Frugality

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

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Work from home if possible to save on commuting, wardrobe, food, and car costs.
It saves on gas, clothes, coffee, food, insurance, and maintenance.
- This is not an option for everyone.
4 people, independently
Be frugal on things that do not excite you or bring real value, so you can spend time and money on things that truly are valuable.
16 people, independently
- Focus on spending on things you value and save money elsewhere to avoid misery.1
- View frugality as maximizing the value you get from your money, not simply selecting the lowest-priced option.7
Use a SodaStream to make carbonated water at home.
It stops you from buying soda or canned sparkling water.
7 people, independently
Purchase high-quality, durable goods over cheap ones that need frequent replacement, adhering to the rule 'buy cheap, buy twice'.
It is more logical to invest in an expensive item that lasts forever than a cheap one requiring replacement every few months.
5 people, independently
- Never purchase on the spot; research prices and work out if you will use the item within two months to avoid replacing unsatisfactory buys.1
Calculate the cost of a desired item in hours of after-tax work required to earn it; do not buy it if it is not worth that time.
It helps second-guess impulse purchases and saves money.
3 people, independently
- Calculate the real cost of purchases by converting money into units of time worked to work out value.1

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Join local 'Buy Nothing' groups on Facebook to acquire free secondhand items and give away unwanted goods.
It helps with being frugal, decluttering, connecting neighbors, and keeping stuff out of landfills.
- You may not always get the item.
21 people, independently
- Join local 'Buy Nothing' groups or check Free Cycle/Craigslist to fill in essentials for free before buying new.3
- Join Buy Nothing groups, Facebook trade groups, and church free sales to get items for free.1
Walk, take the bus, or cycle everywhere instead of driving.
It is free, provides good exercise, and is good for the environment.
4 people, independently
- Take the bus, train, or walk whenever possible instead of driving.1
Host friends at home for coffee, tea, snacks, potlucks, games, or movies rather than going out.
It remains social but is cheaper.
3 people, independently
If possible, live close enough to your workplace to walk there.
Saves commuting costs and time.
2 people, independently

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Host social drinks at home instead of going to bars.
You can buy a full bottle for the price of one drink at a bar.
one person who lived it
Pack lunches for work and mow your own lawn to save money and get a workout without needing a gym.
Packing lunches saves thousands; mowing is a good workout.
one person who lived it
Create a limited-bandwidth guest network for neighbors who want to share internet, charging a small fee.
To prevent them from using excessive bandwidth like torrents.
- Don't expect much sympathy from the authorities if issues arise.
one person who lived it
Invest in a home theater system to watch movies at home via Blu-ray rentals or purchases instead of going to the cinema.
It can be cheaper than buying multiple cinema tickets, popcorn, and gas.
one person who lived it
Use the cinema as a boundary to disconnect from your phone and reduce stress.
It compels you to not look at your phone for hours, which makes life less stressful.
one person who lived it
Spend more time in nature to observe wildlife and learn bird songs.
Nature is mostly free and allows for experiences like seeing otters, bobcats, bears, and recognizing over 100 bird species by song.
one person who lived it
Carry your own water bottle to avoid buying drinks at fast food or casual places.
Bringing a water bottle instead of buying water bottles can save you money.
7 people, independently
Shower outdoors in the rain if you cannot afford delivered water costs.
Delivered water can be expensive (e.g., $40 for two weeks).
one person who lived it
Go for coffee on first dates.
It is cheap, allows focus on conversation, and makes it easy to end early.
one person who lived it
Commute by bicycle.
Improves mood.
3 people, independently
- Ride a bike as a hobby, therapy, or exercise to experience pure joy.1
Build exercise into your daily routine by biking or walking to work, errands, and appointments.
Thus, you don't need to visit a gym.
one person who lived it
Inform your insurance provider if you no longer commute to work to lower premiums.
One person's car insurance was reduced by half after reporting they were working from home.
one person who lived it
Use an annual membership to a botanical garden for mid-day dates.
An annual membership includes a reusable guest pass.
one person who lived it
Recycle and reuse items.
It is frugal.
one person who lived it
Only take pennies from a tray if you have made a purchase first.
'Take a penny Leave a penny' means just that.
one person who lived it
Fill your truck with dirt or mulch from a local landscape supply instead of buying bags.
It costs a fraction of the price.
one person who lived it
Ask plant owners for cuttings instead of buying new plants.
Most plant owners are happy to share trimmings.
one person who lived it
Pack a picnic with a board game.
It is fun.
one person who lived it
Prepare coupons before reaching the checkout line to avoid holding up others.
To avoid holding up the '10 items or fewer' line.
one person who lived it
Shop at the Walmart location with more nearby competing stores to increase price match opportunities.
More nearby stores mean more prices are checked for matches.
one person who lived it
Adjust your schedule to avoid being home during the hottest parts of the day.
This allows you to rely on air conditioning provided by others, such as an employer.
one person who lived it
Offer to use coupons or vouchers so costs can be split fairly on dates, rather than using them to get free entry while the other person pays.
Taking advantage of a partner to get a free ticket or meal while they pay full price is considered cheap.
one person who lived it
Tip hotel housekeepers about five dollars to acknowledge their hard work.
It is hard work, and not tipping is considered cheap.
one person who lived it
Skip ordering beverages when eating out, especially while traveling.
The cost of multiple drinks adds up quickly.
one person who lived it
Research restaurant prices beforehand and ask for prices if they are not listed.
It helps you feel self-assured.
one person who lived it
Use common household items like kitchen utensils as toys instead of buying expensive ones.
Kids want to explore real-world things and may be more fascinated by simple items like a ladle than fancy toys.
one person who lived it
Try swimming as a workout option because it has very little impact.
It is a great workout with very little impact.
one person who lived it
Live at home or with family to pay rent that isn't half of your income.
one person who lived it
Ask children what they like to do rather than assuming they enjoy your preferences.
They may have interests that are practically free.
one person who lived it
Collect, fix, and use vintage items that can be picked up cheap or free.
It is interesting and satisfying to restore them.
one person who lived it
Choose theaters slightly outside the suburbs to deter rowdy crowds, even if tickets cost slightly more.
The inconvenience of driving further deters the average crowd, resulting in a quieter experience.
one person who lived it
Keep checking for graduate scholarships and assistantships to attend grad school debt-free.
Many people offer them, but usually only a few apply, so your chances are better.
one person who lived it
Travel during the off-season (such as January or February) to find cheaper flights and accommodations with fewer crowds.
Streets are empty and costs for travel and lodging are lower.
one person who lived it
When leaving a room with nothing in your hands, look around and take any misplaced items with you.
It reduces clutter.
one person who lived it
Use up existing stockpiles of hobby materials like books, yarn, and games to entertain yourself for months or years.
Most people have enough unread books, unplayed games, or unused craft supplies to last a long time, reducing the 'pile of shame'.
one person who lived it
Consume the complimentary coffee available at your workplace rather than purchasing it from a cafe.
This reduces expenses on morning buys.
3 people, independently
Clean thoroughly to locate lost money, items for sale, or things that would otherwise need replacement.
Cleaning pays by revealing these assets.
one person who lived it
If you need cash, consider selling your car and riding a bike or using public transportation.
one person who lived it
- Use prepaid SIMs, public transportation, or bicycles instead of driving.1
Combine errands into a walkable route on a local main street to save on gas and enjoy a nicer shopping experience.
It saves money on gas and provides a nice walk.
one person who lived it
Call local independent insurance agencies or brokers to shop multiple companies at once.
They can compare a dozen companies quickly.
one person who lived it
Start dating with frugal activities like bike rides or picnics.
To weed out spendthrifts.
one person who lived it
Ensure your off-grid location has access to water and good soil for growing.
one person who lived it
Bike to work to eliminate transportation costs.
Cycling can save significant transit costs compared to other methods.
one person who lived it
Stay sober and people-watch at bars instead of drinking.
Being drunk is highly overrated, while being sober and people-watching is entertaining.
one person who lived it
Download offline maps in Google Maps to get directions without using mobile data.
6 people, independently
Build toys for children using recycled cardboard and household junk.
Making something together can be more fun than playing with it and instills values like creating content over consuming it.
one person who lived it
Volunteer to take friends' empty cans and bottles to redeem for deposits.
Friends avoid the hassle of returning them, and you earn the deposit money.
one person who lived it
Cash in credit card rewards for gift cards that are on sale.
one person who lived it
Treat freebie hunting as a fun hobby to discover hidden savings.
It is described as too fun with tons of opportunities hidden out there.
one person who lived it
Sign up for baby freebies, join local 'buy nothing' groups, and check Freecycle for unused baby clothes and furniture.
These resources provide constant access to free items, including formula coupons that can be donated if not needed.
2 people, independently
Donate blood at a local Bloodmobile to receive free movie passes.
one person who lived it
Ask for a free water cup at the concession stand instead of paying for bottled water.
Many theaters provide them for free, making paid bottles unnecessary.
one person who lived it
- Ask for tap water at restaurants instead of paying for bottled drinks.4
Reduce driving by grouping errands, carpooling with family, and walking pets locally instead of driving to parks.
to save on gas prices
one person who lived it
Set up Subscribe and Save services for regular household items to receive automatic monthly deliveries.
This provides a discount on items you use regularly.
one person who lived it
Calculate how many visits are needed to break even on an annual pass before buying it.
The number of required visits justifies the purchase.
one person who lived it
Purchase child or senior tickets at self-service kiosks instead of the ticket window.
Ushers are reportedly not paid enough to strictly verify age.
one person who lived it
Buy tickets in person at the theater to avoid online reservation fees.
Online orders often incur a 'reserve seat' fee that is waived when ordering at the theater.
one person who lived it
Cancel gym memberships and exercise for free by walking dogs, swimming, or running.
These activities are free alternatives to paid memberships.
one person who lived it
Check local museums and attractions for free or discount days.
7 people, independently
- Plan dates involving free activities like hikes, skating, biking, beaches, or museums instead of expensive outings.5
Collect free branded pens from business promotions or local credit unions.
Many businesses give away pens freely, and some institutions provide high-quality ones at no cost.
one person who lived it
Focus on practicing makeup application technique with what you already own rather than buying new products.
Makeup is an art that improves with practice.
one person who lived it
Ask friends for rides instead of using paid services like ride-shares to replace social connections with money.
Spending money on services often replaces valuable social connections.
one person who lived it
Choose reading library books or cooking fancy meals at home over expensive outings for greater fulfillment.
These alternatives are described as way more fulfilling.
one person who lived it
Buy candy from a dollar store or pharmacy near the theater instead of purchasing it inside.
3 people, independently
Take up free outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, running, walking, or visiting parks.
3 people, independently
Build a tea collection as a cheap hobby with variety for any mood.
It offers potential mild medicinal benefits.
one person who lived it
Attend free local festivals and thrift for necessary items to enjoy activities and shopping without spending much.
Thrifting can feel like a treasure hunt.
one person who lived it
Try house-sitting or caretaking arrangements to obtain free or reduced rent.
one person who lived it
Wait until you are well outside the theater or in your car before discussing plot details to avoid spoiling the movie for others.
2 people, independently
Consider a low-cost gym membership like Planet Fitness if you want an affordable option.
3 people, independently
Buy holiday-themed cakes marked down to half price the day after the holiday to use as a birthday cake.
one person who lived it
- Purchase canceled or leftover birthday cakes from bakeries for a fraction of the regular price.1
Live semi-off-grid by using natural resources like gravity-fed water and solar power, and biking to town, to eliminate utility bills and save on gas.
one person who lived it
Set a specific weekly tradition, such as making scones on Saturdays or drinking Thai iced tea on Tuesdays.
The anticipation brightens the week.
one person who lived it
Give up news programs in favor of timeless content that remains interesting after the event has passed.
Current events are only interesting at the moment they happen.
one person who lived it
Send emails to preferred brands asking for discount codes; they might reply with a few.
3 people, independently
Shop late at night to reduce social friction and hold-up lines when using complex coupon strategies.
one person who lived it
Look up photos and stories of Victorian working class living conditions.
one person who lived it
Stock up on floss and toothpaste provided by your dentist to last until your next visit.
one person who lived it
Avoid keeping gym memberships that are inconvenient, even if they are cheaper.
- Based on one person's experience where inconvenience outweighed cost savings.
one person who lived it
Buy older used cars as a primary strategy to save money on transportation.
2 people, independently
Focus on local nature activities like birding within your county instead of spending money on travel.
It connects you with your local area rather than aspiring to expensive travel.
one person who lived it
Use a faucet mount water filter instead of buying bottled water.
3 people, independently
Volunteer to socialize and stay busy so you avoid boredom-buying.
It provides entertainment, enrichment, community building, and keeps you occupied.
one person who lived it
If you live communally, establish separate spaces and schedules to maintain sanity.
Separation allows for decompression, distinct messes, and different activities without tension.
one person who lived it
Research what your local recycling program accepts before recycling.
Acceptance rules vary by location.
one person who lived it
Buy zoo or museum memberships only if you visit frequently enough to recoup the cost.
one person who lived it
If you have dependents, consider working at a university to access tuition benefits, which can increase effective compensation.
- Requirements vary by university
one person who lived it
Take public transportation instead of driving to increase walking and improve overall fitness.
It helps with overall fitness through increased walking.
one person who lived it
Buy inexpensive hobby supplies like a basketball or drawing materials to occupy yourself without spending money.
These items can keep you occupied for months without additional cost.
one person who lived it
DIY home decor projects within your skill level, such as making curtains and shelves.
one person who lived it
Create handmade presents rather than purchasing store-bought items.
3 people, independently
Learn Sashiko embroidery to repair and decorate worn clothing with geometric patterns.
It is beautiful and practical.
one person who lived it
Scavenge for free items around college campuses when students leave for summer, as they often give things away.
2 people, independently
Adopt the mindset: use existing items fully, repair what breaks, repurpose what remains, or go without.
5 people, independently
Try companion planting by mixing flowers, herbs, and vegetables to keep gardening interesting.
It keeps everyone's interest up.
one person who lived it
Pair cleaning chores with enjoyable activities like listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks, or watching TV shows.
It provides instant gratification, satisfaction, and makes the time pass more pleasantly.
one person who lived it
Check Medicare or Medicaid policies for extra benefits like food and utility allowances, OTC allowances, and reduced utility costs.
one person who lived it
Organize your home to rediscover forgotten items you already own and put them to use.
one person who lived it
Visit open houses to browse extravagant homes for market research and entertainment, telling agents you are not looking to buy.
one person who lived it

frugality, frugal, value, spending89

Consider living in a smaller house to reduce major expenses.

If you live in a high-cost area, consider moving to a location with lower rent.
It can save thousands and improve quality of life.
one person who lived it
Use an e-bike for daily travel to reduce reliance on cars and lower long-term vehicle costs.
It can decrease spending on cars over time.
one person who lived it
Embrace the distinction between needs and wants to reduce consumption.
It teaches you to want less and consume very little, even if you have stuff.
one person who lived it
Tell friends you are trying to save money; many will agree and join you in finding cheap or free activities.
Friends often respond positively ('thank god I am too') and collaborate on low-cost plans.
one person who lived it

