Financial habits

Ask yourself if you will still be pleased with the purchase in x time to stop impulse buys.

Much anticipated joy is fleeting.

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• Wait six months before buying a non-essential item; if you still think about it after that time, buy it.1
• Wait before making a purchase to see if the desire persists over time.2
• Delay purchasing decisions until the initial excitement wears off.1

Stop buying items for the person you think you are; buy only for who you actually are.

Buying for a fantasy self wastes money.

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Wait for sales or buy used copies of video games to avoid spending on titles you may not enjoy.

You might end up disliking the game.

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Consider durability when deciding whether to pay more for an item that lasts longer versus a cheaper one that needs frequent replacement.

Less is often more; consider if the higher upfront cost is worth the longevity.

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• Focus on quality over quantity when purchasing durable goods.1

Stop spending money on clothing to convince strangers you have wealth.

It makes no sense to make yourself poorer to signal status to strangers.

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• Reject the desire to impress others with possessions or status symbols.1

Set your maximum spending limit for an item before checking its tag to gauge its actual value to you.

This establishes a personal valuation to help judge what the item is truly worth to you.

3 people, independently

• Determine the value of an item before looking at its price tag, and reject it if the price exceeds your pre-assessed value.4

Reframe purchases as buying the option to use an item, not the requirement to use it.

You don't have to exercise the option.

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Frame small expenditures in terms of time worked to slow down spending impulses.

Thinking about the time lost slows spending down.

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Be skeptical of ads that claim 'you need this' or 'your new favorite'.

It makes it easy to say no when you hate being told what you like.

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Work with your partner on common financial goals.

It is described as a triple win.

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Share dinner with a friend who is also saving money to lessen the pressure to impress.

It is more fun.

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Consider that doing a task yourself is equivalent to paying yourself tax-free income.

Paying someone else requires using post-tax dollars, meaning you must earn more in salary to cover the same cost.

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• Do not pay someone to do something you don't mind doing yourself if you are not working during that time anyway.1

Count to ten before making any purchase, regardless of amount, to ensure you think through each payment.

It ensures thoughtful spending even on small amounts like 3 euros, just as one would for 1000 euros.

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Research the best products in a new category before buying to avoid fads.

You will either find the best option or realize the flashy new thing is a fad you don't need.

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• Research products thoroughly before buying to determine if they are a real need.1

Consider whether expensive items provide enough days of fun to justify their cost in 'days of work'.

Thinking in days of work can make items seem worth it if they offer days and days of fun.

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Treat housing cost ratios as rules of thumb rather than hard and fast rules.

Housing is tricky and the math is ideal but not absolute.

one person who lived it

Ask yourself if your life would deteriorate if you did not buy the item.

It is harder to convince yourself that your life would actually suffer without it.

one person who lived it

Tell yourself you can buy an item tomorrow if you are unsure about a purchase.

most of the time, i'd forget about it completely

one person who lived it

Visualize still working at age 80 because you didn't save enough.

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Seek 'good value' or a 'good buy' rather than simply looking for cheap items.

It implies satisfaction with being 'good enough.'

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Start thinking about retirement.

You will naturally stop wasting money.

• Unless you do not want to retire and plan to work until you die.

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Base financial decisions on math rather than feelings.

Math compounds.

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Resist the urge to consume needlessly.

It feels wonderful and counters societal problems driven by consumption.

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Adopt a default mindset of not buying anything unless it is truly needed, training yourself to resist impulse purchases.

It becomes extremely hard to buy after training yourself not to.

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Consider paying for software rather than using free, ad-supported versions.

One person preferred paying $1 over dealing with ads.

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Recognize that owned things impose hidden costs for maintenance, cleaning, and protection.

Things tend to own us through these requirements.

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View money as a tool to slowly buy back your life rather than just purchasing items.

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• Reframe wealth as having money in the bank rather than proving worth through material possessions.1

Develop keen shopping habits and a sharp eye for good workmanship to find better prices through frequent shopping.

It takes a keen eye and luck, which means more frequent or keener shopping.

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Turn off shopping app notifications and unsubscribe from marketing emails to remove the temptation of 'deals'.

It is only a deal if you were going to purchase the item anyway.

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View your income as the amount above minimum wage you earn, rather than your total salary.

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Consider the long-term tax-free growth potential of investing small monthly amounts.

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Move items you are not planning to buy soon to a saved list or wishlist to prevent accidental purchases.

Prevents misclicks of doom.

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Stop seeking validation for your frugality if you are already comfortable and happy with it.

Nothing else matters if you are content.

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Skip extended warranties on purchases.

You can save enough money by not buying them to potentially replace almost anything you own.

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Factor in the time spent complaining about work or dealing with job-related stress when calculating the true cost of employment.

Breaking it all down reveals hidden costs.

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Intentionally remove conveniences from your life to feel empowered and active.

Doing it voluntarily makes it feel like a choice rather than an inconvenience.

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Do not treat your life and living standards as fungible or disposable assets comparable to cash wealth.

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Avoid buying overpriced items you do not need.

Buying unnecessary overpriced items is identified as a primary mistake.

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Work out video game purchases by comparing the price to expected hours of gameplay; buy only if the cost per hour is low.

3 people, independently

Avoid buy-one-get-one deals if you only want one item to prevent waste or unnecessary spending.

3 people, independently

Create things rather than passively consume them for greater satisfaction.

Active making is described as more gratifying and fun than passive consumption.

one person who lived it

If you do not believe in ghosts, disregard concerns about them in used houses.

Belief determines whether ghosts are a bonus or irrelevant.

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Include commuting, lunch breaks, overtime, and preparation time when calculating total hours worked per week.

These are all work-related activities.

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Calculate the 'hourly wage' you pay yourself when performing frugal tasks to motivate efficient saving.

3 people, independently

Stop watching reality shows or following influencers who display excessive wealth.

Seeing others hoard wealth can cause negative emotional reactions and is described as sickening.

one person who lived it

Cancel orders for non-essential items immediately after realizing you do not truly need them, before the novelty wears off and regret sets in.

You will likely regret the money spent when the item arrives and the initial excitement fades.

