next cycle.

Meat prices tend to follow a roughly 6-week cycle.

one person who lived it

Eat the same meal multiple days in a row to stretch time and money when working full time.

It helps stretch limited time and money.

one person who lived it

Ask produce staff to trim the green tops off leeks before weighing them so you do not pay for parts you will discard.

You save money by avoiding paying for unused parts.

• Staff may lose negligible revenue per transaction.
• If widely adopted, stores might raise prices or switch to selling by the bunch.

one person who lived it

Learn to cook from scratch using basic ingredients like flour instead of buying pre-packaged or prepared foods.

it is cost-saving and more healthful

3 people, independently

• Cook meals from scratch rather than buying pre-prepared processed foods.4
• Buy ingredients in bulk and cook from scratch rather than purchasing pre-made items.1
• Learn to cook from scratch using ingredients like rice and beans to ease the financial strain of poverty.1
• Cook meals from scratch using basic ingredients rather than buying prepared foods.8

Stretch tuna into multiple meals by mixing it with diced tomato, onion, garlic, and mayonnaise to make patties.

This method reduces the price per meal to less than a dollar.

• The result can be bland without mayonnaise.

one person who lived it

Combine pre-made Tikka Masala simmer sauces with cheap dried lentils for a flavorful, low-cost meal.

The strong flavor of the sauce means you do not need a lot of it.

one person who lived it

Consume a complete meal prior to grocery shopping.

Shopping while hungry makes unhealthy snacks and unneeded items seem appealing, which can lead to impulse purchases; eating beforehand helps you concentrate on necessities rather than cravings.

• One person reported that eating before shopping made them lose interest in food entirely, causing them to under-buy essentials and have to return to the store shortly after.

40 people, independently

Consider meal kit services if they operate in your region to make cooking easier.

It removes the need for grocery shopping and planning while still letting you cook, and the food is usually very good.

• Depending on where you live

3 people, independently

Break down whole chickens when they are on sale to get the most from savings.

Breaking down whole chickens is more economical; when found for about $1/lb, one person picks up 3-4 birds, cuts them down, vac seals, and freezes them.

one person who lived it

Plan meals based on what is currently on sale rather than your usual preferences.

One person reported this cut their grocery bill by 30% and changed everything.

5 people, independently

Grow salad greens and herbs using 'cut and come again' methods to save money on store-bought produce.

Store-bought salad and herbs can cost as much as £5 per KG, while home-grown varieties keep cropping all summer.

one person who lived it

• Grow herbs like basil, chives, or oregano at home to save money and elevate cooking flavor.1

Buy cooked whole chickens if they are cheaper than raw ones.

They can be less expensive than non-cooked chickens.

one person who lived it

Work a set number of hours per week on a farm in exchange for produce instead of paying cash for a share.

It provides outdoor time and is more efficient than growing your own garden.

one person who lived it

Shop right before dinner to make it easier to walk past tempting snacks.

Knowing you will eat soon reduces the urge to buy items like crisps and chocolate.

• Based on one person's experience

one person who lived it

Wait for chicken sales before buying and make your own broth and sauces.

It saves money and tastes better.

one person who lived it

• Buy cold rotisserie chickens instead of hot ones to save money.3

Roast a whole chicken and eat only the breast meat instead of buying expensive sliced lunch meat.

Sliced turkey costs around $10/lb.

one person who lived it

Plan your meals for the week, write a shopping list based on those plans, and stick to it strictly while shopping.

Going down every aisle is a bad idea that leads to buying unnecessary, unhealthy junk; sticking to a list helps avoid buying crap.

3 people, independently

Buy large packs of burger meat from wholesale clubs and portion them into smaller packages for freezing to avoid high per-pound costs.

It avoids paying premium prices like $7.99 a pound.

one person who lived it

Spend two hours each week pre-making dinners to freeze for future heat-and-serve meals.

It results in cheaper and higher-quality meals than store-bought options or restaurants.

one person who lived it

• Meal prep when you are motivated and freeze portions to avoid cooking fatigue and save money.3

Make fried rice at home using bulk rice and leftovers to save money compared to takeout.

Takeout fried rice costs more per quart than homemade.

one person who lived it

Make curry at home using curry paste and coconut milk instead of simmering sauces.

It is cheaper than buying small jars of pre-made sauce.

one person who lived it

Base weekly meal plans on meat currently in the freezer to use sales stock.

Allows stocking up on sales and avoids finding high prices when going to the store.

one person who lived it

• Buy shelf-stable or freezable ingredients in bulk when on sale to make several meals.1
• Build up a stocked pantry by buying items on sale little by little, then plan meals around that stock rather than buying weekly.1

Buy whole chickens and trim them yourself instead of buying boneless breasts.

Whole chicken is cheaper per pound than boneless breasts.

one person who lived it

Cook dinner meals that can be repurposed into lunch leftovers to cut costs.

This approach is extremely cost-effective.

3 people, independently

• Prepare work lunches using leftovers or by cooking double portions of dinner to avoid buying midday meals.3

When lean protein like chicken goes on sale, buy multiple packages and freeze all but one.

5 people, independently

• Buy protein in bulk, rewrap, and freeze it to use over two weeks so nothing is thrown out.1
• Buy 10-pound bags of chicken leg quarters, break them into smaller bags, and freeze them for cheap protein.1

Only bulk buy ingredients for meals you already know you like.

You won't try new recipes with large quantities before they go bad.

one person who lived it

• Only buy ingredients in bulk if you can realistically consume the quantity before it spoils.2

Skip processed, convenience, or snack items like chips, soda, and pre-made meals.

They become very costly very fast.

3 people, independently

• Avoid buying pre-prepared foods because they are more expensive.1

Own your frugal journey and have confidence in your choices.

Real friends will respect your decision not to always eat out.

one person who lived it

Plan at least two large meals per week that generate leftovers for lunch.

Guarantees having food available for lunch.

one person who lived it

Pre-plan your weekly meals and create a strict shopping list based on those plans.

17 people, independently

• List desired meals for the week, determine required ingredients, and purchase only those items.5
• Create a shopping list based on common ingredients across meals you like to reduce waste and decision stress.1
• Plan your meals every Sunday.1
• Plan one night to eat out every few weeks in advance and skip ordering groceries for that day.1

Make mayonnaise at home using one egg, oil, and lemon juice to save money.

It comes out cheaper than buying a jar of mayo.

2 people, independently

Spend a couple of hours on Sundays cooking your own meals for work lunches.

Knowing you have something safe to eat that you will enjoy is priceless if you have food sensitivities.

one person who lived it

Challenge yourself to recreate favorite restaurant dishes at home to save money per serving.

Making four servings of spicy yellow curry costs $20 or less versus $15 at a restaurant; replicating baked chicken wings is cheaper than paying $1/wing.

4 people, independently

Prepare a thorough grocery list ahead of time and adhere to it.

A pre-made list reduces the temptation to buy items driven by hunger and stops you from adding everything simply because you are hungry.

8 people, independently

Work for meal kit services like HelloFresh, EveryPlate, Green Chef, or Factor to receive a 75% discount on food.

Get 75% off food.

one person who lived it

Make soup-as-a-meal using dollar store ingredients to keep costs under $0.75 per serving.

One person specializes in this method.

one person who lived it

Use three eggs per meal to get approximately four meals from a carton costing $2.50, adding cheap carbohydrates like bread or rice.

It provides good protein and fats at a low cost.

one person who lived it

Buy a whole pizza from Sam's Club instead of buying slices elsewhere.

It is a better financial option.

one person who lived it

Bake your own bread, pizza dough, tortillas, yeast rolls, and biscuits to save money.

4 people, independently

• Cook foods like hummus, naan, bread, jam, and gravy from scratch.1

Purchase full heads of lettuce rather than bags of pre-cut salad mix.

3 people, independently

• Buy whole vegetables and cut them yourself instead of buying pre-cut versions.3
• Avoid buying pre-cut lettuce; instead, buy whole heads to save money and reduce salmonella risk.1
• Buy whole, unprepared produce instead of pre-sliced or packaged versions.1
• Buy whole fruits and vegetables instead of pre-cut or pre-prepared versions, as they are cheaper.6

Bake muffins, cakes, or brownies from scratch instead of using mixes to save money.

Mixes don’t save that much time compared with mixing up the ingredients, and some find buying mix for $7 surprising.

• Vegan gluten free baking is different, and one person prefers paying for a good brand of vegan gf bake mix.

one person who lived it

Focus on cheaper meats like chicken and pork over expensive beef.

Ground beef prices can reach insanity levels, while chicken and pork should remain cheap.

2 people, independently

Avoid mid-tier restaurants; choose either cheap or very nice options instead.

Mid-tier dining often feels like a waste of money compared to cooking at home for a fraction of the cost.

one person who lived it

Grow an herb garden to save money and reduce food waste by harvesting only what you need.

It saves money over time and reduces waste because you take only what is needed.

• This may not be possible if you live in an apartment with no balcony.

one person who lived it

Pack your lunch and coffee in reusable containers and thermoses to avoid buying meals out.

This approach can save thousands of dollars over several years.

one person who lived it

Buy pre-cut fruit if whole fruits in your area are frequently rotten.

One person found 90% of whole watermelons at local stores were rotten, making pre-cut cheaper.

one person who lived it

Plan ahead and create a menu to shop smarter for both food quality and amount spent.

Planning ahead leads to success in shopping smarter for quality and cost.

• It can be time consuming.

one person who lived it

Rely on basic staples like rice, beans, oats, potatoes, and frozen produce to survive on a very low budget.

• The diet may be boring and leave you hungry.

22 people, independently

• Stretch a tight budget by prioritizing low-cost, high-volume staples like rice, beans, eggs, peanut butter, bread, bananas, oatmeal, milk, and cheap vegetables while avoiding expensive fast food and processed items.6
• Buy Costco rice and stir-fry vegetables to create a cheap, filling meal.1
• Cook brown rice with butter and sauté vegetables like tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for a frugal lunch.1

Buy large quantities of high-quality perishables like fish when they go on deep sale and freeze them for later use.

Halving the price changes the food equation, allowing you to eat amazing food for less than fast food.

one person who lived it

Bake or broil chicken thighs until the skin is crispy.

Chicken thighs cost around $1 per pound.

one person who lived it

Cook a whole chicken at home instead of buying multiple fast-food items.

It costs about the same price.

one person who lived it

Buy a cheap rice cooker to improve rice quality and avoid using quick-cooking rice.

You can get a good rice cooker for $20 and quick rice sucks.

one person who lived it

Use a smaller plate to limit the amount of food you serve yourself.

A smaller plate leads to less food being put on it and subsequently eaten.

• This can be self-deceiving; you might eat more later because you feel you've only had a little.

one person who lived it

Buy spinach from the salad bar instead of pre-packaged bags to save money.

It is cheaper than buying a bag.

• You may not know who has touched it.
• It may expire sooner because you don't know when it was dumped.

one person who lived it

Make German pancakes at home instead of buying them at restaurants.

They are easy to make and cheaper than restaurant versions.

one person who lived it

Buy in bulk and freeze food if you have the budget flexibility and space, but recognize this may not be feasible for those on strict budgets.

Buying in bulk can save money.

• Not feasible for those on strict food stamp budgets or without freezer space.

one person who lived it

If you struggle to decide what to buy when full, shop while hungry instead.

Hunger can make food more attractive, helping you judge what will be appetizing and inspiring creative meal ideas.

• This approach contradicts general advice to eat before shopping to avoid junk food; it is specifically for those who find nothing appealing when full.

4 people, independently

• Shop for groceries one to two hours after eating to avoid buying out of starvation or losing appetite from fullness.1
• Make your grocery shopping list while you are hungry to remember what you like to eat, then go shopping after you have eaten.2
• Plan your weekly meals and check inventory while hungry, then ensure you are full when you go to the store.1

Do not drink alcohol with meals; eat or drink separately.

Saves thousands per year.

one person who lived it

• Drink alcohol before dinner out and after returning home, but avoid drinking while dining out.1
• Choose water over alcohol when eating at restaurants.3

Follow a low-cost meal plan, such as a $3-a-day plan, to manage skyrocketing prices.

Prices are skyrocketing and salary is not.

one person who lived it

Buy regular-sized snack bags and portion them into single servings yourself.

It saves money.

• One person noted they buy individual snacks so they last longer until sure the eater will consume them.

one person who lived it

• Fill small containers with bulk snack items like crackers instead of buying single-serve packages.1

Use food delivery services when you are intoxicated, sick, or otherwise unable to drive safely.

The cost of delivery is lower than the financial and legal consequences of a DUI.

6 people, independently

Go to the grocery store to buy ready-to-eat or heat-and-eat items like pizza instead of using delivery services.

Buying from the store avoids paying more for convenience.

one person who lived it

• Buy groceries that allow for easy meals without cooking to reduce eating out.1

Reduce trash volume by composting organic waste.

Throwing away food causes methane production when trapped under a landfill.

• Composting may not be possible in inner-city areas without startup collectors.
• Raw meat and fish skins are major sources of odor.

4 people, independently

Buy large tubs of oatmeal and bulk eggs or tuna for cheap protein.

These items offer a huge bang for the buck.

one person who lived it

Learn to butcher whole birds yourself.

It is very valuable.

one person who lived it

Buy pre-cut fruit packages if it reduces food waste on your end.

It can be more frugal by preventing waste.

one person who lived it

Buy food in bulk based on price per ounce and freeze meals.

to reduce food costs

one person who lived it

• Buy discounted produce from sales racks and build your meals around those specific items.2
• Use Costco for bulk purchases of shelf-stable and freezable items to avoid spoilage.4

Do not skip breakfast to save money.

Hunger may make you cranky and lead to eating more later.

one person who lived it

Buy ground beef or whole cuts of meat and form patties or cut them yourself rather than buying pre-formed or pre-cut options.

It is cheaper.

one person who lived it

Choose chicken thighs over breasts for sandwiches for more flavor and lower cost.

They have much more flavor and are way cheaper than breasts.

one person who lived it

• Use chicken legs instead of breasts for cheaper meals.1
• Buy raw chicken thighs instead of wings for a cheaper meal with more meat.1

Buy whole fruits, meats, and cheeses, then cut, portion, or grate them yourself before freezing or eating.

It is cheaper than buying pre-cut items.

one person who lived it

• Consider buying frozen precut vegetables as a cost-effective alternative if you value saving time over cleaning and slicing raw produce yourself.1
• Purchase cheese in whole blocks and slice or shred it yourself rather than buying pre-sliced or shredded varieties.11

Prepare breakfast at home by frying eggs or boiling oatmeal.

It is a better option than fast food, cafe, or donut shop choices.

one person who lived it

Turn cleaning out the fridge before food goes bad into a game.

It can save more money than expected.

one person who lived it

Prepare a week's worth of lunches on Monday to take to school.

Campus food and coffee costs add up quickly.

one person who lived it

Meal prep to plan what you eat, which reduces food waste and the temptation to eat out.

Planning meals prevents waste and eating out.

one person who lived it

• Complete meal planning ahead of time to eliminate daily discussions about dinner.1

Use meal kits as a tool to learn cooking skills and gain confidence.

They teach you how to cook.

one person who lived it

Stock a pantry with staples so you can buy items when prices are low instead of paying full price later.

It allows you to purchase at low prices and avoid paying full price.

one person who lived it

• Make an initial investment in a full pantry of spices and staples to keep future weekly grocery bills very low.1

Start plants from scraps like tomato wedges, blueberries, potato pieces, onion bottoms, or celery roots instead of buying seeds.

Scraps are cheaper than buying plants or seeds.

• Does not work well for grapevines or apple trees because seeds are often sterile or won't grow the variety.

one person who lived it

Reduce eating out gradually rather than quitting cold turkey to avoid relapse; start by trying to eat out three times a month and reduce from there.

Trying to go completely cold turkey is asking for a relapse.

one person who lived it

Buy shelf-stable protein options in case things get really bad.

Incase things get REALLY bad

one person who lived it

If eligible, use food banks, SNAP (food stamps), and WIC programs to supplement your grocery budget.

It reduces expenses.

3 people, independently

Cook meals at home to reduce variable costs.

It is a variable cost that can be changed, unlike rent or utilities.

one person who lived it

Buy small 2.5lb whole chickens for roasting at approximately $1.50 per pound.

They are delicious.

one person who lived it

Ask your local butcher for free grease if you need high-calorie fat.

One person reported that their local butcher gives grease for free if asked.

• This is based on one person's experience with their local butcher.

one person who lived it

Prepare meals in advance and bring them to work to reduce food costs.

It saves a lot of money compared to takeaways or freshly made meals.

• The food may be boring and less appetizing than fresh options.

one person who lived it

• Bring your lunch to work and avoid using food delivery apps.2

Establish weekly themed dinner nights to simplify planning and reduce costs.

It saves money.

• One person calculated homemade pizza night to cost about $5.07 per person.

one person who lived it

• If you struggle with meal planning, try using general weekly themes to help budget and reduce waste.1

Design meals creatively and consume all remnants first to use every bit of purchased food.

Americans discard over $700 worth of food annually on average.

3 people, independently

Buy uncut bulk meats and cut them yourself to save money.

Cutting it yourself saves a good amount compared to paying labor costs.

2 people, independently

Plan specific dessert nights to satisfy cravings.

Helps avoid impulse trips for late-night fast food snacks.

2 people, independently

Grow your own mushrooms on countertops as a hobby.

It is not terribly expensive and can be fun.

• It is not considered a frugal option.

one person who lived it

Buy bulk rolled oats instead of ramen for a cheaper, more filling meal.

Oats are high in soluble fiber, help regulate blood sugar, and keep you full longer than ramen.

2 people, independently

Check your fridge and pantry before shopping to focus on using up fresh meat, produce, or leftovers.

Combining staples with leftovers can extend the time between store runs.

one person who lived it

• Conduct a full audit of your pantry and freezer to reveal forgotten stock, then adjust shopping habits accordingly.1

Buy frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh heads to save money and avoid paying for stalk weight.

A significant portion of fresh broccoli's weight is the stalk, making frozen florets much cheaper per pound.

one person who lived it

• Use microwaveable frozen broccoli bags as a cost-effective vegetable side.1

Preplan meals based on weekly ads from two different stores to save money.

Focusing on ads and basing menus on them saves money; over time, you may realize the pace and pattern of sales.

• Holidays can disrupt sales patterns.
• Ensure you aren't spending all saved money on fuel or transportation.

one person who lived it

Buy flaked potatoes on sale as a budget-friendly option.

od taters on a dime!

one person who lived it

Check if your school has a food pantry or program that provides fresh produce for low cost.

one person who lived it

Prepare spaghetti sauce from crushed tomatoes and spices rather than purchasing pre-made jars.

it is cheaper by volume, tastes better, and avoids the tons of sugar and salt in premade sauces

3 people, independently

• Make tomato sauce from canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices.3

Buy meat directly from the farm if store prices are unaffordable.

The cost of meat in stores is crazy and hard to afford.

one person who lived it

Cook meals at home instead of eating out to lower food spending and support weight loss.

one person who lived it

• Spend money on better produce to cook at home rather than eating out.1
• Visualize the calories, fat, and salt in restaurant meals to deter yourself from eating out.1

Save seeds from fruit and vegetables harvested the previous year to avoid buying new packets.

After the first packet is bought, no more seeds need to be purchased.

2 people, independently

Buy affordable frozen dinners as a lower-calorie and cheaper alternative to fast food.

It is a huge improvement on the cost and calorie count of places like Chipotle.

one person who lived it

Buy lentils, tomatoes, and spices at Indian supermarkets to cook daal and rice.

It provides good nutrition for half the cost of other options.

one person who lived it

• Use Indian recipes featuring beans, chickpeas, and lentils for cheaper vegetarian meals.3

Build a garden as an educational hobby for yourself and your children.

It can pay you back with fresh produce and pays off over time.

one person who lived it

Make your own coldcuts at home.

One person found it was better quality and cheaper than retail options as prices rose.

one person who lived it

Eat steel cut oats with natural peanut butter and fruit for breakfast every workday.

It costs about $1 a day.

one person who lived it

• Eat oatmeal for breakfast.1

Buy marked-down 'ugly' produce from local farm stores.

Imperfect produce looks the same once cut up and cooked.

one person who lived it

• Buy 'ugly' vegetables at supermarkets if available.1
• Buy visually imperfect 'wonky' produce for half the price, as it is nutritionally identical to standard items.3

Compare the cost of milk to the price of store-bought yogurt to determine if making yogurt at home is more economical.

Homemade yogurt is cost-effective if the yield from one liter of milk exceeds the amount of yogurt purchasable with the same funds.

one person who lived it

Feed children at the food court before shopping to help with a quick trip for essentials.

Provides a cheap meal option and keeps children occupied.

• Works well for toddlers; less effective for teens.

one person who lived it

Buy perishable items for work every 2-3 days rather than in bulk.

Buying less frequently caused the food to go bad before it could be eaten.

one person who lived it

Make cheese at home using a low-tech method with milk and minimal extra ingredients to reduce costs.

It keeps costs down to roughly the price of milk plus minimal extras per pound.

one person who lived it

Apply comparative advantage: dine out for cuisines you lack the skills to cook well, and cook at home for dishes you excel at.

It avoids the markup on meals where you lack skill.

one person who lived it

Plan meals only one week in advance to take advantage of weekly specials and fresh market food.

Longer plans often fail due to changing schedules or social invitations.

one person who lived it

Buy protein-rich cereal in bigger containers.

It keeps you full longer.

one person who lived it

Buy frozen meals from discount grocers like Trader Joe's or Costco instead of eating out.

They are cheaper than takeout or diner meals.

one person who lived it

Make yogurt at home to save money and reduce plastic waste.

One person reported saving around €30 a month and reducing plastic use, taking only 3 minutes a week.

one person who lived it

Make paneer at home to avoid the high cost of store-bought versions.

Store-bought paneer is expensive, while making it at home is half the effort of making mozzarella.

one person who lived it

Eat less meat and substitute with dried beans, lentils, or tofu.

4 people, independently

Do not cut crusts off sandwiches; have children eat the crusts first or eat the whole sandwich to normalize eating food as is.

Cutting them off creates extra steps and waste, and children normalize what they are made to see as normal.

one person who lived it

Buy frozen fish instead of fresh to save money and potentially get a fresher taste.

It is frozen quickly after being caught.

one person who lived it

Review store flyers ahead of time to plan menus around sales.

It makes the grocery bill easier to handle.

one person who lived it

Grow your own produce if grocery prices are extremely high, even though it is normally not worth it.

High prices make growing your own food viable.

• Normally not worth it.

one person who lived it

• Plant a garden to grow produce and reduce reliance on expensive grocery store items.2
• Grow your own vegetables, such as bok choy and broccoli, to offset rising grocery costs.1

Grow basil in mass quantities to replace expensive store-bought jars.

It saves money compared to paying $3 for small jars.

one person who lived it

Make Rice Krispie treats using generic cereal instead of branded rice cereal to save money.

Generic cereal is cheaper than branded options.

one person who lived it

Compare prices of fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables to find the cheapest option.

Canned or frozen options are often cheaper than fresh.

one person who lived it

Choose higher-quality fast-casual restaurants over traditional fast-food chains when prices are similar.

You can get fresh grilled burgers and homemade fries for the same price.

one person who lived it

Buy a cheap hot dog and drink at Costco before shopping to curb hunger and reduce temptation from free samples.

It prevents being enticed by every sample fed to you while shopping.

one person who lived it

Use food pantries for bulk meat items like primal cuts, which can be butchered at home for variety.

• Items may be short date but usually frozen.

one person who lived it

Add spices to your collection one at a time rather than buying them all at once.

Buying multiple spices at once consumes a significant portion of a tight weekly food budget.

one person who lived it

Ask yourself if you are truly hungry before reaching for food.

Boredom or stress can mimic hunger cues.

one person who lived it

Grow herbs and vegetables in a small garden to reduce costs.

Herbs are unreasonably expensive to buy but cost almost nothing if watered and shaded properly.

3 people, independently

• Grow an herb garden to avoid buying pricey herbs.1

Buy large cuts of meat from local butchers and cut them yourself into steaks or smaller portions for better quality and value.

One person reported getting better quality than market groceries by cutting a roast into multiple steaks and cuts.

one person who lived it

Shop at discount grocery stores, buy thrifty small appliances, and actively create and stick to a budget.

Makes cooking easier for lazy chefs.

one person who lived it

Use grocery delivery services for ingredients to enable quick meal prep.

It allows you to eat well with only 30 minutes of cooking time.

one person who lived it

Buy fresh cooked food from the grocery store's deli section instead of ordering takeout.

It is often about 50% cheaper than takeout.

one person who lived it

Plan your meals in advance rather than deciding meal-by-meal.

This prevents giving in to random cravings and allows you to eat very well by shopping specifically for those plans.

2 people, independently

Pack filling meals like sandwiches for flights during meal periods.

Airlines may run out of paid meals, leaving passengers with only free snacks.

one person who lived it

Check your school district's website to see if they serve breakfast and lunch during summer break.

Participating can reduce food costs for children.

one person who lived it

Break the habit of buying office lunch by bringing your own food instead.

It is often an unexamined bad habit.

one person who lived it

Buy frozen fish from Asian markets and identify the cooking method by appearance.