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Before buying anything, ask if it is a need or a want, and whether you want it badly enough to justify the cost.
This analysis helped one person retire and achieve financial stability.
- Some may view this as overanalyzing everything.
one person who lived it
Treat a no-spend challenge as a reset for your habits and mindset rather than just a way to save money.
It helps rewire thinking patterns that lead to impulsive purchases driven by boredom.
one person who lived it
Save money to live peacefully but spend it to create happy memories while you still can.
Life is short.
one person who lived it
Lead a frugal life and do not squander your wealth.
It is considered noble.
one person who lived it
- Live like you are poor to stay rich; avoid living like you are rich to prevent staying poor.2
- Live frugally now so you can live comfortably in ways most people cannot afford later.1
- Maintain frugal habits even after receiving a windfall, viewing frugality as getting the best value for your money rather than just deprivation.1
Do not struggle with the choice between convenience and frugality if you place a high value on your finite time.
Time is finite.
one person who lived it
Handle your finances frugally to build resilience against potential income loss.
Knowing you can weather the storm helps when income loss is disheartening.
one person who lived it
Adopt a minimalist mindset rather than being a miser.
It creates peace of mind and simplifies life.
one person who lived it
- Practice minimalism by only buying exactly what you need to avoid clutter and reduce spending.1
- Live in a smaller house to be frugal, prioritizing experiences over things.1
View money as a tool for freedom rather than a source of happiness.
one person who lived it
Be cautious when thrifting to avoid accumulating excessive clutter driven by the thrill of a good deal.
The excitement of finding a bargain can lead to buying far more items than needed.
one person who lived it
Limit your living space to reduce the motivation to buy things you have nowhere to put.
Lack of space reduces the urge to purchase items.
one person who lived it
To reduce rent costs, get a roommate or sublet your apartment.
Rent is a major expense; sharing housing can lower costs.
one person who lived it
Consider living in a smaller house to reduce major expenses.
- This is one person's specific choice alongside driving an older car.
5 people, independently
Preserve and give away fruit and nut harvests when trees are producing to feel wealthy.
Giving and preserving harvests makes one feel wealthy.
one person who lived it
Use Clark Howard's resources to develop a frugal mindset.
He did more for one person's frugal mindset than anyone else.
one person who lived it
Reframe cleaning your house as a meditative practice and gratitude exercise rather than a chore.
Viewing tasks like scrubbing dishes as blessings for having a home-cooked meal and a kitchen changes the experience.
one person who lived it
Max out retirement accounts to save on taxes that would otherwise be paid.
Saving on tax money is described as frugal.
one person who lived it
Define frugality as a conscious choice to save leftover money, distinct from poverty which is a lack of money.
Frugal means having money and deciding to save it; poor means literally having no money.
one person who lived it
- Carefully set aside money to get maximum value rather than simply avoiding purchases.1
- Distinguish between being frugal (making the best of what you have) and being cheap (avoiding spending at any cost through behaviors like mooching or badgering for discounts).1
- Define frugality relative to your income level, but recognize that cheapness is a consistent behavior regardless of wealth.1
Live far below your means.
It allows you to solve any arising problem quickly, eliminating money complaints.
one person who lived it
Cut down on your skincare routine to reduce product purchases and skin problems.
Fewer products mean less spending and fewer potential causes for skin issues.
- Those with sensitivities may still need to stick to specific brands despite trying cheap alternatives.
one person who lived it
Practice frugality and DIY habits, understanding they may only enable early retirement if you also earn top wages.
Frugality alone may not be enough for early retirement without high earnings.
- Retiring at 30 via frugality may require top-tier wages.
one person who lived it
Permit occasional small treats like lattes during a no-spend challenge.
Life is short.
one person who lived it
If you have the means, research and invest in high-quality items designed to last a lifetime to reduce waste.
Frugality is about value, not cheapness.
one person who lived it
Value your time when deciding whether to cook from scratch; avoid excessive prep work like chopping vegetables if it does not justify the effort.
While making food saves money, personal time has value.
one person who lived it
Save money on low-priority items so you can spend freely on high-priority experiences or goods.
Frugality is about saving on simple things to afford what you truly want.
one person who lived it
- Define frugality as thoughtful spending rather than thoughtless non-spending.3
Align your wants with what you can afford so that you buy everything you want because you want less.
one person who lived it
Choose lower-paying jobs with more free time over high-paying roles if you value leisure over income.
one person who lived it
Cultivate a few really good friendships and maintain good relationships with most of your family.
Financially wealthy people often lack these connections.
one person who lived it
Become value-oriented with spending by asking 'what don't I really value?' rather than just cutting costs.
one person who lived it
Focus on luxuries so they feel like true treats rather than routine expenses.
Being frugal helps make them truly special.
one person who lived it
Say 'It's not in my budget' instead of 'I can't afford it' to signal intentional financial prioritization.
It feels like saying you have good financial habits rather than poverty.
2 people, independently
Focus on wanting what you have rather than having what you want to get happiness.
one person who lived it
Focus on spending on items that add to comfort in the spaces you occupy most frequently, such as your bedroom.
These purchases make your environment feel more serene and increase happiness.
one person who lived it
Declutter regularly to become more frugal, as the two practices reinforce each other.
The more you declutter, the more frugal you become.
one person who lived it
Pool resources with others to buy expensive equipment like excavators or scaffolding for shared use.
One group saved on a plumbing repair by using shared equipment rather than paying professional quotes.
one person who lived it
Keep a balance between present enjoyment and future savings by continuing to have fun and nurture relationships now, rather than postponing life for distant future events.
Living only for a future event can lead to a habit of perpetually delaying satisfaction.
one person who lived it
Stop buying decor just to fill space, pull a room together, or mark the season.
It reduces cleaning effort, specifically dusting, and storage needs.
one person who lived it
Consider inflation when evaluating whether an item holds its value; nominal resale prices may not reflect real purchasing power.
Supply and demand can be out of sync, affecting real value.
one person who lived it
Recognize that making your own cleaning products may not save money due to economies of scale.
It is hard to match the cost efficiency of commercial production.
one person who lived it
Cultivate contentment with routine, repetition, and low-maintenance hobbies to reduce spending on entertainment and goods.
Being easily amused by routine has saved thousands over the years.
one person who lived it
Compare your savings to someone else's income to highlight the impact of spending habits; ask if they bought something expensive if their savings are low despite similar income.
it helped grow roots into frugality
one person who lived it
Replace luxury outings with homemade alternatives and game nights to teach children delayed gratification.
It proves fortitude and shows that saying 'not today' to some things leads to greater rewards for others.
one person who lived it
Compare meat prices across different grocery chains, as some stores may have higher prices than competitors even with sales and digital coupons.
One shopper found that despite sales and coupons, another chain remained cheaper at retail price.
2 people, independently
Set a specific financial goal to make frugal sacrifices feel worthwhile.
Having a goal makes the sacrifice worth something rather than being frugal for frugality's sake.
one person who lived it
Savor small amounts of high-quality dark chocolate daily to experience decadence.
The richness and intensity make it feel decadent.
one person who lived it
Focus on life experiences over material possessions that break or become obsolete.
Material possessions break or become obsolete.
one person who lived it
Recognize that consumerism can be hollow and unsatisfying.
One person found the experience surprisingly hollow and unsatisfying, teaching them the folly of consumerism.
one person who lived it
Invest small amounts in protective gear to safeguard expensive equipment, distinguishing frugality from cheapness.
Frugality involves protecting assets to prevent larger losses.
one person who lived it
Adopt a frugal lifestyle instead of spending to appear superior.
Pursuing the appearance of superiority often leads to inferior economic achievement.
one person who lived it
Live frugally to escape the life cycle of working just to pay for rent and entertainment sooner rather than later.
one person who lived it
- Live as cheaply as you can stand, then consciously inflate the specific parts of your lifestyle you cannot do without to reach satisfaction.1
Carry soda home from the store instead of drinking it immediately to make it less enjoyable.
This method helped one person quit drinking soda by reducing its immediate appeal.
one person who lived it
Stop shopping or thrifting without a specific purpose.
It helps declutter your living space and reduces the desire to acquire non-consumables unless necessary.
one person who lived it
If you feel guilt about personal purchases, delay removing tags from new items.
It helps manage feelings of guilt regarding spending on oneself.
one person who lived it
If you struggle with clutter, try purging your home of extras to gain psychological freedom and clarity.
One person described the experience as psychologically epic and liberating, giving them a radar for junk.
one person who lived it
Focus on peace of mind and reduced worry over accumulating wealth for its own sake.
one person who lived it
Live below your means and act like you are just getting started, rather than matching the lifestyle your parents had after working their entire lives.
one person who lived it
If you are open to it, consider living with relatives to reduce housing costs.
It can save a significant amount of money, similar to multi-family living arrangements common in some cultures.
one person who lived it
Allow spending on hobbies and social dinners while restricting other areas to stay intentional rather than just saving money.
It is about being intentional, not necessarily just saving money.
one person who lived it
If you cannot decide between two items, choose neither.
Inability to decide indicates a decision against both.
one person who lived it
Visit websites dedicated to frugal living for insights.
The content is nice.
one person who lived it
Avoid spending excessive time agonizing over minor price differences, as it yields diminishing returns on life quality.
Being penny-wise can make one life-foolish due to diminishing returns on frugality.
one person who lived it
Treat frugality as a hobby by researching deals, organizing coupons, and strategizing savings.
Researching, organizing, and strategizing can make you excited and determined.
one person who lived it
Avoid browsing online stores when intoxicated to prevent impulse buying and forgetting purchases.
One person reported buying stuff while stoned and forgetting about it until delivery; another noted going there drunk would be a disaster.
one person who lived it
Do not judge others' financial choices; recognize that everyone has different priorities and values.
Using your own perspective as the standard for understanding others is nonsensical.
one person who lived it
Be conscious and aware of your actions to get frugality, allowing certain behaviors to become habits.
Frugality is best achieved through awareness, turning specific behaviors into habits.
one person who lived it
Recognize that individual daily eco-friendly actions have minimal impact compared to industrial waste.
Individual gestures are miniscule compared to the ecological impact of industry.
one person who lived it
Explain your frugality by stating a specific personal goal rather than comparing yourself to others.
Comparing choices makes others defensive and angry.
one person who lived it
Treat decluttering and organizing as a rewarding activity to increase awareness of what you own.
It reduces impulse purchases by preventing duplicate buys and provides a sense of relief from a clean environment.
one person who lived it
Choose frivolities carefully within your budget; strict frugality fails, but a lifestyle approach allows for humanity, failings, and wants.
one person who lived it
Redefine 'millionaire' as an average person with a modest house and a comfortable nest egg rather than someone with mansions and servants.
one person who lived it
View occasional salon visits as treats rather than necessities, accepting that DIY results may not be perfect.
one person who lived it
Distinguish frugality from running a business or investing in rental properties.
Those activities are different from being frugal per se.
one person who lived it
Avoid heavy couponing for everyday groceries as it consumes too much time for minimal savings.
most stores already advertise deals without requiring a coupon
one person who lived it
Be aware of the Diderot Effect: acquiring one new possession can trigger a spiral of consumption leading to more acquisitions.
one person who lived it
Identify true needs versus wants and seek out value opportunities that others overlook due to laziness or consumerist conditioning.
one person who lived it
View frugality as an act of resistance against consumerist marketing and manipulation.
one person who lived it

homemade, coffee, home, store-bought63

Make popcorn by putting kernels in a brown paper bag and microwaving them for 2 minutes.

Skip morning coffee out and make it at home.
the cost adds up crazy quick
3 people, independently
- Make coffee at home using a good quality thermos to save time and money.1
Make your own espresso mix at home.
It saves money compared to buying coffee shops drinks which add up fast.
2 people, independently
Bring your own tea to work instead of buying coffee to save money.
One person saved money by brewing tea from home ($15 lasts weeks) instead of spending $16-$24 weekly on office coffee.
2 people, independently
Buy bulk ingredients for lip balm, mix a huge batch, freeze the mixture in a block, and carve off pieces to melt into tubes as needed.
This approach can be frugal.
one person who lived it

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Make cafe-style coffee at home using a milk frother and AeroPress to save money.
These tools are cheap and produce lovely results that cost much less than bar drinks.
- This works unless you are dead set on authentic espresso bar drinks.
one person who lived it
Make your own soap using YouTube tutorials.
One person reported they haven't bought soap in 5 years since doing this.
one person who lived it
Invest in a decent espresso machine to make lattes at home.
One person reduced their weekly spending from $25-$30 on lattes to roughly $0.60 per cup by making them at home.
one person who lived it
Bring your own soda cans when getting drive-thru food.
It avoids paying for overpriced drinks, such as $4 sodas.
one person who lived it
Make homemade baby or toddler food instead of buying jars.
It requires minimal effort and costs about 10% of the price of jarred purees.
2 people, independently
Buy store-bought hemp and soy milk instead of making them at home.
They are cheaper to buy.
one person who lived it
Make items with your own hands rather than purchasing them to experience joy and pride.
Making things by hand brings joy and pride every time you look at the result.
one person who lived it
Buy a large container of instant coffee from Walmart for long-term low-cost caffeine.
A big container costs around $5 and lasts for several months.
one person who lived it
Make homemade cold brew coffee by putting ground coffee and water in a French press in the fridge overnight.
Yummy.
2 people, independently
- Make black coffee in a French press for a simple caffeine delivery system.1
Sterilize jars and lids before storing homemade mustard, and keep it in the fridge to prevent mold.
One person reported keeping it for up to a year with no issues using this method.
one person who lived it
Brew coffee at home using a simple pot maker and thermos instead of buying it out.
Freshly ground beans will make a better pot than any coffee shop around
one person who lived it
Avoid buying sugary drinks; drink water, herbal tea, or make lemonade/iced tea at home.
It is cheaper and contains less sugar.
one person who lived it
Use a food processor or blender to churn cream into butter instead of shaking by hand.
It saves time and is easier.
2 people, independently
Add potato water to yeast-based doughs.
The starch makes the bread soft and tender.
one person who lived it
Switch from name-brand lemon-lime soda to store brand.
It saves money.
one person who lived it
Use real lard in pie crust to improve texture and flavor.
It makes a huge difference.
one person who lived it
Make kale chips by baking kale in an oven.
simple
one person who lived it
Choose a bread maker with a time delay feature to wake up to fresh bread.
It allows you to wake up to the scent and flavor of fresh bread.
one person who lived it
Buy good cheese.
You deserve good cheese.
one person who lived it
Make soap only if you enjoy the process or plan to sell it, rather than doing so solely to save money on materials.
The cost savings are minimal compared to store-bought options.
one person who lived it
Make your own dried cranberries from fresh ones bought on sale to control the sugar content.
You can control the sugar.
one person who lived it
Use cocoa powder to absorb oils and freshen items.
It absorbs oil, is darker, and smells good.
one person who lived it
Vacuum-seal and freeze extra homemade pizzas.
They are superior to store-bought frozen pizzas.
one person who lived it
Add shea butter to homemade lip balm for a silky texture, as its melting point is close to skin temperature.
Shea butter feels silky and nice on the skin.
one person who lived it
Buy a bread maker to produce fresh bread and pizza dough easily without needing to form loaves.
The result is cheap and tastes better than store-bought.
one person who lived it
Make instant coffee with chocolate syrup and milk, served iced, as an alternative to cafe drinks.
It scratches the itch for those drinks.
one person who lived it
Be aware that black tea may stain teeth more than coffee.
one person reported their dentist confirmed this observation
- based on one person's experience and dentist comment
one person who lived it
Serve olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping toast.
It creates a feeling of being rich while spending little.
one person who lived it
Remove sous vide meats from the bath whenever convenient or leave them in for an additional hour or more.
It provides flexibility in timing.
one person who lived it
Gradually dilute soda with increasing amounts of water and ice to wean yourself off sugary drinks.
One person reported this helped them eliminate soda.
- Based on one person's experience.
one person who lived it
Make homemade versions of processed snacks like Uncrustables.
Store-bought versions are expensive (about a dollar or more per piece) and considered barely real food; making them at home with whole wheat is cheaper.
one person who lived it
Make homemade gifts like candy, fudge, truffles, or spiced nuts instead of buying them.
Family members often love these gifts.
one person who lived it
Use mini-appliances like waffle or omelet makers to prepare small portions of junk food at home.
The tiny portions satisfy cravings and prevent trips to convenience stores.
one person who lived it
Add sugar to the milk at the start of the yogurt-making process to get a thicker texture.
The bacteria react differently and are boosted.
one person who lived it
Buy generic brand 0% alcohol lager when craving beer.
It satisfies the craving.
one person who lived it
Decorate a store-bought cake yourself to save money and add personal effort.
The recipient may appreciate the effort put into making the occasion special.
- Do not use dirty toys as decoration; that is considered lazy.
one person who lived it
Mix lemon juice with salt to clean counters as a bleach alternative.
It makes counters beautiful.
one person who lived it
Bring homemade coffee or snacks when driving others to limit your temptation to buy.
Limits your temptation.
one person who lived it
Buy commercial Sriracha sauce instead of making it at home.
Homemade versions cost more and take more time while tasting identical to the store-bought product.
one person who lived it
Stop shaking butter in a jar when it sounds like it is forming and goes smooth against one side.
to reduce rinsing and improve consistency
one person who lived it
Make homemade hummus from dried chickpeas instead of buying it.
Homemade hummus tastes much better and freezes well.
one person who lived it
Use Miracle Whip for sweet salads and regular mayonnaise for savory dishes.
Miracle Whip is sweet; mayo is perfect for savory dishes.
one person who lived it
Mix shredded mozzarella and provolone in an 80/20 ratio for pizza.
It provides better melting and flavor.
one person who lived it
Use small glass bottles, such as those from coconut water or Starbucks Frappuccinos, for portable servings of iced coffee, milk, or smoothies during commutes.
They are small enough for a backpack but hold a decent serving size.
one person who lived it
Use self-rising flour for apple cobbler to get a fluffy result.
The result is exquisitely fluffy and delicious.
one person who lived it
Top simple bean tacos with lime, cabbage, onion, and cilantro to improve flavor and nutrition.
adds tons of nutrients
one person who lived it
Make snacks such as pudding, applesauce, yogurt, muffins, and cookies at home.
Homemade pudding is cheaper than packaged versions.
one person who lived it
Eat Snickers bars as a low-cost alternative to Cliff Bars for energy.
Sugar provides quick energy and peanuts provide slow energy.
one person who lived it
Make popcorn by putting kernels in a brown paper bag and microwaving them for 2 minutes.
4 people, independently
Buy powdered versions of sauces, marinades, and condiments instead of liquid ones so they last longer.
They last longer.
one person who lived it
Sprinkle smoked paprika on deviled eggs for enhanced flavor.
It’s life!!
one person who lived it
Add cayenne pepper to bland or disliked food to change the flavor without overpowering it.
It can totally change the flavor without overpowering.
one person who lived it
Make iced tea by steeping tea bags in cold water in the refrigerator overnight.
This method avoids using hot water entirely and produces fine results.
one person who lived it
Buy individual cupcakes instead of a sheet cake for work celebrations.
to avoid the disgusting sheet cake
one person who lived it
Use an Instant Pot to cook dried beans for a cheaper, higher-quality alternative to canned beans.
Canned beans are described as flavorless mush by comparison; homemade beans are fast, awesome, and economical.
one person who lived it
Make salad dressing at home using vinegar, oil, and whatever spices you like.
4 people, independently
Strain homemade yogurt through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove liquid and create a thicker consistency.
3 people, independently

items, buy, buying, clothing125

Use coupons only for items you were already planning to buy.