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Consider the interest lost if you do not invest the money instead of spending it, viewing spending as stealing from your future self.

one person who lived it

Stop reading lifestyle blogs or watching vlogs that trigger urges to buy unnecessary items.

They are essentially just advertising.

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Examine your motivation by asking why you wanted an item in the first place.

Introspection reveals if the desire satisfies only an imaginary need; these desires become dust under the light of introspection.

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Avoid buying diamonds.

The market and value are completely engineered, making it a significant ripoff.

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Be skeptical of marketing tactics that manufacture scarcity to create urgency.

Artificially reducing visible stock (e.g., moving books to boxes) makes items sell faster.

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Live frugally and focus on saving because you don't get everything you want just because you want it.

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• Adopt a mindset of saving rather than consuming, viewing frugality as rational living rather than economic disaster.1

Recognize that you can only afford luxuries like dining out or vacations because you chose not to spend that money elsewhere.

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Include joy as a criterion for wants, defined as deep happiness rather than shallow pleasure from shiny objects.

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Combine the 'cost in hours' mindset with opportunity cost thinking for maximum financial effectiveness.

Combining these approaches yields maximum effectiveness.

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Seek fulfillment through community participation, such as volunteering or political action, rather than consumerism.

Making an impact can be very fulfilling.

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Redefine 'necessary' by finding resourceful, low-cost alternatives to standard products.

Resourcefulness allows meeting needs without spending money.

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Stop comparing your material living standards to others.

The feeling is by design; appearance is prioritized over actual financial security.

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Ask gift-givers not to buy items already on your short list to avoid unnecessary spending and the need to return things.

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Apply the concept of diminishing marginal utility to consumption decisions by recognizing that additional units of a good eventually provide less satisfaction or even negative value.

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Stop buying tickets for live professional sporting events or pay-per-view broadcasts.

Supporting local sports avoids making professional teams excessively rich.

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Recognize that food purchases are easier to justify than durable goods because food disappears and does not serve as a permanent reminder of buyer's remorse.

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Visualize the opportunity cost of purchases by converting their price into units of a preferred low-cost pleasure, such as beer, tacos, or ice cream cones.

4 people, independently

Make small decisions that align with new values gradually, avoiding intense or quick attempts to become your idealized self.

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Work to get financial independence so you no longer have to work, rather than working solely to accumulate possessions.

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Choose items that you can realistically maintain rather than those that require effort you cannot sustain.

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Calculate discretionary spending power by dividing net takeaway after essentials by hours worked.

This properly values discretionary spending.

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Research products thoroughly before buying to avoid purchasing underpowered or low-quality items based on misleading reviews.

Reviews can be misleading, and excitement can mask poor performance until after purchase.

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Recognize that advertising often sells the concept of happiness or status rather than utility, manipulating consumers into overspending.

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Consider whether an item fills a specific emotional void before dismissing it as unnecessary.

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Take accountability for your emotions and choices rather than blaming external factors like snacks.

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Replace material gift-giving with shared experiences or meals to reduce financial pressure and strengthen relationships.

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Place your own money in a tip jar at the start of a shift to encourage customers to tip.

Seeing money in the jar entices more customers to tip compared to an empty jar.

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Give cash tips directly to the server rather than leaving them on the table or paying digitally, to prevent theft by bussers or other patrons.

Bussers or others may swipe tips left on tables.

2 people, independently

Use cash or direct transfer apps for large tips to ensure the employee receives the full amount without employer interception.

This prevents the establishment from claiming ownership of the tip.

• Employees receiving generous tips should still share with coworkers and tip out.

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Accept that restaurants would likely raise prices by roughly 20% if the tipping system were abolished.

The cost shift means you are not losing extra money now compared to a non-tipping system.

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Select zero or decline the tip option on credit card screens for self-serve purchases like pre-made sandwiches or pastries.

You do not need to feel guilty about it, as these are not sit-down services where tips are earned.

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If a server adds a credit card tip when you paid in cash, call your credit card company immediately to dispute the charge and get credited back; keep your receipt as proof.

The credit card company credited the user $10 after disputing the fraudulent charge.

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Hand tips directly to the specific employee who served you to ensure they receive the money.

Tips given to managers or other staff may not be passed on.

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Do not tip for quick-service items like acai bowls where the service is limited to scooping food.

The service level is minimal compared to table service.

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Ask counter-service employees if they receive tips before deciding whether to leave one.

Tips may go into a pool the employee never sees or be kept by management instead of going to the worker providing service.

2 people, independently

Avoid giving large tips to fast-food drive-thru workers unless they explicitly accept them.

Most corporate fast-food jobs do not accept tips, and some employers may consider it stealing.

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When tipping in cash, write the word 'cash' on the tip line of the receipt to reduce the chance of someone fraudulently entering a dollar amount.

Writing 'cash' reduces the chance of fraudulent entry of a dollar amount.

2 people, independently

Deduct tip-out amounts from your reported tips if you have enough records proving your actual received income was lower than allocated tips.

This prevents paying tax on money you did not keep.

one person who lived it

Recognize that refusing to tip in the US may be viewed as unkind rather than frugal, as it takes money out of someone else's pocket.

Taking money from others to keep more in your own pocket is seen as unkind.

one person who lived it

Stop patronizing businesses that impose unwanted tipping pressures, such as coffee shops or gift shops that add tip screens for counter service.

It feels off-putting and supports practices you disagree with.

2 people, independently

Do not tip workers who simply hand over canned drinks from a freezer.

This task does not constitute bartending or mixing drinks.

one person who lived it

Understand that servers are paid less than minimum wage because their salaries depend on tips.

Servers' salaries are based on tips.

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Keep duplicate receipts from merchants with separate tip lines to compare against credit card statements and catch tip fraud.

Tip fraud has gotten worse recently.

one person who lived it

Avoid restaurants that require you to tip before receiving your food.

This practice feels like an unsubtle threat.

one person who lived it

View tipping as a personal reward for fantastic service rather than a subsidy for employer wages.

Tipping should not signal to employers that they can cut corners on wages.

one person who lived it

• Understand that tipping allows employers to underpay staff by shifting costs to consumers.1

Read bills carefully to identify hidden service charges or pre-added tips.