It is a budget-friendly option.

• You may not know the names of the fish.

one person who lived it

Make homemade mac and cheese using a roux, shredded block cheese, and pasta instead of boxed kits for better quality and cost control.

A roux costs very little, and using block cheese and pasta is cost-effective.

one person who lived it

Buy vegetables that are currently in season to save money and improve taste.

In-season produce is cheaper and generally tastes better.

• This rule does not hold in Florida, where crops grow in fall, winter, and spring.

2 people, independently

• Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season.4
• Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables when they are in good supply to take advantage of lower prices.2

Make your own jewelry to save money on accessories.

It costs less than buying finished pieces.

one person who lived it

Grow herbs, tomatoes, lettuce, garlic, green onions, or bell peppers to save money.

These items offer a high savings-to-expense ratio compared to root vegetables.

• Savings depend on your climate and growing space.
• Root vegetables are generally not worth the effort.

one person who lived it

Avoid convenience items like boxed meals, instant rice, and canned beans by making everything from scratch.

Convenience items kill budgets; instant rice is described as a rip-off.

• One person excludes bread because they hate baking.

one person who lived it

Build relationships with kitchen staff while working as a server to receive free or discounted meals.

One person received discounted meals that could be stretched into multiple dinners.

one person who lived it

Limit dining out to once a month for meals you cannot cook yourself or that accommodate specific dietary restrictions.

To avoid fussing over high bills for standard dinners.

one person who lived it

Spend extra money on high-quality bacon rather than cheap bacon.

Cheap bacon is often mostly fat or injected with saline water, causing it to shrivel during cooking.

one person who lived it

Prepare vegetarian meals in advance and add meat later if it is on sale, rather than eating meat every day.

Meat markups are high, and skipping meat some days saves money.

one person who lived it

Make your own dips and sauces to avoid high retail markups.

Homemade versions are wildly cheap and not difficult.

one person who lived it

• Cook items like ranch dressing, baked goods, hot sauce, tacos, and tortillas from scratch to save money on expensive store-bought options.1

Make non-meat chili with beans for a cheap, protein-rich meal.

The beans provide protein.

one person who lived it

Brine meat yourself to save money.

It is more frugal than buying pre-brined products.

one person who lived it

Bake cakes and treats at home instead of buying them.

Most homemade cakes and treats are better than store-bought ones.

one person who lived it

Bring snacks to the airport.

Food costs more inside the airport.

one person who lived it

Reduce the number of trips you make to the grocery store.

You save money on gas.

one person who lived it

Cut your own pineapple instead of buying pre-cut.

It is cheaper and easy to cut a whole pineapple yourself.

one person who lived it

Make ghee yourself instead of buying it.

Store-bought ghee is expensive, while making it yourself is cheap and easy.

one person who lived it

Include quick, no-cook meals in your meal plan for nights when you are too tired to cook.

It avoids getting takeout.

one person who lived it

Buy Cheez-Its from the store rather than making them from scratch.

The time and money cost of making them exceeds buying a box.

one person who lived it

Buy rice instead of growing it in a city apartment.

It is cheaper to buy than to grow yourself.

one person who lived it

If food is bad, politely and firmly ask staff to fix or replace it.

You are entitled to what you paid for.

one person who lived it

Try grits as a cheap alternative to other grains.

They are great savory or sweet.

one person who lived it

Serve chili or spaghetti to feed large groups cheaply.

they are cheap but go a long way

one person who lived it

Eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on whole wheat bread for lunch.

Whole wheat bread keeps you fuller than white bread.

one person who lived it

Prepare casseroles and soups that stretch meat by increasing the use of legumes.

This approach helps decrease meat usage and costs.

one person who lived it

Ask vendors for 'seconds' (less pretty but edible food) or negotiate deals for bulk purchases.

3 people, independently

Focus on buying discounted whole proteins like chicken leg quarters over ultra-cheap processed items like ramen.

Chicken provides more value and nutrition per pound.

one person who lived it

Focus on rice or pasta combined with protein for maximum cost-per-meal potential.

These items stretch into multiple meals, which matters at low price points.

one person who lived it

Shift your mindset to view cooking as a fun, life-affirming activity rather than a chore to resist takeout urges.

It can help you get closer to loved ones and achieve financial independence.

one person who lived it

Buy cheaper, less popular cuts of meat such as pork shoulder.

One person found a slow-roasted pork shoulder was fabulous and relatively cheap.

one person who lived it

Grow your own lettuce to add to homemade salads.

Fresh, cheap, and high quality.

one person who lived it

Only decide to buy expensive food if you would still want it when not hungry.

This ensures the purchase is a deliberate treat rather than an impulse driven by hunger or markup.

one person who lived it

Keep a loaf of bread on hand as a safety net to ensure you can make simple meals like grilled cheese when funds are low.

Having bread ensures you won't go hungry because you can always make a grilled cheese.

one person who lived it

Make cream soups and broth using recipes from the Mennonite cookbook 'More with Less'.

The recipes stretch groceries.

one person who lived it

Create a spreadsheet of inexpensive recipes that include cheap high-calorie ingredients and yield leftovers.

One person found this helped manage costs while maintaining weight with ~2,200 calories/day.

one person who lived it

Buy food that takes effort to eat, such as whole apples or pears, to prevent overconsumption.

People are less likely to eat large quantities of food that requires work to consume.

one person who lived it

Purchase frozen vegetables to cut costs while maintaining nutritional value.

These items are inexpensive, satiating, and retain nutrients due to flash freezing. They also resist spoilage better, likely because they were frozen at peak harvest.

4 people, independently

Buy single items of fresh meat rather than whole packs if you only need small amounts.

Sometimes you just want one item rather than freezing a whole pack.

one person who lived it

Join a local gleaning market membership to buy surplus food that would otherwise be discarded.

It reduces grocery bills.

one person who lived it

Bring your own lunch to work to save money and have more time to relax.

• One person reported coworkers talking about them behind their back for bringing lunch almost every day.

one person who lived it

Use canned dough for pie crust cookies because it is usually cheap.

Those are usually cheap.

one person who lived it

Make meals using forgotten items from the freezer and cabinets rather than eating out.

Using food you already have is better than buying more.

one person who lived it

Travel with a small appliance like a rice cooker or espresso machine to prepare simple meals or drinks in your hotel room instead of eating out.

It avoids expensive restaurant meals or poor quality venue food.

one person who lived it

Eat vegetables heavily during the summer when they are incredibly cheap.

Prices drop in season; one person noted items like squash and peppers were practically thrown out.

one person who lived it

Check for morning discounts on prepared foods like sliders or breakfast items.

You can save money and the food still tastes good.

one person who lived it

Use microwave-safe glass containers with lids for meal prepping to save money on freezer bags.

It saves you on freezer bags.

one person who lived it

Buy carrots in bulk as a low-cost, filling vegetable option.

They are inexpensive and accessible.

one person who lived it

Host a potluck or a simple cocktail and appetizer party instead of a full holiday dinner to save time and money.

Spreading out the workload saves time and money.

one person who lived it

Buy frozen or canned salmon and regular eggs instead of fresh or cage-free options.

Frozen/canned salmon is much cheaper; 'cage free' means nothing to chicken life quality.

one person who lived it

Cut down on pickiness about food when hungry.

Anything tastes good when you're hungry, leaving no room for pickiness.

one person who lived it

Buy higher-quality rice if it helps you resist the urge to eat out.

Having preferred food available reduces the desire to splurge on prepared meals.

one person who lived it

• Indulge yourself with higher-quality grocery items to reduce the likelihood of eating out.3

Focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients rather than pre-made meals to lower costs.

Closer-to-raw foods have lower production costs.

one person who lived it

Buy dry beans, oatmeal, rice, and flour from bulk bins instead of packaged versions.

Bulk items are less expensive per unit than packaged equivalents.

• Hygiene concerns: children may contaminate bins.

one person who lived it

Buy premade sandwiches from the Walmart deli or whole chickens instead of eating at fast-food chains like McDonald's or Burger King.

It was a better deal

one person who lived it

Make jam and pesto when seasonal ingredients are cheap or abundant at farmers markets.

Ingredients like basil can be super cheap when overflowing farmers markets, allowing you to make nice pesto yourself.

• Unless you grow your own basil, homemade pesto can be super-expensive.

one person who lived it

Eat a large, high-protein breakfast to reduce hunger and spending at lunch and dinner.

Eating a large breakfast, especially one high in protein, leads to eating smaller lunches and dinners.

one person who lived it

Focus on buying rice and beans in large quantities as affordable meal staples.

4 people, independently

Pick up frozen pizza if it hits the spot and costs much less than ordering in.

4 people, independently

Drink alcohol at home instead of at restaurants to prevent the bill from increasing.

Alcohol and appetizers cause the bill to blow up.

one person who lived it

Bring sack lunches from home instead of eating at food courts to avoid overdrawing your bank account.

one person who lived it

Buy bananas instead of more expensive fruits like berries.

Berries are pricey.

one person who lived it

Ask yourself if treating yourself like a trash can is better than using an actual trash can.

To overcome internalized pressure to finish all food.

one person who lived it

Try a pantry challenge where you cook only with ingredients already on hand.

It becomes a game where you can celebrate epic meals made without buying anything.

one person who lived it

Eat oatmeal, beans, rice, potatoes, bananas, apples, and cheap greens as vegan staples.

Greens provide fiber and nutrients.

one person who lived it

Adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet to lower grocery bills.

Eating vegan or vegetarian stretches your food dollar and can result in a lower grocery bill compared to an omnivorous diet.

3 people, independently

Limit food deliveries to a specific number per month (e.g., 2) and walk to local places for takeout otherwise to save money and get exercise.

It is cheaper and provides extra exercise.

one person who lived it

Make enchilada sauce from scratch using tomato paste, water, and seasonings instead of buying canned sauce.

Canned sauce is expensive compared to the five-minute homemade version.

one person who lived it

Save beef tallow or rendered fat to replace expensive cooking oil.

Oil is expensive.

one person who lived it

Learn quick, simple meals so you cannot justify eating out as being faster or easier than cooking at home in your pajamas.

Cooking basic skills can be easier than eating out, which requires changing clothes, scraping cars, and waiting for delivery.

2 people, independently

Cook a large batch of base ingredients like beans or rice on Sunday to use throughout the week.

3 people, independently

Invest in a balanced emergency approach including a generator, fuel, water, tools, and three weeks of food rather than expensive prepper kits.

it's more reasonable

one person who lived it

Add potatoes to your diet as they are cheap and full of vitamin C and other vitamins.

They're cheaper and they'll work with current recipes.

one person who lived it

Support local businesses by dining in or picking up directly rather than using delivery apps.

Delivery apps take large commissions (e.g., 50%), leaving restaurants with zero profit.

2 people, independently

Source kitchen items from family members, flea markets, trash, or landlords to save money.

• Items bought cheaply may be in poor condition; one user noted a cast iron pan was sticky and unbalanced.

one person who lived it

Use a slow cooker to prepare cheap cuts of meat and vegetables for weekly lunches.

It eases meal prep by requiring minimal effort over several hours.

one person who lived it

Take advantage of free kids' meals at restaurants like IHOP or Perkins.

Many restaurants offer this, including free pie at Perkins.

one person who lived it

Keep pantry or freezer items that require minimal prep on hand.

Having easy-to-prepare food makes ordering out less tempting.

one person who lived it

Grow salad fixings, herbs, spices, and beans in the summer to lower prices.

Growing these items reduces the price you pay.

one person who lived it

Invest in a chest freezer to store bulk deals and meats for later use, increasing grocery resilience.

It allows taking advantage of deals and storing meats for long periods, helping hold off on groceries longer.

one person who lived it

Get fresh vegetables from your work cafeteria if available.

It is easier to load up on them there.

one person who lived it

Practice cooking to create better meals than restaurants, particularly for items like burgers and fries.

Restaurant versions can cost around $18 easily.

one person who lived it

Buy ingredients for a specific meal only on the day you plan to cook it.

Life interruptions can cause specific recipe items to go to waste if bought in advance.

one person who lived it

Consider eating at the Mexican restaurant across from McDonald's instead of McDonald's for family meals.

It may be cheaper to feed a family there than at McDonald's.

• Based on one person's experience

one person who lived it

Keep a limited diet of staples like soy curls and frozen vegetables if fatigue or essential needs restrict your energy.

A limited diet can make you happy despite constraints.

• Ess/fatigue context

one person who lived it

Buy single-serving snacks for children to prevent them from consuming the entire family-sized package.

Although larger sizes cost less per serving, children may eat the whole bag, negating savings.

one person who lived it

Reduce or eliminate fast food and takeout orders.

Delivery fees, food costs, and tips make it unaffordable; cooking at home is cheaper.

one person who lived it

Smell milk to check for spoilage rather than relying solely on expiration dates to avoid throwing away good food.

This saves money.

one person who lived it

Buy whole blocks of cheese and grate them yourself instead of purchasing pre-shredded varieties.

Pre-shredded cheese contains preservatives.

one person who lived it

Shop for meat and produce based on what is on sale, then plan meals around those discounted items rather than sticking to a rigid meal plan.

3 people, independently

• Base your meal plan on what is cheapest and on sale rather than sticking to a rigid recipe list.2

If cutting up whole vegetables leads to waste, buy pre-chopped vegetable kits instead.

Whole vegetables often go unused and get thrown out after one use, whereas kits provide exactly what is needed.

one person who lived it

Use water and seasonings instead of broth for soup, particularly when the soup contains meat, to save money.

to save money

one person who lived it

Make salad dressing at home with higher quality ingredients.

It is cheaper, tastes better, and eliminates waste by making only what you intend to use.

2 people, independently

Recognize that surplus food apps are more viable in urban areas than in rural or suburban locations.

Pickings are slim unless you are in a bigger city with enough participating places.

2 people, independently

Consider eating at fast-food chains if home cooking costs, such as propane, become prohibitively expensive.

High fuel costs can make cooking at home more expensive than buying prepared food.

one person who lived it

Cook large batches and freeze leftovers to avoid ordering delivery on busy days.

It stops you from giving in to the temptation of expensive delivery food when you don't feel like cooking.

one person who lived it

Use meat sparingly as a flavor enhancer rather than a main protein source.

It saves money and stretches meals.

one person who lived it

Buy hot soup, pizza, or bakery rolls from grocery stores for lunches.

They cost way less than restaurant prices.

one person who lived it

Cook simple Indian dishes like curry lentils or butter chicken from scratch using basic ingredients and rice.

Restaurant Indian food is expensive in some areas.

one person who lived it

Buy large bags of frozen vegetables to reduce food waste and save preparation time.

One person reported reducing waste and saving energy on cleaning and cutting because the prep is already done.

2 people, independently

Check local grocery stores for pre-made inexpensive sandwiches sold to drive foot traffic.

to drive foot traffic

one person who lived it

Grow crops that flourish easily, such as zucchini, to reduce grocery costs.

Gardening is cheaper with certain hardy crops.

one person who lived it

If you struggle with ordering food, try planning meals on Sundays and grocery shopping on Mondays.

It can reduce impulse spending and provide a dopamine hit from new recipes that may be preferable to delivery apps.

one person who lived it

Cook simple meals from scratch, such as spaghetti sauce, to save money and improve taste.

One person reported making a basic spaghetti meal for approximately $3 that tasted better than overpriced restaurant pasta, finding satisfaction in making sauce from scratch.

one person who lived it

Buy take-and-bake pizzas from stores instead of ordering delivery.

to save significant money

one person who lived it

Buy pork tenderloins and cut them into thick chops yourself to get a lower price per chop than pre-packaged options.

one person who lived it

Pick up takeout orders personally instead of using delivery apps to avoid high fees.

6 people, independently

Use surplus food apps to treat yourself occasionally without feeling guilty about the cost.

It doesn't hurt the bank account.

one person who lived it

If money is tight, adopt an economic vegetarian lifestyle.

It helps when money is tight.

one person who lived it

Consider eating out only if you lack the initial ingredients or tools for a specific meal, such as something you've never cooked before.

Buying all the different ingredients for a one-time meal might make eating out actually cheaper.

one person who lived it

Use free online recipes from meal kit services and buy ingredients yourself to save money.

Recipes are available for free and recreating them is cheaper than subscribing.

one person who lived it

Invest in good stainless steel cookware to reduce the frequency of eating out.

Eating out is extremely expensive.

one person who lived it

Treat expensive grass-fed beef cuts as special occasion items rather than weekly groceries.

They are super expensive.

one person who lived it

Separate bulk purchases into one- or two-serving containers immediately after buying to control consumption and spending.

It helps the pocketbook and waistline.

one person who lived it

Monitor 'best by' dates closely when buying discounted meat and freeze or cook it immediately upon returning home.

To avoid losing the product, as one person did with chicken leg quarters.

one person who lived it

Eat a heavy meal before going to movies or leisure shopping to avoid buying expensive concessions.

Being full makes you less tempted to spend money on high-priced extras.

one person who lived it

Simplify meal expectations by choosing faster options like frozen veggies or bread with egg and avocado to avoid giving in to eating out when you don't meet complex standards.

Complicating meals can lead to giving in to eating out when standards aren't met.

one person who lived it

Eat PB&J sandwiches and stargaze for a cheap, nostalgic activity.

It brings out your inner child and wonderment.

one person who lived it

Eat or store purchased produce properly to prevent spoilage, especially when buying in bulk or near-expired items.

To ensure none of the food goes bad.

one person who lived it

Skip adding avocado to your Subway order if you are watching your spending.

It incurs an extra charge on orders that do not normally include it.

one person who lived it

Calculate the actual cost of food by including raw materials, overhead, fixed costs, labor, and profit margins, rather than looking only at ingredient costs.

You are paying for equipment, fuel, and labor, not just the raw ingredients.

one person who lived it

Stop eating foods with added sugar.

Added sugar is not nutritional, is satiating, and is expensive.

one person who lived it

Stock basic spices to prevent culinary boredom.

Boredom with home-cooked meals leads to eating out.

one person who lived it

Build cupboard staples gradually by reading a recipe and buying only the ingredients needed for it.

You will have those ingredients available for other recipes later.

one person who lived it

Buy graham crackers instead of making them if convenience is prioritized.

Driving to the store and spending money takes less time than sitting there making them.

one person who lived it

Buy store-brand frozen vegetables, canned food, and dry goods instead of name brands, especially during inflation price hikes.

Inflation has caused price hikes.

one person who lived it

If you live with others and are unsure what gift to give, cook a nice holiday meal for them.

one person who lived it

Make potato-based curries with beans or chickpeas for affordable, meat-free meals that provide carbs and protein.

They are very affordable, require no meat, offer good carb levels, and the added legumes supply necessary protein.

one person who lived it

Periodically take all food storage items out, write them down, rotate duplicates by date, and discard expired or questionable foods.

It makes storage tidy and spacious, helps with no-spend periods, and aids meal planning around existing stock.

one person who lived it

Cook Italian meals at home using simple ingredients instead of eating out.

Restaurant versions often use inexpensive mass-produced brands and homemade recipes probably taste better.

one person who lived it

Cook on the stove using gas instead of electric appliances if gas is subsidized and cheaper in your area.

Gas is subsidized while electricity is not, making it cheaper for cooking.

one person who lived it

Be skeptical of articles generalizing chain restaurant costs based on high-end dining experiences.

Frugal eaters can regularly spend $10-15 per meal rather than the $20-40 often cited.

one person who lived it

Keep a list of favorite meals to help make decisions, noting which are primarily pantry staples.

It helps make decisions.

one person who lived it

Propose rotating home-cooked dinners or cheap carryout with games instead of weekly restaurant meetups.

Creates a relaxed social setting and saves money; one person noted initial pushback but wives reported being happier.

• Some friends may initially push back against the change.

one person who lived it

Use a deep freezer to store discounted food nearing expiration to prevent waste and save money.

Buying enough discounted expiring food to freeze paid for the freezer via savings.

one person who lived it

Pick up milk at a convenience store while getting gas to ensure you have breakfast ingredients available.

It prevents skipping breakfast due to long gaps between grocery store visits.

one person who lived it

Use a shared digital document for meal planning to save on printing costs.

Saves on printer costs

one person who lived it

Stock up on spices and herbs, starting with salt, pepper, and garlic, to improve the flavor of cheap ingredients.

Herbs and spices can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary meal.

one person who lived it

• Do not skimp on condiments, garnishes, herbs, and spices when preparing inexpensive food.1

If you run a home-based business, consider using the time saved by produce delivery to work on your business if the income generated exceeds the delivery cost.

It can make more money than the cost of delivery.

one person who lived it

Search for 'dumpling lasagna' recipes as an alternative to buying individual dumplings.

It is cheaper and more filling.

one person who lived it

Use couscous as a base and bulk it up with cheap, versatile chickpeas.

Couscous is cheap and comes in many flavors; chickpeas are incredibly cheap, versatile, and awesome.

one person who lived it

Buy boxed pasta rather than making it from scratch.

Considering time and ingredient costs, boxed pasta is a much better option.

one person who lived it

Mix oats with yogurt or prepare savory oats with eggs and vegetables to maintain fullness while decreasing cost.

This combination provides protein and fiber.

one person who lived it

• Substitute Cheerios with oatmeal for a cheaper and versatile breakfast option.1

Buy small portions of specialty grains or pastas from bulk sections to test new recipes before committing to full packages.

Avoids waste for households that do not need large quantities.

one person who lived it

Buy root vegetables in large quantities at grocery stores instead of fresh greens.

Root vegetables last longer and are cheaper than fresh greens.

one person who lived it

If you have children, work out their nutrition over weeks or months rather than daily to allow for bulk purchases of cheap ingredients.

It accommodates buying large quantities of inexpensive items like tomatoes.

one person who lived it

Petition local government to expand food stamp acceptance and matching programs at farmers markets to make them accessible to low-income shoppers.

Programs like this keep taxpayer money in the community.

one person who lived it

Buy frozen vegetables if you are cooking for one person.

Frozen is cheaper for single-person households.

one person who lived it

Use protein powder as a cost-effective protein source.

Its high density makes it inexpensive relative to the amount of protein provided.

one person who lived it

Access food aid as soon as finances become tight, rather than waiting until you are desperate.

2 people, independently

Buy one high-quality kitchen knife rather than many cheap ones.

3 people, independently

Limit yourself to adding only one treat item per grocery delivery order.

It prevents accumulating $40-50 worth of unnecessary extras.

one person who lived it

Make double batches of scalable meals, like lasagna, since it takes little extra time.

Many dishes scale well with minimal additional effort.

one person who lived it

Plan ahead to use expensive ingredients in multiple ways before buying them.

This helps incorporate new foods into your rotation and justifies the splurge.

one person who lived it

Wrap frozen food in aluminum foil instead of using ziplock bags to reduce packaging costs.

Learning to wrap properly reduces the need to buy ziplock bags.

one person who lived it

Make homemade pizza dough from scratch instead of ordering takeout.

Homemade dough is extremely cheap compared to takeout prices.

one person who lived it

Check next week's vegetable sales to incorporate discounts into your meal plan.

to make savings

one person who lived it

Satisfy cravings cheaply by choosing items from fast-food value menus.

This helps satisfy cravings while limiting the amount of junk food consumed.

one person who lived it

Keep a chocolate bar in your hotel room to satisfy dessert cravings without ordering out.

It stops you from thinking about ordering dessert.

one person who lived it

Order salads from restaurants if you live alone or with one other person.

Making great salads at home requires many ingredients that often spoil before being used.

one person who lived it

Research your personal nutritional requirements and cook one large meal daily with a base protein source to meet nutrient needs.

Ensures you hit all recommended daily allowances.

one person who lived it

Feed toddlers the same food as adults instead of buying specialized toddler foods to save money.

Specialized toddler foods are expensive.

one person who lived it

Make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a cheap, quick meal.

5 people, independently

Learn to cook, as not knowing how is a luxury afforded only to those who can afford living in ignorance.

one person who lived it

Look for 'Loaves and Fishes' style programs where churches or nonprofits cook and serve meals on a set schedule.

one person who lived it

Rely on beans, potatoes, and grains as primary caloric sources.

They act as caloric lifesavers.

one person who lived it

Save condiment packets from fast food or delivery orders to be thrifty.

Saving items like soy sauce and ketchup packets is considered being thrifty.

one person who lived it

Stop ordering dishes you can make yourself at home; instead, order items that require special equipment, many perishable ingredients, or significant time.

You can usually make simpler dishes better at home.

one person who lived it

Wait for sales or offers before purchasing non-perishable staples to reduce costs.

ends up cheaper

one person who lived it

Accept that the decreased quality and high expense of takeout may turn you off, making cooking more appealing.

The combination of lower quality and higher cost has turned some people off takeout.

one person who lived it

Reduce grocery spending by cooking from scratch, buying only generic brands, and avoiding pre-packaged food.

Pre-packaged food is where they get you

2 people, independently

Use a dishwasher to encourage elaborate home cooking and reduce the temptation to eat out.

Having a dishwasher makes one more inclined to cook elaborate meals, reducing feelings of deprivation and the desire to dine out.

one person who lived it

Consider making your own stretched canvases to save money.