Search Facebook Marketplace for items before buying them new to save money and help the environment.
Many items are given away or sold for a fraction of the cost.
- This does not work for everything, such as food.
3 people, independently
- Monitor local 'buy nothing' groups for free high-quality items instead of rushing to buy at retail.1
Wait until you have $35 worth of items in your cart to get free shipping instead of paying for Prime.
Delivery times are similar to Prime (3-5 days).
- It is challenging to wait for needed items to reach the threshold without adding unnecessary things.
2 people, independently
Buy bar soap in bulk online or on sale to secure a multi-year supply at a lower per-unit cost.
It does not spoil, allowing for long-term storage.
- Be careful with Amazon; one person received counterfeit Irish Spring soaps.
one person who lived it
Shop your home first by checking if you already own an item that serves the purpose before buying something new.
One person found they had what they needed 9 out of 10 times, eliminating the need to buy another item.
3 people, independently

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Learn to fix hems, pocket holes, buttons, and popped seams using a cheap thrift store sewing machine.
A $20 machine pays for itself in two uses.
2 people, independently
Buy better-quality clothing from thrift stores or good brands rather than cheap fast fashion that doesn't last.
It is better to spend more on items that last than to waste money on shirts that don't.
one person who lived it
- Shop at thrift stores or vintage shops rather than fast fashion retailers.3
- Purchase high-quality, classic clothing items.3
- Buy high-quality versions of frequently used items like bras or leather goods because they last longer and are truly frugal.2
Buy used cashmere on eBay with a strict price limit.
Buying new would cause distress.
one person who lived it
Invest in high-quality snow boots if you live in a severe climate.
One person planned on wearing their $300 boots for at least seven years due to harsh winters.
one person who lived it
- Invest in high-quality winter boots instead of buying cheap ones every season, as they last longer.1
Do not buy items advertised; assume you do not need them.
You don't need it.
one person who lived it
Wait a month before buying something you want to see if you still desire it.
Usually, the desire fades.
one person who lived it
- Carry an item around for 10 minutes to determine if you need it or just want it.1
- If you are debating a purchase, wait one or two weeks to see if you still remember wanting the item.2
Buy Old Spice deodorant sticks in bulk when on sale.
One person reported that a bulk purchase typically lasts 2-3 years.
- Another source claims Old Spice is awful for skin and overpriced.
one person who lived it
Buy dress shoes with leather soles and add Vibram soles or shoe taps to resole them annually.
This avoids buying new pairs every 6-8 months.
one person who lived it
Organize all your possessions so you know what you have and can find it, preventing duplicate purchases.
If you don't know where things are, you risk buying new items only to stumble across the old ones later.
3 people, independently
- Store similar items together to identify and avoid buying duplicates you already own.1
- Avoid hoarding items 'just in case,' as clutter often leads to losing items and buying duplicates.1
Buy parts online rather than from physical stores like Radio Shack to save money.
Parts from physical stores are super expensive.
- You may have to pay minimal shipping.
one person who lived it
Purchase gift cards at a discount if you plan to use them eventually.
You pay less than face value and can potentially earn cash back on the purchase.
one person who lived it
Invest in a nice bra, especially if you have a large chest.
It saves your back from pain.
one person who lived it
Calculate the cost per use of an item to judge its value.
The more you use an item, the lower your cost per use becomes.
one person who lived it
Buy cat litter and coffee in bulk when they are on sale.
Cat litter is oddly expensive.
one person who lived it
Buy used clothing from thrift stores, consignment shops, eBay, or garage sales.
You can get barely used items for much less than new ones.
- Some people view buying from places like Goodwill as being for 'poor people' and may be offended.
one person who lived it
- Challenge yourself to buy only used clothing, including resale items that are new with tags.1
- Buy used name-brand children's clothing from marketplaces instead of new designer items.1
Mend or alter the clothes you already own instead of buying new ones.
Small fixes extend the life of clothing.
2 people, independently
- Alter second-hand clothes by cutting or adding details like eyelets to update their style.1
Reduce your wardrobe by 80% to save time and money on shopping, cleaning, and organizing rarely worn clothes.
The savings in time and money from not managing excess clothing are significant.
one person who lived it
Do not buy items you have zero use for, even if they seem useful or cheap, as this makes them less valuable.
Having no use for an item makes it less valuable.
one person who lived it
Fix the things you own instead of buying new ones to gain patience, skill, and save time.
Buying fewer things and fixing what you have requires less time than researching, scrolling, driving, and waiting in line.
one person who lived it
Shop estate sales for unique items from deceased people.
Cool items come from dead people.
one person who lived it
Buy quality items for shoes, tires, and beds.
These items separate you from the ground.
one person who lived it
Avoid buying the largest size of consumables if you will not use them before they expire or spoil.
Buying the biggest one to pay the least per pound is counterproductive if the item goes bad before you use it all.
one person who lived it
- Pay more for better quality packaging or product to prevent spoilage and waste.1
Buy durable backpacks for school even if they cost more initially.
It is worth it if the item lasts for multiple years in perfect condition.
one person who lived it
Use coupons only for items you were already planning to buy.
- Avoid buying processed foods just to use coupons.
5 people, independently
Buy shampoo and conditioner when they are on sale (e.g., 50% off) and store them until needed.
Shampoo and conditioner have a long expiration time.
one person who lived it
Conduct a wardrobe audit twice a year to become more intentional about what you own.
This process has made one person way more intentional, eliminating the need for certain steps for five years.
one person who lived it
Buy party decor and plates after New Year's Day when they are cheap and save them for future celebrations.
Items are sold very cheaply after New Year's Day.
one person who lived it
Wait until high-quality products that last are on sale before buying them.
It is worth investing in quality products that will last.
one person who lived it
Shop local estate sales, especially on the last day when items are 50% off.
It avoids buying new items.
one person who lived it
Buy high-quality jeans like Levi's instead of cheap alternatives.
They show wear much later than $15 pants that need replacing every couple of months.
2 people, independently
If you live in a place with distinct seasons, adjust the standard three-month clothing wear rule to fit your local climate, such as wearing fall clothes for six months.
The standard timeframe may not be realistic depending on where you live.
one person who lived it
Compare unit prices for dollar store items like ziplock bags to ensure they are cheaper than regular brands.
Some dollar store items cost more per unit in the long run.
one person who lived it
Sell or donate unneeded items and use a 30-day waiting list for new purchases to stop buying things you don't need.
one person who lived it
Buy secondhand aluminum frame mountain bikes that are approximately 20 years old.
They still ride well and are nearly free.
one person who lived it
Organize yard sale clothes by size and hang them up rather than piling them, so buyers can easily browse without digging.
Piles require too much work to sift through; organized displays make people pause to look.
one person who lived it
Start with a minimal wardrobe of one or two pairs of bottoms and three to five tops.
People generally do not notice repeated use of the same bottoms, and rotating tops creates different looks.
one person who lived it
Buy used sports gear from places like Play It Again Sports to save money.
Used gear works well for children who do not need brand new equipment.
one person who lived it
Buy Costco Kirkland Signature cookware and keep receipts to use the return policy even years later if it doesn't meet standards.
Costco offers a 100% guarantee on returns, even several years later.
one person who lived it
Repurpose or reuse what you already have instead of buying new things.
It is an alternative to recreational shopping and buying stuff in general.
2 people, independently
Wait a number of days equal to the item's cost in hundreds before buying it (e.g., wait 4 days for a $400 item).
one person who lived it
Store undecided clothes in a box out of sight for one year; if you do not look for them during that time, get rid of them.
one person who lived it
Buy camera equipment on sale rather than at retail prices.
Retail prices are too high to afford.
one person who lived it
Buy items in bulk when they are on sale rather than frequently at higher prices.
3 people, independently
- Purchase non-perishable goods in large quantities when you can.4
Avoid buying items priced between $20 and $80, as they are often emotionally attractive but superfluous.
Items under this range are supplies, and items over are investments; the middle range often leads to regret.
one person who lived it
Learn basic needle-and-thread repairs to buy slightly damaged clothing at steep discounts from liquidation sales.
Minor defects like missing buttons or small tears often drastically reduce the price of otherwise good items.
one person who lived it
Focus on making money when you buy rather than when you sell.
one person who lived it
Invest in a high-quality raincoat for long-term waterproof protection.
One jacket provided 26 years of excellent service.
one person who lived it
Invest in assets rather than buying liabilities like new cars or TVs.
Liabilities like new cars, TVs, games consoles, and clothes lose value over time.
one person who lived it
Build a capsule wardrobe with neutral colors and versatile items.
The fashion industry pushes you to buy, but this approach provides all you need.
one person who lived it
Centralize toiletries and household consumables to avoid running out and buying more.
One couple stopped going to the store for a year and avoided buying duplicates after finding hidden stockpiles.
one person who lived it
Buy high-quality china and flatware at estate sales or auctions.
These items are often kept on display or used only for special occasions, so they are in good condition.
one person who lived it
Avoid buying excessive or fancy baby clothes.
Infants outgrow them fast and stain them easily.
one person who lived it
Purchase kids' clothes from second-hand shops.
Children outgrow their outfits rapidly.
4 people, independently
- Exchange numbers with parents of slightly older babies to buy hand-me-down clothes.1
Ask friends, roommates, or acquaintances if you can take their unwanted clothes before they donate them to second-hand stores.
This is a primary source for obtaining wardrobe items for free.
one person who lived it
Keep and refill original jars for bulk purchases.
The jar is the most expensive part.
one person who lived it
Join Costco to buy groceries, dry goods, and gasoline in bulk at lower prices.
it offers cheap, high-quality brands and the best price on gasoline
one person who lived it
Join Costco if the savings on gas, clothing, and Kirkland brand items exceed the membership cost.
One person reported saving more than the membership cost through these categories.
one person who lived it
Stock up on essentials like compost, soap, toothpaste, laundry powder, and toilet seats before starting a no-buy month.
To ensure needed items are not on your mind during the challenge.
one person who lived it
Avoid buying bicycles from discount retailers like Walmart; buy quality bikes instead.
Walmart bikes are not fun to ride, will break, and are referred to by mechanics as 'bike-shaped objects.'
one person who lived it
Buy fancy or designer clothing second-hand instead of buying new cheap clothes.
Second-hand fancy clothes can be cheaper than new cheap ones.
one person who lived it
Thrift natural fiber clothing instead of buying new expensive versions.
Natural fibers can be thrifted at low prices in most cases.
one person who lived it
Use Amazon Subscribe & Save for regular items.
It beats big box prices.
one person who lived it
Buy toilet paper in bulk only when it is deeply discounted, as it does not expire.
one person who lived it
Ask friends or family for extra clothing items before buying new ones.
Someone usually has an extra item like a skirt or socks.
one person who lived it
Buy correct, high-quality gear for hobbies like climbing shoes or bikes to improve performance and satisfaction.
One person prefers paying more for correct gear to perform better rather than spending less and performing worse.
one person who lived it
Choose unknown brands in second-hand stores to avoid wearing outdated trendy items.
It avoids the perception that you are wearing something old-fashioned.
one person who lived it
Search for used tools at estate sales, pawn shops, or online marketplaces before buying new.
3 people, independently
Buy multiples of affordable, comfortable clothing items when the price is right to save money and time.
It saves money and avoids wasting time on shopping.
one person who lived it
Sell old iPod Nanos online as there is still demand for them.
People still love smaller personal electronics like these devices.
one person who lived it
Buy used cars, appliances, and furniture whenever possible or practical.
Initial depreciation has already occurred, allowing you to buy better quality than you could afford new.
3 people, independently
Purchase gimmicky or novel items second-hand first to test if you will stick with them before buying new.
This approach helps verify interest in items like electric skateboards or motorcycles before committing to full price.
one person who lived it
Avoid buying holiday decorations that remain unused for most of the year.
It is wasteful to own items that sit in storage for long periods.
one person who lived it
If you live in cold climates, collect multiple jackets from thrift shops.
Winter severity is unpredictable, and double-layering can be necessary.
one person who lived it
Check thrift stores affiliated with higher-income groups, such as Am-Vet stores.
These locations may receive donations of durable business or casual clothing intended to last.
one person who lived it
Buy thrifted vintage decor and furniture.
These items cost very little initially but can become valuable later.
one person who lived it
Be skeptical of grocery stores that constantly advertise sales, as base prices may be inflated to make deals appear larger than they are.
If items are always on sale, you are likely not saving money because prices are inflated.
one person who lived it
Sell hobbies and items you no longer use, such as vinyl collections or old CDs, to declutter and make money.
Selling unused items stops wasting money on neglected hobbies and generates income.
one person who lived it
Use storage systems to assign a specific place for all belongings to discourage buying new items.
When everything has a designated space, acquiring new items requires finding a new home for them, which reduces the desire to buy.
one person who lived it
Choose generic groceries over name brands when the taste difference does not warrant the higher cost.
These alternatives frequently offer comparable or superior quality for less money.
- Generic cheese squares are described as disgusting; some items may not be worth switching.
3 people, independently
Buy sweetener in bulk bags rather than individual packets to save money and reduce packaging waste.
It is cheaper and creates less waste and packaging.
one person who lived it
- Buy the largest available package size of household products.1
Spend more on high-quality bras fitted professionally rather than buying cheap ones frequently.
It avoids constant pain associated with cheaper alternatives.
one person who lived it
Avoid buying boats unless prepared for significant ongoing costs, as they typically depreciate heavily and require maintenance.
Boats are described as money pits or holes in the water where you throw your money.
one person who lived it
Be cautious when buying from Walmart, as they may sell products with identical model numbers but inferior components.
Inferior components are sometimes used to cut costs.
one person who lived it
Buy older DSLR camera bodies secondhand and invest in quality lenses.
Camera bodies are cheap, but quality lenses retain their value.
one person who lived it
Give thrifted kitchen items, such as pasta strainers and salad tongs, as birthday gifts to young children.
Children may prefer these practical items over expensive, noisy toys.
one person who lived it
Perform regular maintenance and cleaning on possessions to extend their lifespan.
Making owned items nicer and more pleasurable to use reduces the temptation to buy new things.
one person who lived it
Buy glass storage containers at thrift stores, discount retailers like HomeGoods or TJ Maxx, or Facebook Marketplace to save money compared to buying new sets.
Prices are often lower than online retailers, and many sellers have unused canning supplies.
one person who lived it
Do not wait until an item completely breaks before replacing it.
Waiting forces an immediate purchase, preventing you from shopping around for sales or comparing options.
one person who lived it
Check local store prices for items advertised online as being on sale to ensure competitiveness.
Online 'sales' may not be better than regular prices at physical retailers.
one person who lived it
Set a specific price limit for an item and wait until the price dips below that amount before buying.
one person who lived it
Question whether routinely sold items, such as certain cleaning products, are actual needs.
Not all are necessary.
one person who lived it
Buy Patagonia clothing if you value lifetime repair guarantees.
They guarantee repairs for life.
one person who lived it
Purchase high-quality shoes designed to last through years of heavy wear.
4 people, independently
Check model numbers before buying Black Friday electronics.
Companies sometimes build models with thrown together or cheapest parts specifically for those deals.
one person who lived it
Shop in actual retail stores rather than outlet stores for brands like Banana Republic or Gap.
Outlet stores offer inferior quality, such as ruined zippers.
one person who lived it
Wait for deep discounts on specific desired items rather than browsing general sales pages.
Waiting can result in significant savings compared to regular prices.
one person who lived it
Consider buying boys' winter clothes instead of women's if you need warmer options.
boys' winter clothes are usually warmer than women's
one person who lived it
Buy technology like consoles, computers, and phones second-hand to avoid the immediate drop in value that occurs when buying new.
Technology loses significant value immediately upon purchase, similar to a car.
one person who lived it
Wait until your current item is broken or completely worn out before purchasing a replacement.
4 people, independently
If you buy a slightly more expensive grocery item, stretch its usage over a longer period to offset the extra cost.
one person who lived it
Research products heavily before buying to avoid impulse purchases.
5 people, independently
Shop at discount grocery stores like Aldi for consistent pricing and fewer restrictions on coupons.
Printed coupons often require jumping through hoops and rarely stack, whereas discount stores offer consistent pricing.
one person who lived it
Replace most clothes via secondhand purchases after significant weight loss to save money.
one person who lived it
Buy baby items secondhand, as they are often available for very little money and sometimes brand new.
one person who lived it
Be skeptical of Amazon Prime Day sales, as prices may be artificially inflated before being marked down to their original price.
one person who lived it

spending, money, purchases, avoid169

Pause for a minimum of 24 hours prior to any unplanned purchase to prevent impulse spending.