Restaurants may add tips with fine print stating extra tips are in addition to what is already charged.

one person who lived it

Do not tip for pre-made pizza slices handed to you at a counter.

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Check online reviews to identify if multiple people report staff scamming customers on tips.

If other reviews mention the same issue, it indicates a scam; if not, it may be an isolated incident.

one person who lived it

Pay tips in cash whenever possible to save the establishment and staff from credit card processing fees.

Many restaurants deduct these charges from workers' tips.

2 people, independently

Reduce dining out frequency or stop entirely if the combined cost of food and tips no longer provides good value.

Higher restaurant prices and persistent high tip expectations make dining out an extravagance with poor value.

2 people, independently

If service charges at venues with party rooms or arcades do not go to staff, tip the servers or attendants personally in cash.

Service charges often serve as revenue for the establishment rather than compensation for employees.

one person who lived it

Do not tip at counter-service establishments, drive-thrus, or retail locations where no sit-down service is provided.

Tipping expectations have expanded beyond traditional sit-down service, and some corporations may use tips to offset hourly wages.

2 people, independently

Recognize that tip-pooling systems involving non-serving staff can create perceived unfairness and inefficiency.

Non-servers' wages become dependent on servers' performance, while servers may feel they only receive half their deserved benefits.

one person who lived it

Select 0% on digital tip screens when tipping is not warranted or when unsure if workers receive the funds.

4 people, independently

Tip more generously during holidays.

Service staff are working while others are spending time with friends and family.

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Recognize that menu prices assume tipping will occur.

Restaurants set lower food prices with the expectation that servers will be tipped rather than paid higher salaries.

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Do not tip for walk-in counter service unless direct table service is provided.

Handing over food at a counter is considered bare minimum work and does not constitute serving.

one person who lived it

Understand that removing gratuity from a bill may be difficult if it is split among multiple waiters.

The gratuity is distributed amongst many people rather than just the one who grabs it.

one person who lived it

Do not expect sabotage or revenge from staff for not tipping, as most employees are professional and do not risk their jobs for petty reasons.

Staff encounter difficult customers daily and are unlikely to target one specific person with desecration or sabotage.

one person who lived it

Recognize that salaried chefs may work 60-80 hours per week with an hourly average equal to or lower than the lowest-paid employees.

one person who lived it

Report all tips, including cash, to build a verifiable income history for future loans.

Accurate reporting ensures you have the documentation needed to secure financing, such as for a car.

one person who lived it

Consider waiting tables if you have wage garnishments, as tips may be exempt from garnishment while base wages are not.

one person who lived it

Remind yourself that failing to tip enough does not make you evil or morally responsible for a server's wage.

one person who lived it

Do not tip for self-service items such as coffee made at a convenience store or merchandise handed over at a concert.

The customer performed the service themselves or the effort required was minimal.

one person who lived it

Reject social obligations to tip in contexts where employers should pay fair wages, preferring upfront pricing instead.

Tipping shifts the burden of supporting employees onto customers rather than businesses.

one person who lived it

Tip 10% on takeout from favorite restaurants that consistently provide accuracy and kindness.

Staff handle phone/app orders, kitchen coordination, and bagging while multitasking, deserving a tip comparable to a bartender.

2 people, independently

Recognize that the US tipping system is ad hoc and lacks clear rules.

one person who lived it

Give hotel housekeeping tips directly to the housekeeper or leave them with a clear note indicating they are deliberate.

Housekeeper managers sometimes steal tip money from employees.

one person who lived it

Tip in cash to limit the ability of staff to alter the tip amount electronically.

Electronic alterations are limited to physical cash handling issues.

one person who lived it

Expect automatic gratuities in tourist-heavy areas like Times Square, as they account for foreign visitors who do not customarily tip.

Foreign visitors often do not tip because servers in their home countries are paid normal wages.

one person who lived it

Inform guests verbally if an automatic gratuity has been applied to their bill.

Guests are usually glad about the transparency and almost always tip a little more anyway

one person who lived it

Check the manufacturing origin of Sanitas clogs before buying, as some are now made in China.

Reviews indicate some are made in China, which was disappointing to some buyers.

one person who lived it

Stick to your favorite makeup products rather than buying new trends.

New foundations, mascaras, or shades often offer no noticeable difference if your current products work well for you.

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Skip designer brands, as many are manufactured in the same factories as cheaper alternatives.

Brands like Ray-Ban and Versace are produced under the same parent company, Luxottica.

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Approach products recommended by celebrities or media personalities with criticism.

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Shop for clothes in February and March when stores clear inventory for new seasons and revenue is low.

Stores need to clear inventory for new season lineups and know people have overspent during the holiday season.

• This advice is based on experience living in Asia; applicability elsewhere is uncertain.

one person who lived it

Only buy cars in September if they are the previous year's model.

New car prices are highest from September to November.

one person who lived it

Craft your own gifts using hobbies like woodworking or crocheting to save money and create unique items; start early (e.g., June) to allow time to improve skills before gifting.

Handcrafted gifts are cheaper and potentially more treasured, and starting early provides months to refine the craft if initial attempts are poor.

one person who lived it

Shop regular flash sales instead of waiting for Black Friday.

It yields better results with less stress.

one person who lived it

Buy motorcycles in the fall rather than late spring or summer.

Motorcycles are much more expensive in late spring and summer.

one person who lived it

Buy lawnmowers in September rather than April.

They are on clearance then.

one person who lived it

Exchange gifts on New Year's Eve to take advantage of post-Christmas deals, which can be better than Black Friday, but be aware that stores may be crowded and inventory limited.

Deals immediately after Christmas can sometimes be better than Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

• Stores may be packed and shelves bare after Christmas, making it hard to find what you want.

one person who lived it

Buy seasonal items at the end of the season to hit sales and avoid last-minute premium pricing.

This ensures readiness for the next season without needing to rush out to buy items like road salt last minute.

one person who lived it

Reject 'buy one get one free' offers if you do not need the second item, as you are often paying for both items anyway.

The 'free' item is usually included in the cost of the first, meaning it is not actually without payment.

4 people, independently

Consider buying LCD televisions on Black Friday if you have researched brands with good reviews.