They are expensive.

one person who lived it

Reframe eating out as a purchase for your sanity rather than money saving, focusing on getting the most value you see fit.

one person who lived it

Choose food banks that allow you to select individual items from shelves rather than taking pre-packed boxes, to ensure better quality control and choice.

Having a choice ensures everything is in date and allows you to get specific types of pasta or rice.

2 people, independently

Grow herbs or easy vegetables in pots at home if your kitchen or apartment gets decent sunlight.

avoids buying items that are very overpriced at supermarkets

• requires decent sunlight

one person who lived it

Keep a freezer stocked with meat and frozen vegetables for family members to use when money gets tight.

one person who lived it

Introduce variety by learning new cuisines, such as Indian food, to make meal planning exciting.

One person reported it was a game changer that made them look forward to future realizations.

one person who lived it

As a single person, grill a large batch of chicken on Sunday to use in various dishes throughout the week for convenience and ingredient efficiency.

It allows for multiple chicken dishes during the week using one preparation effort.

one person who lived it

Try using imitation ground beef in recipes as a cheaper alternative.

It works surprisingly well and is likely made of soy.

one person who lived it

Focus on donating high-quality protein sources such as canned tuna and peanut butter rather than excessive carbohydrates or low-nutrition processed foods.

Food banks always need more high-quality protein and receive too much food with no nutritional value.

one person who lived it

Order burgers without the bun to reduce calories and carbs.

The bun adds calories and carbs without significant nutrition.

one person who lived it

Recognize that higher grocery bills may still result in overall savings if you are eating out less.

one person who lived it

Find out what cookies people like, buy butter when it is on sale, and keep it in the freezer.

one person who lived it

Experiment with vegan cooking as a backup plan for potential meat shortages or high prices.

In case meat becomes unavailable due to issues like screwworm or prices.

one person who lived it

Meal prep using cheap proteins and perform gig work on weekends to supplement income.

one person who lived it

Add dairy, fruit, popcorn kernels, or peanut butter to your diet for variety and inexpensive snacks.

It adds variety and provides inexpensive treats.

one person who lived it

Adopt a mindset of 'trying not to eat meat' rather than strict vegetarianism, accepting occasional slips as still doing more good.

one person who lived it

Use potatoes as a versatile, affordable staple for dishes like fries, soup, or mashed potatoes.

They are usually affordable and versatile.

one person who lived it

Make Mexican food at home.

People generally only eat at Mexican restaurants for social reasons.

one person who lived it

Substitute chorizo with crumbled firm tofu, extra oil, and a mix of sweet and spicy smoked paprika.

This combination replicates the flavor profile at a lower cost.

one person who lived it

Consider Mexican cuisine for cost-effective and tasty meal options.

It is described as super tasty and cost effective.

one person who lived it

Add cheese to a Sausage McGriddle instead of ordering an Egg McMuffin to reduce the price.

one person who lived it

Meet friends for lunch at a mall food court with brown-bagged meals to socialize affordably.

one person who lived it

Order combo meals at Chinese restaurants instead of individual items.

Combos with a main item, fried rice, and soup are cheaper than ordering each item individually.

one person who lived it

Use subscription services that deliver rejected or imperfect produce from farmers.

It saves money and reduces waste by buying food rejected by supermarkets for cosmetic reasons.

one person who lived it

Opt for supermarket sandwiches over mediocre restaurants when traveling.

to save money and ensure better quality

one person who lived it

Share spices, ingredients, leftovers, and vegetables with roommates.

Buying everything individually would have been too expensive.

one person who lived it

Accept that the 'mystery bag' format means you cannot choose specific items, which may not suit picky eaters.

• Not suitable for picky eaters

one person who lived it

Make cookies using boxed cake mixes bought on sale, combined with BOGO chocolate chips and sprinkles.

It allows you to make many different cookies relatively cheaply and easily.

one person who lived it

Buy larger packages of individual items and split them into smaller portions rather than buying pre-packaged singles.

Splitting a larger package is cheaper than buying individual packages.

one person who lived it

Structure your weekly meal rotation to include a mix of meat-based dinners, vegetarian meals, leftovers, and frozen options.

one person who lived it

Celebrate birthdays with a casual outing like McDonald's for lunch and play, followed by cake and gifts at home.

one person who lived it

Recognize that eating out covers labor, overhead, and facility costs in addition to the food itself.

You are paying for meal planning, shopping, prep, cooking, service, cleaning, rent, utilities, taxes, benefits, and equipment maintenance.

one person who lived it

Accept that cooking requires time and effort, unlike the instant gratification of pressing buttons on a phone.

one person who lived it

Search for online chefs or copycat recipes to duplicate restaurant food at home.

6 people, independently

Overestimate meal costs rather than underestimating them to avoid complaints about upfront ingredient costs.

Underestimating leads to complaints that meals cost more due to upfront costs.

one person who lived it

Make homemade granola using online recipes instead of buying expensive cereal.

Granola is super easy to make and customize.

one person who lived it

Respect food service workers and recognize the value of their labor, avoiding condescension.

one person who lived it

Pop popcorn kernels yourself rather than buying microwave popcorn to save money.

3 people, independently

Watch the 'Mexican Cooking on a Budget' YouTube channel for tips on frugal shopping and stretching food.

one person who lived it

Use sandwiches as a borderline-cooking option that requires less cleanup than full meals.

Sandwiches are considered better quality-wise than some alternatives and definitely have less cleanup.

one person who lived it

Buy chicken thighs or rotisserie chickens as relatively cheap and flavorful protein options.

relatively cheap and flavorful

one person who lived it

Stock up on frozen produce during sales and accept gifted produce from neighbors to reduce grocery bills.

one person who lived it

Consume instant ramen, optionally boosting its nutritional value with hard-boiled eggs and frozen mixed veggies while keeping costs low.

3 people, independently

Purchase Chinese takeout in quantities enough to provide several meals.

3 people, independently

Reconsider using delivery-based surplus food services if rising shipping costs are reducing your income.

one person who lived it

Start Christmas shopping in January and buy small amounts at a time.

It is easy to budget around.

2 people, independently

Buy boats that are one to two years old with low hours while still under warranty.

You will save significant money.

one person who lived it

Plan ahead so you only need to shop once a month.

to cut down on exposure to crowds

one person who lived it

Look for wool sweaters in thrift stores before buying new ones to save money.

Wool sweaters are easy to find there and can cost less than new items.

one person who lived it

Return to the store the day before the sell-by date to catch markdowns on expensive cuts like lamb.

Morning crews often apply discounts.

one person who lived it

Only buy large bulk quantities if you will actually use them all.

It is only frugal if you consume the product before it goes to waste.

one person who lived it

Avoid going to the grocery store when you are hungry.

Shops use smells like bread and chocolate to trigger impulse purchases.

• Some people find that shopping while not hungry leads to buying non-food items or lacking substantial food for later needs.

2 people, independently

Shop off-price stores to find name-brand or private-label clothing that was unsold inventory.

You can find high-value items at deep discounts.

one person who lived it

Thrift solid wood furniture and refinish it instead of buying particle board.

Solid wood pieces can be redone to your liking for a low cost and last for years.

one person who lived it

Register for daycare when you know you are pregnant.

Great places often have waiting lists that are easily two years long.

one person who lived it

Buy new underwear, bras, and shoes unless you can reliably find your size second-hand; note that larger shoe sizes (e.g., size 13) are rarely available in thrift stores.

It is difficult to find specific sizes like women's size 13 feet in thrift stores.

• Shoes might be obtainable second-hand if your size is common.

one person who lived it

Buy thrifted dress shirts or pants that fit your shoulders or waist but are slightly large, then have them tailored for about $15 each.

It saves money compared to buying new custom clothing.

one person who lived it

• Buy thrift store clothing and use a tailor to alter items for a professional fit.1

Buy travel or mini sizes of makeup and toiletries if you do not use them daily.

You will save money by avoiding waste from unused full-size products and keep your bag smaller.

• You pay more per unit volume and generate more packaging waste.

2 people, independently

Cut up large furniture yourself to dispose of it in regular trash bins.

Avoid haul-away fees.

one person who lived it

Check Walmart clearance for yarn before buying from Goodwill.

Walmart clearance items can be cheaper than thrift store prices.

one person who lived it

Buy day-old bakery goods which are marked down.

They are discounted more than freshly made items were before price hikes.

3 people, independently

If you have room, ask tree removal firms in your area for free wood chips.

• The amount provided is usually a lot.

3 people, independently

Use digital coupons to get the most from grocery savings.

coupons are your friend

2 people, independently

• Clip every digital coupon available.1
• Stack multiple coupons, including manufacturer and store coupons, on sale items to get the most from savings.1
• Shop weekly specials and use coupons aggressively to lower grocery bills.3
• Enroll in grocery store loyalty schemes to obtain digital coupons, points, and tailored offers.3

Check for cashmere sweaters at Goodwill, especially on discount days like Tuesday.

One person owns 10 cashmere sweaters from Goodwill, some bought on 1.29 Tuesday.

• Based on one person's experience.

one person who lived it

Adopt pets from rescue organizations instead of buying from breeders.

3 people, independently

Borrow tools from auto parts stores by paying a refundable deposit.

You get the full deposit back if you return the tool within the specified time frame.

one person who lived it

Resole boots instead of buying new ones to extend their lifespan.

It costs less than buying new boots.

• It is not cheap.

one person who lived it

Buy books secondhand to avoid spending full price on titles you might not like.

It saves the cost of new books ($12-$20) when you are unsure if you will enjoy them.

one person who lived it

Shop at church-run community closets for used items at a fraction of the cost.

Older items are often built better.

one person who lived it

Shop at thrift stores for clothes to reuse good items, find unique pieces, and increase creativity.

It avoids common name-brand clothing and allows for a more creative style.

• One person still buys new socks and underwear.

one person who lived it

Buy burlap rolls and bags in September at hardware stores before the November 1st price increase for Christmas crafts.

Prices go up on November 1st for Christmas crafts.

one person who lived it

Search thrift stores persistently to find high-quality wool blankets or down comforters at very low prices.

You can find great bargains if you persist.

one person who lived it

Return unopened bulk candy bags to retailers like Costco if no trick-or-treaters visit.

You can get a refund.

one person who lived it

Donate unsold Girl Scout cookies to food banks at the end of the season.

The cookies are perfectly good and should not be tossed.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying used helmets.

They are one-use items.

one person who lived it

Check your pantry to gauge consumption rates, helping you decide how much to buy when items are on sale.

It helps you sense how quickly you go through each thing.

one person who lived it

Include a tea strainer in tea gift sets if recipients might not have one.

Some recipients didn't have one.

one person who lived it

Buy back-to-school supplies on clearance after school starts.

It is the best way to keep a stock of paper, pens, and crayons.

one person who lived it

Look for free grills in the week after Father's Day.

Many fathers receive new grills as gifts because people are unsure what to buy them.

one person who lived it

Do not hoard free masks or samples if you do not need them or intend to buy, as this deprives others who may require them.

Hoarding free items when you don't need them is selfish rather than smart.

one person who lived it

Show loved ones a card in the store to share the sentiment, then put it back instead of buying it.

It brings a smile and costs nothing.

one person who lived it

Buy second-hand books and write a personal message in the cover page instead of giving a card.

It means more and is more likely to be kept.

one person who lived it

Ask if someone has an unused durable good, such as a bread machine, to prevent it from ending up in a landfill.

It prevents waste.

one person who lived it

Skip thrift store dressing rooms by wearing layers underneath and trying on clothes over them.

It avoids line limits and wait times.

one person who lived it

Shop at thrift stores like Goodwill for significant savings, specifically looking for items with daily discount tags.

The savings outweigh the extra time spent browsing.

• Finding what you need can be difficult, especially for common sizes.

one person who lived it

Make your own cards and attach a picture from the past to create something more meaningful than store-bought items.

It is more meaningful.

one person who lived it

Buy toys second-hand or use a toy lending library.

Buying new toys is essentially paying for a plastic box.

one person who lived it

• Cut down on toy spending by using free toys and secondhand items instead of buying new ones.1

Shop at thrift stores in vacation towns or resort areas to find choice items from wealthy second-home owners.

These areas often have donations from very rich people with second homes.

one person who lived it

Consider using online merchants if you live far from retail shops.

One person noted that living more than 15 miles away from shops led them to increase their use of Amazon and other online merchants.

one person who lived it

Sign up for retailer email lists and join their social media feeds to receive sale notifications.

Watching for sales via these channels can save money.

one person who lived it

Buy high-end audio equipment like receivers and speakers in November or December when stores clear display models.

Stores need to make room for next year's models.

• Be careful buying TVs now.
• Avoid whole computers.

one person who lived it

Give money to food banks instead of physical items.

Cash allows them to purchase supplies via regional distributors and set aside immediate needs more.

4 people, independently

Get a receipt from anyone paid to haul yard cleanup or trash to prove you did not illegally dump waste.

To have proof that you paid for proper disposal if your name or address is found on dumped garbage.

one person who lived it

Ask farmers market vendors for produce near closing time; they may give it to you for next to nothing to avoid carrying it back.

They probably won't sell it before it goes bad or the next market.

one person who lived it

Use Pet Supplies Plus loyalty rewards and mailed coupons to get the most from savings on pet supplies.

Loyalty rewards can provide free bags of dog food, which can be combined with 25% or 30% off coupons.

one person who lived it

Join the checkout line with the fewest total items on the belt rather than the fewest customers.

A line with three customers having five items each moves faster than one customer with fifty items.

one person who lived it

Buy glowsticks for children to add to costume visibility and fun.

They compliment any costume, make children seen before they are in headlights, are lighter, need no batteries, and win for the fun factor.

• There is a danger of unknown chemicals spraying into a child's eye.

one person who lived it

Stock up on specific items only when they drop to a known low price, calculating enough to last until the next sale.

5 people, independently

• Stockpile non-perishable items during sales and store them separately to avoid buying overpriced essentials when replenishing food.1

Shop late at night, such as between 8:30 and 9 PM, for a relaxed experience with fewer crowds and lines.

It avoids the packed aisles and long waits common on weekends.

one person who lived it

• Shop at Walmart before 8 AM or after midnight to avoid crowds and find stocked items easily.2

Buy cheap, often nearly new children's books from thrift stores like Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

These stores offer terrific selection and good condition books at very low prices.

2 people, independently

Do not buy things you do not need, frivolous luxury goods, or items you will never use.

8 people, independently

Buy used items for vehicles, home goods, furniture, and apparel whenever you can.

The majority of these goods are available second-hand.

5 people, independently

• Buy second-hand clothes for children.5
• Buy lightly used high-quality items instead of new cheap ones.4
• Buy kitchen appliances and dishes secondhand.1
• Buy used appliances from Craigslist or Habitat for Humanity stores.3

Learn to sew by hand to mend clothing instead of replacing it, as one person found machines cumbersome for small repairs.

Small repairs can easily fix garments that would otherwise be given away.

• One person finds using a machine more cumbersome for repairs.

one person who lived it

Shop for items with damaged packaging, such as bent boxes or loose seals, for deep discounts.

3 people, independently

• Buy open-box warehouse deals for items where packaging damage does not matter.1
• Buy misshapen or 'naturally imperfect' items which are often sold at a slight discount.3

If you have storage space and kids, stock up on bulk non-perishables like cereal during sales.

It is a huge money saver for families with kids.

one person who lived it

Consider whether the long lines at Salvation Army sales are worth the wait.

Lines can be crazy long for few finds.

one person who lived it

Use negative balances from coupons to purchase other items like fresh produce.

The store gets a dollar for each coupon when sent to the manufacturer.

one person who lived it

Focus on independent shops over chains for Too Good To Go hauls to get better value.

Independent shops may provide at least twice as much product.

one person who lived it

Get thrifted suits tailored to improve fit and appearance.

It makes cheap clothes look expensive.

one person who lived it

• Piece together costumes from items found in local thrift stores.1

Buy small items from local shops and service providers throughout the year to support them and build a stock of gifts.

to keep them going

one person who lived it

Buy cooking tools and supplies the day after Thanksgiving.

It is generally a great time for deals on items needed year-round.

one person who lived it

If you want ethically sourced underwear, consider finding a local seamstress to make some for you.

You can be sure she is getting a fair wage.

• It will not be cheap.

one person who lived it

Rotate your child’s toys regularly by swapping out played-with items for stored ones.

This keeps the toys feeling new and helps them wear similarly.

one person who lived it

Seek free food from local pantries, soup kitchens, churches, shelters, or mutual aid groups.

9 people, independently

• Inquire about pet food or treats at food banks, as some may provide them.3
• Source staple groceries from food pantries while purchasing small comfort items separately.1
• Visit local food banks on their distribution days to receive free fruits, vegetables, and bread without income or identity verification.1

If you need quick cash for bills or groceries, consider donating plasma.

6 people, independently

Use simple containers like empty soda bottles, coffee cans, or dollar-store boxes for ashes instead of buying expensive urns from funeral homes.

• A bottle with a wider mouth may be helpful if not all remains burn up completely.

5 people, independently

Walk to nearby stores so you only buy what you need and can physically carry.

It limits purchases to necessities.

one person who lived it

• Use a small basket instead of a shopping cart when buying few essentials to physically limit how much you can carry.4

Do not donate expired food to food banks.

It wastes the food bank's time.

2 people, independently

Buy inexpensive water bottles from thrift shops for travel to avoid worrying about loss.

They are cheap enough that losing one is not a concern.

one person who lived it

Buy used books as cheap Halloween treats that parents will appreciate.

Books are cheap if bought used and parents appreciate them.

one person who lived it

Pick fruit from your own trees and use store pickup options to avoid walking through aisles.

Avoids impulse buying that occurs when wandering aisles.

one person who lived it

Buy baby items used to save money, except for car seats.

Babies outgrow clothing very quickly, so you do not need much new clothing.

one person who lived it

• Exchange baby clothes with friends who have kids or shop at garage sales and thrift stores instead of buying new, as children grow out of clothes quickly.3

Wash all thrifted clothing before wearing it.

Thrift stores typically do not wash donations; if an item looks clean enough, it goes on the floor as-is.

one person who lived it

• Wash thrifted clothing immediately, even if it appears to be new retail stock.1

Take photos of your fridge and pantry contents before shopping to verify what you already own.

better informed to decide if you need products on sale

• photos may not show exact quantities (e.g., almost empty milk)
• delete pictures after returning home to avoid digital clutter

9 people, independently

• Take a photo of your pantry before shopping to avoid buying duplicates.1
• Keep a digital list of spices and staples on your phone to check against before buying duplicates.1
• List every item on your pantry shelves, including expiry dates, on sticky notes attached to cabinet doors to check against your grocery list.1
• Keep a magnetic whiteboard on the fridge for your grocery list and take a photo of it before shopping.3

Check discount apps in the morning between 7-10 AM for new listings.

New items are generally added during this time.

one person who lived it

Leave the store without buying anything if items on your list are out of stock.

One person left after finding three needed items missing, questioning whether spending money on unneeded items offsets the wasted time and effort.

one person who lived it

Participate in local library book sales to help fund programs and resources.

Proceeds from these sales pay for items like summer reading books for children.

one person who lived it

Visit thrift stores in college towns immediately after a semester ends to find high-quality items discarded by students.

Students often donate unworn or nice clothing rather than hauling it home.

6 people, independently

• Check for discarded furniture outside when the academic term concludes, if you reside close to a university.3
• Shop at thrift stores located in upscale areas for superior clothing options.4

Resist buying large items like TVs just because they are on sale if you do not need them.

3 people, independently

Buy quality secondhand furniture, such as classic styles or solid wood antiques.

If cared for, they do not continue to depreciate and may even increase in value.

one person who lived it

Shop Hobby Lobby for 80% off Christmas items and stack with 40% off coupons.

Hobby Lobby generally offers 80% off Christmas items and has 40% off coupons available on their website.

one person who lived it

Buy floral ribbon from garden centers after the holidays when it is on sale.

The unit price is lower than the initial price suggests.

one person who lived it

Post 'ISO' (In Search Of) requests in Buy Nothing groups for specific baby items to prompt others to donate items they have.

Request posts often remind people of things they want to give away.

one person who lived it

Send a personal photograph or e-card instead of a physical gift.

It tells people you are thinking of them and avoids contributing to garbage waste.

one person who lived it

• Give gift cards instead of physical items to avoid giving unwanted gifts that go unused.1

Post on social media with your location and availability to give away excess goods on a first-come, first-served basis.

Maybe it'll help with gas.

• Some people avoid Facebook due to privacy policy concerns.

one person who lived it

• Advertise excess food items on neighborhood social media groups to give them away in bags so multiple families can benefit.1

Use community spaces like church gyms to host large swaps at no cost.

It benefits the community.

one person who lived it

Stop buying items just to try them or because they are on sale if you do not actually need them.

Sticking to needed items reduces grocery trip frequency.

one person who lived it

For higher-end brands, buy winter lines in the fall when they are first introduced or on early clearance.

By the time winter arrives, winter items are often on clearance while spring stock is being sold.

one person who lived it

• Buy winter coats in February, as high-end retailers may offer sales cheaper than clearance prices after returning unsold goods to vendors.1

Buy perennials on clearance instead of cheap annuals to avoid replacing plants every year.

Perennials last longer than annuals, which die after one season.

one person who lived it

Keep a single-page list of pantry staples taped to the door, noting quantities like '2 opened' or 'almost out', and update it whenever you open the last item.

It stops duplicate purchases and reveals forgotten items.

one person who lived it

Sell old phones to offset the cost of buying new ones when switching carriers.

3 people, independently

• Sell old electronics on platforms like Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace.1

Buy RV toilet paper from the camping section during shortages.

Fewer people look there, so it remains in stock when other sections are empty.

one person who lived it

Buy fresh herbs when they are marked down.

nobody buys them

one person who lived it

Buy window insulation plastic at the end of the season to stock up for next winter.

It tends to go on sale then.

one person who lived it

• Buy seasonal decorations immediately after the holiday season ends to secure steep discounts for future years.3

Check for sales on pre-cut fruit near the end of the weekend.

Stores may discount them to avoid waste.

one person who lived it

Use loyalty points, cards, or discounts at shops where you shop regularly.

It adds up a lot in the long run.

one person who lived it

Give a nice frame with recent pictures of kids or grandchildren as a gift.

It is always a nice gift.

one person who lived it

Cut down on time spent in grocery stores by making a list and moving quickly through the aisles.

Less time there is better for your well being.

one person who lived it

Hand-draw Christmas cards for friends and family.

People may look forward to them more than other gifts.

one person who lived it

Take the time to scan grocery store circulars.

The effort is worth it.

one person who lived it

Wear a nametag with the name 'Dave' to attract fans of The Office.

It is cheap and attracts fans of The Office.

one person who lived it

Offer free hugs at public events.

There are lots of people who just need a hug.

one person who lived it

Look for discounted meat in the clearance area that is nearing its expiration date.

4 people, independently

Give a live plant, especially herbs or a chili plant, as a unique and lasting gift.

It means you have a plant now.

one person who lived it

Buy gifts ahead of time at stores that are going out of business.

You can get huge discounts.

one person who lived it

Save pocket change in a container that is difficult to open.

It adds up fast!

one person who lived it

Do not post farmers market hauls for validation if seeking frugality advice.

Most posts are not great deals and waste collective time.

one person who lived it

Ask for free candles on Nextdoor or Facebook Buy Nothing groups.

Most people have leftover candles they are glad to donate to those who need them.

one person who lived it

Price unwanted bulky items at $10 instead of offering them for free to deter theft or spiteful taking.

Free signs may result in items being stolen out of spite; a small price can ensure they are taken quickly.

one person who lived it

Look for small engine equipment like lawn mowers at the start of the season from owners who mistakenly believe they are broken.

They may just need cleaning of the carburetor or gas tank.

one person who lived it

Occasionally allow yourself a small amount of what you desire.

It does you good.

one person who lived it

Use a wheeled shopping bag for longer trips to reduce lifting effort.

The wheels do the lifting.

one person who lived it

Buy cables such as aux cords, HDMI, and power adapters secondhand.

It is much cheaper this way.

one person who lived it

Follow deal tags for major retailers on social media and use rebate apps.

This allows for further savings.

one person who lived it

Buy non-perishable household items like dog food, shampoo, and cleaning products from Amazon.

For free two-day shipping.

one person who lived it

Add 'comment only, please do not DM' to your listings.

People who reach out via DM likely haven't read or are ignoring the listing.

one person who lived it

• Ignore direct messages and choose recipients only from public comments.1

Check smaller local stores for clearance candy if large chains are sold out.

Smaller stores may still have stock when larger ones do not.

one person who lived it

Buy video games secondhand after patches have been released to avoid beta-testing issues.

You avoid spending full price to act as a beta tester for unpatched games.

one person who lived it

Use dollar store items for wedding decorations to reduce costs.

One person spent around $150 overall on decorations this way.

one person who lived it

Contact the school front office directly to request assistance with school supplies if you cannot afford them.

Almost all schools have a stockpile of supplies for kids who can't afford them, though they do not advertise this resource.

one person who lived it

Seek Circle K bags if Whole Foods bags sell out instantly in your area.

• Availability varies by region; Whole Foods may sell out daily while Circle K has plenty.

one person who lived it

Be aware that exchanging goods via bartering may require paying taxes on the transaction.