Avoid credit cards, mortgages, and loans that require paying interest in installments.
Seeing people struggle with minimum payments on store credit cards creates aversion to debt.
- Financial advisors may consider this approach foolish.
2 people, independently
If you want to buy something that is not urgent, start a 48-hour wait period for yourself.
This curbs scroll-spending.
one person who lived it
- Implement a 3-day rule: wait three days before buying non-essential items to see if the desire persists.1
- Pause for a minimum of 24 hours prior to any unplanned purchase to prevent impulse spending.12
Include wants in your sustainable budget (e.g., 60% needs, 20% save, 20% wants) to avoid crash-diet-style failure.
A balanced budget prevents the failure mode of a crash diet.
one person who lived it
Route most of your spending through a card that offers cash back, and settle the full balance monthly without fail.
8 people, independently

143 more on this

Order groceries online with curbside pickup to avoid impulse purchases and stay on your list.
It prevents wandering through stores and buying items you do not need, saving time and money.
12 people, independently
Max out Roth IRA contributions early in life to build long-term retirement security.
Gets money put to work for retirement early.
- Limited by earned income.
one person who lived it
Bundle all errands and spending into one day a week to create 'zero days' where no purchases are made.
It is better for the environment.
one person who lived it
- Track consecutive 'Zero-Dollar Days' to build pride in frugal living.1
One approach that helped save money: house-sit full-time for several months to avoid paying rent.
to save money
one person who lived it
Stop browsing retail stores just to get out and look, as this leads to unnecessary spending.
It saves tons of money.
one person who lived it
Wait 17 days before buying something you really want; if you still want it after that time, it is likely not just an urge.
Waiting helps distinguish genuine desire from impulse.
one person who lived it
Aim for specific no-spend days, such as Monday through Thursday or one weekend per month, to gradually build the habit.
No-spend days help curb spending habits once identified.
one person who lived it
- Try to keep a 30-day no-spend streak by ticking off days as you accomplish them to stay motivated.1
Cancel subscriptions and cut out services or foods that do not bring joy or serve your current priorities.
Removing these things helps focus on other goals, such as weight loss or creative pursuits.
one person who lived it
Calculate time spent versus dollars saved to decide whether to outsource tasks.
It helps reframe what is important to outsource, such as paying extra for an hour of playtime with a child.
one person who lived it
Keep a debt-free lifestyle.
It provides freedom from the rat race and removes the need to prove anything to anyone.
one person who lived it
Make coffee and prep lunch the night before to avoid morning impulse spending.
One person reported this stopped them from spending $10–15 a day due to being unprepared.
one person who lived it
Start an emergency fund by saving a small amount from every paycheck.
It adds up to enough for minor emergencies like a tow or tire.
one person who lived it
Get your car professionally cleaned when you feel the desire to buy a new one.
The desire to buy a new car goes away.
one person who lived it
Give up fast food to reduce spending on drive-through meals.
it was costing too much money
one person who lived it
Use a local bank for closing on a house.
Closing with a big bank was a nightmare.
one person who lived it
Wait for big urges to spend to fade with time before acting on them.
Most large spending urges diminish over time.
one person who lived it
Stay off social media to avoid ads that trigger impulse purchases.
Ads everywhere can lead you to feel you need expensive items before you know it.
one person who lived it
- Stay off social media to avoid constant ads and influencer pressure about missing out.1
- Eliminate television and radio consumption to reduce exposure to advertisements that trigger unnecessary purchases.2
Calculate whether driving further for cheaper gas is worth the time and fuel cost.
One source notes that saving $3 may not be worth 40 minutes of time and extra gas.
one person who lived it
Set a flexible allowance for takeout or dining out, such as once per week, rather than aiming for zero to avoid failure after one slip-up.
Knowing yourself helps prevent caving in when exhausted.
one person who lived it
- If you fail a strict no-spend rule, adapt it to a narrower version that is easier to maintain.1
Use credit cards for purchases to benefit from fraud protection refunds.
Banks have refunded stolen charges (e.g., skimmed card purchases).
2 people, independently
Cancel Amazon and remove the app from your phone.
It reduces impulse buying caused by how easy and fast it is to purchase items.
2 people, independently
Set up weekly automatic payments to a savings account using the amount you save from cutting daily expenses.
It builds savings that you haven't missed.
2 people, independently
- Set up automatic transfers of a set sum into a savings account with high interest rates.3
Start saving a small percentage of your income immediately.
You will thank yourself later for starting now.
one person who lived it
Open a High Yield Savings Account and deposit saved money into it.
To watch the money grow.
2 people, independently
Do not use tax refunds to pay off credit cards in full if you cannot afford your regular bills, as this often leads to maxing out the card again.
Paying off the card without addressing the underlying inability to pay bills results in the debt recurring.
one person who lived it
Unsubscribe from all sale and advertising emails to keep temptations out of your inbox.
to keep temptations out of your email inbox
4 people, independently
- Unsubscribe from ad emails and brand marketing to reduce the temptation to buy.2
- Delete food delivery apps and unsubscribe from brand emails to remove temptation.1
Pick up an item and walk around with it, or leave the store if the checkout line is too long, to test if you still want it.
This helps avoid buying unnecessary things by leveraging impatience or second thoughts.
one person who lived it
Avoid taking out loans to keep living expenses near zero.
Keeping yourself out of debt causes living expenses to drop to almost nothing.
one person who lived it
Avoid spending money when you are bored.
Boredom leads to buying useless stuff and dining out too much.
one person who lived it
Perform car maintenance yourself or skip recommended services you do not see value in.
One person saved many thousands by doing this, such as skipping brake fluid flushes as often as recommended.
one person who lived it
Keep one paid-off car with good mileage to avoid car payments.
3 people, independently
- Stay out of debt and avoid financing cars to maintain financial stability.2
Downgrade phone plans to match actual usage rather than paying for unlimited data.
Recurring expenses add up.
one person who lived it
Negotiate lower internet plans with your provider and buy your own modem instead of renting one.
to save money on monthly bills
one person who lived it
Avoid playing the lottery and instead save the money in a savings account.
Saving is considered a thousand times better than playing the lottery.
one person who lived it
Budget for life experiences so that living does not become merely a daily financial task rather than an adventure.
Otherwise life will pass you by while saving.
one person who lived it
Clarify your reasons for the challenge to override the urge to spend.
The reasoning needs to override feelings of wanting to spend right now.
one person who lived it
Set text alerts for credit cards, bank accounts, and payment apps to monitor spending.
It helps you notice when you have forgotten a subscription.
one person who lived it
Keep a brightly colored index card in plain sight to jot down items you run out of during the week.
It prevents the list from getting lost.
one person who lived it
Try a zero-purchase week as a creative challenge.
One person found it quite fun.
one person who lived it
- Attempt to extend your personal record for consecutive days spent without making purchases.3
Coast through stoplights by lifting your foot off the gas when you see a red light in the distance to save fuel.
The light often changes before you arrive, resulting in far less fuel usage.
one person who lived it
Try shopping at Aldi as a simple way to start saving money.
It requires no work on your part.
one person who lived it
Log every single purchase and bill to identify waste and gain control over spending.
Identifying waste creates more control.
2 people, independently
- Track all purchases to visualize annual spending and identify areas to cut back.1
Stash a percentage of your income as if it were not yours to spend.
2 people, independently
- Save a significant portion of your income to secure the future needs of your family.1
- Allocate money to savings or investments immediately upon receiving income, before spending on other expenses.2
Use envelope-style budgeting to see where money is going and change spending habits.
It allows you to visualize spending and adjust it.
one person who lived it
Stop researching a purchase halfway through if you realize you don't actually need the item.
It saves money.
one person who lived it
Track all purchases in an app.
It makes whipping out your wallet a conscious decision rather than a thoughtless habit.
one person who lived it
Consider taking out a loan or using a credit card with a 0% APR introductory period to finance expenses.
It is described as a cheap financing option.
one person who lived it
Sleep longer.
You cannot spend money while asleep.
one person who lived it
Schedule grocery shopping for once a week.
It saves trips to the store and encourages planning meals instead of ordering out.
one person who lived it
Pay off debt before becoming charitable.
Having debt doesn't help anyone.
one person who lived it
Use frugal savings to pay down mortgage principal to save on interest.
2 people, independently
Switch to a bank like Charles Schwab that charges zero fees for account maintenance, international transactions, and ATM usage.
to avoid paying any kind of fee
one person who lived it
Avoid traveling to save thousands of dollars.
Travel incurs significant costs that can be avoided.
one person who lived it
Order water instead of soda or other drinks when dining out to save money.
Drinking water can save significant amounts of money.
8 people, independently
Budget a specific weekly amount for office eating and drinking to maintain discipline and avoid a scarcity mindset.
It makes you feel happier and less likely to suddenly blow large amounts of money.
one person who lived it
Seek discounts and avoid paying retail for services you are keeping anyway, such as phone plans without contracts.
Paying retail when you are keeping the service is described as wasting money.
one person who lived it
Set up automatic direct deposits into a separate account for birthdays and holidays to budget across the year.
It ensures funds are available without being seen in your checking account.
one person who lived it
Have a budget and truly use it.
Financial life changed dramatically.
one person who lived it
Limit exceptions in no-spend challenges to essentials like fuel, bills, and groceries, excluding takeout.
- Individual needs for gas and food vary based on commute length and body size.
3 people, independently
- Define specific rules for what counts as necessities versus non-essentials before starting a no-spend challenge.2
- Restrict expenditures strictly to essential items such as food and utility bills.6
Cut out impulse buys to save more money than rewards programs return.
Impulse buy savings likely exceed rewards earnings.
one person who lived it
Shop with a strict list and visit only the aisles containing needed items to avoid distraction.
Getting in and out quickly prevents being distracted by impulse buys.
one person who lived it
Remove credit card information from browsers and delete shopping apps to create friction and allow time to reconsider purchases.
Building in time helps you come to your senses before spending.
2 people, independently
Develop strong personal finance habits like budgeting and paying bills on time.
Avoids late fees, improves credit score, and lowers interest rates and insurance premiums.
one person who lived it
Call service providers to negotiate lower rates on monthly expenses like cell phone bills, bank fees, car insurance, and subscriptions by stating money is tight.
They often offer deals or discounts; if they don't, nothing is lost.
one person who lived it
Budget your time and energy alongside your money to avoid crashing and blowing your financial budget.
You need to relax; going over your energy budget can cause you to crash and ruin your finances.
one person who lived it
Transfer savings from your checking account to a separate location on the day you receive your paycheck.
This enforces a fixed budget.
one person who lived it
- Automatically invest your money immediately after receiving your paycheck and determining your budget.1
Limit paid entertainment subscriptions to one streaming service and one music service.
Having more options often leads to not using them; this limit ensures you actually use what you pay for.
one person who lived it
Leave a small buffer in your grocery budget to stock up on sale items.
This allows you to take advantage of sales rather than budgeting to the last penny.
one person who lived it
Pay upfront for purchases or ensure you have funds in your checking account to pay off credit card balances in full immediately.
This avoids accruing interest charges.
2 people, independently
Consider small cost-saving changes like hand-washing your car to help stretch funds for larger expenses like new tires.
One person noted that little changes help save money for worn tires.
one person who lived it
Limit yourself to spending money only once per day.
This helps curb impulse purchases, such as stopping for food after grocery shopping, because you have already used your daily charge.
one person who lived it
Use a High-Yield Savings Account with transaction limits to restrict access to savings.
Limiting transactions forces you to transfer only what is necessary to checking, reducing impulse spending.
one person who lived it
- Automatically separate incoming money into retirement and other accounts immediately to prevent spending it.1
Do a spending freeze for a limited time on non-essentials like eating out or clothing.
A limited timeframe makes it feel achievable and refreshes good habits.
one person who lived it
Avoid social media and non-essential purchases for 3 months to reset habits.
One person reported becoming happier by stopping the chase for dopamine rushes from constant purchasing.
one person who lived it
Save small remaining balances on gift cards and apply them toward future purchases instead of discarding them.
To prevent companies from keeping money that customers assume is not worth the hassle to redeem.
one person who lived it
Carry snacks like bananas and water when running errands to avoid impulse buys.
Vending machine snacks are much pricier than carrying your own.
one person who lived it
Live within your means, avoid taking on debt, and pay off any existing debt as soon as possible.
one person who lived it
Be prepared for breastfeeding to fail and avoid overspending on related supplies if it doesn't work out.
One person found that paying for a lactation consultant, supplements, and pumping supplies wasn't worth it when breastfeeding didn't work.
one person who lived it
Set aside a small amount of money weekly in a physical box at home and pretend it does not exist.
one person who lived it
Keep a budget for vacations and discretionary spending to avoid stressing over small expenses.
so I don't sweat the small stuff
2 people, independently
Increase savings linearly by adding a fixed amount per week rather than doubling.
Doubling is unsustainable
one person who lived it
Reflect on past purchases of unused items to help stifle future impulses to buy stuff.
Realizing you spent money on unused items helps resist future buying urges.
one person who lived it
- Visualize the embarrassment of donating an item later to deter impulse purchases.1
Clearly list everything you can and cannot buy at the start of a no-buy month, including unexpected repairs like car fixes.
This prevents feeling like you failed if an unexpected expense arises.
one person who lived it
Live modestly to build a financial buffer enough to survive for years without income.
one person who lived it
- Accumulate a financial nest egg before transitioning to a self-enough country living lifestyle.1
Track all bills manually in a spreadsheet to know exactly when payments go out.
It makes life easier by removing worry about whether payments were made.
one person who lived it
Delay purchases until you can afford them without debt, saving for the item this month to buy it next month.
one person who lived it
Track all spending continuously rather than relying solely on short-term no-spend experiments.
Short-term experiments save nothing if you simply spend the money later.
one person who lived it
Avoid clipping coupons unless you genuinely enjoy it or are using it to teach children.
There is no point otherwise; spend that time with family and friends instead.
one person who lived it
Automatically transfer portions of incoming income to savings and bill accounts immediately, leaving only essential funds in your checking account.
Money that is not visible in your expense account cannot be spent, treating savings like another bill.
2 people, independently
If you struggle with the urge to buy, read Reddit instead of browsing online shopping apps.
one person who lived it
Reduce living expenses to lower the amount of savings required for retirement.
It reduces the amount of savings you have to accrue.
one person who lived it
Save a percentage of every paycheck to build a rainy day fund that allows you to take unpaid leave when necessary.
Saving consistently adds up and provides the ability to afford unpaid leave.
one person who lived it
Create a detailed budget to reveal hidden spending habits and correct self-deception.
It exposes financial realities that may have been ignored or lied about for years.
one person who lived it
Reward yourself with a 'staycation' day off doing nothing but relaxing and watching movies when savings goals are met.
it is 'free'
one person who lived it
Plan for tight budget periods by maintaining a 'rainy day pantry' of long-lasting staples.
To handle unexpected expenses like unplanned vehicle repairs.
one person who lived it
Avoid daily small indulgences like convenience store snacks if they deplete funds needed for essential repairs or necessities.
Daily treats can accumulate to significant monthly costs that leave you unable to handle unexpected expenses.
one person who lived it
When you buy a discretionary item, deposit an equal amount into savings immediately.
It helped start a savings journey.
one person who lived it
Stop online shopping to reduce credit card debt and increase savings.
one person who lived it
Review credit card statements monthly to avoid trouble.
Avoiding looking at them can lead to significant financial trouble.
one person who lived it
Set aside a fixed monthly sum for spontaneous purchases under a 'Fun stuff' budget line.
3 people, independently
Use Amazon gift cards to meet minimum transaction requirements for bank promotions.
Small denomination gift cards make meeting these requirements easy.
one person who lived it
Call your utility provider's retention department every six months to negotiate lower rates.
one person reported shaving $11 per month off their bill this way
one person who lived it
Deliberately use hard-earned money on sound purchases rather than wasting it.
It allows for happiness through scoring deals or curbing spending.
one person who lived it
Break the habit of panic-buying replacements at convenience stores.
Breaking this 'convenience spending' habit saves more money than the item itself.
one person who lived it
- Avoid entering convenience stores while pumping gas to prevent impulse purchases that accumulate quickly.1
Use credit cards wisely to get rewards and perks while tracking purchases via monthly statements.
Monthly statements allow you to track purchases quickly and easily.
one person who lived it
Save gift card credit for emergencies or necessary household replacements rather than spending it immediately.
Saved credit came in handy when a faucet broke and needed replacement.
one person who lived it
Calculate every purchase onto a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis to understand the true annual cost.
to understand how small purchases are actually larger annual expenses
one person who lived it
Manually enter transactions to become aware of spending and stop impulse purchases.
Increases awareness of where money is going and stops impulse buys.
one person who lived it
Maintain separate emergency and 'fun' spending funds.
Emergency funds cover unexpected costs like pet surgery; fun funds allow guilt-free spending on dining out or clothes.
one person who lived it
View money as leverage and power to shape your environment for survival.
Money equals leverage, which equals power, which equals the ability to shape your environment to your will, leading to a higher chance of survival.
one person who lived it
Save everything you can for retirement.
You cannot borrow for retirement, and compound interest is powerful.
one person who lived it
If you want to join friends on expensive outings, plan six weeks in advance and combine your cash for that event with the next month's allowance.
one person who lived it
Do not refuse overtime or raises due to fear of entering a higher tax bracket, as this misconception can lead to earning less take-home pay.
- Some people believe working overtime or taking a raise puts them in a higher tax bracket and reduces their take-home pay.
one person who lived it
Spend more time organizing and planning your budget as your income or savings increase to manage it properly.
Budgeting variable expenses against variable income is difficult.
one person who lived it
Continue the least intrusive or most enjoyable frugal actions after a challenge ends.
one person who lived it
Recognize that companies train consumers to believe buying things solves problems.
one person who lived it
Occasionally treat yourself to nice items to prevent binge spending and maintain motivation for frugality.
Like losing weight, not treating yourself occasionally may lead to binging and destroying hard work.
one person who lived it
Track spending on fun money in a spreadsheet along with how you felt afterward to identify which purchases bring genuine happiness versus regret.
Noticing negative feelings after certain purchases makes it easier to cut back.
one person who lived it
Avoid convenience services like delivery apps to skip extra fees and tips on top of restaurant prices.
Convenience has an upcharge.
one person who lived it
Refuse to give money to corporations or entities whose practices you oppose as a form of protest.
It unplugs you from corporate influence and protests corporate-dominated government.
one person who lived it
Plan specific, appealing meals and schedule mealtimes to prevent hunger-driven impulse spending on takeout.
Planning prevents getting hangry and spending money.
one person who lived it
Increase your pay and learn to manage the increased income as a primary way to escape poverty.
one person who lived it
Set a recurring monthly calendar alert to create a limited window for looking for and buying new clothes.
one person who lived it
Leave others alone regarding their financial habits to avoid resistance and allow them to notice your actions without pressure.
Stronger pressure creates stronger resistance; many people do not want help or improvement but rather the attention from complaining.
one person who lived it
Think carefully about every purchase before making it to avoid wasting money on unnecessary items like takeaway food or random car projects.
Impulse spending on such items can cost more than necessary.
one person who lived it
Use delivery or curbside pickup for necessary items to avoid wandering inside stores where temptations are located.
Avoids exposure to in-store temptations.
2 people, independently
Stop browsing shopping sites like Amazon or Craigslist entirely during a no-spend challenge.
Eliminates the temptation created by 'buy it now' vibes and constant availability.
2 people, independently
Stop watching TV to reduce exposure to advertising.
Constant bombardment by advertising drives the desire for new possessions.
one person who lived it
Cancel streaming subscriptions if you do not watch enough content to justify the cost.
6 people, independently
Create a simple list that separates mandatory expenses from preferred ones.
It is important to separate these two.
one person who lived it
Avoid borrowing for operating expenses.
It is never a solution and only exacerbates the problem.
one person who lived it
Walk to shops instead of ordering online or using delivery services to improve spending decisions.
Avoiding online ordering leads to better decisions for oneself and spending.
one person who lived it
Group identical items together and label them to stop buying duplicates.
One person found this alone cut spending by increasing awareness of existing inventory.
one person who lived it
Ask 'Do I need this?' to exercise self-determination by choosing your own priorities and limits instead of following default social expectations.
one person who lived it
Recognize that corporate profits and marketing teams depend on you not believing that you don't need frequent upgrades.
one person who lived it
Make manual credit card payments instead of automating them to review spending and catch suspicious activity.
automated payments are out of sight and out of mind
one person who lived it
Shift effort from reducing spending to increasing income once basic expenses have been minimized.
Continuing to cut spending after milking the basics is time-consuming and tiresome.
one person who lived it
Make 'wait awhile' or 'no' your automatic response to consumer purchases.
Eliminates constant internal back-and-forth about buying things.
one person who lived it
Focus on expanding your earnings rather than merely reducing expenses.
4 people, independently
Avoid crippling student debt by performing well in school to secure scholarships, transferring from community college to state school, and living with parents during college if possible.
one person who lived it
Avoid spending money on nail salon services.
It is considered a relatively recent and significant waste of money.
one person who lived it
Measure success by the disparity between baseline spending and challenge spending rather than aiming for absolute zero.
one person who lived it
Accept professional financial planning advice when receiving large sums of money, such as lottery winnings.
one person who lived it