One person reported purchasing two LCD televisions on Black Friday (7 years ago and 5 years ago) that were far cheaper than other models and remain 100% functional.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying novelty greeting cards or gift cards that offer little value.

They are overpriced for recycled content; buying actual items like flowers is easier and more meaningful.

one person who lived it

Look for DSLRs and bread machines on eBay, as sellers often offload these expensive items after regretting the purchase.

People buy them as expensive toys and later regret it.

one person who lived it

Buy wrapping paper immediately after Christmas.

One shopper found nice rolls for about 50 cents.

one person who lived it

Time the start or end of digital subscriptions around Black Friday to take advantage of promotional rates.

To save money.

one person who lived it

Buy motorcycles in January when dealerships discount due to low winter demand.

Most people don't ride or buy motorcycles in the winter, so dealerships discount to stay alive.

one person who lived it

Stock up on baking supplies during holiday sales since they freeze well.

They are discounted during these sales.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying gym memberships at the end of December or beginning of January.

Prices are higher due to New Year's resolution demand.

one person who lived it

• Avoid buying exercise equipment in January when demand peaks due to New Year's resolutions.1

Buy previous year's models of bikes to save money.

The quality is similar to current models, but older models with slightly fewer features drop in price around December when new models arrive in June.

one person who lived it

Wait until Christmas to buy non-essential items mentioned by partners earlier in the year.

It saves money and creates a gift opportunity.

one person who lived it

Look for manager's specials on meats, breads, and produce later in the day.

Stores sometimes offer percentage discounts on fresh items and meats at that time.

one person who lived it

Consider buying current or newer models sold near cost, rather than stripped-down promotional items.

Big-ticket items are often used to lure customers into stores to buy other goods.

one person who lived it

Sell unused exercise equipment in January, as it is peak time for sales.

January is the peak time for selling exercise equipment.

one person who lived it

Stop using coupons for items you would not normally buy, as they often lead to purchasing unnecessary goods or paying the same price as store brands.

Coupons may reduce prices to match store brand costs or encourage buying unneeded items.

one person who lived it

Do not rely on generic 'best time to buy' charts without verifying sources.

Some lists appear to be fabricated to pad content, resulting in zero data reliability.

one person who lived it

Be aware that retailers may raise prices before Black Friday to make discounts appear deeper.

Retailers generally raise prices, but consumers often don't notice because they don't track previous prices.

one person who lived it

Buy specific, high-demand items like electronics on Black Friday rather than waiting for post-holiday sales.

Post-holiday sales often feature unwanted items, while Black Friday has the best sales for games and electronics that can sell out.

one person who lived it

Be wary of Black Friday TV deals, as manufacturers sometimes produce inferior models specifically for these sales.

You may think you are getting a deal but are actually getting an inferior product with fewer options.

2 people, independently

• Avoid buying cheap electronics like TVs or laptops from Black Friday sales, as they are often old, worthless, or constructed with cheaper materials specifically for these events.3

Buy organization and weight-loss related items around New Year's when they go on sale.

Those are perennial resolutions.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying clearance items unless you genuinely need them.

Clearance items are often regular-priced goods that no one wanted.

one person who lived it

Buy chocolates after Halloween or Valentine's Day to purchase leftover stock at a discount.

Retailers sell leftovers from large holidays at lower prices.

• One source claims February is cheapest, which may refer only to the second half of the month.

one person who lived it

Add desired items to your cart a couple of weeks before Christmas to potentially receive further discounts as sellers try to close the sale.

Businesses may offer additional discounts to help customers decide.

one person who lived it

Check product codes and serial numbers on heavily discounted electronics to ensure you are not buying a lower-quality version made specifically for sales events.

Sale items may have cheaper parts, removed features, or fewer ports but similar packaging.

one person who lived it

Use store-specific cards for shopping at those retailers to access exclusive discounts.

3 people, independently

Do not buy warranty services.

They rarely cover the specific items that actually break.

one person who lived it

Use dollar store decorations for holidays, especially if you have children.

They are plenty fine, particularly with kids.

one person who lived it

Search for coupon codes before checking out online to save additional money.

4 people, independently

Be cautious of lifestyle inflation where small, frequent purchases add up quickly because each seems affordable in terms of work hours.

Daily small purchases stack up fast.

one person who lived it

Limit daily small treats, as they add up fast if needed every day.

Daily treats add up fast; occasional ones do not matter as much.

one person who lived it

Spend fun money on experiences unavailable at home, such as swing dancing, rather than routine necessities like eating out.

Food is not an experience unless it provides unique value beyond what can be had at home.

one person who lived it

Prepare for unforeseen, expensive events like ER trips or car issues by being ready for them as part of life.

These events can bankrupt people who are not prepared.

one person who lived it

Read the book 'Your Money or Your Life' to adopt a comprehensive framework for valuing money in terms of life energy.

The book instructs readers to think of money in terms of life energy and accounts for time spent commuting, preparing, and learning skills.

one person who lived it

Set aside a small budget for minor travel mistakes to prevent stress and maintain positive energy.

It is about keeping up positive energy rather than affording the specific amount.

• Some consider this terrible advice that encourages letting people steal from you.

one person who lived it

Work out the total cost of ownership, including insurance, upkeep, and fuel, rather than just the purchase price.

Many people overlook these ongoing costs.

2 people, independently

Recognize that high rent can consume income regardless of salary level.

Rent costs remain high even with roommates or higher salaries.

one person who lived it

Treat dining out as a splurge rather than a frugal habit.

It is inherently non-frugal due to tipping costs.

one person who lived it

Account for stress, commute costs, wardrobe necessities, and office contributions when calculating your job's true take-home value.

These factors reduce what you actually make and take home.

one person who lived it

Build savings until you can afford major repairs without depleting your entire cushion.

Having enough savings allows you to handle unexpected costs like car brakes and tires calmly, improving life quality.

one person who lived it

Recognize that splurging on small items like coffee is often a symptom of broader, more impactful bad spending habits.

It acts as a magnifying glass for other issues rather than being an isolated problem.

one person who lived it

Consider trading in a constantly breaking down car for a more reliable used model to eliminate repair costs, even if payments are higher.