Failing to do so can constitute tax fraud.

one person who lived it

Join local moms groups and buy nothing groups to acquire used baby items cheaply or for free.

The community is helpful in gifting items or selling them at low prices.

one person who lived it

Throw away stained or unusable items from swaps rather than donating them to thrift stores.

It is unfair to burden thrift stores with trash they will have to discard anyway.

one person who lived it

Dress as Wayne or Garth from Wayne's World.

These costumes are easy and always well-received.

one person who lived it

Cut old Christmas or birthday cards into strips to use as bookmarks.

They are usually sturdy.

one person who lived it

Offer homemade goods like hot sauce or vegetables to businesses as a gesture of thanks for free supplies.

It is a way to return the favor when receiving free items.

• This describes a specific social exchange rather than a guaranteed business policy.

one person who lived it

Choose costumes made of clothes you will actually wear afterward to avoid wasting money.

It makes you feel like you are not wasting money.

one person who lived it

• Cosplay as a character whose style matches items already in your wardrobe to reduce costs.1

Check the posting history of potential recipients in Buy Nothing groups.

People who only take and never give are less likely to be chosen.

one person who lived it

Buy plain, high-quality onesies that can be resold for half price after use.

They are worn only until walking begins, saving a fortune and allowing resale.

one person who lived it

Space out your visits to the food bank if you receive more food than you can immediately use.

This allows other folks to go more frequently.

one person who lived it

• Be prepared for long wait times at food banks, especially during high-demand periods.3

Seek out food banks that operate like grocery stores, allowing clients to choose their own items from shelves.

This approach may reduce waste and feels less stigmatizing than regular shopping.

2 people, independently

Convert a planned party into a potluck by asking guests to bring a dish instead of gifts to save costs.

it costs nothing and friends will understand

one person who lived it

Learn dumpster diving as a skill to find free goods, rather than viewing it merely as eating trash.

It is limited only by pride and imagination.

one person who lived it

Avoid walking down aisles with tempting items like soda, alcohol, and snacks.

These items add up super fast and temptation is avoided by not seeing them.

one person who lived it

Ask troop leaders for help accessing surplus or donated gear if you cannot afford new equipment.

Leaders may have stockpiles of old uniforms and gear from former members that they are willing to give to those who need them.

one person who lived it

• Buy second-hand uniforms and gear from garage sales, online marketplaces, or troop surplus to reduce costs.1

Wrap candy bars and keep them under the tree as emergency gifts for unexpected guests.

It prevents awkwardness when guests arrive with nothing, ensures no one feels left out, and chocolate is a safe gift.

one person who lived it

Keep a running digital list of gift ideas and preferences for each person throughout the year.

This helps avoid repeats and ensures you know what they like.

3 people, independently

Contact local appliance repair shops to inquire about purchasing used parts or appliances at low cost.

One person reported acquiring used items for almost nothing that ran without problems for three years.

one person who lived it

Use restaurant apps to get discounts like 50% off or buy-one-get-one-free deals.

4 people, independently

• Check weekly promotions and purchase reduced-price items in bulk.3
• For meal delivery services, proceed through signup but stop before entering credit card details to potentially trigger deeper discounts.1

Every time you walk through a room, find at least one item to put away, throw out, or deal with.

one person who lived it

Use a small handheld UV light to find uranium glass at thrift stores, which glows under the light.

It makes unique decor and is often cheap and available.

one person who lived it

Ask for specific single-use items like spray paint to avoid buying new ones that will gather dust.

It prevents the item from sitting on a shelf unused.

one person who lived it

Sort online grocery lists by price to find sales and coupons that might be missed in-store.

You can find sales you wouldn't necessarily see in store, such as end-cap discounts.

one person who lived it

Expect frequent donations of bread from food banks because it has short expiry dates, takes up space, and is cheap to produce.

Stores donate it to clear space and avoid waste due to short shelf life and low cost.

one person who lived it

If you have family members who buy vegetables on sale but cannot finish them before they spoil, trade your surplus food with them to avoid waste and gain variety.

It helps avoid waste and provides variety.

one person who lived it

Use thrifted scrubs as casual wear to blend in as someone coming off work.

People think you are getting off work rather than wandering around in pajamas.

one person who lived it

Stock up on staples such as milk, cheese, yogurt, veggies, chicken, wine, water, garbage bags, and cat litter.

Monthly coupon books offer great deals on these items.

one person who lived it

Include a photo of yourself or your family in handmade framed gifts for mothers.

Moms love that.

one person who lived it

Ensure family members know where funeral planning documents are kept so they can access them immediately after death.

Finding papers months later does not help the family.

one person who lived it

Understand that Thanksgiving turkeys are often sold at a loss to draw customers into stores.

Stores expect customers to buy other items after purchasing the cheap turkey.

one person who lived it

Buy thrifted furniture over new items to feel less afraid of breaking or damaging them.

Reduced fear of damage makes you more likely to use or wear the item.

one person who lived it

Leave items in your online cart for several days to possibly trigger discount coupons.

• Amazon does not send coupons for abandoned carts.

10 people, independently

Print three copies of your pantry inventory: one sorted by shelf, one by brand, and one by food type.

Scanning the brand list helps jog memory for familiar items.

one person who lived it

Wrap gifts in brown paper bags with jokes or riddles written on them instead of giving greeting cards.

Cards often get opened, read, and tossed.

one person who lived it

Shop at Goodwill during the off-season to find better quality items.

People donate rather than buy unwanted seasonal gear during off-peak times.

• Prices may not be lower.

one person who lived it

When buying used textbooks, look for copies with notes written inside them.

They are super helpful.

one person who lived it

Return previous purchases you no longer need and sell unused items to recoup cash.

It helps recover money spent.

one person who lived it

Donate toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent, and feminine hygiene products.

These items are often excluded from government assistance programs and are in high demand.

5 people, independently

Reach out to the food bank before donating to ask what they specifically need right now.

They might have particular requests, like toilet paper, that differ from standard food donations.

5 people, independently

Contact store managers and regional headquarters to request participation in food discount apps.

This is the best way to get these programs in your area.

one person who lived it

Look for 'damaged' items from retailers like Target at Goodwill, such as those with dented boxes.

These are often donated and can offer amazing deals.

one person who lived it

Shop early on Saturdays to access marked-down meat and avoid crowds.

You get first pick at discounted items before the store gets busy.

one person who lived it

• Shop Sunday mornings between 7 AM and 8 AM for heavily discounted perishable items like deli foods, seafood, desserts, and meat.1

If you want to save money on seasonal decor, buy small items at the dollar store and assemble them yourself.

It is cheaper than buying decorations that are used for only a few weeks a year.

one person who lived it

Host clothing or jewelry swaps as a frugal alternative to multi-level marketing parties.

People don't feel pressured to spend money or guilted into buying things they don't need.

one person who lived it

Donate special occasion items back to Goodwill after use instead of trying to sell them or storing them.

Selling them is a pain and storing them takes up closet space.

one person who lived it

Include fun snacks and treats in donations to provide joy, especially for children.

Kids deserve more than just staples like beans and quinoa.

one person who lived it

Attend student groups and events to access free food and snacks.

Many student groups and alumni events provide free sample items and snacks.

one person who lived it

Buy good-quality secondhand baby gear instead of low-quality new items.

Good quality secondhand items last longer.

• Ensure car seats and cribs meet current safety standards.

one person who lived it

Switch to a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange so everyone gives and receives one nice gift instead of many small trinkets.

Everyone gets one nice gift instead of a bunch of small inexpensive trinkets they didn't really want.

one person who lived it

Target used items priced at half their original cost to account for uncertainty about the item's true condition.

You don't know how true the 'used once' claim is

one person who lived it

Consider buying Halloween candy late in the afternoon on Halloween day for potential bundles and discounts.

Stores may be desperate to clear inventory before the holiday ends.

• Items may be sold out by this time.

one person who lived it

Donate socks specifically, as they are in highest demand and lowest supply among clothing donations.

People discard them when holes form, so they are less donated than other clothes.

2 people, independently

• Focus on donating diapers and formula.1

Join a challenge to avoid buying new items so you can consume old, freezer-burned, or expiring food.

3 people, independently

Flip through thrift store books before purchasing to ensure they are age-appropriate and match the child's interests.

You may otherwise end up with inappropriate content, such as novels about boats or atomic bombs disguised as children's stories.

one person who lived it

Check for crafting-specific second-hand stores near you.

One person described theirs as a treasure trove.

one person who lived it

Donate specialty dietary products such as nut-free peanut butter, low-sodium soup, dairy-free, or gluten-free items.

They are always appreciated.

2 people, independently

Buy only character-themed pillowcases for children's rooms rather than full bedding sets.

This saves money and prevents being stuck with large items like comforters or curtains once the child loses interest in the theme.

one person who lived it

Complete the McDonald's customer satisfaction survey on the receipt.

To get a coupon for free fries or other deals like a BOGO quarter pounder.

3 people, independently

Avoid ordering massive quantities of loss-leader items to exploit franchises.

It may cause conflict with employees or result in long delays.

one person who lived it

Deliver unwanted items directly to thrift stores if you are concerned about safety when using porch pickup.

It avoids the paranoia of being scoped out by people coming to get free stuff.

• Some thrift stores require an appointment or will not accept many items.

one person who lived it

Find out which day the store restocks and shop then to ensure needed items are available.

It eases the frustration of missing specific items on your list.

one person who lived it

Use high-quality synthetic flowers ordered online for durability if you prefer keeping the item for life over lowest cost.

It allows you to keep the item for life.

• It may cost more than ordering real flowers.

one person who lived it

Ask neighbors via Buy Nothing groups to borrow tools needed for one-time projects instead of buying them.

Borrowing is perfect for tools that are useful only a few times in a lifetime.

one person who lived it

Hand out non-candy items like stickers, pencils, toys, glow sticks, or temporary tattoos.

They are cheaper than candy and leftovers can be used next year.

one person who lived it

Bring your club card to ensure you receive advertised sale prices, as discounts may be conditional on its use.

Forgetting the card means missing the deal.

one person who lived it

Keep a list of desired items with the maximum price you are willing to pay based on research, and buy only when the price drops to that level.

3 people, independently

Ask if ashes can be shipped in a necklace so distant relatives can honor the deceased without traveling.

It allows honoring the person on your own.

one person who lived it

Use cheap acrylic yarn from thrift stores for amigurumi projects.

It is ideal for this purpose; using other types wastes money.

• It's not good quality.

one person who lived it

Sell leftover Halloween candy to earn extra money.

It is a way to recoup costs from unsold candy.

one person who lived it

Do not leave personal belongings in gym lockers overnight or for extended periods.

Gyms may break open or empty lockers suspected of long-term storage, and locker thieves are common.

one person who lived it

Shop for groceries the day after major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

There are usually many marked-down foods available.

one person who lived it

• Pick up holiday food items like stuffing, frozen hams, and pumpkin pie filling after Thanksgiving when they are at their cheapest.1

When you find a perfect pair of shoes, buy another pair immediately and store it.

Styles may change or be discontinued by the time you need a replacement.

one person who lived it

One approach that helped: quit buying surplus boxes if you consistently receive items you cannot use.

• Stop after repeatedly receiving unusable items like kale or rock-hard pears.

one person who lived it

Shop thrift stores for board games, which are often available for a fraction of the retail cost.

4 people, independently

• Buy board games from thrift stores and check for missing pieces, which are often easily replaceable.1

Wait longer between shopping trips to force creativity in using existing household items.

Stuff doesn't go bad nearly as often.

one person who lived it

Buy wrapping paper after Christmas sales when it is heavily discounted.

Stores sell it 50-60% off, saving budget on something that is discarded after use.

one person who lived it

Look for lunchtime pickups on the app, which occur after the lunch rush ends.

one person who lived it

Check your local Buy Nothing group frequently to be among the first to comment on desirable items, as stuff usually gets claimed within minutes.

stuff usually gets claimed within minutes

2 people, independently

• Post unwanted heirlooms or antiques on a Buy Nothing group to clear space.1

Build shopping carts on store flyer websites and export the data to Excel or Google Docs for analysis.

Store flyer websites often display data in a format that spreadsheets can take in well.

one person who lived it

Visit local flower shops near closing time to purchase unsold inventory at a discount.

Shops would rather sell flowers cheaply than throw them out.

one person who lived it

Ask sellers to deliver if they are motivated to sell quickly and need money.

Sellers who want items gone ASAP may agree to deliver.

one person who lived it

Buy second-hand electronics like iPads after Christmas to capture price drops on previous models.

Prices for popular electronics that produce new models annually often drop after the holiday season.

one person who lived it

Subscribe to retailer email lists to receive exclusive promotional discounts that are not advertised in-store.

Retailers are not allowed to advertise these specific coupons in-store.

one person who lived it

Celebrate Valentine's Day a week early to avoid crowds, slow service, and reservation difficulties.

Service is often slow on the actual day due to high volume; going early is seen as proactive rather than forgetful.

• Going a week after may seem like you forgot.

one person who lived it

Shop early for wedding or baby shower gifts using coupons or clearance items and keep them on hand.

one person who lived it

Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local free cycles for used or free items before buying new.

7 people, independently

• Use Freecycle and found objects from curbsides to create DIY items.1

Visit local appliance recycling centers and Habitat for Humanity Restore stores to purchase functional used or new appliances.

Some units sold there are fully functional or even new.

• Much of the inventory at recycling centers may be non-functional.

one person who lived it

Consider buying a Christmas tree at Target on Christmas Eve for a low price.

• Based on one person's experience.

one person who lived it

Verify body donation acceptance criteria in advance, as obesity, amputation, or infectious disease may lead to rejection.

• Medical schools may reject bodies larger than specific size limits
• Incomplete bodies are often not accepted

3 people, independently

Post a request in your workplace breakroom for free secondhand furniture, dishes, or other items coworkers are discarding.

This approach can be quite effective.

one person who lived it

Look for clearance priced items closer to holiday seasons.

There are more clearance priced items then.

one person who lived it

Give away duplicate or unneeded items purchased on sale to help others and clear clutter.

It can make other people really happy.

one person who lived it

Donate excess bulk food items, such as large quantities of cheese, to homeless shelters or organizations that feed others.

Shelters can use the items in dishes to feed people.

one person who lived it

Offer gardening help to older neighbors in exchange for fresh eggs and vegetables.

one person who lived it

• Offer labor to neighbors in exchange for garden produce you do not grow yourself.2

Leave your cart in a non-impeding area and walk through aisles when navigating tight spaces or sample stations.

This prevents blocking traffic and makes it easier to squeeze between obstacles.

one person who lived it

Use 'by the pound' thrift stores if you are reselling items to get the most from profit margins.

Standard per-item pricing rarely yields enough profit to justify the effort for serious sellers.

one person who lived it

Leverage a large social circle for gifts, hand-me-downs, and babysitting help to reduce costs.

A broader network can provide material goods and services that would otherwise cost money.

one person who lived it

Be aware that buying off-season clothing may mean losing warranty and return protections if brands discontinue the previous year's product line.

Brands often discontinue previous years' lines to unload inventory.

one person who lived it

Pick up discarded cans and bottles from public spaces and place them in designated recycling collection points rather than discarding them.

This preserves a source of income for homeless people who rely on redemption values.

one person who lived it

Contact local social services offices to find pamphlets and forms for local low-income programs, especially in big cities.

They often have all the necessary materials in one place.

one person who lived it

Buy smaller packages of household goods at dollar stores if you live alone to avoid waste from family-sized boxes.

You are less likely to use up large quantities before they expire or go bad.

one person who lived it

Shop your existing makeup stash by watching creators who focus on technique and using products in multiple ways.

It helps approach what you already own with creativity.

one person who lived it

Freeze perishable items from discount apps immediately upon purchase.

They are going to go bad.

one person who lived it

Buy gifts year-round when you see items someone might like, rather than shopping specifically for holidays.

3 people, independently

• Shop through the year for non-Christmas-specific items that go on sale during other holidays.1

Buy gift cards for frequently used stores, checking for expiration dates and fees, and rotate them before they expire.

Grocery store cards have helped some people during lean times.

one person who lived it

Offer free leftover paint to community groups like Buy Nothing, Freecycle, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.

People in these groups are often willing to take used paint for small projects.

one person who lived it

Take seasonal retail work during the holidays to build savings.

Businesses hire heavily and minimum wage weekend work can generate significant income.

one person who lived it

When redeeming Wendy's survey coupons for a free burger, add paid extras like cheese or bacon to generate additional receipts for further surveys.

Paying with debit/credit generates an extra receipt, providing two new receipts for future use.

one person who lived it

Join beginner couponing groups on Facebook to learn deal strategies and get cart-building assistance.

These communities post scenarios and coupons to help beginners execute deals.

2 people, independently

Dial 211 to find community resources and locate food pantries in your area.

Dialing 211 usually provides access to community resources.

one person who lived it

Join local Buy Nothing groups on Facebook to get free beauty products.

People often give away samples, amenity kits, and opened gifts.

one person who lived it

Buy appliances during Black Friday sales or the period between Black Friday and mid-January for the best prices.

These periods offer significant savings compared to other times.

one person who lived it

Stock up on specific items like raspberries when they are on multi-pack sale.

one person who lived it

Implement a 'used Christmas' tradition where gifts must be second-hand or thrifted, prohibiting new purchases.

You can find items like games that appear new at thrift stores.

one person who lived it

Stock up on items when they are on sale rather than buying them at regular prices every week.

7 people, independently

Use coupons for Pillsbury products when available via grocery apps.

It is always a plus

one person who lived it

Suggest local businesses sign up for Too Good To Go to increase availability in your area.

One person reported that suggesting it led to many more stores using the service locally.

one person who lived it

Consider volunteering or donating to food banks after regaining financial stability to pay it forward.

7 people, independently

Visit a local flower district vendor and negotiate a deal for consistent weekly purchases.

Vendors may cut deals for consistent customers.

one person who lived it

Reuse the same backpack for multiple years instead of buying a new one annually.

3 people, independently

Verify local thrift store sale schedules as they vary by franchise and region.

they aren't all running the same sales

one person who lived it

Ask appliance managers for discounts on damaged or floor-model appliances, as policies vary by store.

• Managers may be reluctant to give items away due to markdown policies.

one person who lived it

Research the political stances of thrift organizations before donating or shopping there if you disagree with their positions.

Some organizations lobby against LGBTQ+ rights or hold anti-gay stances.

2 people, independently

Avoid buying used devices dependent on DRM support from manufacturers, as support may be dropped.

If the manufacturer drops support, the device becomes useless (e.g., a glorified LCD panel).

one person who lived it

Buy products in bulk if the price tag has an asterisk, indicating they are being discontinued.

you probably won't see it again

one person who lived it

Volunteer at food banks during non-holiday months when they need consistent support.

There are often more volunteers than needed around Thanksgiving or Christmas.

one person who lived it

Include necessities like PJs, socks, underwear, and toiletries in gifts, framing them as part of the tradition.

It can become a favorite tradition even though it is clothes.

one person who lived it

Expect little to no clearance candy due to precise supply chain forecasting.

Big data allows retailers to ship only the amount expected to sell by the holiday date.

one person who lived it

Wait for periodic sales offering fixed discounts on minimum spends and stack additional coupons if available.

Big Lots runs $10 off $40 sales every few months, sometimes with usable coupons.

one person who lived it

Return unwanted paint to big-box stores by stating you dislike the color.

Staff at major retailers typically accept returns based on color preference without dispute.

one person who lived it

Request packs of diapers instead of gifts at baby showers.

It provides significant monetary value in essential supplies.

one person who lived it

Check thrift stores near military bases for household goods and furniture left behind by departing service members.

Service members often leave accumulated items in their apartments because they have nowhere else to take them.

one person who lived it

Do not expect significant blowout sales on Halloween candy the week after the holiday.

Prices often stay expensive or offer only minor discounts before being replaced by Christmas stock.

one person who lived it

Share Sunday newspaper coupons with neighbors to access a wider variety of deals.

Sharing allows you to use coupons you don't need while accessing others' unused coupons.

one person who lived it

Join a Christmas card exchange as a low-cost alternative to buying physical gifts if you are on a tight budget.

one person who lived it

Take free promotional bookmarks from bookshops.

Bookshops often have piles printed by publishers to give away.

one person who lived it

Unsubscribe from store emails to reduce access to sales and save money.

It limits easy access to sales notifications.

2 people, independently

Give produce from your own garden or trees, such as lemons, if a friend has requested it.

one person who lived it

Take photos of packaging upon receipt of online thrift orders to support potential chargeback claims.

Photos provide evidence that increases the chance of a successful chargeback.

one person who lived it

Pass down clothes through family for several children, then sell remaining items in bulk bags when no one else needs them.

one person who lived it

Return unopened Halloween candy if trick-or-treaters did not visit due to bad weather.

This prevents wasting money on unused candy.

one person who lived it

Keep a separate 'overflow' pantry for duplicate non-perishables and check it before shopping.

This ensures you use existing duplicates before buying more.

one person who lived it

• Deplete existing freezer and pantry stocks before buying new items.1

Buy reusable plates once to avoid the recurring cost and waste of disposable ones.

Disposable plates require repeated purchases and create unnecessary waste.

one person who lived it

Buy large quantities of laundry detergent and hygiene products during sales, as they last a long time and can be shared in emergencies.

one person who lived it

• Stock up on non-perishable household staples like paper towels, toilet paper, and trash bags in bulk.3

Share surplus sweets with neighbors to build goodwill, or distribute items among family households.

Sharing cakes can be argued as frugal by building goodwill; one person spread items between multiple households.

2 people, independently

Reduce consumption and reuse items before recycling to cut down on waste volume and disposal costs.

one person who lived it

Set up a weekly flower subscription with a local florist, requesting long-lasting or dried blooms to secure discounts.

Florists typically offer discounts on subscription orders, and dried bouquets last indefinitely.

one person who lived it

Look for avocado sales or gluts to purchase them at a lower price.

3 people, independently

Give items away for free if your primary goal is quick removal without answering questions or negotiating offers.

It avoids dealing with people making offers or asking questions.

one person who lived it

Donate directly if the process of giving away cast-offs becomes too burdensome or interactive.

Making people jump through hoops can be difficult for those with limited resources.

one person who lived it

Make your own Halloween costumes using thrift store items to save money and be original.

It saves you from overpriced, low-quality mass-produced options and allows for originality.

one person who lived it

Shop frequently for small amounts, focusing mostly on sales and closeouts.

one person who lived it

Recognize that grocery store apps collect and sell detailed consumer data as the trade-off for receiving personalized discounts.

Data on shopping habits is incredibly valuable to grocery stores and national brands because it lets them build extremely accurate pictures of customer behavior.

2 people, independently

Source construction materials like doors, windows, and tiles from Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Items are practically free.

one person who lived it

Buy entire lots of books from local weekly auction sites for a few dollars to acquire hardcovers and favorite authors cheaply.

one person who lived it

Monitor news events involving major brands to anticipate surges in donated items from boycotts.

People may give away or destroy branded items following controversial ads or events.

one person who lived it

Use rechargeable batteries, such as Sanyo Eneloop, instead of buying new disposable ones.

Rechargeable batteries are considered great compared to buying new ones.

one person who lived it

Buy single-subject spiral notebooks in bulk when they are extremely cheap.

one person who lived it

Verify income eligibility limits for food banks, as they may be higher than expected.

one person who lived it

Buy winter outerwear secondhand, as people frequently replace expensive coats every year or two.

Many owners discard high-quality coats after short periods of use.

one person who lived it

Look for brand-new clearance items from retailers at thrift stores and use discount coupons if available.

one person who lived it

Obtain free batteries from hospitals or theaters.

Hospitals frequently replace partially charged batteries after surgery for safety, and theaters may do the same for convenience.

one person who lived it

Expect food bank inventory to fluctuate seasonally, with more normal foods typically donated later in the year.

People tend to donate more normal foods during seasonal drives, such as Christmas.

one person who lived it

Ask store associates to open 'oops' paint cans and sample them on a stir stick if concerned about quality.

Associates will usually accommodate this request if asked nicely.

one person who lived it

View handmade gestures as romantic and valuable regardless of their cost.

one person who lived it

Use generic brown paper tied with string as a cheap alternative to wrapping paper.

It is ridiculously cheap and often appreciated by recipients.

one person who lived it

Check local cemeteries for discarded or abandoned flower bouquets to obtain free flowers.

Many fine bouquets are placed there regularly.

one person who lived it

Treat yourself to sweets occasionally.

We are not machines and deserve treats sometimes.

one person who lived it

Delay purchases by asking yourself how many days the item can wait.

one person who lived it

Search for local 'food rescue' organizations online to obtain free surplus produce, dairy, meat, and eggs.

one person who lived it

Visit food banks regularly to build an emergency stockpile for when benefits are delayed or income is low.

one person who lived it

Buy refurbished electronics instead of outright-used ones.

Refurbished items are considered an excellent bargain option compared to used computers.

one person who lived it

Share sewing projects in specialized communities to receive appreciation and feedback.

Others may appreciate your talent.

one person who lived it

Donate unwanted books to hospitals for bedridden patients who need entertainment.