hair, cut, professional, haircut43

If they are willing and capable, let a friend, family member, or partner cut your hair at no cost.

Dye only the roots first, then apply color to the rest of the hair during the last ten minutes of processing to cut down on damage.
It's less damaging.
- Only if you're not changing the color
one person who lived it
Purchase clippers to trim your hair at home rather than paying for professional cuts.
saves money every month
8 people, independently
- Have a partner or family member cut your hair using clippers or a trimmer to avoid professional haircut costs.1
Practice cutting your own hair until proficient, accepting early mistakes as part of the learning process.
It gets quicker and easier with practice, and hair grows back.
- You will likely make mistakes initially and occasionally even after gaining experience.
4 people, independently
Switch to wearing skirts if finding pants that fit is difficult.
One person reported this solved their fitting problems.
- Based on one person's experience from about 20 years ago.
one person who lived it

38 more on this

If they are willing and capable, let a friend, family member, or partner cut your hair at no cost.
11 people, independently
Start with a longer guard on your clippers and work down to shorter lengths to avoid cutting too much hair at once.
You can always go back and trim more, but removing extra length from the wrong spot can be embarrassing.
one person who lived it
Avoid touching your face, mouth, or genitals after chopping peppers.
The oil remains on the skin all day.
- Yoghurt does not help remove the oil.
one person who lived it
If you are balding or want to eliminate styling worries, buzz your hair short all around.
It is liberating to not worry about messing up the style and keeps the head dry.
- Only works if you look good with buzzed hair.
5 people, independently
Perform your own beauty treatments, such as haircuts, dyeing, nails, and eyebrows, at home.
- Early attempts may result in bad results if done by others without skill; requires practice.
3 people, independently
Recognize that curly or wavy hair tolerates DIY cutting errors better than straight hair.
This hair type does not lie flat uniformly, which allows for some error margin.
4 people, independently
Apply sunscreen to your scalp if you shave your head or have very short hair.
Skull sunburns are painful.
one person who lived it
Stop coloring your hair and let it go grey to avoid beauty parlor expenses and time commitments.
It eliminates the cost and time required for salon touch-ups.
3 people, independently
Get your hair cut at a local community college training salon for a low cost with no tips required.
It provides acceptable results at a fraction of the price of standard salons.
one person who lived it
Consider Pattern Mousse as a splurge item for curly hair.
One person reported it lasts almost a full year.
one person who lived it
If you are distressed by a DIY haircut, visit a hairdresser to fix it.
A hairdresser can correct the mistake.
2 people, independently
Use 3-in-One oil as a substitute for specialized clipper oil.
It works just as well as dedicated clipper oil.
one person who lived it
Accept that self-cut hair may not be salon-quality in exchange for financial savings and the autonomy of learning a new skill.
It feels good to take control and save cash.
one person who lived it
Turn a baseball cap around so the brim points back to help guide an even trim at the nape.
3 people, independently
Use a gel nail set at home to avoid paying for professional manicures.
One user reported their nails looked perfect for days and they never paid for nails again.
one person who lived it
Consider Braun clippers if you are looking for high-quality clippers.
One person reported them as the best.
- Based on a single positive report.
one person who lived it
Give yourself a number 2 buzz cut once a week to get near-zero maintenance.
It eliminates barber costs and reduces maintenance effort.
one person who lived it
Use clippers with a built-in vacuum attachment to collect hair during the cut.
It eliminates the mess and reduces cleanup time.
2 people, independently
Consult a stylist for advice on cuts that can disguise weak points in a receding hairline.
A good haircut could make a meaningful difference.
one person who lived it
Trim bangs when dry to prevent them from becoming shorter than expected.
Wet hair appears longer and will shrink when it dries.
one person who lived it
Color your hair at home to save money compared to salon visits.
It costs less than professional services while achieving the desired result.
one person who lived it
Use thinning shears after making big cuts to blend layers and remove bulk.
It creates a nice even layered look and smooths out transitions.
one person who lived it
Use a handheld vacuum to clean up large clumps of hair after cutting.
It helps remove big clumps so smaller pieces can be washed away easily.
2 people, independently
If you have a partner who cuts hair, trade services like pedicures for haircuts.
It saves money on haircuts and shaving blades.
one person who lived it
Be honest with stylists about previous use of box dye to prevent adverse chemical reactions.
Products applied by the stylist may react with ingredients from box dye.
one person who lived it
Wash your hair less frequently to allow your scalp to reduce its oil production.
Daily washing strips natural oils, causing the scalp to overproduce them in a vicious cycle.
one person who lived it
Save on shampoo and conditioner by keeping very short hair or shaving your head.
You use less product; some people report needing only an all-body wash.
2 people, independently
Use dollar store shampoo if it works for you.
One person reported receiving compliments on their hair while using it.
one person who lived it
Use poultry shears from your kitchen set to cut hair if professional tools are unavailable.
They are very sharp and accurate.
one person who lived it
Use services like eSalon to get professional shade recommendations for at-home coloring.
Having someone see your coloring and pick a shade helps if you cannot judge box color well yourself.
one person who lived it
Request a blunt cut rather than feathering to maintain an even appearance as hair grows out.
Feathered cuts tend to look uneven more quickly.
one person who lived it
Use angled attachments on the sides and back to create a fade while keeping the top longer.
one person who lived it
Buy professional-grade hairdressing scissors instead of using kitchen scissors.
Kitchen scissors dull almost immediately and make cutting difficult; even inexpensive professional shears feel better.
one person who lived it
Use baking soda gently on hair after applying henna to clean without affecting texture.
One person found it very gentle and not affecting texture.
one person who lived it
Have a partner or family member check the back of your head for evenness while you cut your own hair.
3 people, independently
Try a Flowbee device for haircuts if manual clipping is difficult.
Despite terrible advertisements, Amazon reviews indicate they work surprisingly well.
one person who lived it
Quit using conditioner and switch to handkerchiefs for tissues at home.
one person who lived it
Watch online tutorials from creators like Brad Mondo to learn specific DIY haircut techniques.
3 people, independently

avoid, buy, fix, person122

Replace old light bulbs with LED bulbs to reduce electricity consumption.
LEDs use less power than older bulb types.
6 people, independently
- Reduce energy usage by replacing light bulbs with LEDs and unplugging unused devices.1
Buy a sit-stand desk and a large monitor for remote work.
One full-time remote worker found this setup made quality of life great.
one person who lived it
Use extra-long 90-degree angled power cords for charging in bed.
One person reported these hold up well for this specific use case.
- Based on one person's experience
one person who lived it
Consider full care board for horses instead of partial care if your time is valuable.
Partial care can cost more in supplies and time, leaving less time for riding.
one person who lived it