Higher payments can be offset by near-zero repair costs.

one person who lived it

Recognize that many people with large houses live paycheck to paycheck despite high mortgages.

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Invest in high-quality kitchen equipment to help with cooking at home and save money long-term.

Good equipment lasts a long time and saves a significant amount of money; appliances like dishwashers can counteract laziness.

one person who lived it

Avoid poor planning and eating out too often to prevent becoming unable to cover necessities.

Poor planning and frequent dining out can suddenly leave you broke for necessities you previously could afford.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying boutique moonshine if your goal is saving money.

Buying boutique moonshine indicates a lack of concern about saving small amounts of money.

one person who lived it

Delay non-essential large purchases until you have a cash safety net to cover potential issues.

Money goes fast; having a safety net protects against unforeseen problems.

one person who lived it

Buy annual passes to local attractions like zoos or conservatories to visit frequently and get the most from value.

Passes allow unlimited visits, making it feasible to go often.

one person who lived it

Lower your expectations for repeated experiences, recognizing that routine activities provide less satisfaction than the initial novelty.

The brain is wired to find novelty engaging, but once an experience becomes routine, it loses importance.

one person who lived it

Account for unexpected repair costs when buying homes, such as roof repairs, to avoid foreclosure.

one person who lived it

Plant trees and shrubs to create shade and windbreaks.

This reduces heating and cooling costs.

one person who lived it

Stop changing your outfits to match trends; wear what you already own.

It is freeing.

one person who lived it

• Challenge yourself to mix and match existing clothes instead of buying new ones.4

Try living without items you thought you needed.

You may find you do not need them half as much as anticipated.

one person who lived it

Pre-clean vehicles with a pressure washer or foam cannon before washing to reduce rag usage.

It reduces the number of dips needed into the wash bucket.

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Search for used items in thrift shops or estate sales to find high-quality goods at low prices.

Older tools and clothing can outlast brand-new purchases.

2 people, independently

Regularly donate or discard unused items, such as one item per day, to charity shops or shelters.

This eliminates clutter and removes items that no longer bring value.

• If items have low resale value, prioritize shelters over resale shops.

one person who lived it

• Follow the 'one-in, one-out' rule: when buying a new item, discard or donate an old one to limit accumulation.5

Before buying a clothing item, ensure you can wear it in at least three different ways or contexts.

It allows for intentional mixing and matching across categories.

one person who lived it

Consider purchasing a robot vacuum to save time on daily floor sweeping.

The time saved makes it worthwhile over repeated use.

one person who lived it

Swap out single-use household goods such as paper towels, plastic bags, and foil for reusable options like flannel cloths, containers, and lidded dishes.

Reusable alternatives can cost about the same per month but help avoid throwing away items that would otherwise go to the trash.

4 people, independently

Choose low-maintenance options, such as non-iron shirts, to save time.

It prevents spending hours a week on tasks like ironing.

one person who lived it

Switch from liquid shower gels to bar soap from discount stores.

It reduces plastic consumption.

one person who lived it

Keep a tidy house with minimal clutter.

A tidy house is easier to clean than one filled with extra stuff.

one person who lived it

If you need a large tool for a short-term project, buy it used and resell it afterward.

one person who lived it

Buy fewer items even during sales to cut down on future moving burdens.

Having less stuff makes moving easier and more manageable.

one person who lived it

Participate in clothing swaps instead of buying new clothes.

Swaps are free, communal, and allow getting exactly what you love, avoiding the waste of new purchases.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying white clothing.

Keeping white clothes clean requires too much effort.

one person who lived it

Stop hoarding toiletries and hotel soaps by refusing to buy more until you run out.

Gathering excess items into one place helps save money.

one person who lived it

• Consolidate your existing toiletries in one place to see how much you have, then resolve not to buy more until you run out.1

Avoid buying second-hand soft furniture or stuffed items from thrift stores or curbsides due to the high risk of bringing home bed bugs and other insects.

3 people, independently

Sell unused items via yard sales to declutter and reinforce the lesson of not buying things you don't truly need.

The effort involved in selling makes people more mindful about future purchases and the low resale value of most goods.

one person who lived it

Read 'The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up' for guidance on decluttering and organizing.

One source describes the book as gold for uncluttering.

one person who lived it

Thank items you are reluctant to discard before letting them go.

This practice helps relieve guilt associated with parting with possessions.

one person who lived it

Use a bidet or hand sprayer for hygiene instead of relying solely on toilet paper.

One person reports rarely having sticky or runny bowel movements since using these tools since childhood.

one person who lived it

Use wool dryer balls instead of fabric softener to maintain towel absorbency.

Fabric softener makes towels less water-absorbent.

one person who lived it

Consider renting formal outfits occasionally if the rental cost is justified by career needs, size issues, or convenience.

Renting can be easier than driving far to buy clothes that will rarely be worn again.

one person who lived it

Use local nonprofit pickup services for large furniture or working appliances.

This avoids the hassle of disposing of large items yourself.

one person who lived it

Attempt to repair broken umbrellas instead of replacing them immediately.

Many umbrella breaks can be mended without specialized skills.

• Repairability depends on how and where the umbrella broke.

one person who lived it

Promote DIY, sharing, and collaboration to naturally replace buying, hoarding, and competition.

This approach is suggested to be more effective.

one person who lived it

Choose multifunctional items to save space and money while improving life quality.

One item doing several tasks takes up less space and saves money compared to owning several specific items.

one person who lived it

Note that some grocery stores in certain areas still use plastic bags while others use paper.

one person who lived it

Fold clothes compactly so they stand upright in drawers rather than stacking them.

This method ensures all items are visible and maximizes drawer efficiency.

one person who lived it

Substitute physical gifts with shared time or outings for family members during holidays.

2 people, independently

Use up all existing toiletries, makeup, and hair products, including miniatures, before buying new ones.

3 people, independently

Walk away from deals on items you already own if your current possessions are functioning adequately.

one person who lived it

Use the Citi Double Cash card for total cash back on all purchases.

5 people, independently

Set a budget for splurging once every six months and execute it fully.

Markups are necessary to cover the cost of expensive ambiance.

• Be frugal, not cheap.

one person who lived it

Save for holiday gifts by setting aside a fixed amount of cash each pay period rather than buying gift cards.