Visitors may not be allowed, leaving patients without other forms of entertainment.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying unnecessary baby items advertised to new parents, as companies capitalize on fear and insecurity.

You really don't need everything that's advertised.

one person who lived it

Check online weekly sales ads before shopping to plan your grocery list around current deals.

7 people, independently

Use old electronics, such as an iPad, as digital photo frames for family members.

• one person's experience

one person who lived it

Combine a pretty dress with a tiara and wand from a Halloween store to create a princess costume.

one person who lived it

Send cards accompanied by a single food item that is baked, canned, or locally made instead of wrapped gifts.

one person who lived it

Check the weather forecast before buying Halloween candy to avoid purchasing excess inventory.

Bad weather can lead to leftovers if you buy a large amount beforehand.

one person who lived it

Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store for essentials and avoid middle aisles.

8 people, independently

Carry safety pins during Halloween weekend to fix broken costumes for others.

someone's costume is bound to break at a party

one person who lived it

Buy succulents at Lowe's during seasonal closeout sales for deep discounts.

one person who lived it

Check charities that collect previous years' costumes to donate to low-income families.

one person who lived it

Volunteer at a food bank to gain access to food, meals, networking, and computer experience.

one person who lived it

Buy women's wallets, oxfords, coffee mugs, picture frames, and book series secondhand.

one person who lived it

Buy home improvements in January.

People are often recovering from Christmas Spending.

one person who lived it

Order groceries online to limit spontaneous purchases and use free shipping offers.

4 people, independently

Choose a theme each month and pull pieces from your existing wardrobe to create a mini capsule collection.

one person who lived it

Include can openers in donations so those without kitchen tools can access canned goods.

one person who lived it

Dispose of opened, expired, or damaged goods yourself rather than donating them.

Donating such items burdens volunteers with sorting trash.

one person who lived it

Give Treasury Gift Certificates as cash gifts to children and grandchildren.

They are accepted everywhere.

one person who lived it

Check clearance sections at craft stores for seasonal shirts at extremely low prices.

one person who lived it

Claim you are illegally importing Japanese beetles.

Absurd crime implying prison.

one person who lived it

Return unused items purchased from stores like Walmart, Target, or hardware stores if you bought them but never used them.

one person who lived it

Note that many secondhand retailers use centralized sorting hubs, meaning stock might not match the local area's demographics.

Donated items are sent to central sites, mixed together, and then allocated to stores distant from the original drop-off point.

3 people, independently

Acknowledge that Goodwill provides job training and work history to help disadvantaged people re-enter the workforce.

one person who lived it

Shop at Value Village locations near wealthier towns for potentially better quality donations.

Proximity to a wealthier town likely affects the quality of donations.

one person who lived it

Wait until January for winter clearance season, acknowledging that inventory will be reduced and picked over.

Stores have typically reduced their winter catalog to minimal stock by this time.

one person who lived it

Label your car care products to make organization easier.

makes everything easier

one person who lived it

Use surplus food to reduce waste and get an excellent bargain simultaneously.

one person who lived it

Create a spreadsheet to track freebies available on birthdays from various restaurant apps.

one person who lived it

Give succulents as wedding favors to save money by doubling them as centerpieces and providing a practical gift.

one person who lived it

Recognize the 'Boots Theory' of Socioeconomic Unfairness, coined by Terry Pratchett.

one person who lived it

Focus on simple shared activities, like napping or cooking together, over material exchanges.

one person who lived it

Accept that creative celebrations during hard times can become positive childhood memories.

one person who lived it

Volunteer to work on Christmas to avoid dealing with gift-giving pressures.

one person who lived it

Plan ahead for body donation by filling out forms and getting witnesses while alive.

one person who lived it

Announce your pregnancy at work to potentially receive gently used items like cribs, dressers, and pumps from coworkers without asking.

one person who lived it

Source Christmas display items, including tablecloths, from local thrift stores.

one person who lived it

Repurpose small household items, such as pompoms from an old throw, for costume details to avoid buying new accessories.

one person who lived it

Check Target pickup orders carefully, as they may arrive incomplete or with incorrect sizes.

one person who lived it

Buy Valentine's Day gifts during after-Christmas clearance sales to save significant money.

one person who lived it

Fill stockings with consumable or practical items like seeds, spices, socks, toothbrushes, lotions, hand warmers, razor blades, and batteries.

3 people, independently

Check local dump facilities for free lumber, composting piles, or buildings containing serviceable items.

one person who lived it

Regift generic polite gifts received from friends or coworkers to family members who do not interact with each other.

one person who lived it

Hand-deliver holiday cards during December parties and events rather than paying postage.

one person who lived it

Empty your fridge of perishables before grocery pickup day, keeping only condiments and staples.

one person who lived it

Drop into stores frequently to increase the chance of finding unadvertised sales and clearances.

one person who lived it

Buy a used electric vehicle, such as a Nissan Leaf.

One person no longer pays for gas after doing so.

• Based on one person's experience.

one person who lived it

Stop trying to control others' behavior and focus on living in your own lane for peace of mind.

It brings peace and well-being.

one person who lived it

Switch between streaming services by signing up for one for a short time (like a month) to finish shows, then cancelling and moving to the next.

24 people, independently

• Suspend satellite or cable service temporarily if you primarily watch internet content.1

Ditch cable TV and use a digital antenna or streaming services like Netflix to save money, unless you need to watch live sports.

Cable is a big household expense with little value; it is a waste of money and time.

• There is not really a good alternative to watching live sports.

2 people, independently

Consider the total monthly cost of owning an older car, including repairs, towing, gas mileage, and ride-share costs during downtime.

An older car (e.g., a '98 Corolla) can end up costing more per month than a new car payment due to these hidden costs.

one person who lived it

Take online classes instead of commuting to campus to save on gas.

Commuting to school can result in high gas costs.

one person who lived it

Use attached gas stations to save on fuel.

Gas prices are lower at these locations.

• Only available if the location has an attached station.

one person who lived it

Synergize the Chase Freedom Unlimited card with the Chase Sapphire Reserve to get an effective 2.25% return on purchases when using points for travel.

The Freedom Unlimited gives 1.5% back, which synergizes with the CSR's 1.5x value for travel.

• Requires using points for travel

one person who lived it

Move to a community college to reduce tuition costs.

High tuition can be a strain on savings.

one person who lived it

Budget for one or two streaming services if the content brings happiness, rather than aiming for zero spending.

Paying for access is not unfrugal if it makes you happy.

one person who lived it

Buy a Plus membership if the cash back rewards and savings exceed the annual fee.

The rewards can pay for the membership cost and leave you ahead financially.

2 people, independently

Study the material yourself instead of paying for tutoring.

Tutoring places charge $50 for 4-hour cram sessions that sell the same thing you could get for free.

one person who lived it

Wait for library hold lists instead of buying new releases immediately.

You keep the money you would have spent on the book.

one person who lived it

Exercise outdoors or at home instead of paying for a gym membership.

You can run outside or use home equipment to avoid gym fees, potentially saving significant amounts annually.

4 people, independently

Consider providing childcare and homeschooling if paid to do so, as it may be less expensive than daycare or preschool.

One person noted it was much less expensive for the employer than paying for external care.

• Another perspective suggests putting children in school once they hit kindergarten.

one person who lived it

Get a Planet Fitness membership to access showers during long road trips when living out of a car.

It avoids the high cost of paying for showers elsewhere.

one person who lived it

If skipping a transportation cost like a rental car would result in higher lost earnings, pay for the rental.

The cost of the rental was less than the potential loss in income.

one person who lived it

Account for the loss of income and employer retirement savings matches when staying home.

Staying home means giving up income and missing out on employer matches.

2 people, independently

Purchase an HD antenna to receive local over-the-air broadcasts for free.

It allows watching football and network TV; one user claimed it is better than HD cable.

2 people, independently

Take an online defensive driving course to lower car insurance rates.

It lowers rates by 5%-10% and savings last for 3 years.

2 people, independently

Take daily walks to improve well-being, starting with short morning, lunch, and evening sessions.

They are fun, easy to sustain for long periods without noticing, and add up over time.

one person who lived it

Opt out of home Wi-Fi entirely if you have unlimited mobile data and do not work or study from home.

One person did this and used a DVD player with thrifted DVDs for entertainment.

• Only viable if you don't work from home and are not in school.

one person who lived it

Use a Costco membership for gas savings and other discounts.

Pumping gas alone can pay off the membership cost.

one person who lived it

• Get a BJ's or Costco membership.1

Watch complete seasons on DVD to avoid commercial breaks and save time.

Commercial breaks reduce actual content time.

one person who lived it

Display your net worth on your phone homescreen via a widget.

It is very humbling.

one person who lived it

Live at home and use public transit if possible.

It is a win-win.

one person who lived it

Tweeze your own eyebrows to maintain their shape.

You avoid paying a salon for waxing or threading.

one person who lived it

Use a bicycle for local shopping errands to save on gas and reduce wear on your car.

It helps keep you in shape while saving money on fuel and vehicle maintenance.

one person who lived it

If your local grocery store offers price matching, collect adverts from other stores and show them on your phone to save gas by shopping in one place.

to save gas

• only if the store matches prices

one person who lived it

Use Excel for simple data munging tasks.

One programmer described it as the easiest tool for these tasks.

• Switch to a real programming language when tasks become complicated enough.

one person who lived it

Watch live sports at a friend's house, bar, or brewery instead of paying for a subscription.

Might save some money.

4 people, independently

Try Jellyfin for self-hosted media if cost is a priority and you do not need remote streaming.

It is cheaper than alternatives.

• It is difficult to stream outside of your home network.

one person who lived it

If walking to work is not possible, buy a bicycle for commuting.

Public transit costs add up over time.

one person who lived it

• Ride a bike to work instead of using a monthly bus pass; after riding 190 times, transportation costs are essentially covered.1

Listen to sports broadcasts on the radio instead of paying for expensive streaming sports packages.

Avoids high monthly costs for sports coverage.

one person who lived it

Calculate whether driving to save money on gas or groceries negates the savings with fuel costs.

One person noted that driving across the county for cheap gas burned up the difference in fuel costs.

one person who lived it

Work with small, locally owned funeral homes that have their own crematoriums.

They may charge less for direct cremation.

one person who lived it

Remove TVs from children's bedrooms to force compromise on viewing choices and reduce screen time.

It encourages kids to agree on what movie or show to watch.

one person who lived it

If you or the deceased are members of a church, ask if they will provide the facility and clergy for free or assist with costs.

Churches often have funds to assist members with these costs.

one person who lived it

Consider buying a fifth-wheel trailer to live in as a way to reduce housing costs, though finding a suitable location may take several months.

• Finding a place can take time (e.g., 7 months).

one person who lived it

If your employer provides cheap unlimited mobile data, use a 4G router to provide home internet.

This eliminates the need for a separate internet bill.

• Getting free devices from work is not realistic for most people.

one person who lived it

Watch Reuters on Roku for a global perspective.

It offers a great world perspective compared to 24/7 Trump coverage.

one person who lived it

Rent cars through Costco for competitive prices and included extras like class upgrades or additional drivers.

Costco rentals often include extras not found elsewhere.

3 people, independently

Keep a long-term gym membership with a low rate as your home base while using free insurance-provided memberships for travel or secondary locations.

It provides a familiar environment where you know the people and they know you.

one person who lived it

Consider using car-sharing services instead of owning a second car if you live in an area with good transit or walkability.

Car-sharing can be cheaper per month than insurance.

• Car-sharing locations may not be close enough to be useful.

one person who lived it

Cancel most streaming services and use free apps like Tubi, Pluto, library apps, and PBS; if you run out of content, go outside.

It feels good and saves money that can be used for meals or future savings.

one person who lived it

• Replace paid streaming services with free library resources like Kanopy, Hoopla, Tubi, or physical media.2

Borrow books from libraries instead of buying them, using inter-branch requests if a title is not available locally.

Libraries have extensive online and print collections, and this avoids the space issues of owning physical books.

• Most libraries do not carry textbooks.

2 people, independently

Downgrade to a limited data plan (e.g., 5GB) to force mindful usage and reduce mindless scrolling.

one person who lived it

Share streaming services with friends or use library cards for access.

Library cards are easy to get.

one person who lived it

Buy unlocked phones outright and use them with cheap MVNO services like Cricket.

3 people, independently

Organize parties at your residence rather than visiting bars.

Bar outings squander cash on inflated drink prices, entry charges, taxi fares, and meals.

3 people, independently

Move to a smaller or less expensive apartment.

Hundreds saved every month.

one person who lived it

Work out with friends who share your goals so you can support each other.

Having the same goal allows for mutual support.

one person who lived it

Shower at the gym to save on gas and water bills at home, and take free toiletries if available.

It lowers bills.

one person who lived it

Cut a normal-sized SIM card into a micro-SIM if needed.

It will work just the same.

one person who lived it

Run errands on your drive home instead of making separate trips to save time and gas.

Saves time and gas.

one person who lived it

Use the library due date slip as a bookmark.

It helps you work out how long you have the book before getting fined.

one person who lived it

Stop treating yourself with candy or ice cream at gas stations.

It costs money and is bad for you.

one person who lived it

Share rent and living expenses with a partner to reduce costs.

5 people, independently

• Split rent with roommates to keep housing costs low in expensive areas.2

Write down prices in Google Keep notes so they sync with the cloud and can be viewed on any device.

It allows access from any device.

one person who lived it

Question the value of paying for InDesign if you only use it occasionally.

One user found $32.50 excessive for monthly use.

one person who lived it

Use a radio for background noise instead of streaming TV to save money.

It is the cheapest option for background noise.

one person who lived it

Download maps at home using Wi-Fi to use GPS without consuming mobile data.

GPS does not require data and is free if the map is pre-downloaded.

2 people, independently

Use curb pickup at McDonald's by ordering ahead.

It saves time by skipping the drive-thru line.

one person who lived it

Live in an RV with lot rent, utilities, and sewer included for under $500/month.

• not great Wi-Fi

one person who lived it

Spend downtime on frugal hobbies like mending clothes or roasting coffee beans.

These activities save money and can be as enjoyable as watching TV or playing video games.

one person who lived it

Apply student discounts to lower the price of streaming and music subscriptions such as Spotify, Hulu, Peacock, and Apple TV+.

• One person suggested getting a job at a university after graduation to maintain these discounts permanently.

8 people, independently

Use a work-provided phone for free unlimited text, talk, and data service.

It is described as a frugal approach.

one person who lived it

Compare the cost of buying a modem for ~$80 against paying $120/year for provider rental to calculate savings.

3 people, independently

Quit or reduce daily marijuana use to save significant monthly income.

3 people, independently

Turn off streaming services during seasons when you spend more time outside than watching TV.

Put that money towards mortgage principal.

one person who lived it

Use the app to discover new restaurants or items you haven't tried before at a low risk.

You won't pay full price for discoveries.

one person who lived it

Browse libraries to satisfy the urge to walk around and shop without spending money.

It fills the same need as walking around stores.

2 people, independently

Use Blu-ray discs instead of streaming for higher quality video and audio.

Blu-ray has a better bit rate than 1080p streaming, resulting in higher video quality and better surround sound mixes.

one person who lived it

If permitted by your employer, take your trash to the work dumpster to avoid pickup fees.

• Only if your boss allows it.

one person who lived it

Consider buying a salvage title electric car to reduce gas costs and purchase price.

Significant savings on gas.

one person who lived it

Calculate the monthly cost of a membership to determine if it represents a small loss if unused.

One person calculated it as 80 cents per month.

one person who lived it

Cancel streaming subscriptions and borrow DVDs or Blu-rays from libraries or buy used ones from pawn shops or garage sales.

Netflix price increases and no more account sharing.

one person who lived it

Cold-call gyms and martial arts studios to ask about scholarships or financial aid.

One person reported having great luck finding scholarships this way.

one person who lived it

Downgrade streaming services to lower tiers that include ads or lower resolution.

It reduces annual costs.

one person who lived it

• Drop premium cable channels or bundles that you do not actively watch to reduce monthly costs.1

Cancel TV licenses if you no longer use the service.

One person saved money by noticing they only used YouTube and music.

one person who lived it

If you seek therapeutic wellness, try unplugging from electronics and spending time in nature, such as taking walks or sitting by a river.

One person found this approach to be therapy for them.

one person who lived it

Sign up for streaming services during Black Friday deals.

Black Friday offers great deals on streaming.

one person who lived it

Book travel through Costco Travel for discounts and potential gift card rebates.

3 people, independently

Watch movies at home via streaming to pause for breaks, eat, drink, and talk freely.

It offers convenience and social freedom compared to theaters.

one person who lived it

Choose pickup over delivery on grocery apps to avoid tips and fees.

Pickup requires no tip and has no fees.

2 people, independently

Install a dash cam to protect against false accident claims.

One person's dash cam saved them when someone threw themselves into their truck; they didn't mention the camera until police arrived.

one person who lived it

Accept that popular shows are available on streaming platforms, reducing the need for cable.

Popular shows can be found just about anywhere.

one person who lived it

Request specific movies or shows from your library if they are not currently in stock.

They will probably order it for you.

one person who lived it

Consider that Netflix's crackdown on password sharing may lead to revenue losses if users downgrade or drop the service.

Downgrading reduces guaranteed monthly revenue per household.

one person who lived it

Consider getting by without a car and using public transport instead.

You will avoid repair costs and insurance payments.

one person who lived it

• Avoid large car loans and insurance costs associated with new or expensive vehicles.1

Try doing deliveries for various companies to earn extra income.

It may help generate an additional $50 a month.

one person who lived it

Choose DVD-by-mail services over streaming if you prefer back-catalogue movies over TV shows.

Streaming offers limited content focused on TV shows, while DVD services provide most new and old movie releases.

one person who lived it

Park at a nearby store and make small purchases periodically to get parking validation tickets.

One person avoided paying for building parking this way.

one person who lived it

Search Google for PDFs of older versions of your textbooks to avoid buying new books.

• It won't work for every class.

one person who lived it

Remove drawers from dressers and carry them yourself while paying movers only for the large frame components to reduce costs.

Handling small parts personally cuts mover time and fees.

one person who lived it

Keep gym memberships only if you use them regularly; cancel any that go unused to stop wasting money.

Unused memberships are a financial loss.

2 people, independently

Learn to bake cakes using online tutorials to sell them for extra income.

One person made good-looking cakes after watching YouTube tutorials, which led friends and family to notice and resulted in extra income from sales.

one person who lived it

Buy an antenna to get free TV channels.

It is a one-time purchase that provides many channels depending on location.

one person who lived it

Use first-party restaurant apps or websites for free delivery or pickup instead of third-party delivery services.

Third-party services are described as ripoffs.

• This limits options to specific cuisines like pizza or Chinese; otherwise, eat in or pick up.

one person who lived it

Check if your public library offers free museum passes or reduced-price entry to local attractions.

17 people, independently

Buy books from library sales, as publishers are compensated through blanket rental agreements.

Publishers receive a yearly fee from libraries via blanket rental agreements, having already been paid for the initial sale.

• Amazon and eBay may remove listings for these copies if found.

one person who lived it

Borrow a truck from a friend to deliver appliances yourself to avoid delivery fees.

This can save money.

one person who lived it

Increase income by doing freelance work, sitting dogs, or renting out space like a couch.

one person who lived it

Keep track of all active streaming subscriptions to avoid accidentally paying for multiple services at once.

Prevents total streaming costs from exceeding previous cable bills.

one person who lived it

Live cheaply in some areas of your life to afford higher quality in others.

one person who lived it

Replace TV watching with free activities like art, music, or gardening to reduce boredom.

These activities are free and result in less boredom.

one person who lived it

Sign in or swipe your card at every gym visit when using an insurance-subsidized membership.

Gyms pass access logs to the insurance company, and failure to log visits may jeopardize coverage.

one person who lived it

Choose free activities like biking or hiking instead of paid entertainment to save money.

Paid activities like bars or movies cost money, while these do not.

one person who lived it

Use interlibrary loan programs to borrow books without spending money.

It is a way to access materials without cost.

2 people, independently

Walk around neighborhoods like Greenwich Village or the East Village for free entertainment.

Walking around these areas is a great pastime.

one person who lived it

Exclude gas purchases from your calculations when determining if an Executive membership pays for itself.

Gas does not count toward the break-even threshold.

one person who lived it

Search YouTube for repair videos to diagnose and fix broken appliances yourself.

4 people, independently

Ask local yoga studios if they offer work-exchange programs where you can attend classes for free in exchange for tasks like opening, closing, or cleaning.

Taking on responsibility for the studio helped one person commit to attending classes.

one person who lived it

Be aware that extending vacations with library DVDs can result in very high late fees if you are delayed.

• One person reported their vacation was extended by a week due to this, resulting in high fees.

one person who lived it

Perform Excel exercises by typing and acting rather than just reading instructions.

Performing is a skill.

one person who lived it

Learn basic car repairs and diagnostics to do your own automotive maintenance.

7 people, independently

Use free public resources such as court proceedings, museums, and art galleries for entertainment and dates.

Government galleries and museums are often free.

one person who lived it

View gardening labor as exercise to offset the cost of manual work.

one person who lived it

Calculate the cost of items in terms of minutes of work required.

one person who lived it

Work out whether DIY projects are economically sensible based on your hourly wage and leisure time value.

4 people, independently

Visit free art galleries and attend free summer concerts and shows in parks.

Galleries are fun to visit and summer offers many free entertainment options.

one person who lived it

Invest using platforms that have eliminated brokerage fees.

It makes investing feasible for everyone.

one person who lived it

Recognize that when content is free with advertisements, you are the product being sold.

one person who lived it

Politely ask a librarian to waive nominal late fees if paying them causes financial difficulty.

Librarians do not depend on late fees as a revenue stream.

one person who lived it

Use Kodi as a legal platform for organizing media, countering the misconception that it is inherently pirated.

The assumption that it is pirate software hurts the project and scares people away.

one person who lived it

Use Amazon Prime Video benefits, including music streaming, as part of a cord-cutting strategy.

It offers decent video content and music similar to Spotify.

• The music selection is not nearly as large as dedicated services.

one person who lived it

Create personalized playlists for loved ones as a gift.

It shows thoughtfulness.

one person who lived it

Consult resources by Bill Jelen and John Walkenbach to learn Excel.

They are excellent resources.

one person who lived it

Accept your introversion to relieve pressure to go out, impress others, or drink.

one person who lived it

Use a single streaming service like Hulu to avoid decision fatigue.

One person found it freeing and eliminating some decision making.

one person who lived it

Fill elective units with low-cost PE classes such as step aerobics, weight lifting, or archery to maintain full-time status for financial aid.

one person who lived it

Include strength training in your running routine to prevent injuries and reduce physical therapy costs.

one person who lived it

Pay for individual episodes or seasons on platforms like iTunes or Amazon instead of subscribing to full services.

Paying for specific shows can wind up being cheaper than cable.

one person who lived it

Use the pharmacy at a warehouse club without a membership card.

Federal law prohibits requiring membership for pharmacy services.

2 people, independently

Invite friends to accompany you to Costco during your own shopping trip, pay for their items, and have them Venmo you immediately.

This allows them to load their own items into their car upon returning home, avoiding separate pickup logistics.

one person who lived it

Use free ad-supported versions of music and entertainment services instead of paying for premium tiers.

• slightly limited versions

6 people, independently

Explore Dish or DirecTV if your current cable costs are high relative to the number of channels received.

one person who lived it

Plan low-cost dates at home involving board games, video games, or learning new tricks together.

These activities cost almost nothing and provide entertainment during bad weather or downtime.

one person who lived it

Check Costco auto insurance (Connect - American Family) for potential savings on car and homeowners/renters insurance.

Insurance savings are a reason some keep their membership for years.

one person who lived it

View saving time by avoiding commercials as a form of frugality.

one person who lived it

Disconnect from constant media consumption to focus on living your life.

one person who lived it

Work out gyms based on essential features like equipment variety, cleanliness, towel service, and convenient hours rather than frills.

Frills can be distracting.

one person who lived it

Avoid renting appliances or furniture from apartment complexes or rental services.

Such rentals are predatory in nature.

one person who lived it

Consider satellite radio in areas with poor or expensive wireless connectivity.

It is technologically superior where streaming is not supported.

one person who lived it

Watch mortician Caitlin Doughty's YouTube videos for information on handling death logistics.

She has a mission of informing families and provides great information.

one person who lived it

Volunteer for work travel assignments where the employer covers hotel and per diem costs.

one person who lived it

Consolidate errands into a single driving route on one day to limit fuel usage.

5 people, independently

• Combine errands into trips you are already making rather than making special trips.3

Drive older cars that are easy to maintain and perform regular services and repairs yourself.

Doing maintenance jointly avoids professional service costs.

one person who lived it

Check if becoming a member of an organization is cheaper than registering for their events as a non-member.

Often, paying for membership plus registration is cheaper than non-member registration.

one person who lived it

Check your local library for free access to LinkedIn classes.

2 people, independently

Live with others in similar financial situations to pool resources, tools, and knowledge.

one person who lived it

Use existing free exercise facilities, such as those included in condo building amenities, before signing up for a paid gym membership.

The cost of maintaining these facilities is likely already included in your rent or fees.

one person who lived it

Live below your means by driving a cheap used car, buying thrifted clothes (sanitized properly), and renting inexpensive but safe housing.

one person who lived it

Shop the pharmacy for reasonably priced medications and refills without a membership.