114 more on this

Use gel inserts in your shoes if you stand for long periods at work.
It dramatically improves how you feel after work.
one person who lived it
Have children over ten buy their own replacement cords to encourage care.
People tend to be more respectful of items they purchased themselves.
- Assuming kids are older than ten
one person who lived it
Buy a moderately comfortable, inexpensive couch ($1500 or less) that you do not mind ruining with kids.
Children will spill food and drinks on it.
one person who lived it
Own basic tools to DIY little projects like plumbing.
It enables you to fix things yourself rather than paying high professional visit fees.
one person who lived it
Change car air filters yourself using parts from an auto store.
to avoid dealer markups
one person who lived it
Do not place laptops on couch arms, coffee table edges, or doorways.
These positions create a high risk of the device falling.
one person who lived it
Research appliance problems online and buy replacement parts to fix them yourself.
It can be cheaper than hiring a repairman.
2 people, independently
Do not hire the cheapest repairman or contractor you can find for house work.
They are cheap for a reason, and the shoddy work will cost you more in the long run.
one person who lived it
Back up data daily so that hard drive failure is not a big deal.
You can restore from backup and get a new drive or PC.
one person who lived it
Avoid jury-rigging repairs like headlights, as the hidden safety risks outweigh the immediate savings.
You risk losing half your light during a storm or at night.
one person who lived it
If you have physical limitations that prevent bending or sweeping under furniture, use a robot vacuum.
One person with a metal rod in their spine used it to clean under the bed where they could not reach.
- Normally considered a sorta dumb purchase.
one person who lived it
Try to repair broken household items before buying replacements.
It can save several hundred dollars.
4 people, independently
Rotate work shoes by giving them a day off between uses.
One person reported this extends their life.
one person who lived it
Wrap heat shrink tubing around both ends of Lightning cords to reinforce them.
One person reported no issues after doing this.
- Based on one person's experience
one person who lived it
Avoid buffing cars with power drills; use proper random orbit buffers instead.
Drills are not random orbit tools and buffing with them is considered a bad idea.
- One person claimed they manipulated a right-angle drill to act as a polisher/buffer, but this was strongly discouraged by others.
one person who lived it
Replace parts on appliances like washers instead of buying new machines.
It can extend the machine's life by several years.
one person who lived it
Get a second opinion for repairs to avoid overcharging by scummy shops.
One person saved 150 dollars doing this.
2 people, independently
Use Blundstone boots.
They are damn near indestructible.
one person who lived it
Use sleep sacks instead of blankets in cribs to keep babies warm safely.
It avoids the danger of blankets in the crib and allows you to reduce heat usage.
one person who lived it
Buy name-brand phone chargers instead of cheap off-brand ones for better longevity.
One person reported that cheap replacements broke within months, while a name-brand charger lasted four years across two phones.
one person who lived it
Buy high-quality wooden furniture and clean and reoil it every 2-3 years.
It will last multiple lifetimes.
one person who lived it
Consider Flannel of Portugal sheets as a high-value option.
One person reported they are the best sheets they have used.
one person who lived it
Buy thick blackout curtains that cover the entire bedroom wall.
They block light, reduce noise, and insulate.
one person who lived it
Use ceramic heat emitters (CHE) or deep heat projectors (DHP) to create basking spots in reptile enclosures.
They produce just heat with no visible light, making them more efficient than regular lights.
one person who lived it
Avoid buying used couches and beds to prevent bed bug infestations; buy them new instead.
Bed bugs are difficult to deal with.
one person who lived it
Read the instructions for new electronics and kitchen gadgets to learn how to care for them and troubleshoot issues.
It ensures the longevity of the item.
one person who lived it
Happily buy $15 bicycle inner tubes instead of cheaper ones to reduce the frequency of flat tires.
Flat tires are a pain in the ass to fix.
one person who lived it
Replace cable TV with a Roku streaming device to save money.
6 people, independently
Buy basic, non-computerized washers and dryers with metal gears that you can fix yourself.
They last longer and avoid costly repairs related to electronic chips.
one person who lived it
Keep a reliable older vehicle if it gets you where you need to go.
It serves its purpose without the need for change.
one person who lived it
Get a cover for your couch to protect it from children.
Kids will ruin the couch.
one person who lived it
Keep shoes polished to make them last longer.
they last longer
one person who lived it
Use a hard shell case for your cell phone.
Many cell phone drops resulted in no cracks.
one person who lived it
Turn off lights in empty rooms.
It may save little energy, but leaving lights on in empty rooms is hard to bear.
one person who lived it
Clean and maintain garden tools so they last longer.
They might outlive you.
one person who lived it
Keep water cookers calcium-free and heat only the exact amount of water needed.
They are energy-hungry and need to be kept in good condition.
one person who lived it
Invest in basic car tools like a jack, stands, and wrenches to perform DIY repairs using online videos, potentially saving significant mechanic fees.
Doing repairs yourself can cost less than paying a mechanic.
one person who lived it
Learn how to fix and properly maintain things so they are less likely to break.
Proper maintenance makes items less likely to break.
one person who lived it
Fix slow toilet drips immediately.
Slow drips spike water bills.
one person who lived it
Invest in quality tweezers (e.g., Tweezerman) rather than cheap ones, as they last longer and function better.
Cheap tweezers last only about two months and are ineffective, while expensive ones last five years.
one person who lived it
Invest in high-quality clippers like Wahl or Oster rather than cheap disposable ones.
Consumer-grade or barber-grade clippers last for years and provide consistent results, whereas cheap setups lead to inconsistency.
2 people, independently
If you use headphones a lot, buy a pair with removable and replaceable cords and pads.
It prevents worry about cords wearing out or pads disintegrating.
one person who lived it
Use shop vacs for deep fabric and upholstery cleaning instead of investing in a portable extractor.
Shop vac suction power is comparable to a carpet extractor.
one person who lived it
Learn basic home repair skills like tiling, laminate installation, drywall, and painting via YouTube to handle repairs yourself.
It builds confidence and allows you to fix most things without hiring professionals.
- Avoid messing with electricity unless skilled; requires patience.
one person who lived it
Use canned air to remove dust from inside your laptop when replacing components.
Dust may be the source of a burning smell.
one person who lived it
Avoid buying super cheap vacuum cleaners.
One broke after 3 months and barely filtered allergens.
one person who lived it
Replace old toilets with modern low-flow units rather than using DIY hacks like bricks.
DIY hacks often result in weak, gross flushes requiring a second attempt, whereas modern units have enough pressure to clean on the first try.
one person who lived it
Do regular car upkeep, including oil changes, filter swaps, and tire rotations, to keep your vehicle safe and lasting longer.
Ensures longevity and safety.
3 people, independently
Replace items rather than repairing them if the repair time outweighs the low replacement cost.
Repairing can consume hours of labor for a negligible financial saving compared to buying new.
one person who lived it
Wear long underwear, hats, and good socks indoors to stay warm while keeping the thermostat lower.
Insulating your body keeps you warm even with lower heating settings.
one person who lived it
Scrutinize lifetime warranties on cheap items for hidden costs like processing fees or shipping requirements before relying on them.
Some warranties require costly steps like paying for processing or shipping overseas, making them useless marketing gimmicks.
- Experiences vary; some users have successfully returned items with only minor shipping costs.
one person who lived it
Splurge on a good set of suitcases to avoid the hassle of repairing or replacing luggage that breaks while traveling abroad.
Cheap suitcases can fall apart in foreign countries, causing you to pick up contents off the floor or carry broken bags.
one person who lived it
Buy an older Flowbee vacuum clipper system from the 70s rather than a newer model.
Newer models reportedly last only about 2 years.
one person who lived it
Buy high-quality luggage with durable zippers and wheels to avoid breakage.
Cheap luggage likely has zippers that break or wheels that come off.
one person who lived it
Buy men's razors instead of women's if you want a potentially better and cheaper option.
They are reportedly better and cheaper.
- Based on anecdotal reports.
one person who lived it
Install a programmable thermostat to lower your power bill.
Power bills drop after installation.
one person who lived it
Use a small fan to circulate air instead of running the air conditioner.
It works wonders for cooling by moving air around.
one person who lived it
Switch to an electric can opener if you have difficulty using manual ones or are at risk of injury.
One person found it a game changer after cutting their finger with an old manual opener.
one person who lived it
Teach children how to fix things to build skills and create positive memories.
It creates favorite memories and provides useful skills.
one person who lived it
Use heated mattress pads instead of heated blankets.
They are more effective.
one person who lived it
Buy heavy-duty janitorial mops and sweepers from Amazon for long-term durability.
One user reported their equipment lasted six years.
one person who lived it
Choose cloth or cooling gel ear cushions instead of fake leather to avoid peeling.
Fake leather eventually starts peeling off.
one person who lived it
Learn repair skills such as car maintenance, carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing to avoid paying professionals.
one person saves so much money on repairs this way
one person who lived it
Keep money in the bank to turn emergencies into mere inconveniences.
Having funds allows you to simply decide whether to fix or replace broken items like a water heater.
one person who lived it
Use a long phone charging cord to allow for comfortable positioning while using the device.
It enables simultaneous comfort and phone usage.
one person who lived it
Invest in a quality portable window air conditioner to eliminate sleep disruption caused by heat.
One person reported an instant change in quality of life, moving from sweating and tossing to sleeping soundly every night.
one person who lived it
Replace blown tweeters in floor speakers using a soldering iron instead of discarding the unit.
The replacement costs next to nothing.
one person who lived it
Avoid 3D movies that were converted in post-processing rather than filmed in 3D.
Most converted movies are worse.
one person who lived it
Wrap travel chargers with insulating tape to prevent loss.
I've never lost one
one person who lived it
Consider buying convenience appliances like microwaves or toaster ovens if the time saved offsets their cost.
The hours saved by using these appliances can easily cover their purchase price within a year.
one person who lived it
Use a robot vacuum to automate floor cleaning.
One person found it great to come home to a cleaner house; another noted that apps allow scheduling daily automatic cleaning.
3 people, independently
Buy a cheap rice cooker that meets your basic needs rather than upgrading to a more expensive model.
A low-cost unit often performs all necessary functions, making upgrades unjustifiable.
one person who lived it
Wear thermal jumpers and pants indoors during cold weather.
Energy prices are high and many houses are poorly insulated.
one person who lived it
Keep a low-cost standing thermometer in the home for general utility.
It is described as very useful.
one person who lived it
Turn off lights and close doors to save on electricity and heating or cooling costs.
Electricity is not free, and closing doors prevents cooling the whole neighborhood.
one person who lived it
Buy used and non-digital appliances to avoid planned obsolescence found in newer brands.
Newer appliances (specifically GE models made after 2005) may have a lifespan of only about 5 years due to planned obsolescence.
one person who lived it
Fix nagging household issues immediately.
One person felt good for days after eliminating a nagging annoyance and saving themselves from a bigger repair.
one person who lived it
Mend clothing and household items like socks, buttons, and seams to extend their lifespan.
Repairs can be done in minutes and sometimes look better than new.
one person who lived it
Consider switching to higher-end earbuds if you find yourself replacing cheap ones annually.
One user found that switching to a more durable brand eliminated the need for yearly replacements.
one person who lived it
Be skeptical of LED and CFL bulb savings claims, as some users report no decrease in power bills and shorter lifespans for CFLs.
- Some CFLs died quicker than incandescents.
one person who lived it
Buy a Herman Miller Aeron office chair to avoid recurring costs of replacing cheap, uncomfortable chairs.
Cheap chairs wear out easily and are uncomfortable, whereas the Aeron requires minimal maintenance over decades.
one person who lived it
Buy business-class laptops (such as Thinkpads, Elitebooks, Probooks, or Latitudes) instead of consumer-grade models.
Consumer-grade laptops do not last as long.
one person who lived it
Skip unnecessary baby gear like changing tables and playpens; use a thin, washable baby blanket on the floor for changes instead.
Changing tables and playpens are a waste of money.
one person who lived it
Install smart devices throughout the home to control items via voice or mobile phone.
It provides convenience.
one person who lived it
Save resources now to afford services that allow you to age in place later.
It allows for luxuries like professional foot care or gutter cleaning when physical limitations arise.
one person who lived it
Learn to upgrade and repair your own computers.
One person reported this extends their lifespan.
one person who lived it
Avoid cheap multitools.
They often feel unsafe and lack the precision manufacturing required for the tool.
one person who lived it
Calculate total cost of ownership including energy usage when deciding whether to upgrade appliances.
Energy savings can pay for the appliance quickly.
one person who lived it
Buy high-quality cookware and vacuums to avoid frequent replacements.
One person noted that replacing low-quality items every few years cost as much as the initial buyout of quality items; they also noted that people often fail to maintain vacuums.
one person who lived it
Use localized heating methods, such as heat pads or electric blankets, instead of heating the entire house.
4 people, independently
- Heat your body directly using electric blankets, hot water bottles, and wool clothing instead of heating the entire room to lower electric bills.1
- Delay turning on central heating until necessary; use layers, fires, electric blankets, or space heaters instead.1
Choose battery-powered drills over corded ones for better utility in areas without power outlets, such as on a roof.
Corded drills are difficult to use where there are no outlets.
one person who lived it
Use rechargeable batteries for electronics like Xbox controllers to save money on disposable batteries.
It saves hundreds of dollars over the lifetime of the device.
one person who lived it
Buy high-quality headphones and sunglasses.
Their value discourages losing them, and they keep you comfortable and happy.
one person who lived it
Buy a SawStop tablesaw to prevent severe injury, viewing the extra cost as insurance for your safety.
one person who lived it
Close blinds when it's dark for better insulation.
Better insulation.
one person who lived it
Wrap headphone cables carefully to avoid crimping wires and keep dirt out of drivers.
Crimping damages wires and dirt getting into the driver causes issues.
one person who lived it
Keep receipts, warranties, and instructions in file folders or a logical grouping.
You can immediately access documents when appliances fail.
one person who lived it
Unplug small appliances like microwaves, coffeemakers, and clocks when they are not in use.
to save electricity
3 people, independently
Invest in an electric blanket for efficient heating and cozy comfort.
They are very efficient.
one person who lived it
Use untethered Bluetooth earbuds to avoid pulling cords and losing them during movement.
The design prevents pulling one earbud out, and not being tethered to the phone is a significant benefit.
one person who lived it
Avoid devices with Ni-MH batteries; prefer lithium batteries for better storage performance.
Ni-MH batteries tend to become uncharged and broken after storage, whereas lithium handles storage fairly well.
one person who lived it
Invest in high-quality work or walking shoes to ensure comfort and longevity.
Quality shoes increase productivity and happiness while lasting longer than cheap replacements.
one person who lived it
Use independent review sources like Wirecutter or Consumer Reports for product recommendations.
Consumer Reports does not accept advertising and buys what it tests.
one person who lived it
Read reviews and avoid buying low-quality appliances to ensure longevity.
Information about quality is available online.
one person who lived it
Consider e-bikes if you have mobility limitations; one person reported they enabled long trips despite barely being able to walk.
one person who lived it
Invest in small hand tools, especially those with lifetime guarantees, but consider cheaper alternatives for infrequently used power tools.
Small hand tools are worth the investment; top-tier brands are not always necessary for rarely used power tools.
one person who lived it
Avoid upgrading computer hardware unless the new version offers a useful improvement that justifies the disproportionate cost.
Current hardware may still be ample for basic tasks like word processing and internet use.
one person who lived it
Install an electronic keypad door lock to eliminate key management issues for family members.
It removes the worry of family members being locked out.
one person who lived it
Consider Monoprice for cables and chargers as a cost-effective alternative to big brands.
They offer decent quality at lower prices, with significant savings on cables which typically have huge markups elsewhere.
one person who lived it
Swap hard drives from old desktops into laptops to extend their usability.
one person who lived it
- Extend the life of computers by keeping them longer instead of upgrading frequently.1
Set thermostats to lower temperatures in winter and higher in summer, adjusting based on whether you are home or away.
3 people, independently
Use power strips to reduce phantom energy from electronics.
It reduces phantom energy.
one person who lived it
Check xda-developers forums for reviews before buying phone accessories.
The community there actively reviews accessories for specific devices.
one person who lived it
Install cases and screen protectors on electronics immediately upon purchase.
Protecting assets extends their lifespan and avoids the cost of repeated replacements.
one person who lived it

printer, ink, printers, laser35

Focus on the expense of ink or toner supplies over the sticker price when selecting a printer.

Print photos at Costco, Walgreens, Safeway, CVS, or Walmart instead of at home.
The cost is lower and the quality is better than home printing.
3 people, independently
Calculate the true cost per page by including travel time and convenience, not just the cartridge price.
A cheap cartridge that requires frequent store trips is not a good deal.
one person who lived it
If a used laser printer fails, check if replacing the drum unit fixes it.
The drum may be the only faulty component.
one person who lived it
Avoid buying inkjet printers, even if free, due to high ongoing costs and unreliability.
They do not save money, cause frustration, and often dry out or run empty quickly.
2 people, independently

29 more on this

Do not print on wax-backed labels using a laser printer.
The heat melts the wax backing, which sticks to rollers, jams the printer, and can damage the print drum or rollers.
one person who lived it
Change your document font to Times New Roman to save ink.
It produces more pages per cartridge than fonts like Arial.
one person who lived it
Find a local shop to reset and refill your cartridges.
Refilled cartridges may last longer than new ones.
one person who lived it
Be cautious when buying cheap third-party or remanufactured toner cartridges online.
They may gum up the printer and brick it after a few hundred pages.
one person who lived it
Check for sales when buying a laser printer.
Prices drop below the regular retail cost.
one person who lived it
Focus on the expense of ink or toner supplies over the sticker price when selecting a printer.
6 people, independently
- Focus on the cost of replacement toner over the upfront price of the printer when purchasing.2
When printing text-only documents, select 'Draft' mode or set the printer to use black ink only.
It uses less ink or toner.
2 people, independently
Factor in the time cost of traveling to libraries or copy shops when deciding whether to buy a printer.
Time is often more valuable than the money saved on ink.
one person who lived it
Ask yourself if you truly need to print a document before doing so.
You probably do not need to print it.
one person who lived it
Refill your own ink cartridges using refill kits and syringes to lower costs.
5 people, independently
- Save money on printer ink by buying refurbished cartridges or refill kits.1
Use an Epson photo printer with a continuous ink supply system (CISS) and pigment-based ink.
This combination provides high-quality, waterproof prints at a very low cost per photo.
one person who lived it
Be aware that nozzle cleaning functions on inkjet printers consume significant amounts of ink.
Running the cleaning function can dump out a large percentage of your ink.
one person who lived it
Choose laser printers for speed and long-term cost savings unless you need high-quality photo prints, which require inkjet printers and photo paper.
- Laser prints on standard paper look flat compared to inkjet photos.
3 people, independently
Avoid host-based printers if you use Mac or Linux operating systems.
They can be difficult to get working under *nix and Macintosh.
one person who lived it
Account for the heavy weight of laser printers before purchasing them.
They can be difficult to move and pose a risk of injury.
one person who lived it
Check if toner or ink cartridges are chipped before attempting to use third-party ink or refills.
If the cartridge is not chipped, you can use ink refills or third-party toner.
one person who lived it
Avoid buying SD cards from sources that may mislabel capacity, as they can overwrite and corrupt data once the true limit is reached.
Counterfeit cards often have a lower actual capacity than labeled, leading to data corruption when the real limit is exceeded.
one person who lived it
Ask a friend with a reliable printer to print documents for you in exchange for payment per page.
Unless you are running a business, you will likely spend less than buying and maintaining your own printer.
one person who lived it
Cite the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to defend against claims that third-party ink voids warranties.
The act states that a warrantor may not condition a warranty on the consumer using articles or services provided by the warrantor.
one person who lived it
Use full synthetic oil with the cheapest filters for standard cars that do not involve high-intake performance modifications.
The cost difference for oil is small, and cheap filters make no difference in non-performance vehicles.
- Not applicable if you do high intake performance stuff.
one person who lived it
Stick with name-brand printers to ensure operating system support and driver stability.
No-name printers may lack OS support or require dodgy drivers that crash the computer.
one person who lived it
Ignore low ink warnings if the printer continues to produce acceptable quality prints.
Users reported that printers continued printing fine for months despite persistent low ink warnings.
2 people, independently
Use a network port on a laser printer to share it across computers.
Pointing PCs to the IP address allows sharing without installing drivers on each machine.
one person who lived it
Buy refilled OEM cartridges instead of new ones.
New cartridges may only be half filled.
one person who lived it
Gently shake the toner cartridge when the printer indicates low toner to extend its life.
Shaking the toner allows you to continue printing even when the indicator says it is low.
one person who lived it
Consider the high markup of color printing compared to black and white.
Color printing involves an insane markup.
one person who lived it
Consider LED printers as an alternative to traditional laser printers.
They have fewer breakable parts, are more energy efficient, and seem more reliable.
2 people, independently
Use wired connections (USB or Ethernet) for printers instead of Wi-Fi to avoid setup issues.
Wireless printers are described as difficult to install and unreliable when needed; wired options provide stability.
one person who lived it
Choose a printer with minimal physical buttons, ideally only an on/off switch, sending all controls to the computer.
It simplifies usage and avoids confusing icons.
one person who lived it

towels, cleaning, paper, wash128

Repurpose worn-out cotton garments like t-shirts or pajamas into reusable cleaning cloths.

Live in a small home to cut down on cleaning time and eliminate space for unnecessary items.
A smaller space takes less time to clean.
one person who lived it
Use microfiber cloths for general cleaning instead of paper towels to reduce the need for chemical cleaners.
Using these cloths has reduced how many cleaning products I need to use.
- Microfiber cloth sheds microplastics when you wash them.
3 people, independently
Buy bulk white terry cloth towels from discount retailers to use as durable, absorbent cleaning rags.
They last forever.
2 people, independently
- Use car care terry cloth rags as durable household cleaning cloths.1
Double up and fold single-ply toilet paper in half to mimic two-ply thickness.
Two layers of single-ply are similar to a two-layer sheet.
one person who lived it