Gift cards tie up cash in store credit that can become useless if the company goes bankrupt and earn no interest.

one person who lived it

Write 'NO!!!' on a sticky note and attach it to your credit card.

Confronting yourself every time you try to use the card helps keep you in check.

one person who lived it

Pay your credit card bill weekly to catch fraud early.

It helps with catching fraud.

one person who lived it

Restrict online shopping to a specific day of the month, such as the last day, to let impulses fade.

By that time, the impulse to buy has often faded.

one person who lived it

Update your phone lock screen with a running total of wasted money every time you make a frivolous purchase to visualize the cumulative cost.

It highlights how much is being spent on non-essentials, such as over $300 a month.

one person who lived it

Set up automatic transfers for savings and investments that deduct directly from your paychecks.

This removes the need to think about the money or notice its absence.

3 people, independently

• Set up automatic withdrawals from your checking account into an online savings account on payday to get excess cash out of sight.1

Put savings into short-term Treasury bonds to make the money inaccessible for spending.

This way I can't spend it.

one person who lived it

Use gift cards or windfalls to buy essential groceries and household items.

This frees up your regular cash income to pay down debt or save.

one person who lived it

Prefer credit cards over debit cards for purchases to access stronger consumer safeguards and simpler fraud handling.

Disputing fraudulent credit card charges is generally easier than resolving debit card issues, offering significant protection value.

6 people, independently

Treat your credit card as a direct link to your checking account; only make charges if you have the cash on hand to pay the balance in full immediately.

Carrying a balance is too expensive.

one person who lived it

Check your bank balance every morning.

Knowing exactly how much you have stops overdrafts and saves money on fees.

2 people, independently

Use credit cards for online purchases to keep your actual cash from being tied up during fraud resolution delays.

Banks may return fraud money, but the process takes time.

one person who lived it

Use the Chase Amazon Rewards card for constant rewards on Amazon purchases.

The points are constant, not just an introductory offer.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying items you do not need just to use store rewards like Kohl's Cash.

one person who lived it

• Avoid spending money you wouldn't have otherwise spent just to use expiring store cash or coupons.1

Take advantage of free shipping offers with no minimum spend on Cyber Monday for small gifts to save on gas and shipping costs.

It allows saving on shipping fees that normally require higher spending thresholds.

one person who lived it

Arrange automatic transfers from your bank to cover the full credit card statement balance monthly.

This method prevents interest from accumulating.

7 people, independently

Write down what you are spending every dollar on to track it closely.

One person noticed they were spending $200 every month on something specific by tracking every penny.

one person who lived it

Convert your monthly budget into a daily budget to manage spending spikes.

Viewing a large monthly allowance as a smaller daily amount helps visualize the cost of specific purchases, such as requiring other days of no spending if you overspend on one day.

one person who lived it

Treat credit card rewards as a small discount on purchases rather than free money to avoid psychological overspending.

Viewing it as free money can lead to buying more stuff unnecessarily.

one person who lived it

Try a spending freeze for several months to build savings and identify unnecessary expenses.

One person reported learning so much about their spending habits during a 9-month freeze.

one person who lived it

If you plan to redeem points for airline travel, choose an airline-specific credit card over a general rewards card.

Airline cards often cover ticket costs plus extras like bags and flexible fares.

one person who lived it

Keep your savings in a separate account at another bank, distinct from where you hold your daily spending funds.

5 people, independently

Reframe financial refusals by stating that current priorities cannot accommodate the expense, rather than saying you lack money.

This helps avoid self-loathing about affordability and focuses attention on important things.

• Some suggest simply saying 'no' without owing anyone an explanation.

one person who lived it

Remove all saved financial information from online shopping accounts.

If the purchase is not worth the trouble of re-entering details, you save money.

one person who lived it

Use free online platforms such as Khan Academy to learn about personal finance.

• You'll need some form of internet connection.

3 people, independently

Set a fixed weekly 'no-guilt' allowance for small discretionary spending to control unconscious habits.

Giving yourself a fixed amount helps when cutting everything doesn't work.

one person who lived it

Use quitting apps to track the money saved from stopping a habit.

They work for cigarettes and also for ordering food.

one person who lived it

Write down every expense in a note app immediately after getting paid, deducting each purchase from your starting paycheck balance.

This helps you see your biggest expenses and slows your spending as your account balance drops.

one person who lived it

Treat money as a manageable tool rather than a source of scarcity or stress.

one person who lived it

Define strict personal rules against specific triggers to counteract internal excuses that lead to frequent relapses.

Hearing excuses like 'once won't kill you' every time you feel lazy leads to ordering takeout much more often.

one person who lived it

Begin meaningfully paying down debt once you have a stable financial base, even if it takes years to reach that point.

one person who lived it

Consider taking a low-interest loan for a car if you can invest the cash elsewhere at a higher return.

You can be ahead financially if the loan interest rate is low enough compared to investment returns.

one person who lived it

Only buy non-essential items from savings, not from current income.

Current income must account for unexpected costs.

one person who lived it

Be cautious with no-interest installment plans, as the small size of individual payments can lead to accumulating debt.

Small payments encourage continued buying, causing bills to stack up before you realize it.

one person who lived it

Keep a savings account or money market account with three to six months' worth of bills for emergencies and miscellaneous repairs.

one person who lived it

Check bank and credit card statements weekly to monitor spending habits and catch overcharges.

It makes spending feel intentional instead of automatic and provides an idea of spending habits.

one person who lived it

Set a personal minimum balance in your checking account (e.g., $500) and treat any balance below that number as debt, tightening spending until recovered.

one person who lived it

Set aside a small 'bullshit budget' for frivolous purchases like coffee or makeup to satisfy the urge to shop without derailing finances.

It satisfies the love of shopping while keeping spending limited.

one person who lived it

Use a credit card for emergency expenses to preserve cash savings, paying it off immediately after.

This allows you to leave savings alone while still earning points and avoiding interest.

one person who lived it

Use a credit card for rental cars if you have poor credit, as debit cards often do not suffice in this case.

one person who lived it

Be aware that microtransactions can consume a significant portion of income.