4 people, independently

Meal prep on a specific day while listening to saved podcasts or videos.

one person who lived it

View smartphones as frugal tools that replace cameras, e-readers, web browsers, music/video players, newspapers, game consoles, alarm clocks, and flashlights.

one person who lived it

Buy a calendar of obscure holidays to provide low-cost entertainment and excuses for celebration throughout the year.

It keeps families entertained cheaply.

one person who lived it

Look into pet insurance to help manage emergency veterinary costs.

3 people, independently

Cancel HBO Max or Max subscriptions to potentially receive multi-month discounts.

one person who lived it

Pay insurance premiums semi-annually or annually to reduce costs.

4 people, independently

Obtain Wi-Fi passwords at every location you visit so your devices can auto-connect when in range.

Higher-end devices remember connections and passwords, allowing automatic connection upon entering range.

one person who lived it

Cancel entertainment subscriptions and use public libraries for books, movies, or music.

It reduces spending on entertainment.

one person who lived it

Replace TV time with productive non-screen activities like learning new skills, reading, fishing, joining clubs, talking with friends, cooking, or playing family board games.

one person who lived it

Look for local municipal internet assistance programs that offer subsidized rates based on zip code.

one person who lived it

Watch only content available for free or use existing piles of old videos.

one person who lived it

Expect tipping prompts on Subway ordering machines, even for simple orders.

• This may vary by location.

one person who lived it

Watch educational content by Kitboga on Twitch and YouTube to learn about prevalent scams.

one person who lived it

Spend time downtown looking around without spending money as a low-cost date activity.

one person who lived it

Search your email for keywords like 'subscription', 'renewal', or 'payment' to find active subscriptions.

2 people, independently

Exercise in the cold through activities like Nordic skiing, walking, or shoveling snow, perhaps listening to techno music.

one person who lived it

Combine an HD antenna with streaming devices (Roku, HTPC) and services (Netflix, Hulu) for a complete cord-cutting solution.

one person who lived it

Be aware that some satellite radio stations, particularly talk channels, contain advertisements.

• Some SiriusXM stations do have ads.

one person who lived it

Use the term 'tiling' when describing pixelated TV signal issues.

one person who lived it

Check the app's website for service areas before downloading to avoid unnecessary installs.

one person who lived it

If workouts alone aren't rewarding enough, splurge on a membership that includes sauna or massage table access to maintain motivation.

one person who lived it

Use free online yoga classes available on YouTube or dedicated websites.

3 people, independently

Change your streaming service password semi-regularly to identify and remove inactive friends who are sharing your account.

one person who lived it

Consult online resources for exchanging money in Buenos Aires.

one person who lived it

Google vague merchant names from bank statements to identify the corresponding subscription service.

one person who lived it

Take a 1-2 minute walk every hour to keep blood flowing.

It prevents hands and feet from getting cold.

one person who lived it

Choose a weighted blanket that is 10% of your body weight.

This was the recommended weight.

one person who lived it

Add water to pine pellets and stir to break them down into sawdust before placing in the litter box.

It makes the texture more like sawdust, which your cat won't mind so much.

one person who lived it

Use thick wool blankets to sleep comfortably with the thermostat set to 58°F overnight.

They keep you warm in cool winter air.

one person who lived it

Grow soft fruits in pots if you have limited space or live in rented accommodation.

They require low effort and can grow in lowish light.

one person who lived it

Place a wool or fleece blanket under your sheets to pre-warm the mattress before getting into bed.

It prevents getting onto a cold mattress.

• Sleeping directly on wool may cause scratching.

one person who lived it

Dampen the glass with a water spray bottle before pressing bubble wrap onto it to help it adhere.

The air pockets serve as an insulating barrier.

• Bubble wrap does not stop drafts from cracks around the window frame.

4 people, independently

Use a laptop lap desk with built-in USB fans when using a laptop on a bed or heated blanket to prevent overheating.

It is much cheaper than damaging your laptop.

one person who lived it

Keep bathroom doors closed to contain heat and prevent warm air from escaping into cold rooms.

Keeps what little warmth you have from escaping; allows the room to warm up as a place for quick warmth relief.

• If the bathroom has a poor window, keeping the door shut is especially important.

2 people, independently

Seal the spaces around window frames using glaze, silicone caulk, or putty to stop air leaks.

• Silicone window caulking smells strongly for a day or two while drying.
• Using plastic to cover windows after caulking may result in losing a security deposit if done without permission.

3 people, independently

• Measure the widest point of window molding, cut wood pieces to fit, and wedge them in to block drafts.1

Use large dog poop bags instead of a diaper genie bag system.

One parent found them way cheaper.

one person who lived it

Own at least two pairs of shoes so one can dry out while the other is worn.

This prevents odor and provides a backup if one pair gets too wet to wear.

one person who lived it

• Rotate multiple pairs of shoes regularly to allow them to dry out and extend their lifespan.3

Set a pet's heated bed to around 120°F and wrap it in a blanket for gentle warmth.

This creates a nice, gentle heat that pets may enjoy.

one person who lived it

Cut tissue paper into squares to use as oil blotting sheets.

A pack from a dollar store provides thousands of sheets.

one person who lived it

Buy lint-free 'bags of rags' from hardware or paint stores.

They don't unravel and are cheap for inexpensive uses.

one person who lived it

Wear gloves when handling hot peppers to prevent skin burning.

Hands can burn after handling more than 1-2 peppers without protection.

one person who lived it

Consider using the Tidy Cats Breeze system with desiccant pellets to reduce waste volume and cleaning time.

One user reported that weekly waste was cut in half, cleaning took only a few minutes, and it eliminated fine litter dust in their condo.

• Some cats will not use the system.

one person who lived it

Wear close-fitting thermal base layers like long underwear or silk underlayers next to your skin.

To keep your core warm.

one person who lived it

Remove excess links from the chain of a hanging light fixture to ensure it hangs at a safe height.

To prevent a toddler from taking it for a ride.

one person who lived it

If you have wide feet with bunions, try Duckfeet USA shoes with a good insole.

One person reported they do not hurt her feet.

one person who lived it

Use white blackout fabric curtains instead of dark ones to keep rooms bright while blocking heat.

Dark curtains still allow the sun to heat up through the glass and make rooms gloomy.

one person who lived it

Use DAP Seal N Peel instead of clay for sealing windows.

Clay may not stick well to old paint and can leave difficult-to-clean stains or residue.

one person who lived it

Inspect used books for bed bugs by looking deep into the spine and pages for brown specks or dried blood.

Bed bugs hide in the dark nooks of books.

one person who lived it

Use incense cones in smaller rooms to extend the life of wax cubes.

The wax scent may outlast its use; incense can help use the remaining fragrance.

one person who lived it

Use 3mil plastic sheeting instead of bubble wrap or kit-based plastic wrap for easier installation and better performance.

It is cheaper, works better, and avoids the double-sided tape in kits that can damage trim.

one person who lived it

Use awnings or wide eaves to block direct sunlight from hitting windows.

Wide eaves can block 100% of direct midday sun during summer months, serving as a passive cooling measure.

one person who lived it

Crack a window near the source of humidity, such as a bathroom, for a couple of hours to equalize humidity and prevent condensation.

Equalizing humidity prevents it from forming on cold places, which stops mold from growing.

• Close the door to the room so only that specific area gets cold.

one person who lived it

Buy human incontinence pads instead of pet training pads for dogs.

They are cheaper, higher quality, and provide more per package.

• Some users report breaking even or paying similar prices at wholesale clubs.

one person who lived it

Use kitty litter on sidewalks in winter instead of salt, but avoid using it near the house entrance.

Salt tracks into the house.

• Do not use near the house as it tracks inside.

one person who lived it

Layer fleece blankets or flannel sheets under your bedding to keep body warmth in.

Fleece holds air, which helps retain heat.

3 people, independently

Use a normal plastic litter box without a cover, or leave the lid off initially.

A normal box is fine, and leaving the lid off helps cats understand what the new box is during transition.

2 people, independently

Use Reflectix bubble foil insulation to block heat, cutting and removing it as needed.

It works perfectly to block heat and doesn't cost much more than bubble wrap.

one person who lived it

Cut your own short hair by buzzing the back and sides and trimming the top, ensuring you finish the job once started.

It is easy and avoids the fear of incomplete results.

one person who lived it

Tape heavy denim or available sheets directly to the window frame.

blocks all light and most of the heat

one person who lived it

Try guerrilla gardening in public spaces like alleys behind apartment complexes if you lack private land.

One person reported defining an outline with logs and being ignored by maintenance workers for two years.

• Success may depend on maintenance workers ignoring the area; this is based on one personal experience.

one person who lived it

Store tea in opaque, airtight containers to protect it from light and air, preserving freshness for years.

Keeping tea out of direct sunlight and in jars light cannot get through helps freshness last a lot longer.

• Do not keep tea in clear jars unless kept out of direct sunlight.

one person who lived it

After installing shrink-wrap plastic on windows, use a hairdryer to tighten the fit.

The heat causes the plastic to tighten up against the window.

2 people, independently

• Buy window sealing kits with plastic and double-sided tape, shrinking the plastic with a hair dryer for clarity.1

Buy an electric can opener with a magnet if you have poor grip strength or dexterity.

It allows one-handed operation and secures the lid to reduce the risk of cutting yourself.

one person who lived it

Use an Oodie (large wearable blanket) to stay warm without using heating, even in mild climates.

One user found it enough to avoid using heating despite mild Australian winters.

• They are pricey.

one person who lived it

Choose roses for recipients with cats, as they are romantic, pretty, and safe for pets.

they are ok for kitties

one person who lived it

Use flannel sheets for added comfort and warmth in winter.

They keep you warm and soft.

2 people, independently

Use a pet as a natural heat source by letting them snuggle in bed with you.

Pets like dogs and cats help keep you warm all night.

2 people, independently

Prop mattresses against the wall daily if they are placed directly on the floor.

Moisture can get underneath and cause mold.

one person who lived it

Do not compost or dump pet waste outside.

Pet waste contains pathogens that backyard composting heat will not kill and can leach into groundwater.

one person who lived it

Sleep with socks on to retain body heat.

Wearing socks makes a huge difference in keeping warm.

2 people, independently

Invest in a heavy down comforter as a solid choice for warmth.

It allows sleeping in unheated rooms.

one person who lived it

Layer multiple sets of curtains or hang drapes to improve home insulation.

Combining layers provides better insulation than a single pair alone.

3 people, independently

Prefer a cold room with warm blankets over an overheated room.

It is more comfortable and frugal.

one person who lived it

Line litter boxes or bag waste using sturdy product bags like coffee or bread bags, ensuring they are large enough, hole-free, and fold over securely.

Coffee bags are sturdy and the scent helps mask odors; double bagging prevents breakage.

• Ensure the bag has zero holes.

one person who lived it

Cut pool noodles to pad garage shelves.

This prevents car doors from getting dinged when opened against the shelves.

one person who lived it

Wear a nice heavy cardigan to stay very warm, as poor quality women's clothes can be cold.

can keep you very warm

• poor quality women's clothes are pretty cold

one person who lived it

Keep a smaller, separate light blanket under your main covers to snuggle into if a partner steals the primary bedding.

It allows you to stay warm without fighting for space.

one person who lived it

Lay on mattresses in-store for a while before buying them.

To ensure they are comfortable.

one person who lived it

Bundle up and sit outside on sunny winter days.

On a sunny day it's awesome.

one person who lived it

Place rugs on hard floors to prevent the cold shock of stepping out of bed.

It prevents the floor from feeling cold and jolting when you first get up.

one person who lived it

Store greens with dry conditions on the bottom and damp paper towels on top.

it works well

one person who lived it

Clip your water bottle to the outside of your backpack.

This saves space inside your carry-on luggage.

one person who lived it

Flip shirt collars and cuffs inside out and sew them back on when they fray to make them look new.

This makes frayed areas look brand new.

one person who lived it

Use headphones with a built-in microphone to make calls on tablets or iPods.

It avoids the need to hold the device up to your face.

one person who lived it

Store receipts in plastic baggies to protect them from water damage.

So they don't get wet.

one person who lived it

Improve mediocre soil by adding saved grass clippings.

It will do wonders for the soil.

one person who lived it

Wear a Carhartt zip hoodie with Sherpa or shearling lining for warmth and comfort.

It serves as a comfort item beyond just staying warm.

one person who lived it

Make a blanket by tying two pieces of fleece together.

It is a cheap way to create a super warm blanket.

one person who lived it

Keep a small blanket bunched around your head and shoulders.

It helps keep warm air trapped under the main blankets.

one person who lived it

Layer a knit afghan between two solid blankets.

The holes in the knit fabric trap warm air.

one person who lived it

Crush cans before storing them if you scrap metal by weight.

It is easier to transport more.

one person who lived it

Use old socks for cleaning up oil spills.

They are good absorbent material.

one person who lived it

Wrap adult t-shirts around a baby to create no-sew diapers.

Tee shirts are cheap.

one person who lived it

Hang thermal or blackout curtains over all windows and sliding doors to retain warmth.

10 people, independently

• Hang curtains in doorways to block off unheated areas and retain heat in occupied rooms.3
• Place rolled-up towels or blankets at the bottom of exterior doors to seal out drafts.3
• Hang thermal curtains or light-colored quilts behind regular curtains, pulling them to the side during the day to allow solar gain.1

Remove the silver twist tie from new battery-operated milk frothers before use to allow the whisk to rotate.

The tie stops the whisk from rotating.

one person who lived it

Improve your cat's diet and ensure they drink enough water to reduce litter box smell.

Good food and enough water intake can help immensely with odor.

one person who lived it

Prefer wool over cotton for blankets.

Cotton dries slowly and feels cold when wet.

one person who lived it

Place red Christmas bulbs among young tomato plants to deter birds until the tomatoes ripen.

Birds lose interest by the time the real tomatoes start to ripen.

one person who lived it

Use cedar blocks instead of mothballs to protect stored blankets.

Mothballs are not good for you.

one person who lived it

If you are renting, use inexpensive paint or whatever the landlord bought.

Let the next person deal with it.

one person who lived it

Apply duct tape to skin areas where shoes rub to prevent blisters.

The slick surface prevents enough grip to cause blisters, working better than band-aids.

one person who lived it

Wear long underwear to keep your legs warm at night.

It can improve comfort and attitude towards sleepwear by keeping legs warm.

one person who lived it

Use Moso natural bags to keep rooms smelling fresh instead of candles.

It saves money compared to candles.

one person who lived it

Water vertical planters daily, or twice daily in hot weather, to prevent the plants from cooking.

those things will cook

one person who lived it

Lay carpet remnants on the floor as rugs for insulation.

They should help a bit with floor insulation.

one person who lived it

Build a DIY antenna using scrap materials such as wire, wood, screws, coat hangers, or an old balun.

One person reported getting a better signal than with even the best commercial antennas.

2 people, independently

Use a space heater in individual rooms to warm them up fast.

It helps occupants get moving faster in the morning.

one person who lived it

Use vertical blinds for cat safety.

Vertical blinds offer nothing for claws to grab and have no cords for cats to get ensnared in.

one person who lived it

Double a towel over your pillow after showering at night to manage wet hair.

It helps keep things under control.

one person who lived it

Avoid generic batteries for use in extreme temperatures, as they may fail quickly in cold or heat.

Generic batteries are passable at normal operating temps (around 70 degrees) but die when subjected to cold or heat.

one person who lived it

Use a grabber tool and gloves when picking up litter to maintain hygiene and project the image of a hobbyist rather than someone in distress.

People are less likely to perceive you as unhoused if you have tools, viewing it as a hobby instead.

one person who lived it

Collect seeds from your own perennials and biennials for future planting.

One person found this approach very successful.

one person who lived it

Use thin mittens or socks on babies' hands to prevent scratching.

Newborns often have sharp fingernails that they tend to scratch themselves with.

one person who lived it

Use old laundromat cards or gift cards as decoys in wallets to deter pickpockets or muggers.

They serve as props in a fake 'mugger's decoy wallet'.

one person who lived it

Use a pillow with a soft satin side and a fleece side, flipping it to the satin side in summer for blissful coolness.

Satin provides a cooler feel in summer.

one person who lived it

Apply clear spray lacquer over customized or painted shoes to help hold the finish.

It helps hold the finish a lot better.

one person who lived it

Collect silica packets from purchased goods and place them in pantries or root cellars to prevent moisture damage.

It prevents food spoilage due to moisture, saving time spent on sweat equity.

one person who lived it

Plug the drain when taking a shower or bath to retain humidity, which helps hold heat.

Humidity holds heat.

one person who lived it

Give a toddler a box of tissues to rip out and throw around for entertainment.

One parent reported their daughter absolutely loved doing this.

one person who lived it

Check electrical outlets for drafts and seal them with plastic.

Plastic covers can make an amazing difference.

one person who lived it

• Put foam plugs into electrical outlets on outside walls to block cold air leaks.3

Hang and fold cloth napkins to dry to enjoy the quiet joy of the ritual.

Quietly folding napkins and wondering if they fit in drawers is described as a tiny treasure.

one person who lived it

Transfer berries from plastic containers to paper bags.

This helps them last longer.

one person who lived it

Use old cat litter from deep cleans to dry out leftover paint cans for disposal.

It provides one last use for the litter and avoids buying a dedicated product.

one person who lived it

Consider knitting instead of crochet if you have wrist issues or arthritis.

Crochet involves lots of wrist action.

one person who lived it

Avoid stapling thick plastic sheeting to windows in hot climates or without considering repair costs.

One person reported the plastic melted while they were away; others question the cost of repairing window frames after stapling.

• May melt in hot climates like Arizona.
• May damage window frames requiring costly repairs.

one person who lived it

Use thin plastic sheeting sealed tightly around windows, relying on the trapped air layer for insulation rather than plastic thickness.

Thicker plastic does not insulate better; the trapped air is the effective insulator.

• Taped plastic devices may fail to stay sealed once condensation builds up.

one person who lived it

Store leftover paint in glass jars with tight seals to prevent mold.

Original cans may lead to paint molding or becoming unusable.

one person who lived it

If using cheap pellet litter users: dump the entire box every 4 days instead of scooping daily.

It is cheaper and faster (takes about 3 minutes) than scooping.

one person who lived it

Use an outlet timer for heated pet beds if you are concerned about leaving them on continuously.

Many product labels advise against running them 24/7.

one person who lived it

Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing to fertilize it naturally.

It helps create a beautiful grass lawn.

one person who lived it

Correct drafts at doors and windows to make a significant difference in warmth.

makes a big difference

one person who lived it

Place the litter box in a contained area like a second bathroom, small closet, or near an exterior door to manage tracking.

These locations help contain tracked litter or allow for easy sweeping outside.

one person who lived it

Consider synthetic materials as an alternative to down.

They are less expensive and breathe well.

• They are bulkier and heavier than down.

one person who lived it

Use dark-colored or patterned towels and sheets to hide stains and wear better.

Patterns, especially dark ones, hide stains better than solid dark colors; black sheets hide wear well.

one person who lived it

Choose heated bedding with independent dual-zone controls so partners can set different temperatures.

It prevents conflict over temperature settings and saves money.

5 people, independently

Transfer flour and other dry goods from paper bags into individual sealed plastic bags to prevent pantry moths from spreading.

Store-bought flour can contain pantry moths that spread to everything once introduced.

one person who lived it

Use non-expanding foam to seal gaps if necessary.

Expanding foam can prevent windows from opening again.

one person who lived it

Use softwood pellets like pine or spruce for cat litter instead of hardwood.

Hardwood pellets lack the necessary absorbent properties.

one person who lived it

Put cat litter in the bottom of trash cans to mask smells, absorb leaks, and soak up liquid from rotting debris.

It absorbs liquids leaking from bags, especially from vegetable debris that rots quickly.

one person who lived it

Add agricultural lime or crushed dried eggshells to soil to fix calcium deficiency.

These additions address soil calcium deficiency.

• Agricultural lime and crushed dried eggshells are noted as non-organic in the source.

one person who lived it

Keep a clean litter box regularly to prevent behavioral confusion and odor issues.

Letting the box pile up can confuse cats; lack of cleanliness has been cited as a reason for relationship strain.

one person who lived it

Cover stored potatoes with burlap, paper bags, or cardboard.

To prevent them from turning green.

one person who lived it

If you struggle with cat litter odors, try using Everclean litter and scoop daily while changing it weekly.

One person reported no odors with this routine.

one person who lived it

Test double-sided tape on a small area before using it to secure clear shower curtain liners over windows.

To ensure the tape does not pull up surface material when removed.

one person who lived it

Buy a mattress cover before using a previously owned mattress to reduce bedbug risks.

To address concerns about bedbugs.

one person who lived it

Bring a hot water bottle to work to stay warm in cold cars or offices.

one person who lived it

Hang big rugs on walls for insulation, checking first if they have rings for hanging.

rugs historically provided insulation as well as looks

• check if the rug has rings to hang up before attempting

one person who lived it

Glue or sew layers of fringe cut from felt squares onto a dress you already own to create a piñata costume.

one person who lived it

Be aware that automatic litter boxes may not work with wood pellets.

Urine turns pellets into wet sawdust, so the automatic mechanism will only scoop feces, not urine residue.

one person who lived it

Place a hard mat or tray under pantry shelving to protect carpet from moisture and mold.

To prevent the carpet from developing 'sentient life' (mold/moisture issues).

one person who lived it

Use litter labeled for multiple cats to better mask urine odors.

It is better at masking the other cats' urine than non-labeled options.

one person who lived it

Snuggle with a partner or pet under the covers to share body heat.

4 people, independently

• Tuck yourself tightly into your blankets like a burrito.2

Wash blankets, sheets, and pillowcases regularly to help them retain heat better.

Sweat salts keep fabric damp and cold, while sebum clumps fibers together, reducing their ability to hold insulating air pockets.

• Some users doubt that washing physically improves heat retention.

one person who lived it

Provide specific landmarks and directions in delivery instructions, and turn on exterior house lights to help drivers find you.

It makes all the difference for finding the location.

one person who lived it

Lower the thermostat by 2-5 degrees and wear warm clothing like hoodies, sweatpants, wool socks, and beanies, potentially using an electric throw blanket.

3 people, independently

If you have a raised bed, place suitcases filled with clothes underneath it for insulation.

This helps insulate against cold floors.

one person who lived it

Avoid using Alyssum as a ground cover if you want to control its spread.

It spreads aggressively like a weed after scattering seeds and watering.

one person who lived it

Add weight to the bottom of tiki torch bottles to stabilize them and reduce oil consumption.

Adding weight stabilizes the bottle and reduces oil usage.

one person who lived it

Wear underwear, socks, and undershirts to reduce wear on outer clothing and extend its life.

Underclothing is cheaper than the outer garments it protects, making overall purchases last longer.

one person who lived it

Do not compromise on safety or items that go into a baby's mouth.

one person who lived it

Avoid using expanding foam in rental properties.

It is messy and permanent.

one person who lived it

Wear modern thermal underwear under clothing for warmth without bulk.

Modern thermals are very thin and do not look like traditional thermals, making them fine to show under blouses.

one person who lived it

Upgrade kitchen utensils to silicone if plastic ones melt or wood ones splinter.

Plastic tools keep melting and wood tools keep splintering.

one person who lived it

Use wire strippers instead of knives when constructing DIY antennas to avoid injury.

Knives pose a risk of cutting yourself.

one person who lived it

Hang coats outside after wearing them to remove odors without washing.

One person found this removed smells pleasantly.

one person who lived it

Throw junk mail, newspapers, or magazines into the trash can to absorb liquid spills.

It absorbs drops of liquid and replacements are always available in your mailbox.

one person who lived it

Wrap clear pump bottles containing skincare in aluminum foil to protect the product from light.

Cream exposed to light loses its helpful properties faster.

one person who lived it

Throw out litter-catching mats every few months rather than attempting to clean them.

One person recommends disposal over cleaning.

one person who lived it

Break off pine branches and bind them together with wire to create a simple tree.

one person who lived it

Hand-paint craft pieces to make them look more realistic and fit your color scheme.

one person who lived it

Avoid using normal aluminum foil for radiant barriers due to its fragility and difficulty in handling.

It tears easily and blows around in the wind.

one person who lived it

Buy footy pajamas with double zippers for easier dressing.

Regular zippers are difficult to manage.

one person who lived it

Use an electric underblanket and throw to stay warm without keeping the central heat on when leaving the house.

one person who lived it

Drill holes in free cat litter buckets to use as containers for growing potatoes.

one person who lived it

Keep antennas away from metals to prevent interference with signal reception.

they'll interfere

one person who lived it

Rotate crops to partially compensate for declining yields, but periodically import external amendments like compost, manure, or rock dust to replenish depleted minerals.

Minerals will still deplete over time despite crop rotation.

one person who lived it

Use a Topsy Turvy strawberry planter to save money on soil and containers compared to individual pots.

individual containers would require more soil and probably more money

one person who lived it

Be aware that radiant barriers may raise shingle temperatures, potentially shortening roof life and offsetting energy savings.