118 more on this

Use a drying rack or clothesline for most clothes instead of a dryer.
It protects clothes that don't need machine drying.
one person who lived it
Use a spin dryer or high-spin cycle to remove moisture before air drying.
Running a spin cycle removes most of the moisture, speeding up the drying process.
one person who lived it
Use Noodler's Bernanke ink if you need near-instant drying for left-handed writing.
It dries quickly to prevent smudging.
- It is far less water-resistant than other inks.
one person who lived it
Use reusable handkerchiefs instead of disposable tissues for everyday messes.
They are less abrasive, unscented, and cost-effective to wash and reuse.
- If you are susceptible to sinus or respiratory issues, they are a bad idea.
- Carrying a used hanky with possible sickness on it is a concern.
2 people, independently
Try using a spin mop for floor cleaning.
One person reported it changed their life.
one person who lived it
If you have longer hair, try hair drying towels or wraps.
They are lighter, more absorbent, and more comfortable.
one person who lived it
Wash pants in cool or cold water.
Hot water causes shrinking.
one person who lived it
Use Dawn dish soap to remove greasy stains from clothes that laundry detergent cannot handle.
It cuts through grease, which may save water.
one person who lived it
Avoid using Dawn dish soap when washing your car.
Dawn removes wax.
one person who lived it
Keep a supply of disposable diapers for the first two weeks after birth to manage meconium.
Meconium stools are difficult to clean.
one person who lived it
Add water to nearly empty bottles of shampoo, conditioner, or body wash and shake to extend usage.
You can get several more days of use from the residue.
- Diluting preservatives may allow bacteria to thrive.
- The mixture will become cold by the next day.
4 people, independently
Use only one color of cloth for toilet cleaning to prevent mixing it with other tasks.
To ensure you don't get them mixed up.
one person who lived it
Dry clothes outdoors if pets disturb indoor drying racks.
Cats may leave outdoor racks alone even if they touch indoor ones.
- Only applies if pets interfere with indoor racks
one person who lived it
Buy a sectional from IKEA with washable covers if you have kids around.
You will need to wash the entire thing frequently with kids around.
one person who lived it
Use a reusable rag instead of paper towels to wipe windows and glass stoves to avoid streaks.
Paper towels leave streaks.
one person who lived it
Buy dry detergent sheets instead of liquid detergent.
Liquid detergent involves paying for water; dry sheets come in cardboard with no plastic waste and contain pure detergent.
- Dry detergent sheets may be harder to find.
2 people, independently
Use washable pee pads indoors to manage accidents from senior dogs.
Floors stay cleaner.
one person who lived it
Rinse oil-soaked cloths outside using a spigot before putting them in the washing machine.
Oil can damage the pump and pipes in the washer.
one person who lived it
Buy Great Value blue bunny toilet paper as a cheaper alternative that feels like Charmin Ultra Soft.
You save money while getting TP like CUS.
one person who lived it
Use a portable washer and hang dry your clothes to eliminate laundry costs.
One person reported that this made laundry free for a week.
one person who lived it
Wash your car with a sponge and hose to reach spots that automatic spinning brushes miss.
One person observed their car looks better because they can clean areas missed by brushes.
one person who lived it
Hang laundry with elastic on a rack instead of using a dryer to extend the garment's life and save energy.
Items with elastic last longer and it saves fossil fuels used for electricity.
one person who lived it
Store dirty reusable cloths in a well-ventilated receptacle to allow them to dry out.
Prevents mold and odor.
one person who lived it
Learn to crochet items you need using yarn on sale.
Save money on items like scarves, hotpads, toilet seat covers, gloves, and paper towels.
one person who lived it
Do laundry with a borax and washing soda mix.
It is so cheap.
one person who lived it
Use flour sack towels for everyday kitchen tasks.
They are very cheap and work well.
one person who lived it
Use white bar mop towels for larger wipe-ups.
They are better suited for big messes than smaller rags.
one person who lived it
Buy more cleaning rags than you think you need.
To avoid running out when you need one.
one person who lived it
Turn clothes inside out before washing.
It may help extend their life.
one person who lived it
Use less laundry detergent than recommended.
You don't need much to make clothes smell good.
2 people, independently
Use reusable diapers for daily use and save disposables for trips and outings.
This approach resulted in less diaper rash and was cheaper.
one person who lived it
- Use cloth diapers to save money compared to disposables.1
Skip fabric softener when washing cleaning cloths to reduce costs.
It cuts down cost.
one person who lived it
Wash cleaning rags on a sanitary cycle or in hot water to remove excess germs.
Cleaning cloths have excess germs.
2 people, independently
Hang pants from the hem using clips so the weight of the waistband stretches them slightly and reduces wrinkles.
The weight helps prevent wrinkling.
one person who lived it
Use chamois cloths for drying tasks.
They dry things up fantastically.
one person who lived it
Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels.
It feels more fancy.
one person who lived it
Collect unused toilet paper rolls from work if employed as a janitor.
Janitors are supposed to trash rolls that are less than half used, allowing accumulation.
- Applies to janitors who must replace rolls when they are less than half full.
one person who lived it
Flush the toilet before going to bed.
It prevents disgusting odors and stains the next morning.
one person who lived it
Wash cloth cleaning towels in hot water with soap.
It kills germs and saves money by combining laundry loads.
one person who lived it
Bathe babies when the kitchen is already warm from cooking.
It saves on heating costs.
one person who lived it
Hang damp cleaning cloths to dry before placing them in the dirty laundry pile.
Sitting in a damp pile makes them likely to mildew.
one person who lived it
Sit up straight on the toilet to reduce splash and cut down on wiping needs.
Sitting straight brings your anus closer to the water, slowing the fall and keeping it perpendicular to the surface to prevent sideways spinning and splashing.
one person who lived it
Poke holes in the side of an empty laundry detergent bottle and use pliers to create a funnel to extract remaining detergent.
This method retrieves almost all of the detergent.
- Be careful, as there is a risk of nicking your finger.
one person who lived it
Reuse hand soap bottles for dish detergent.
It is easier to use with one hand and likely reduces soap usage.
one person who lived it
Buy old, ratty t-shirts from thrift stores for nearly nothing to use as shop rags.
Jersey knit material makes excellent shop rags.
one person who lived it
Use washable dish towels and rags for cleaning, and install a bidet to reduce paper product consumption.
This drastically reduces the use of expensive paper towels and toilet paper.
- Reserve paper towels only for finishing touches or thick messes that would ruin a washing machine.
one person who lived it
- Use small squares of cut-up cloth towels to dry after using a bidet, placing them in a receptacle for later laundering to cut down on toilet paper use.3
Wash cleaning rags together with bath towels to cut down on extra laundry loads.
It hasn't increased laundry volume for some users.
2 people, independently
Avoid car washes that use harsh chemicals to prevent damage to plastics and headlights over time.
Harsh chemicals can damage plastics and headlights etc.
one person who lived it
Put a buttonhole in one corner of cloth towels so you can hang them on a kitchen hook without using velcro or snaps.
Velcro is terrible in the washing machine.
one person who lived it
Pull the pant legs gently before hanging to encourage them to retain their length.
It encourages the fabric to keep its length.
one person who lived it
Use paper towels for dog accidents and blotting meat before seasoning, rather than cloth.
Cloth cannot and should not handle these tasks.
one person who lived it
Reduce the number of dishes you own or use to simplify cleanup.
One person found this helped with cleanup.
one person who lived it
Keep a small supply of paper towels specifically for gross messes like pet accidents, rather than using reusable cloths.
Cleaning up pet messes with reusable cloths creates a difficult laundry load.
11 people, independently
Pour urine onto compost heaps to add nitrogen and moisture, but turn the heap regularly and stop if you smell ammonia.
Urine adds nitrogen and keeps the heap moist; too much nitrogen causes an ammonia smell.
one person who lived it
Use hand sanitizer as deodorant to kill bacteria causing odor.
It targets the bacteria responsible for smell.
- Most hand sanitizers contain ingredients you may not want absorbed through your skin.
one person who lived it
Stop using dryer sheets.
They are unnecessary and leave a chemical film on clothes.
2 people, independently
Repurpose worn-out cotton garments like t-shirts or pajamas into reusable cleaning cloths.
14 people, independently
- Make reusable makeup remover pads from fabric remnants or old hand towels.2
If you have old or sensitive plumbing, use thin toilet paper.
One person with a restored Victorian home found thin TP necessary for testy pipes.
one person who lived it
Use single-ply toilet paper for events like Burning Man where porta potties require it.
Porta potties at such events only like single ply.
one person who lived it
Wash your hands if they have residue on them, such as butter, before touching other items like vegetables.
To prevent transferring residue from one item to another.
one person who lived it
Store paper towels in an inconvenient location like a closet to reduce impulse usage and give yourself time to consider using a cloth instead.
Having them on the counter makes you grab them all the time because it is easy.
one person who lived it
Avoid washing expensive jeans frequently; follow care instructions that may suggest washing only once every couple of months.
Washing and drying breaks down clothes a little with every cycle.
one person who lived it
Clean your apartment using vinegar and bleach separately.
It allows for a clean apartment at a very low cost.
- Do not mix vinegar and bleach together.
one person who lived it
If using hand-me-downs, consider assigning heavily worn items to activities where they can get dirty.
Being forced to constantly wear hand-me-downs can breed resentment.
one person who lived it
Avoid turning off faucets with bare hands or reusing a towel that touched dirty hands to prevent transferring germs.
Turning off a faucet with dirty hands or reusing a contaminated towel transfers germs to the damp towel for the next user.
one person who lived it
Avoid microfiber cloths if you have sensory sensitivities to their texture.
It sticks to fingers and is difficult to touch.
- One person reported it feels like an enemy and cannot be touched.
one person who lived it
Use a disposable gauze liner for soiled diapers and rinse, soak, and wash the reusable nappy for urine only.
It keeps the baby comfortable.
one person who lived it
Flatten toilet paper rolls into ovals to stop children from spinning them.
It prevents the roll from spinning and wasting paper.
one person who lived it
Avoid homemade laundry soap if it causes clothes to fade and lose shape quicker, as it is not actually frugal.
it wasnt actually frugal
- one person's observation
one person who lived it
Try Costco laundry pods if you want detergent that smells amazing.
People often ask what detergent is used because the clothes smell good.
one person who lived it
Wear clothes multiple times before washing if they are not visibly dirty or smelly, rinsing with lukewarm water if needed.
Lukewarm water can remove smell, allowing for 4 or 5 wears before a real wash is needed.
one person who lived it
Reserve paper towels for tasks requiring fast absorption, such as cleaning windows, mirrors, or spills.
These tasks need fast absorption.
2 people, independently
Reserve paper towels only for gross items like dog vomit; use rags for common spills.
This stretches paper towel supplies.
one person who lived it
Choose dark colors for expensive clothing to reduce worry about visible stains.
Dark colors make you less worried about stains.
one person who lived it
If you must use Kleenex tissues, tear them in half before using them.
Kleenex is designed to hold together, unlike toilet paper which breaks apart.
one person who lived it
Use Huck cloths as durable, launderable cleaning rags.
They are surgical-grade and highly absorbent.
one person who lived it
If you find car washing relaxing, try doing it yourself with a sponge and hose.
One person reported finding the process weirdly relaxing on Sunday mornings.
one person who lived it
Use a handheld travel bidet when traveling.
Maintain hygiene and reduce reliance on public toilet paper.
one person who lived it
Do not apply detergent directly to clothes via the cap; put the detergent in the machine first.
Direct application can ruin clothes because the detergent is harsh when added directly to fabric.
one person who lived it
Use reusable menstruation products such as cups, underwear, pads, or liners.
One person reported it helped reduce skin irritation and saved money on disposable pads.
2 people, independently
Clean toilet stains using liquid Comet and Scotchbrite pads, or powdered Comet for tough stains; avoid wire brushes.
Wire brushes degrade enamel and leave marks.
one person who lived it
Apply moisturizer to the top of your hand rather than the palm or fingertips to stretch the product further.
It seems to stretch the moisturizer rather than waste it minimally.
one person who lived it
Consider switching to greywater for toilets; note that seawater requires major pipe overhauls due to salt corrosion.
Seawater is corrosive to pipes.
- Using seawater requires a major overhaul of pipes because salt is so corrosive.
one person who lived it
Air dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer.
It prevents accidental shrinkage and is considered worth the extra time.
one person who lived it
Cut microfiber towels into small squares for no-sew reusable makeup removal.
Smaller fibers grab makeup well and are gentle on skin.
one person who lived it
Make homemade Dawn Powerwash refills to reuse the bottle.
Save money on commercial cleaners.
one person who lived it
Wash underwear, undershirts, and cotton socks after every single wear.
The closer clothing is to the body, the more frequently it should be washed.
one person who lived it
Turn clothes inside-out and wash them in cold water; hang stretchy items to dry.
Heat damages stretchiness, and cold washing helps preserve color and longevity.
one person who lived it
Use regular kitchen towels instead of baby-specific burp cloths.
You will constantly be wiping things up.
one person who lived it
Do not swap dish towels weekly, as it is wasteful and unnecessary; take care of them so they last for months.
Swapping weekly is wasteful and unnecessary.
one person who lived it
Use a fabric shaver to restore the appearance of clothes and household textiles like armchairs and pillows.
It can revive worn fabrics on clothing and home items.
one person who lived it
Use diluted bleach in a spray bottle instead of specialized cleaners for bathrooms and kitchens.
It works better and avoids the queasy feeling caused by other cleaners.
one person who lived it
Switch to bar soap rather than liquid varieties to cut costs.
Solid bars are widely recognized as more economical than their liquid counterparts.
4 people, independently
Use cloth diapers, particularly while the baby is exclusively breastfed.
They are easier to maintain during exclusive breastfeeding.
- Maintenance gets more difficult once the baby starts eating vegetables.
- Using disposables overnight can save time and effort regarding solid waste.
one person who lived it
Do not attempt to make your own laundry detergent or DIY cleaning products, as they are often more expensive and less effective than store-bought options.
DIY detergent usually does not get items as clean and can be more expensive
- it may be worth making in large quantities if you have storage space
one person who lived it
Wash only specific dirty spots by hand to avoid longer washing times.
It avoids washing longer.
one person who lived it
Iron your clothes when necessary to improve their appearance.
Makes them look better.
2 people, independently
Label bathroom items with dry-erase markers instead of permanent markers.
Water from bathroom activities does not wash it off, and it is easier to clean than permanent marker.
one person who lived it
If you choose not to flush after urinating, do so only if the urine is clear and dilute, and always close the lid.
- One person avoids flushing at night to reduce noise for neighbors below.
one person who lived it
Repair minor clothing issues like loose threads and missing buttons during laundry routines.
Doing little maintenance items extends the life of clothing.
one person who lived it
Do not overfill the washing machine.
Overfilling causes really bad wrinkles.
one person who lived it
Use bar soap and bar shampoo/conditioner.
Eliminate plastic bottle waste, avoid water-filled products, and ease transport.
one person who lived it
- Consider using solid shampoo bars as an alternative to liquid shampoo.3
Wash cleaning rags without fabric softener to maintain absorbency.
They work better and are more absorbent.
one person who lived it
Change into comfortable loungewear or casual clothes immediately upon returning home.
This reduces the need to launder nice clothes as often, extending their life.
one person who lived it
- Change into 'outside' clothes only when leaving the house and change back immediately upon return to extend their lifespan.1
Use a consistent color palette for linens and towels to allow mixing and matching across rooms.
it saves money by reducing the need to buy new items
one person who lived it
Keep one old towel dedicated exclusively to oily messes.
This prevents grease from ruining your other cleaning cloths.
one person who lived it
Wear wool socks for 2-3 wears before washing.
Lanolin is naturally antimicrobial.
one person who lived it
Use washable cotton or flannel squares cut from old sheets instead of paper towels for wiping.
It eliminates the expense associated with paper towels.
one person who lived it
Consider removing soap bars from their packaging before use to allow them to dry out more, though this has not been verified.
- unverified claim
one person who lived it
Use alcohol-based solutions for window cleaning to prevent streaks.
The alcohol content helps against streakage.
one person who lived it
Use vinegar as your primary cleaning agent to replace specialized cleaners.
It is inexpensive and effective against mold, mildew, and various surfaces.
one person who lived it
Use basic microfiber cloths with oil to remove waterproof makeup without special products.
Oil helps loosen and remove waterproof makeup.
one person who lived it
Periodically microwave sponges to sanitize them.
A microbiology professor suggested this method.
one person who lived it
Eliminate unnecessary household products like air fresheners, fabric softeners, and separate cleaners for each room.
These items are full of endocrine disrupters.
one person who lived it
Use less laundry powder and softener than recommended if clothes are not heavily soiled.
Clothes may not actually be dirty enough to require the recommended amounts.
one person who lived it
Save hotel mini-soaps, shampoos, and conditioners to use at home, potentially avoiding the need to buy new bath products for a year.
one person who lived it
Hang towels to dry and reuse them throughout the week instead of laundering after every use.
one person who lived it
Consider not flushing the toilet every time you urinate.
- This is a personal habit driven by laziness, not a universal rule.
one person who lived it

food, meals, eat, freezer88

Prepare food at home rather than dining out.

Cook meals from scratch at home instead of eating out or buying pre-made convenience food.
It saves significant money and avoids the high salt, fat, and sugar found in outside food.
5 people, independently
- Prepare food at home rather than dining out.14
Use an Instant Pot to cook dry beans and cheap cuts of meat easily and inexpensively.
Dry beans are cheaper than canned; cooking is effortless and requires no soaking.
3 people, independently
Save cooking bones, roast raw bones for 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove gunk, freeze them, and boil with veggie scraps for an hour to make broth.
Roasting makes the broth taste rounder and fuller.
one person who lived it
Store bulk meat like turkey and ham in freezers to take advantage of markdowns and save money.
Saving tons of money through freezer storage.
2 people, independently