One person reported spending roughly half their paycheck on microtransactions.

one person who lived it

Limit credit card use because it reduces the psychological pain of spending compared to seeing cash leave your wallet.

Seeing money physically leave your wallet causes discomfort that credit cards bypass.

one person who lived it

Immediately move money into an investment account when hitting a savings milestone to reset your goal and motivate faster progress.

It resets the goal and encourages trying to hit it again even faster.

one person who lived it

Keep restaurant and bar receipts until your credit card statement arrives to verify charges.

This helps detect errors like double billing caused by glitches.

one person who lived it

Shop at local businesses to keep money in your community rather than sending it to large corporations.

Local businesses have received less financial support than big companies and are struggling.

one person who lived it

Treat budgeting as a keystone habit that sparks multiple positive changes in other areas of life.

one person who lived it

Delete shopping apps or accounts entirely to create friction against impulse purchases.

Removing convenience makes you stop and think before spending money, preventing easy and tempting impulse buys.

one person who lived it

Classify savings as a mandatory bill in your mind rather than leftover money.

3 people, independently

Avoid stores with highly organized layouts if you struggle with self-control.

Highly organized stores can make it difficult to control spending impulses.

one person who lived it

Choose flat-rate cash back cards for simplicity and consistent returns without needing to track spending categories.

4 people, independently

Use specialized credit cards for high-spend categories like Amazon to get the most from category-specific rewards.

12 people, independently

Use additional credit card benefits such as extended warranties, travel protection, price protection, rental car insurance, and fraud protection.

5 people, independently

Discuss purchases with a partner before buying to balance each other out and avoid random spending.

one person who lived it

Open a separate 'fun money' bank account and direct a fixed percentage of your paycheck to it for discretionary spending without guilt.

3 people, independently

If you have sewing or crochet skills, make your own bags to save money compared to store prices.

Store prices are high and custom items can be made for less.

one person who lived it

Buy cast iron skillets as a one-time purchase.

One owner stated they will outlast the user.

one person who lived it

Switch to pine pellets for cat litter.

It can save significant money annually.

one person who lived it

Learn to cook meals like burgers at home.

Homemade versions can taste better than fast food and reduce takeout spending.

one person who lived it

Learn to make favorite dishes like pizza at home to reduce takeout costs.

Cutting out takeout adds up.

one person who lived it

Do your own haircuts and color maintenance to save on salon and product costs.

DIY hair care saves money on cuts, balayage, and high-maintenance products.

2 people, independently

Recreate coffee shop experiences at home using grocery store pastries, which are cheaper per half-dozen.

It may make transitioning away from coffee shops easier.

one person who lived it

Buy bottles of alcohol for home consumption instead of drinking at bars.

Going out with friends is now too expensive.

4 people, independently

Buy affordable, older, or basic cell phones instead of the latest expensive models if your usage doesn't require new features.

You wouldn't be doing anything different on a newest phone than on an older one.

one person who lived it

Buy large bags of chips from warehouse stores like Costco instead of small amounts at expensive supermarkets.

You get three times the product for the same price.

one person who lived it

Acquire a free or cheap espresso maker from local buy-nothing groups to make iced coffee at home.

It tastes like professional coffee and saves money on buying fancy drinks out.

one person who lived it

Replace ground beef with ground turkey.

Ground turkey is much cheaper.

one person who lived it

Cut your own hair if you have curly hair.

You may cut it better than cheap chains, which may lack experience with curly hair.

one person who lived it

Try Amazon brand batteries.

They are top notch.

one person who lived it

Do not buy safety pins at dollar stores.

The metal is too thin, bends at the slightest pressure, and is useless.

one person who lived it

Buy individual spices in bulk and mix your own seasoning blends rather than buying pre-packaged mixes.

Mixing your own spices costs pennies compared to paying for small packets of pre-made seasoning.

one person who lived it

Use your pet's regular kibble as training rewards instead of buying separate treats.

The reward matters, not the treat.

one person who lived it

Check ingredient lists to ensure you aren't paying more for the same product with a different name.

Products with different names may have the exact same formulation but different prices.

one person who lived it

Research hair care methods specific to your curl type to find inexpensive effective products.

You can treat curls without expensive product, shampoo less often, and use product less frequently.

one person who lived it

Buy cheap hygiene products instead of premium ones, as they perform equally well.

Cheap options are just as good as premium quality products.

one person who lived it

Make your own cleaning products to save money and maintain quality.

Homemade recipes are simple, use common ingredients available in bulk, and offer amazing cost and quality differences compared to commercial brands.

one person who lived it

Eat at local diners instead of expensive chain restaurants like Denny's.

Chain restaurants can be as expensive as good local diners.

one person who lived it

Stop buying protein drinks at convenience stores because they are expensive.

They are described as very expensive at these locations.

one person who lived it

Use CFLs and rechargeable batteries.

They are considered no-brainers.

one person who lived it

Buy Monoprice cables and small electronics for inexpensive, solid quality.

The products are inexpensive and the quality is genuinely very solid.

2 people, independently

Verify if meal deals are actually cheaper than buying items separately.

3 people, independently

Skip the premium on organic food if blind taste tests cannot distinguish it from conventional options.

Blind taste tests often fail to show a difference, except possibly for chicken which may use different breeds.

• Chicken might be an exception due to breed differences.

one person who lived it

Prepare double portions of meals and freeze the surplus to create a stockpile of frozen food.

3 people, independently

Buy household staples like freezer bags in bulk to lower the cost per unit.

They are cheaper in bulk.

one person who lived it

Start preparing freezer meals to lower the cost per meal.

It helps reduce the cost per meal.

one person who lived it

• Use leftovers creatively to create new meals, reducing food waste and cost.4
• Keep frozen store-bought meals in the freezer as a cheaper alternative to delivery.3

Limit food delivery orders to twice a month or less.

Ordering repeatedly can reduce your savings.

one person who lived it

Freeze groceries near expiration or wilted vegetables to prevent waste; use frozen veggies to make stock when the bag is full.

It prevents food waste and allows you to make vegetable stock.

one person who lived it

Choose frozen vegetables over fresh ones.

They are frozen within 24 hours of harvest, retaining more vitamins and minerals.