Radiant barriers can keep heat longer and increase the temperatures shingles endure.

one person who lived it

Cut your hair using the ponytail method: tie hair in a ponytail, slide the holder to the desired length, and cut.

3 people, independently

Pour a Dawn and water mixture into stagnant PVC drains to decrease surface tension and prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

one person who lived it

Use an electric foot warmer pouch for targeted warmth if heated blankets feel too restrictive.

• Pets may take over the device when not in use.

one person who lived it

Use Mod Podge as a sealer over painted crafts to make them shiny and resistant to chipping.

one person who lived it

Create a static cling costume by hot gluing socks and fabric softener to clothes and puffing up hair to make it frizzy.

one person who lived it

Make Christmas grave blankets using dollar store foam, clearance silk flowers, and yard clippings.

one person who lived it

Dress as Miss Rachel from Cocomelon by wearing overalls, a pink t-shirt, and a pink headband.

one person who lived it

Place soundproofing material under a portable dryer to reduce noise complaints from downstairs neighbors.

one person who lived it

Build mini-greenhouses using scavenged materials like bricks, pipe, soil, plastic sheeting, and cane.

one person who lived it

One approach that worked for a bag lady costume was safety-pinning various sizes of bags all over a shirt.

one person who lived it

Use carrot sticks or nuts as a substitute for oral fixation when quitting smoking or chewing habits.

one person who lived it

Make a mummy costume by rolling yourself in bandages found at home or from a pharmacy when unprepared for a party.

one person who lived it

Replace dryer sheets with wool dryer balls to eliminate static and avoid chemical coatings on clothes.

They fluff clothes, cut down on static, and have no nasty side-effects or fragrance.

• Towels may not be as soft as with fabric softener.

6 people, independently

Run a dehumidifier while drying laundry indoors to cut drying time in half.

It removes moisture from the home and speeds up the process.

2 people, independently

Buy a countertop dishwasher if you live in a small apartment.

It may pay for itself within two years.

one person who lived it

Wash cloth diapers twice with unscented detergent; if odors persist from excess soap, strip them with vinegar water and reduce detergent usage.

Raunchy smells often come from too much detergent or dryer sheets.

• Avoid bleach for many modern nappies.

2 people, independently

Wash clothes only when they smell or have stains, except for socks and underwear which should be washed daily.

Items not touching skin do not need to be washed until they start to smell or have visible dirt.

• Socks and underwear want to be washed every day.

one person who lived it

Avoid off-brand cleaning soaps and dish soaps at the dollar store.

They are watered down, less effective, produce fewer suds, and run out faster.

one person who lived it

Modify soap quantity according to local water hardness; reduce usage with a softener and increase it for very hard water.

Water chemistry affects the amount of soap required for efficient cleaning.

• For very hard water, some recommend adding Borax or Calgon to soften the water.

5 people, independently

Own 15-20 pairs of underwear and consciously cycle through them to extend their lifespan to 3-5 years.

Cycling them helps them last longer.

one person who lived it

Replace tissues with cheap washcloths and paper towels with washable shop cloths.

One user reported the washcloths paid for themselves in about two weeks and the shop cloths in about a month.

one person who lived it

Buy a used portable washing machine on resale platforms to wash clothes at minimal cost.

One person reported buying one for $65 and washing clothes for free.

2 people, independently

Soak stained items in cold water with 1 teaspoon of oxygen bleach per gallon for 8 hours before washing.

Less product is more effective when given time to work.

one person who lived it

Throw dry towels into the dryer when changing the lint filter to reduce drying time.

It may save money on energy costs.

one person who lived it

Buy dish detergent and dish soap in bulk for extreme value.

One person calculated the cost at roughly $.06 cents per oz.

one person who lived it

Be aware that homemade detergent may not clean heavily soiled clothes.

Some users found it didn't clean well or left clothes feeling weighted and smelly, leading them to switch back to commercial brands.

• May leave clothes with an odd smell or weighted feeling

2 people, independently

Clean the lint trap regularly to prevent dryer fires.

Failure to do so can start fires

one person who lived it

Iron your own shirts and pants at home instead of using dry cleaning services.

Dry cleaning prices can be high, making this a significant saver.

one person who lived it

Wash protein-based stains in cold water.

Warm or hot water sets the proteins.

one person who lived it

Hire a handyman to maintain your laundry machines every year or so.

It is worth paying for this rather than waiting until problems arise.

one person who lived it

Use a spin dryer or the spinner side of a twin-tub washer to remove excess water before air drying.

The spinner removes excess water much better than hand wringing, making hang drying faster.

3 people, independently

Use less laundry detergent than the manufacturer recommends, such as one tablespoon per load or half a pod.

Manufacturer guidelines are often marketing-driven; friction and water do most of the cleaning, and excess detergent is unnecessary for typical loads.

10 people, independently

• Use less detergent, such as two tablespoons per average load or a small amount of OxiClean.1

Soak a rag in lemon juice and wrap it around faucets to dissolve hard water buildup, then wipe off.

Lemon juice smells better than vinegar.

one person who lived it

Start the washing machine on hot water to dissolve powdered homemade detergent, then switch to cold once dissolved.

Bar soap granules don't want to dissolve in cold water alone.

• For cold and gentle cycles, first dissolve the powder in a cup of hot water and dilute with a cup of cold water before adding to the machine.

one person who lived it

Buy Dawn Ultra 2x concentrate dish soap from dollar stores.

It is highly concentrated and lasts a long time.

one person who lived it

Use a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand to save money and time.

Washing by hand costs more and takes longer.

4 people, independently

Switch to reusable cloth diapers and washable rags instead of disposables.

One person reported saving thousands of dollars by doing so.

one person who lived it

Choose denim jeans without stretch for better longevity.

One person reported owning $20 jeans for 20 years using this method.

• Based on one person's experience

one person who lived it

Use a front-loading washer if you wash frequently in hot water.

Front loaders use much less hot water, and heating water is where most savings occur.

one person who lived it

If your lease makes you responsible for repairs, buy your own washer and dryer and have the landlord remove their old unit.

Old units are often not repairable when they die.

one person who lived it

Switch to powdered laundry detergent to avoid paying for the water weight included in liquid detergents.

Liquid detergents are largely diluted with water, whereas powder provides concentrated soap without that added cost.

• Powder can clump if not handled correctly.
• Some popular brands may not be available in powder form.

7 people, independently

• Switch to powder laundry detergent in cardboard boxes to reduce plastic waste and cost.1

Do not put plastic detergent caps inside the washing machine or dryer, as they can slice delicate fabrics or melt.

Plastic caps can cause mysterious holes in shirts and may melt in the dryer.

one person who lived it

Buy unscented natural laundry soap from local refill stations to save money and reduce plastic waste.

Refill stations can charge about half the price of normal natural brands.

one person who lived it

Use portable laundry hampers as storage boxes for fragile items instead of cardboard or plastic units.

They are cheaper, more flexible than cardboard, and support fragile items well.

• Do not use for items that should not be exposed to air.

one person who lived it

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to clean cat accidents on floors or upholstery.

It saves money and is non-toxic.

one person who lived it

Rinse solid waste from cloth diapers into the toilet before washing, optionally using a handheld spray nozzle.

This makes the washer's job easier, prevents staining, and complies with laws that may prohibit putting human excrement in garbage.

4 people, independently

Wash wool sparingly, avoid rubbing when hand washing, and always air dry.

Agitation causes fibers to felt, and using a dryer will shrink and felt the wool.

one person who lived it

Hand-wash clothes in a bucket or shower using a plunger or manual agitation to save money before investing in equipment.

It gets things amazingly clean and saves money for those too poor for laundromats.

2 people, independently

Avoid keeping unused laundromat prepaid cards by passing them to others or leaving them behind to prevent monthly dormancy fees.

Leaving the card prevents fees from being deducted from your bank account.

• The fee is taken from the card balance, not your bank account.

one person who lived it

Buy generic toilet paper unless the brand feels like pressed cardboard.

It will be used and flushed regardless of the brand.

• Avoid brands that feel like pressed cardboard.

one person who lived it

Use single-ply toilet paper.

One user noted they definitely use less product day by day.

• It can be a little annoying.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying extremely cheap laundry pods as they may smell horrible.

One person reported that $4.95 pods smelled horrible enough for others to notice in a lecture hall.

one person who lived it

Buy a 40 lb tub of Boardwalk brand laundry detergent online for approximately $30 shipped if you prefer a lower cost per load than homemade recipes.

It is likely a better deal than making your own.

one person who lived it

Check if your daycare accepts cloth diapers before committing to them.

Many childcare centers only accept disposable diapers.

3 people, independently

If you run out of dish soap, lather up bar soap from the shower to clean plates.

It will get the plate clean.

one person who lived it

Line bowls with tinfoil if you have no soap.

The bowl stayed clean.

one person who lived it

Use Amway Dishdrops for dishwashing if you need a phosphate-free option that works in hard water.

It works great in hard water.

one person who lived it

Use a food processor to grind Zote soap for cleaning.

One person described this as a game changer.

one person who lived it

Break dishwasher tablets in half to use less product per wash.

You can get the same results with half a tablet.

one person who lived it

Clean your car's wheels before washing the body.

Cleaning wheels after the car causes dirt and soap to spill onto the car's clean paint.

one person who lived it

Plug the sink and fill it with hot, soapy water to soak all dirty dishes at once.

Washing them one by one from the soak saves both water and soap.

one person who lived it

Buy name-brand washing up liquid.

Generic versions may not last as long.

one person who lived it

Clean tubs, showers, and kitchen sinks with Dawn dish soap.

It cleans them really fast and.

one person who lived it

Use citric acid to keep your machine clean.

It helps keep the machine clean.

one person who lived it

Wipe windows dry with newspaper after spraying cleaner to avoid streaks and dust.

It doesn't leave behind dust or streaks.

one person who lived it

Rent a carpet shampooer for deep cleaning if you do not own one.

renting is cheap enough

one person who lived it

If using powdered detergent in a high-efficiency front-loading machine, place it in the drawer rather than the drum.

Putting it in the barrel can cause clumping and weird spots on clothes.

• Powder may clump in some HE machines, causing spots.

one person who lived it

Work out whether dirty clothes are worth washing or should be discarded based on the cost of laundering.

High laundering prices may make it more sensible to let go of certain items.

one person who lived it

Drip dry for 60 seconds before wiping to reduce toilet paper usage.

Sitting there allows excess water to drip off, making a huge difference in TP use.

one person who lived it

Focus on spending on items that provide the biggest return in joy and life quality, such as a dishwasher.

It saves time and physical strain, improving life quality compared to washing dishes by hand.

one person who lived it

Replace a broken washing machine pump yourself rather than replacing the entire unit.

Pumps cost around $50 and are described as trivially easy to replace.

one person who lived it

Consider the Panda portable washer and dryer combo if you need an all-in-one unit.

One user found both components amazing.

one person who lived it

Use Powder Tide for cheap and effective cleaning, even for cloth diapers.

It cleans super well.

one person who lived it

Add essential oils to homemade detergent for scent, but avoid soap scents as they can ruin the batch.

Base ingredients lack scent and users are accustomed to detergents smelling nice.

one person who lived it

• Add essential oils like lavender, rosemary, or tea tree to homemade detergent for fragrance.1

Do not flush non-clumping litter such as pine pellets or sawdust, even if labeled flushable.

Septic and sewer systems are not designed to handle these materials; flushing them can cause thousands of dollars in damage or introduce excessive volume into the system.

one person who lived it

Clean green nylon scrubbers by sprinkling Comet powder, rolling them into a ball, and rinsing them out.

They will dry smelling sweet.

one person who lived it

Use a shower hose or bidet to clean yourself instead of buying toilet paper.

Water is efficient and a quick spritz cleans.

one person who lived it

• Install a bidet and use reusable wipes like infant washcloths to eliminate the need to buy toilet paper.6

Avoid cheap clothes steamers.

They may leak boiling water and spit steam randomly, posing a safety risk.

one person who lived it

Place the dirty laundry detergent cap directly into the washing machine with your clothes to clean it automatically.

The extra detergent cleans the cup while being used for the load.

• Some worry the cap might get caught on other items.
• An alternative is wiping it out with a sock.

3 people, independently

Avoid brushes with built-in soap reservoirs as they consume soap too quickly.

they use so much so fast

one person who lived it

Use high-capacity laundromat machines to wash large loads, including blankets, in one cycle.

Larger machines allow you to fit more items, such as 10 days' worth of clothes plus blankets, at once.

one person who lived it

Dry out water-based paint cans and dispose of them in regular household trash if your local hazardous waste facility does not accept them.

Some cities direct residents to dry out water-based paints because they do not accept them at hazardous waste collections, unlike oil-based paints.

• Verify local regulations; this advice applies where water-based paint is excluded from hazardous waste programs.

one person who lived it

Choose dish soap without dyes or fragrance to avoid uncertainty about ingredients.

You have no idea what you are washing your dishes with otherwise.

one person who lived it

Mix vinegar and water to create an everyday cleaning solution.

It is the cheapest cleaner and best for the environment and your drains.

one person who lived it

Use concentrated liquid detergents like Dr. Bronner’s Sal’s Suds, using about a tablespoon per load.

It is super concentrated, so it lasts forever.

one person who lived it

Use a portable washer to avoid having your belongings disrespected by strangers in public laundry areas.

It removes the need to trust strangers with your items.

2 people, independently

Buy a Bosch dishwasher for its silence and ability to heat water without melting plastic items.

It operates silently and allows plastic items to be placed on any rack level without damage.

one person who lived it

Turn old t-shirts into reusable rags for drying off after using a bidet.

You are just drying yourself off, similar to using any other towel.

one person who lived it

Use the same washing soda and borax mixture in the dishwasher to replace commercial detergent.

Dishes still sparkle.

one person who lived it

Wash whites and very dirty items like rags and towels in warm or hot water.

Whites come out brighter and dirty items get cleaned better.

one person who lived it

Wash homemade rags in a lingerie bag to contain loose threads and protect the washing machine.

It helps with unraveling and prevents annoying threads or faster fraying.

one person who lived it

Wear most clothing items multiple times before washing, reserving frequent washes for undergarments and socks.

Many items do not need washing after every wear, which reduces utility costs.

• Do not skimp on washing undergarments.

2 people, independently

Skip kid-run car wash fundraisers.

They likely fail to change towels between cars, use microfiber, employ grit guards, or follow two- or three-bucket methods.

one person who lived it

Expect that cloth diapers may leak more often than disposables, requiring more frequent changes and additional laundry loads.

Leaks soil clothes, bedding, and car seat covers, adding to the number of washing loads.

one person who lived it

Buy Wisk laundry detergent at Kroger or Fred Meyer.

It is very inexpensive at these stores.

one person who lived it

Check if a different local laundromat offers cheaper prices, as costs have risen.

Laundromats are not as cheap as they used to be.

one person who lived it

Check if lower-end washing machine models are computerized before buying.

If the computer fails on front-loaders or higher-end top-loaders, repairs may require a warranty.

one person who lived it

Dilute liquid laundry detergent with water in the bottle to make it last longer.

The detergent is often too concentrated for needs, and dilution can double its lifespan without noticeable difference in cleaning.

2 people, independently

Learn proper laundry techniques by washing cloth diapers, which teaches using less detergent.

One person found that learning how to wash cloth diapers taught them how to wash all their clothes with way less detergent.

one person who lived it

Wash two loads in smaller apartment washers and combine them into one larger dryer load if the dryer capacity allows.

Apartment washers are often smaller than dryers, allowing combined drying.

one person who lived it

Buy powder laundry and dishwasher soap in bulk boxes.

One user found it provides much better results and is cheaper.

one person who lived it

Wash your hair only once per shower.

The instruction to repeat is designed to sell more product, not because it is necessary.

one person who lived it

Place laundry pods in the drum before adding clothes so water hits them first.

This ensures complete dissolution; residue often occurs if the pod gets wet last.

one person who lived it

Adjust clothes to balance the load in a portable washer to stop shaking during the spin cycle.

Unbalanced clothes cause shaking; adjusting them stops the shaking entirely.

one person who lived it

Hang laundry to dry indoors to naturally humidify the air.

The large surface area of wet fabric acts as a natural humidifier.

• Remove the laundry when guests are over.

one person who lived it

Use fragrance-free powder detergent followed by an acid rinse (laundry sour) for the cleanest clothes.

This combination results in the cleanest clothes.

one person who lived it

Choose thicker toilet paper brands that do not rip easily, as this may allow you to use fewer squares per use.

Thicker paper requires fewer squares for both urination and defecation compared to thinner brands.

one person who lived it

Use foaming bathroom cleaner to clean white kitchen backsplashes.

It works wonders on white surfaces.

one person who lived it

Buy an ironing board (and an iron) to avoid the high electricity costs of using a dryer for wrinkle removal.

It is cheaper than using a power-munching dryer.

one person who lived it

Sun-dry cotton clothes when you have the opportunity.

Sun-drying is amazing.

one person who lived it

Buy a portable washer and dryer if your rent includes utilities to eliminate laundromat fees.

Using included water and electricity makes laundry free compared to paying per load.

one person who lived it

Consider that disposable diapers may delay potty training by removing the discomfort of wetness.

Disposables prevent the sensation of sitting in mess or being wet, which is a key cue for learning.

one person who lived it

Make a Dawn Power Wash refill solution by gently shaking together hot water, Dawn dish soap, and rubbing alcohol.

This mixture works as a refill, eliminating the need to purchase official refills.

one person who lived it

Maintain daily cleaning routines using basic tools like rags, brooms, and warm water to avoid needing specialty products.

Staying on top of cleaning keeps your home looking good and eliminates the need for specialty cleaning products.

one person who lived it

Use liquid or powder detergent in portable washers instead of packs to avoid overloading.

Packs contain too much detergent for these machines.

one person who lived it

Wash your car with only water most of the time, using soap only occasionally.

the car looks great without frequent soap use

one person who lived it

Mix baking soda and salt for granular scouring, adding a little vinegar to create a fizzing paste.

It cleans everything Comet would.

one person who lived it

Buy higher-quality bath or beach towels to avoid replacing them annually.

Cheap towels need replacement every year, while nicer ones last years.

one person who lived it

Consider switching to Persil or Purex detergent, which some users find more concentrated and effective than Tide.

These brands require less product per load to clean.

one person who lived it

Avoid detergents with enzymes to help clothes last longer and reduce pilling.

Helps clothes last longer; reduces pilling.

one person who lived it

Place aluminum foil trays in the dishwasher to keep silverware shiny.

The process acts as electrolysis to keep silverware shiny.

• Aluminum will turn darker and fall apart after frequent use.

one person who lived it

Use Dawn dish soap as a primary cleaner for kitchens and dusting.

It acts as a degreaser and is considered non-toxic by professional cleaners.

one person who lived it

Do not clean washing machines with vinegar.

Vinegar corrodes many metals, including those found in the drum and bearings of washing machines.

one person who lived it

• Use citric acid instead of vinegar in washing machines.1

Buy used washer and dryer sets from local appliance repair businesses or people who own repair shops for better reliability and service.

Sellers with repair backgrounds may provide delivery, installation, function explanations, and testing.

one person who lived it

Repair simple mechanical parts of used washers yourself using inexpensive replacement parts.

Simple fixes, like replacing an agitator, can cost very little.

one person who lived it

Avoid wearing expensive clothes during chores like cleaning or grocery shopping.

You won't appreciate the items when they are worn out by mundane tasks.

one person who lived it

Grate a bar of Dr. Bronner's lavender soap into your homemade detergent for scent.

It smells amazing but is not overpowering and is usually not an irritant.

one person who lived it

Strip bed linens periodically to remove built-up residue.

One person reported being astonished by the results.

one person who lived it

Consider making your own laundry detergent if store-bought options cost too much.

• Only if laundry detergent is expensive in your area.

3 people, independently

Do laundry frequently enough to prevent clothes from marinating in body oils, which can require multiple washes to remove.

Body oils accumulate over time, making stains harder to remove.

one person who lived it

Replace the provided large scoop or dark cap with a smaller measuring cup or clearly marked container to avoid using excess detergent.

Large scoops and difficult-to-read caps are designed to trick users into using more product than needed.

2 people, independently

Do not put a Moka pot (cafetera) in the dishwasher, as it will ruin it.

one person who lived it

Leave the washing machine door and soap dispenser slightly ajar after use.

This allows the gasket to dry fully, which eliminates musty odor and helps prevent mold.

one person who lived it

Use hydrogen peroxide to remove blood stains from clothing.

Hydrogen peroxide dissolves blood.

2 people, independently

Invest in high-quality, concentrated dish soap for hand washing rather than cheap alternatives.

Cheap soap may be mostly water and slide off dishes without cleaning.

one person who lived it

Switch to generic or 'noname' brands for cleaning supplies, soap, and dishwasher detergent when big brands become unaffordable.

The noname products work just fine.

one person who lived it

Transfer bulk dish soap into a small condiment-style bottle with a fine nozzle for more precise application.

The small nozzle allows for precise application and helps reduce unnecessary usage compared to standard pump bottles.

2 people, independently

Keep skincare pumps out of the shower to prevent them from getting watered down and less effective.

Using the product in the shower waters it down quickly, reducing effectiveness.

one person who lived it

Use laundry pods if family members tend to overuse detergent.

Pods prevent over-zealous usage, which saves money.

2 people, independently

Focus on in-unit laundry when renting an apartment, even if it means sacrificing other amenities.

Laundromats are inefficient and costly; in-unit machines allow you to do other tasks while laundry runs.

one person who lived it

Donate unused non-HE powdered detergent to animal shelters, laundromats, or neighbors instead of risking damage to a new HE washer.

Non-HE detergent poses a risk to nice new HE washers.

one person who lived it

Buy Kirkland Signature industrial laundry detergent from Amazon for free shipping.

It is described as a decent unscented option and one of the better brands found.

one person who lived it

Soak orange peels in vinegar, then add the mixture to a spray bottle for a nice-smelling cleaner.

2 people, independently

Decant bulk detergent into smaller containers for easier handling or transport to laundromats.

Full bottles can be heavy and difficult to open.

2 people, independently

Consider an older top-loading washer with a mechanical timer for durability.

One user reported their unit is very old but continues to run reliably.

• Based on one person's experience.

one person who lived it

Check library archives or online databases for Consumer Reports to access independent detergent reviews.

Libraries often provide free access to these reports, which can help identify top-rated products.

2 people, independently

Use Orvus Paste or livestock shampoo instead of Woolite for washing wool.

Woolite is not great for wool; these alternatives share the same active ingredient favored by quilt conservators.

one person who lived it

Avoid pouring liquid detergent directly onto clothes.

Direct application can ruin fabric, such as khaki shorts.

one person who lived it

Buy dishwasher detergent that actually cleans, avoiding cheap brands that leave dishes dirty.

Cheap detergent often fails to clean dishes properly.

one person who lived it

Ensure washers do not overflow to avoid damaging units below.

Flooding can damage lower units

one person who lived it

Note that insurance companies may not reimburse hospitals for laundry expenses.

Laundry expenses are not in the formulary of what they cover.

one person who lived it

Use paper towels for tasks like patting down raw chicken or cleaning up vomit, where cloth towels are impractical or unsanitary.

Cloth towels may not be washed frequently enough and can become bacteria colonies.

one person who lived it

Use a mop system with reusable heads and your own cleaner instead of proprietary consumables.

Reusable heads can be laundered and allow use of preferred cleaners, saving money on proprietary products.

one person who lived it

Check clearance sections for drawer risers to organize laundry supplies.

They help with organization.

one person who lived it

Include actual soap in any homemade laundry detergent recipes rather than using additives alone.

A laundry expert advises avoiding recipes without soap.

one person who lived it

Hang dry your laundry instead of using expensive laundromat dryers.

Laundromat dryers are underperforming and overspending.

one person who lived it

Listen to educational podcasts or read a book while doing laundry to make the time productive.

Laundry requires low attention, allowing you to absorb information.

one person who lived it

Use powder detergent instead of liquid to reduce mess while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

It is less messy than liquid and equally effective.

one person who lived it

Ensure you have transportation capability when buying used washers from platforms like Craigslist.

Pickup is generally easy provided you can move the item.

one person who lived it

Buy high-quality detergent rather than the cheapest option to help clothes last longer.

Quality detergent helps clothes last longer, balancing initial cost with longevity.

one person who lived it

Clean surfaces with vinegar or baking soda instead of specialized cleaners.

3 people, independently

Run larger laundry loads.

smarter power management

one person who lived it

Omit baking soda from vinegar cleaning sprays to preserve the acid's full cleaning power.

Acids and bases neutralize each other, decreasing effectiveness.

one person who lived it

Do not add vinegar powder to homemade detergent mixtures.

It neutralizes the cleaners, making the detergent ineffective and counterproductive.

one person who lived it

Search existing threads before posting about homemade detergent recipes.

Many commenters are already experienced with these methods.

one person who lived it

Fill dishwasher detergent cups only halfway rather than completely.

This is generally enough and prevents film from accumulating on dishes.

one person who lived it

Eliminate fabric softener entirely, especially on towels.

It is an added expense and bad for the environment.

one person who lived it

Reapply fabric protector spray immediately after cleaning your furniture.

Cleaning removes existing protection, necessitating reapplication to maintain defense against stains.

one person who lived it

Consider professional diaper services if available, as they may be cheaper than disposables and reduce labor.

one person who lived it

Repurpose worn-out clothes as rags for gardening, car cleaning, or general household cleaning.

4 people, independently

If laundry facilities are unavailable, wash small clothing items in the shower while you bathe.

one person who lived it

Buy gas at Costco to offset membership costs.

Prices are often lower than nearby stations.

4 people, independently

Buy seeds and planters from discount stores like Dollar Tree, but avoid their soil due to quality issues.

Planters look identical to expensive ones and seeds are cheap, but the soil had actual trash in it.

• DO NOT GET DOLLAR TREE SOIL!

one person who lived it

Buy spices in bulk from Asian markets instead of mainstream brands.

It is a better deal than buying jars of mainstream brands.

one person who lived it

• Buy herbs and spices in bulk from ethnic grocery stores.1
• Buy spices from Indian or international grocery stores for lower prices.11

Avoid buying light bulbs from dollar stores; buy LED bulbs in bulk instead.

Dollar store bulbs tend to burn out quickly, whereas bulk LEDs last longer and cost less to run over time.

one person who lived it

Buy Dial Basics Bar Soap at the dollar store.

It costs twice as much anywhere else.

one person who lived it

Shop at ethnic or immigrant markets for cheaper meat and produce.

Prices can be half or less compared to standard supermarkets.

3 people, independently

• Shop at Asian grocery stores for produce like potatoes and onions to save money.1
• Shop for produce at Asian markets that is slightly past its prime to save money.1
• Visit Asian supermarkets for fresh produce, as fruits and vegetables tend to be less expensive there.3
• Shop at ethnic or family-owned grocery stores for lower prices on meat and produce.1
• Shop at local markets for fresh ingredients in low-cost countries like Thailand to avoid the higher prices at supermarkets that cater to foreigners.1
• Shop at Chinese or ethnic grocery stores for inexpensive, fresh vegetables, especially if there is a strong local ethnic community.1
• Shop at ethnic supermarkets for fresh, healthy produce and ingredients that are generally less expensive.4

Buy spices and grains from bulk bins to refill containers cheaply.

Buying new bottles is described as a ripoff; bulk refills cost less.

2 people, independently

Consider Walmart's George brand for affordable, durable clothing.

The clothes are cheap, comfortable, fit well, do not fade in the wash, and do not shrink in the dryer.

one person who lived it

Purchase generic over-the-counter medications from Costco to reduce costs.

House brand versions are much cheaper than brand names.

3 people, independently

• Purchase over-the-counter allergy medications and supplements at Costco to potentially save.3

Buy store-brand items instead of name brands to save money.

Store brands are often cheaper and comparable in quality.

• Quality may vary by product; check what shops you have near you.

6 people, independently

• Buy store-brand products instead of name brands like Rao's or Tide, unless the name brand is deeply on sale.1
• Buy store-brand cooking spray, body wash, and K-Cups.1
• Shop at discount grocery stores like Aldi and buy store-brand knockoffs instead of name brands.1
• Buy store-brand razors instead of name brands for significant savings with comparable performance.1

Buy whole roasted chickens from Costco if you have a membership and live nearby.

They are described as delicious, already made, and affordable.

• Requires a Costco membership and proximity to a store.

one person who lived it

Shop at Market Basket if you live in New England to avoid higher prices elsewhere.

Other grocery stores in the region can be more expensive.

• Applies specifically to New England

one person who lived it

Buy bulk packs of dishwasher pods at dollar stores if you do not mind that they are likely discolored or ugly rejects from name brands.

They work great despite being rejects.

• The packaging is ugly or discolored.

one person who lived it

Buy hair coloring supplies and saran wrap in bulk from food service stores like US Foods to save money.

Bulk items like saran wrap are cheaper than online orders.

one person who lived it

Buy Mylar helium balloons at the dollar store for parties, as they are cheaper than at grocery stores.

They cost $1 at the dollar store compared to $6-12 at Safeway, and one user notes they have a wide variety and last forever.

• Some users consider balloons an environmental nightmare and note they don't provide enough fun to outweigh the harm.

4 people, independently

Buy Kirkland brand garbage bags for their durability.

They are sturdy, do not leak, and last a long time.

2 people, independently

• Buy Kirkland brand kitchen trash bags in bulk for extreme longevity.1

Purchase caskets from retail stores like Costco or Walmart instead of funeral homes to find more affordable options.

Retail stores offer caskets at reasonable prices compared to funeral home showrooms.

• Shipping restrictions may apply to certain states.

3 people, independently

Buy 'ugly' or discounted produce (misshapen carrots, bruised apples, slightly wilted greens) at your local grocery store if they offer manager specials.

It can cut your bill by almost 30% and the food tastes just fine.

• Some supermarkets may discard damaged foods directly into the trash instead of discounting them.

one person who lived it

• Look for discounted 'ugly' or damaged produce at local markets or specific supermarket sections.7

Buy allergy meds and pain relievers at Costco or Sam's Club.

The savings will cover your membership cost.

one person who lived it

Switch to a double-edge razor and buy blades from Dorco on Amazon to lower shaving costs.

Blades are cheaper than cartridge razors.

one person who lived it

Consider buying glasses from online retailers like Zenni Optical instead of eye doctors to save money.

Online retailers offer more pairs for the same price as one pair from an optometrist.

• You must trust their stated measurements.
• It may require ordering multiple pairs to find one that fits.

one person who lived it

Consider Dollar Tree for food shopping if you have limited mobility or live far from warehouse stores.

You do not have to walk long distances or find a shuttle bus for your car.

one person who lived it

Shop at Market Basket, focusing on marked-down items and end cuts.

The store offers excellent store brands and fresh products due to high turnover.

one person who lived it

Consider buying knock-off hair curlers from China if you find a deal around $50 including shipping.

One person reported that this specific curler held curls for days, which they could not explain.

• This is based on one person's positive experience with a specific product.

one person who lived it

Buy oats in bulk (e.g., 25 kg) to save money compared to buying smaller packages.

It saves money.

one person who lived it

• Buy bulk steel-cut oats online and vacuum-seal smaller packages for freshness.1

Buy Pinot Grigio wine in cases at Costco.

The price can't be beat.

one person who lived it

Look for books with Barnes & Noble clearance tags at Dollar Tree.

They retail for $12.99 and up elsewhere.

one person who lived it

Buy glass sugar containers from the kitchen section to store cotton balls and Q-tips.

They serve the same purpose at half or one-third the price.

one person who lived it

Buy fresh produce from local corner vendors or immigrant-owned stands that accept SNAP/EBT, as they often offer fresher items at lower prices than supermarkets.

Produce is fresher and costs half the price of supermarkets.

• Avoid farmers' markets.

one person who lived it

Buy Pink Himalayan sea salt with a grinder at Trader Joe's for a low price.

It is much cheaper than anywhere else seen by the reviewer.

one person who lived it

Stack coupons at retailers like Baby’s R Us to drastically reduce diaper costs.

It can lower the cost per diaper.

one person who lived it

Buy Lodge cast iron skillets, potentially from thrift stores or garage sales.

A $20 Lodge skillet performs as well as pans costing ten times more, and the durable iron will outlive you.

one person who lived it

Buy store-brand frozen vegetables for low cost and long shelf life.

They are cheap, precut, and last forever.

one person who lived it

Plan road trips to stop at Costco for cheaper gas and food.

One person found it yielded the cheapest gas and lunch of their trip.

one person who lived it

Buy bulk staples like gallon milk, eggs, and water at Costco or Sam's Club.

They are cheaper there.

one person who lived it

• Buy in bulk at warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam's Club, or BJ's to get better unit prices, provided you can afford the larger quantities.4

Purchase a casket online and have it delivered directly to the funeral home.

It can cost less than what the funeral home charges for the same item.

one person who lived it

Look for pork joints with skin on at Asian grocery stores for better value and crackling.

It offers a bargain compared to local supermarkets where skin-on joints are rare and more expensive.

one person who lived it

Buy whole unsliced deli loaves from wholesale clubs and slice them at home to take advantage of lower per-pound prices.

One person reported this approach allowed them to save money by buying in bulk.

one person who lived it

If available in your area, shop at WinCo for amazing produce and great prices due to its employee-owned structure.

It is employee-owned.

• They are rare.

2 people, independently

Check Asian grocery stores like Great Wall or 99 Ranch for hot bars.

In one person's experience, they offer a better deal than Whole Foods.

one person who lived it

Search thrift stores for used microwaves.

One person found a new microwave there for $20 that lasted five years.

2 people, independently

Purchase 'mistint' or 'oops' paint from big-box hardware stores to get high-quality product at a steep discount if color precision is not critical.

• Some stores may refuse to sell mistints to non-contractors.
• It may not provide enough volume for a big house.

5 people, independently

Buy LED Feit shop lights at Costco for bright, energy-efficient lighting.

They use 38 watts, provide instant full brightness, and have high light output.

one person who lived it

Buy coconut milk from the Asian aisle of mainstream supermarkets instead of the regular aisle.

It is cheaper.

one person who lived it

Buy car batteries at Costco.

The price can be cheaper than other retailers, covering the annual membership cost.

2 people, independently

Shop at Jia Ho Supermarket in Chinatown for produce.

The produce is dirt cheap.

• Specific to locations with this supermarket.

one person who lived it

Buy Kirkland Signature products at Costco.

They are reported to be as good as or better than name-brand equivalents and come with a satisfaction guarantee that promises to meet or beat the competition or refund your money.

3 people, independently

Look for seasonal deals and surplus produce at ethnic markets.

They buy what is ripe, abundant, and available right now at low cost.

one person who lived it

Keep a box of generic, affordable cards on hand for emergencies if you are not near a dollar store.

They cost $1 each compared to $3+ at nearby stores.

one person who lived it

• Buy greeting cards at dollar stores to save money compared to other retailers.10

Buy vital wheat gluten flour instead of pre-made seitan to make several batches for a similar cost.

Vital wheat gluten flour is cheaper per batch than buying individual packages of seitan.

one person who lived it

Buy specialty ingredients and bulk items like spices, nuts, oats, and flours at international markets or stores with bulk bins for lower prices.

Specialty ingredients can be found for half the price.

one person who lived it

Compare farmers market prices with discount grocery stores like Aldi; shop at the grocery store if it is cheaper.

Local farmers markets can be more expensive than grocers.

2 people, independently

Compare unit prices at Costco against local grocery stores before buying, as Costco is not always the cheapest.

Costco is often not the best value; other stores like Walmart, ALDI, Kroger, and Sprouts may have lower prices.

• You must know your local prices to determine what to buy.
• If they don't sell items you would buy anyway, it won't be great for you.

2 people, independently

Buy 32 Degrees loungewear or underwear from Costco.

One person found all of the items they bought there to be fantastic.

one person who lived it

Buy made-to-order subs from supermarket delis instead of sandwich shops.

They are usually $2-$3 cheaper and just as good.

one person who lived it

Use Costco's cat litter for better value, especially if you have multiple cats.

One person found it offered better value than most other litters for their four cats.

one person who lived it

Attend estate sales to find cheap appliances.

One person found a microwave for ten dollars at an estate sale.

one person who lived it

Buy calendars from dollar stores.

They cost less than standard retail prices.

one person who lived it

Buy wipes from the baby aisle instead of the toilet paper aisle for better value and larger size.

Baby aisle wipes are typically bigger and cost less per unit.

one person who lived it

Buy private label goods at discount stores like Aldi and Winco instead of name brands.

They are far cheaper than major brands like General Mills, Nabisco, or Nestle.

one person who lived it

Buy Kirkland Signature vodka instead of premium brands like Grey Goose.

Kirkland Vodka ($29.99) is equivalent to Grey Goose ($47.99).

one person who lived it

File down sharp tines on dollar store combs with a fingernail file to prevent scalp scratches.

Dollar store combs are often poorly made and can scratch the scalp.

one person who lived it

Buy Aldi Potato Royals, Gems, or tots.

They are elite.

one person who lived it

Buy any store brand Pop-Tarts.

They are thicker, softer, and more filling.

one person who lived it

Buy Walmart's version of Kit Kats.

They are far superior.

one person who lived it

Check the garden section at Tractor Supply for plants and trees.

Prices may be better than big-box stores like Home Depot.

one person who lived it

Purchase bird seed at Tractor Supply.

Large bags are decently priced and can be steals.

one person who lived it

Check grocery stores for sales on energy drinks rather than buying them at gas stations.

Grocery stores may feature them for less.

one person who lived it

Use Costco for diapers and wipes as a new parent to save money.

The savings on these high-volume items can literally pay for the membership.

one person who lived it

Buy large Lego base plates from Dollar Tree as a cost-effective alternative to branded sets.

They are compatible with Lego and great for making scenes.

one person who lived it

Start plants from seed instead of buying seedlings to access lower prices and greater variety.

Seeds are far cheaper than plants and offer a much higher variety online.

one person who lived it

Buy double-edged razors and blades on eBay instead of drugstores to avoid high prices.

Drugstore razors are described as stupid-expensive, whereas eBay offers them for less.

one person who lived it

Shop at Fresh Thyme Market as an alternative to Sprouts Farmers Market for similar low-price produce deals.

They are both fresh food focused stores with crazy low deals every week.

one person who lived it

Shop at smaller discount retailers like Aldi or Sav-A-Lot when major stores run out of supplies.

Smaller stores may still have supplies available.

one person who lived it

Buy non-slip matting from yachting supply stores instead of disability aid shops.

Disability aid shops charge three times as much for similar items.

one person who lived it

Buy Dr. Bronner's soap at Trader Joe's for less than Target's price.

one person who lived it

• Buy low-sodium soy sauce at Trader Joe's for less than the price at Walmart.1

Buy Equate Nutty Buddy bars and pre-wrapped Rice Krispie treats instead of name brands.

The bars are indistinguishable from name brands, and the treats are better.

one person who lived it

Share a warehouse club membership with family or friends to access bulk pricing without paying full individual fees.

Buying in bulk is cheaper than smaller bottles; pooling costs pays for itself.

2 people, independently

Purchase the curved end pieces of deli meat rolls at your local grocery store.

They are sold at a significant discount compared to sliced meat.

• The meat is not sliced up; it is a whole chunk of the roll end.

one person who lived it

Buy nuts, crisps, and oat milk at a local grocery store instead of tourist shops.

Tourist shops have ridiculous prices; buying locally saves money for real meals.

one person who lived it

Buy Heinz ketchup instead of generic brands.

Heinz has a great balance and tastes better than generics like Hunts.

2 people, independently

Buy hot dogs at Costco for cheap everyday lunches.

They are super cheap.

one person who lived it

Buy ultra-pasteurized shelf-stable milk in tetra paks from dollar stores.

It can be one of the few reasonable sources for this type of milk.

one person who lived it

Buy high-quality spices from Penzey's.

It does not cost any more than grocery store spices.

2 people, independently

Buy spices from ethnic stores because they tend to be fresher.

Freshness is better than fancy packaging.

one person who lived it

Buy bulk spice refills in refillable grinders.

One person reported using a peppercorn grinder bought for around $3 for three years.

one person who lived it

Buy small votive candles from discount retailers like TJ Maxx for better quality and burn time than expected.

They are surprisingly good quality, burning the whole candle rather than just a core.

one person who lived it

Purchase gift bags and tissue paper at dollar stores alongside cards.

It is far cheaper than large retailers and recipients cannot tell the difference.

one person who lived it

Look for chicken thighs as they are usually much cheaper than other cuts.

6 people, independently

Shop at discount chains like Aldi or warehouse clubs for lower meat prices.

Aldi is often cheaper than major retailers, and warehouse club bulk packs offer a lower cost per pound.

one person who lived it

Shop at Latino markets or small produce shops that accept EBT for lower prices.

They are often much cheaper than other grocery stores.

one person who lived it

Check grocery stores like Kroger for single-subject notebook deals during back-to-school promotions.

One shopper saved a significant amount using this specific deal.

• Other deals at these stores may not be worth it.

one person who lived it

Buy Home Brand Kaboom foaming cleaner at Dollar Tree and bath tub cleaners at Dollar General.

The Home Brand version works really well, and the Dollar General tub cleaner works amazingly.

• One person prefers Dawn dish soap for cleaning makeup brushes.

one person who lived it

Buy 10-pound bags of chicken quarters when available at discounted prices.

3 people, independently

Shop at grocery stores that cater to specific ethnic groups (such as Asian, Mexican, or East African) for produce, grains, legumes, tofu, and spices.

These stores are generally cheaper than generic big-box stores.

2 people, independently

Buy spices at Latin/Hispanic grocery stores or from bagged displays near those aisles for lower prices.

These sources offer the same products with less packaging and lower costs.

• Bagged spices may not keep as long as other forms.

2 people, independently

Ask friends with Costco memberships to pick up bulk items like rice, tuna, sardines, and chicken.

It saves money in the long run.

one person who lived it

Try store-brand pancake syrup instead of name brands like Aunt Jemima or Eggo.

One person found the store brand (Kroger) tasted better.

one person who lived it

Buy Aldi brand spices.

They are inexpensive.

one person who lived it

Buy travel-sized toiletries and personal care items at dollar stores.

They are cheaper than the travel sizes sold at other retailers.

2 people, independently

Buy aluminum tins and disposable containers at the dollar store to ensure a consistent price regardless of which grocery store you visit.

Prices vary wildly at grocery stores (from 80 cents to $2), whereas the dollar store price is known to be $1.00.

one person who lived it

Buy prepackaged meals from Costco.

They are pretty good quality.

• Still considered a splurge by some.

one person who lived it

Combine shopping at multiple discount retailers like Aldi and Costco to get the most from savings.

It goes a long way for different categories of produce.

one person who lived it

Buy Tupperware from dollar stores if you eat leftovers often.

It is a cost-effective way to store food.

one person who lived it

Buy Kirkland Ultra toilet paper (purple package) for better quality and lower cost than name brands like Charmin.

It is nicer and does not tear.

one person who lived it

Check St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores if local Goodwill prices exceed new retail costs.

St. Vincent de Paul prices may be lower than inflated Goodwill prices.

one person who lived it

Buy bicarbonate soda in bulk sacks from pool shops for a lower cost.

It is super cheap compared to other sources.

one person who lived it

Use Aldi brand cat litter as a cost-effective alternative to name brands.

It works well and is decently cheaper than other options.

2 people, independently

Buy tofu and noodles at Asian food markets for lower prices than at standard grocery stores.

Tofu is often cheaper there than meat is at regular stores.

one person who lived it

Shop at Asian vegetable markets for produce that is cheaper and fresher, even if it does not look perfect.

The produce offers better value despite lacking supermarket photogenic quality.

• Depends on local availability

one person who lived it

Buy bananas and Fuji apples as year-round cheap fruits.

They are generally cheap and available year-round.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying tires at Costco unless using the price for matching with local shops.

Tires are often not unusually cheap there compared to other local places.

2 people, independently

Shop at discount grocery chains that sell primarily their own brand to reduce decision fatigue and cost.

It removes decision-making from the trip and provides cheap, quick food.

one person who lived it

• Shop at small stores with limited selections, like Aldi or Dollar General, to reduce decision fatigue and spending pressure.2

Buy diapers, wipes, and formula at Sam's Club for better prices and quality than Walmart.

Sam's Club Member's Mark brand is considered overall much better than Walmart's Great Value.

one person who lived it

Purchase tires and vehicle upkeep at Costco to access favorable rates and added perks.

Their tire pricing is competitive and comes with lifetime balancing, rotation, and road hazard protection.

3 people, independently

• Buy tires at Costco to take advantage of included free services and competitive pricing.1

Compare hanger prices at other retailers like Target before buying at Dollar Tree.

Other stores may offer better value per unit.

one person who lived it

Buy spices in bulk or grow your own herbs (like oregano) to save money compared to pre-packaged bottles.

Bulk spices and home-grown herbs are much cheaper than grocery store bottle 'rip offs'.

one person who lived it

Buy cleaning supplies from dollar stores.

One user found some awesome stuff there.

one person who lived it

Buy HEB regular peanut butter.

It is fantastic.

• Do not buy the HCF one.

one person who lived it

Buy Feline Pine litter from Chewy rather than grocery stores.

It is much cheaper there.

one person who lived it

Search for 'Amish grocery stores' or 'grocery surplus stores' online if you live in or near Amish communities, as these often offer deep discounts on bulk and deli items.

These stores often combine grocery salvage with Amish bulk/deli/bakery items.

one person who lived it

Buy bulk ingredients like dark chocolate, nuts, and seeds from bulk bins or discount stores like Aldi or Trader Joe's to reduce costs.

These sources offer good prices for mix-in ingredients.

one person who lived it

Save McCormick spice containers and refill them with Great Value spices.

Guests do not notice the difference in quality.

one person who lived it

Drive further from urban centers to find cheaper grocery stores.

Prices tend to decrease the further out you go.

one person who lived it

• Shop for groceries in suburban areas rather than city centers to lower costs.1

Purchase your meat grinder online rather than from specialty stores.

It is cheaper than stores that prey on hunters.

one person who lived it

Drive to Christiana Costco in Delaware to shop for tax-free alcohol without a membership.

No membership is required and the alcohol is tax-free.

one person who lived it

Buy collapsing silicone dog bowls from dollar stores instead of paying higher prices online.

Online resellers often charge more for the same item.

one person who lived it

Buy new generic alkaline batteries for general use, ensuring they are fresh from the shelf.

Generic alkalines perform as well as major brands like Duracell or Eveready.

• One user reported Rayovac batteries exploding and ruining items.

one person who lived it

Buy snacks like candy and pretzels at dollar stores for road trips or movies to save money compared to gas stations.

They are cheaper than gas station options and offer better selection and price per unit than grocery stores.

3 people, independently

Avoid Costco beef jerky.

It tastes like ground beef and is described as horrendous.

one person who lived it

Buy teriyaki sauce from Asian markets rather than supermarkets.

It costs a fraction of the supermarket price.

one person who lived it

Shop multiple stores for different categories rather than buying everything at one place.

Prices vary by category; for instance, meat may be expensive at Whole Foods while their coffee is well priced.

one person who lived it

Buy eggs from farmers' roadside booths to potentially save money compared to grocery stores.

One person reported saving a dollar per dozen by buying from a farmer versus a grocer.

one person who lived it

Shop at Ocean State Job Lot or similar discount chains if available in your area.

One person reported that everything there is fresh and clean.

one person who lived it

Buy chickpeas at local grocery stores rather than online for better unit pricing.

Grocery store prices are lower per pound than Amazon's unit price.

one person who lived it

Buy a pack of bacon bits at Trader Joe's for $2.99 to supply enough bacon for two weeks for one person.

one person who lived it

Shop at stores like Safeway specifically for loss-leader deals and couponing opportunities rather than doing all your shopping there.

Regular items are not as good of a deal.

one person who lived it

Buy coconut oil at the dollar store to save money compared to average grocery stores.

It costs less than at typical supermarkets.

one person who lived it

Shop at Aldi for lower prices and use regular grocery stores for loss leaders and items unavailable at Aldi.

Aldi is much cheaper.

one person who lived it

Buy canning jars from restaurant supply places rather than retail stores.

It is way cheaper.

one person who lived it

Buy discounted costumes from pop-up stores or retailers like Walmart and Target the day after Halloween.

Retailers do not want to fill storage space with obsolete inventory and still make money at steep discounts.

one person who lived it

Buy disposable aluminum roasting pans and baking ware at dollar stores.

They are cheaper than grocery store options and just as recyclable.

4 people, independently

Buy Thin Mints from grocery stores year-round instead of Girl Scout cookies.

They are mintier and definitely cheaper.

one person who lived it

Shop at discount grocery chains like Aldi or Costco to save money on groceries and household items.

This approach helps households deal with inflation and saves money on everything.

2 people, independently

Buy whichever name-brand trash bags (Hefty Odor Block or Glad) are cheapest.

Hefty Odor Block is considered better, but Glad is acceptable.

one person who lived it

Compare the price per pound of pet food at specialty stores versus warehouse clubs to find savings.

one person who lived it

Look for wet dog food cans priced at $1.30-$1.40 as a temporary alternative to dry bags.

one person who lived it

Consider shopping at Aldi for staples like meat, eggs, milk, and produce, which may be cheaper than Walmart.

Aldi's business model focuses on efficiency by eliminating typical supermarket merchandising activities.

• Prices vary by location; for example, milk may be more expensive at some Aldis compared to Walmart.

2 people, independently

• Consider Aldi as a potentially more frugal alternative for smaller purchases with less temptation.1

Purchase index cards at dollar stores.

They are cheaper than similar packages at larger retailers.

• The cards may be thinner.

one person who lived it

Order bodega sandwiches.

They are often a great value.

one person who lived it

If local grocery options are limited or expensive, shop at competitors like Aldi, Winco, Walmart, Costco, Grocery Liquidators, or dollar stores.

These retailers are far cheaper than chains like Kroger.

• Not everyone has access to these alternative options.

one person who lived it

Buy plain Corelle plates because they last longer and resist chipping compared to nice-looking IKEA or porcelain options.

Nice-looking IKEA or porcelain dishes chip easily.

• When Corelle plates do break, they shatter violently.

one person who lived it