2 people, independently

Keep your pantry and freezer well stocked with non-perishable and frozen foods.

It saves money, energy, and time, and provides insurance.

one person who lived it

Bring unsatisfactory food items directly to the counter to voice your complaint and request a refund.

Many grocery stores will refund you, and some may even provide a replacement item.

one person who lived it

Use mason jars for storage, pickling, and leftovers instead of buying specialized containers.

Mason jars are cheap, have wide applications, and replacement lids are affordable if they rust.

one person who lived it

Invest in larger appliances, like a full-sized refrigerator, to enable bulk buying and lower daily food costs.

one person who lived it

Treat physical resources like food and supplies as a form of savings to buffer against future uncertainty.

one person who lived it

Purchase meat in large quantities, divide it into smaller portions for freezing, and defrost it the evening prior to cooking.

4 people, independently

Consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share if you enjoy seasonal local produce.

4 people, independently

Consult a local barber who sells men's hair products for free advice on which types work for you.

Barbers can show you suitable products and most will not charge for this consultation.

one person who lived it

Consult old Reader's Digest or Time Life repair books for DIY instructions.

One person found these sources amazing and informative for sewing and repairs.

one person who lived it

Get a library card to borrow audiobooks, digital media via apps like Libby, and physical items such as museum or park passes.

Libraries offer diverse resources including 'Library of Things' items and digital borrowing accessible with just a phone number.

one person who lived it

Ask your library if they will purchase specific items, such as movies, that you want to borrow but do not currently have.

Some libraries allow patrons to request items for purchase.

one person who lived it

Save recipes offline after confirming you like them.

To avoid website noise.

one person who lived it

When photographing a receipt, ensure the image clearly shows the 'Merchant Copy' label.

It serves as valid documentation that courts may accept.

one person who lived it

Take advantage of local institutions like museums, parks, and orchestras for staycations.

Many people ignore these under-rated options.

one person who lived it

Plan your exit from a company while still receiving a paycheck.

A close call should serve as a warning to prepare financially before leaving.

one person who lived it

Downgrade premium cards to no-fee versions after earning bonuses or if you stop traveling.

4 people, independently

Call AAA and state you are considering not renewing to potentially negotiate a lower price.

They might offer a super cheap rate to retain you.

one person who lived it

Cancel bundled service packages that include unused services like TV and switch to a different provider for a cheaper rate.

New providers may offer rates that are 60-70% of the original price.

one person who lived it

Mute TV commercials to ignore the temptation to order food.

One person found that muting commercials helped them resist the urge to order pizza after seeing ads during football games.

one person who lived it

• Mute or turn off the television during commercials.1

Turn off targeted ads in browser settings and use ad blockers to reduce tracking and ad exposure.

Targeted ads can feel creepy; one person found deleting history and turning off targeting helpful, while another uses ad blockers to see almost no digital ads.

2 people, independently

Use a heated blanket to help lower heating bills.

one person who lived it

Contact customer support to dispute inflated prices and request refunds or compensation.

Support agents may refund the difference and provide additional compensation.

one person who lived it

Tip beach umbrella attendants upfront to reserve spots daily without waking up early.

One person reported getting to sleep in during their honeymoon by doing this.

one person who lived it

Keep the customer copy of your receipt and mark it identically to the merchant copy to maintain independent records.

It provides evidence in case of disputes.

one person who lived it

Check for minimum usage charges on water bills that may exceed actual consumption costs.

one person who lived it

Call your current provider to cancel service to trigger retention offers.

Cancellation calls are routed to a retention department that provides deals.

one person who lived it

Quit your job only after securing another offer to maintain leverage.

It ensures that the timing of your departure doesn't matter.

one person who lived it

Cancel beauty box subscriptions to avoid accumulating unused products.

They are described as 'very antifrugal' and can lead to having enough product to last a lifetime.

one person who lived it

One approach to test client attention is including absurd clauses in contracts, though this may reduce work volume.

• may reduce work volume

one person who lived it

Sign up for utility billing plans that average out monthly payments to smooth out seasonal spikes.

6 people, independently

Switch energy providers annually and select the cashback option.

one person who lived it

Use shoe trees to help maintain the shape and condition of leather shoes.

Shoe trees keep the form and absorb moisture, leading to better mileage.

3 people, independently

Ensure shoes do not hurt your feet; if they hurt, they are not worth buying regardless of price.

3 people, independently

• Do your own research before buying expensive shoes.1

In an emergency with no other agents available, use cheap crayons to waterproof leather boots.

It prevented the leather from swelling and cracking when other boots failed.

• The boots will be oddly colored.

one person who lived it

Consider Adidas Pureboost as a cheaper alternative to Ultraboost if you accept slightly less comfort.

It is last year's model and costs less.

• Slightly less comfortable than Ultraboost.

one person who lived it

Try Golden Toe 'Fluffies' socks, which one person described as life-changing.

One user described them as life-changing.

one person who lived it

Hang socks to dry after washing.

so they last longer

one person who lived it

Rotate and frequently change insoles in work shoes.

Insoles absorb most of the wear, protecting the main shoe structure.

one person who lived it

Try Brahma brand shoes from Walmart if you want footwear that lasts several years without falling apart.

One user reported they don't fall apart after several years.

one person who lived it

Set up search notifications on eBay for specific shoes.

One person reported occasional good luck finding items this way.

• Success is not guaranteed; described as 'occasional good luck'

one person who lived it

Avoid buying cheap socks to prevent foot pain, even if you are wearing ergonomic shoes.

One person experienced foot pain whenever they bought cheap socks, despite wearing supportive footwear.

one person who lived it

Remove existing insoles if you plan to add aftermarket ones to prevent them from being pushed out of the shoe.

to ensure proper depth and fit for new insoles

one person who lived it

Replace inner foam inserts regularly to maintain support until the outer sole wears out.

It is often the soles that wear out first; replacing inner foam maintains support.

one person who lived it

Invest in waterproof or water-resistant features for work boots.

The extra cost is definitely worth it.

one person who lived it

Swap out of work shoes during commuting so they are worn exclusively while standing at work.

one person who lived it

Do not skimp on motorcycle safety gear, including helmets, jackets, boots, and sturdy gloves.

one person who lived it