76 more on this

Purchase large quantities of meat during sales and use a vacuum sealer to store them in the freezer.
It prevents freezer burn and saves money.
4 people, independently
Learn to cook resourcefully from scratch to improve mood and save money compared to eating out.
Eating bad food tanks mood, while making affordable meals feels rewarding.
one person who lived it
Buy a cheap kitchen scale for baking, portion control, and measuring yarn weight.
It helps with dieting by knowing exactly how much food you are eating.
one person who lived it
Ask friends to deliver cooked meals during the first few weeks after having a baby.
since you won't have to eat out
one person who lived it
Map out your weekly meals and make a matching grocery list to follow, which stops impulse buys and reduces food waste.
Saves money by avoiding wasted groceries and impulse purchases.
10 people, independently
Eat only from your freezer, fridge, and pantry for a month, buying groceries only if needed for a specific recipe.
Clears out space and saves on the grocery bill.
one person who lived it
- Stop buying groceries until you have consumed all existing food in your pantry and freezer.3
Give unwanted food scraps or half-eaten leftovers to chickens.
No leftover or scraps are left behind.
- Applies if you have chickens.
one person who lived it
Pre-game at home to save money on bar drinks.
Drinks are cheaper in grocery stores than at bars.
one person who lived it
Eat fiber-rich foods like beans or lentils with main meals.
These foods are very cheap to buy.
one person who lived it
- Limit meat consumption and rely on beans, rice, eggs, and frozen vegetables for filling, inexpensive meals.4
Prepare lunches at home to save money on daily meals.
One person planned to buy lunch stuff to save money for the week.
one person who lived it
Invest in canning supplies to preserve food at home.
It saves money and helps when budgets are tight.
one person who lived it
Do not raise chickens for eggs if feed and pen repair costs are high.
Feed and pen repairs are expensive.
one person who lived it
Prep meals at home or bring dinner leftovers for lunch.
This saves cash long term and may lead to weight loss by reducing overall food intake.
one person who lived it
Commit to meal planning and using what you have.
to feel like yourself again
one person who lived it
- Structure your meal planning around current sales and existing pantry or freezer inventory.4
- Create recipes using only what is already in your pantry to avoid habitual grocery runs.4
Purchase dried beans in bulk, soak them, and cook them yourself rather than buying canned versions.
7 people, independently
Compost food scraps to enrich garden soil.
The soil gets richer each year, making the garden more plentiful.
one person who lived it
Keep occasional 'splurge' type foods in your pantry or fridge to satisfy cravings.
It helps you resist going out to eat.
one person who lived it
Buy half loaves of bread at bakeries for half price to match the amount you can actually eat.
This ensures you do not lose anything by buying only the amount you can consume.
one person who lived it
Use head lettuce instead of pre-packaged spring mix to save money, despite the extra prep work.
Head lettuce costs less than packaged options.
one person who lived it
- Store whole organic lettuce heads in Oxo green saver boxes instead of buying packaged salads.1
Buy staple foods like rice, beans, eggs, and greens in bulk at wholesale stores for cheap, nutritious meals.
4 people, independently
Base grocery shopping lists on weekly specials rather than buying the same items at increasing costs.
One person kept their grocery budget flat for 5 years despite increased pricing by buying whatever was on sale.
one person who lived it
Raise chickens to provide free eggs and compost food scraps, reducing waste.
Eggs allow for many dishes, and chickens consume food scraps. If free-ranging during warm months, they require almost no feeding.
one person who lived it
Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them to avoid food waste.
3 people, independently
- Buy produce in smaller quantities to avoid waste; freeze, dry, or give away leftovers you cannot use immediately.1
- Freeze liquid-y meals like chili, stew, or cooked meat for later consumption.1
Cover freezers with blankets during power outages to keep food frozen longer.
One person reported nothing thawed in two weeks.
one person who lived it
Purchase basic ingredients in bulk rather than prepackaged dinners to get more value and stretch food further.
Bulk items often provide better bang for your buck, and basic ingredients stretch further than prepackaged meals.
one person who lived it
Use a smaller fridge to prevent buying excess food that will go bad.
Limited storage prevents packing the fridge with too much food.
one person who lived it
Keep a written list of items in your freezer so you remember to use them.
If you cannot see the food, you are unlikely to use it.
one person who lived it
Avoid food banks if you are merely trying to be frugal and will not go hungry without them.
Food banks are for people in genuine need.
one person who lived it
Bring homemade food to work instead of buying lunch.
It tastes better and costs way less.
one person who lived it
Eat soybeans, beans, lentils, and peanut butter as cheaper protein sources than meat.
Cows are fed soybeans, so eating the soybeans directly is cheaper.
one person who lived it
Learn to cook your favorite restaurant dishes at home.
One person reported cutting eating out expenses by about 75% after learning to make their favorite rice and specific Indian and Thai dishes.
one person who lived it
Wash all produce thoroughly after bringing it home.
People touch produce in stores and can be unhygienic.
one person who lived it
Calculate the cost per portion for homemade meals; if it is too high (e.g., $3), wait for sales on ingredients rather than cooking.
one person who lived it
Cook cheap meals using leftover vegetables and an egg.
It is very cheap and good.
one person who lived it
Cook at home or use copycat recipes instead of buying fast food or takeout.
3 people, independently
Invest time and tools to master homemade versions of fast food items like fried chicken or burgers.
It saves money and is rewarding, leading to better quality than store-bought.
one person who lived it
Cook fancy dinners at home instead of eating out, then invest the money saved.
Eating out costs more; cooking allows you to redirect savings into investments immediately.
one person who lived it
Clean your fridge, freezer, and pantry before making your shopping list.
Amazing savings! Minimal waste!
one person who lived it
Build a gingerbread house structure from cardboard if your family does not eat the edible version.
Edible walls are often dry, hard to bite, and go to waste if uneaten.
one person who lived it
Buy produce from the clearance section of grocery stores for deep discounts.
It often tastes best at this point.
one person who lived it
Boil chicken bones to make stock for soup instead of wasting them.
Learning not to waste is so important
one person who lived it
Buy multiple cutting boards so you always have one available when needed.
It eliminates the annoyance of waiting for one to dry or be free
one person who lived it
Purchase a second-hand bread machine to save money on groceries by making cheaper homemade bread.
3 people, independently
Learn to enjoy cooking as a hobby.
It feeds you cheaply and entertains you simultaneously.
one person who lived it
Eat early bird meals and watch movies during cheaper showtimes.
They are cheaper.
one person who lived it
Eat more leafy greens and reduce meat consumption.
This improves quality of life, longevity, and reduces associated expenses.
one person who lived it
Have the non-cooking partner cook at home to give the usual cook a break, which is more frugal than eating out.
to accomplish a break while being more frugal
one person who lived it
Build a large canned food pantry.
to prepare for emergencies and price spikes; provides a thrill when seeing price increases on already purchased items
one person who lived it
Cook hash with potatoes, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or whatever vegetables are on hand for a fast meal.
Very fast to cook.
one person who lived it
Host a potluck where guests bring their own containers to take home leftovers.
It ensures everyone ends up with a variety of meals for future lunches.
one person who lived it
Use lentils and minced mushrooms to bulk out meals and replace meat in dishes like lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, and chili.
They provide a 'meaty' feel.
one person who lived it
Stock up on ingredients at ethnic grocery stores and Trader Joe's in large cities.
You can get better ingredients for less money.
one person who lived it
Only buy mozzarella cheese when it is on sale to manage costs.
Mozzarella is the biggest expense.
one person who lived it
Purchase ready-to-eat items from supermarkets rather than ordering delivery.
Supermarket prepared foods typically cost far less than restaurant takeout.
3 people, independently
Spend more time together producing your own food, such as making taco seasoning.
It increases time spent together and can result in better taste.
one person who lived it
Improve your pet's diet quality to reduce household odors.
One person reported that switching from a cheaper brand to a better diet improved the house smell almost immediately.
one person who lived it
Stock your freezer with prepared meals before the baby arrives.
It reduces the temptation to order takeout when exhausted and hungry.
one person who lived it
Choose cheap street food or communal meals over expensive restaurant entrees when dining with picky eaters.
Kids often find rare splurges boring and do not appreciate them.
one person who lived it
Shop at ethnic or specialty grocery stores for heavily discounted produce like limes and avocados.
These stores often have discount bins with items costing half what chain groceries charge.
one person who lived it
Check public spaces for discarded pizza stones to acquire one for free; otherwise, buy one cheaply.
It improves homemade pizza quality and is a worthwhile investment.
one person who lived it
Ask for a price reduction on ugly or minor damaged fruit at the grocery store, as they often prefer selling it over throwing it away.
Groceries don't want to throw anything away.
one person who lived it
Freeze leftovers immediately to preserve them for future meals as 'new' food that requires no cooking.
People often lose motivation to eat leftovers after a couple of days.
one person who lived it
Consider dining out at lunchtime instead of dinner to access lower-priced menu options.
Many restaurants offer cheaper specials during midday hours.
5 people, independently
Make 'everything but the kitchen sink' soup by combining various ingredients to use up food about to go bad; freeze leftovers if needed.
really help
one person who lived it
Dine out occasionally on a budget to explore new places and avoid getting into a rut.
It provides a great experience even with hectic schedules.
one person who lived it
Eat before going to the supermarket to avoid buying unnecessary food.
Shopping while hungry leads to unnecessary purchases.
6 people, independently
Schedule eating out on specific days to control costs and enjoy social time.
One approach that helped: eating out every Friday allowed a busy couple to see each other and enjoy food despite being extremely busy Sunday through Wednesday.
one person who lived it
Play 'Survivor mode' by seeing how long you can last on what is already in your freezer.
one person who lived it
Enjoy freshly picked garden vegetables and herbs, which are superior to store-bought versions.
Homegrown tomatoes and basil are much better than anything available in stores.
one person who lived it
Load baked potatoes with yesterday's leftovers.
one person described this as life changing
one person who lived it
Discreetly hide outside food to allow theater employees plausible deniability and protect their jobs.
Employees need to maintain plausible deniability to avoid being fired.
one person who lived it
Use meal delivery kits when energy levels decrease and grocery planning becomes a burden.
It reduces the effort required for shopping and planning as energy declines with age.
one person who lived it
Support local independent grocery stores for produce, even if slightly more expensive, to support the local economy and get fresher food.
Local stores often partner with local farms, providing fresher food picked closer to ripening, and support the local economy.
one person who lived it
Use ingredients you already have at home or find close substitutes before buying new items for recipes.
3 people, independently
Consider checking restaurant supply depots to buy items in bulk.
3 people, independently
Keep a logbook beside your chest freezer to label dates and track contents, crossing off items as removed and meal planning around the oldest items.
one person who lived it

library, books, libraries, access25

Use libraries for audiobooks, books, and learning materials to access entertainment and education for free.

Borrow books, DVDs, audiobooks, games, and other items from public libraries instead of buying them.
Libraries offer a wide variety of items for loan, often for an annual fee comparable to the cost of a few books.
3 people, independently
- Use your local library to borrow books, audiobooks, movies, and discounted museum passes instead of buying them.1
Use public libraries to access free books, streaming, audiobooks, ebooks, classes, events, and tool loans.
Entertainment costs nothing; many public classes and events are available; you can read over 50 books annually at no cost.
3 people, independently
- Use libraries for audiobooks, books, and learning materials to access entertainment and education for free.4
Use libraries for books, audiobooks, and other media to save on entertainment costs.
It can save hundreds or thousands of dollars every year.
one person who lived it
- Calculate the potential savings of borrowing books instead of buying them using an available calculator.1
Use public libraries to access books and internet for free.
Checking out books helps secure funding for future generations; taxes paid for the library support your lifestyle.
3 people, independently

16 more on this

Use a library card.
One person reported saving hundreds.
one person who lived it
- Get a library card to access free resources.1
Combine a Kindle, Libby, and library reciprocal or virtual cards from major state libraries to access media for free.
It acts like a cheat code for accessing books and media.
one person who lived it
Support local library levies and taxes to ensure continued funding.
It is worth the small annual tax cost for the service provided.
2 people, independently
Look for experience passes at the library to get free admission to museums, zoos, and state parks.
3 people, independently
Borrow video games, including Nintendo Switch titles, from your local library instead of buying them.
It allows you to buy fewer games.
one person who lived it
Use YouTube for entertainment instead of paying for services.
3 people, independently
- Use free online resources like YouTube, podcasts, and free streaming services for entertainment instead of paid subscriptions.1
Tell librarians if borrowed media are scratched so they can run them through a cleaning machine.
Libraries have special cleaning machines that can make scratched items playable, but staff need to know about the condition to use them.
one person who lived it
Use Amazon Prime with a Fire Stick and the Tubi app for streaming content.
Tubi provides great free content with minimal advertising.
one person who lived it
Use library services you have already paid for, as not using them is financially wasteful.
Since the cost is already covered, non-use wastes the value.
one person who lived it
Buy physical media (DVDs/Blu-rays) secondhand to avoid streaming restrictions.
Physical media avoids paywalls, vaulted titles, ads, and censorship found in streaming services.
one person who lived it
Use public universities' library access if it is available to the general public.
Many provide this access.
one person who lived it
Donate unread or disliked books to the library if you have run out of room in your house.
one person who lived it
Be cautious when installing browser extensions for library access that request broad data permissions, as they may compromise security.
They may request access to usernames and passwords for all websites and might not be monitored for security concerns.
one person who lived it
Use old phones as dedicated music players to avoid subscription fees.
It allows listening to downloaded music without paying services like Spotify.
one person who lived it
Use local library services to support their funding.
Library funding is partly based on attendance figures.
one person who lived it
Use the 'Recommend to Library' feature to request specific books; they are often purchased and offered for priority checkout.
one person who lived it

bags, plastic, trash, containers98

Use reused jars as drinking glasses for water or other beverages.

Use glass food storage containers for long-term storage.
They do not smell or leak even after years of use.
2 people, independently
Buy a Nalgene water bottle for long-term reuse.
They refuse to die and last many years.
2 people, independently
If you want to compost leaves without buying supplies, screw together free pallets into a large box.
It produces rich soil without plastic waste or cost.
one person who lived it
Buy a Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle.
It has no BPA.
one person who lived it

90 more on this

Line garbage bins with multiple bags (e.g., ~10) at once to reduce frequency of changing them.
Helps with leaks.
one person who lived it
- Double-line the trash can with two bags and remove only the inner one when full.1
Place multiple trash bags inside one another in the bin to create an instant backup if the inner bag breaks.
You can simply pick up the outer bag if the inner one tears.
one person who lived it
Wrap a set of cutlery in a cloth napkin tied with string to create a zero-waste lunch kit.
It is practically free.
one person who lived it
Pack lunch in glass containers with lids to save money on eating out.
It saves money on lunch.
one person who lived it
Donate plastic bags to local cat kennels or shelters.
They get through them very fast.
one person who lived it
- Donate collected plastic grocery bags to local food pantries or charity thrift shops.1
Reuse brown paper bags as book covers to protect textbooks.
One person loved doodling on them.
- A teacher called one parent 'Stingy' for doing this.
one person who lived it
Slip plastic grocery bags over socks inside shoes to keep feet dry in wet conditions.
It keeps feet toasty warm even if sneakers are soaked.
- Feet may smell bad if done for too long.
2 people, independently
Transfer packaged snacks into a cup or box before the movie starts to prevent crinkly noise.
- Theaters may count cups to match drinks sold.
4 people, independently
Do not use grocery store pasta or jelly jars for canning.
Their thinner walls can cause them to explode during the process.
one person who lived it
Use plastic grocery bags or bread bags to scoop and dispose of cat litter or dog waste.
They are durable enough not to rip and help keep hands clean.
3 people, independently
- Save bread bags to use for disposing of cat waste.1
Buy contractor cleanup bags or drum liners from hardware stores or Costco for heavy-duty needs.
The extra cost is well-spent.
one person who lived it
Use a plastic hair catcher in drains to stop clogs and avoid buying chemical drain cleaners.
It prevents the need to purchase expensive drain cleaning solutions regularly.
one person who lived it
Take out trash containing rotting items or attractants at the end of the day.
It prevents mice and other critters from being attracted to the waste.
one person who lived it
Reuse used grocery bags for bathroom trash liners.
It allows you to use them twice if they are already produced.
one person who lived it
Reuse empty giant dog food bags as garbage bags.
It saves a bag and is good for the environment; once trash is added, it no longer smells like dog food.
2 people, independently
Bring reusable bags to Target to receive a discount per bag.
The store deducts money from the total for each bag used, which accumulates savings compared to buying bags.
2 people, independently
Use pop-up gardening containers designed for yard waste as durable laundry hampers.
They do not rip, tear, or fall apart like other hampers.
one person who lived it
Do not place recycling inside plastic shopping bags.
Plastic film can damage sorting machinery, prevent machines from sorting items tied up in bags, decrease end market value, or cause the facility to send the load to landfill.
- Check your local area's specific rules, as some programs explicitly prohibit this.
one person who lived it
Use tube keys to squeeze paint out of tubes.
Paint is expensive.
one person who lived it
Scrape out jars to use every last drop of products like jam.
It all adds up.
one person who lived it
Use white, non-shiny Glad trash bags.
There is less sticking compared to shiny bags.
one person who lived it
Cut small holes near the very bottom of the trash can to let air out.
This helps the bag fit into the trash can nicely.
one person who lived it
Store plastic bags in an empty cat litter bin to save space.
It is more space efficient.
one person who lived it
Buy bulk candy and use the thin plastic bags provided to cut down on noise.
The thin plastic bags do not make too much noise.
one person who lived it
Use chip clips to close bags and squeeze out the last bit of toothpaste, glue, or wall paste.
This helps prevent food waste and ensures tubes are well-squeezed.
one person who lived it
Use a shadow board for tools so you can see exactly where each item belongs.
Everything is visible, and the sketch on the wall shows where it goes back.
one person who lived it
Store brown sugar in airtight glass jars, such as pasta sauce jars, to keep it fresh.
It prevents the sugar from hardening.
one person who lived it
Keep a dedicated spork in your lunch box to avoid losing house utensils.
It does not match house utensils so it doesn't get lost, and you don't need to take house utensils out.
one person who lived it
Switch to nicer-looking bags, such as Target bags, for trash cans when having company over.
It looks ritzy.
one person who lived it
Portion snacks into hidden jars to control cravings.
Hiding the jars helps manage impulse eating.
one person who lived it
Freeze leftover sauce, applesauce, tomatoes, and broth in spaghetti sauce jars.
The glass prevents freezer burn.
- Jam and jelly jars may break from freeze/thaw cycles; use them only for fridge or pantry storage.
one person who lived it
Save boxes and t-shirts to use as disposable craft surfaces for easier cleanup.
It is better than creating new trash.
one person who lived it
Use a bra strap adapter clip to turn regular bras into racer backs.
It prevents straps from showing in summer tops.
one person who lived it
Use free plastic bags from stores as liners for most trash bins to save money.
Saves money
one person who lived it
Use folding trash bag stands instead of fabric hampers.
They are easier to keep clean and easier to store in damp areas without mildewing.
one person who lived it
Stop accepting new plastic bags to prevent accumulation.
They will not build up if you do not keep getting more.
one person who lived it
Store essential oils in glass jars rather than plastic containers.
Essential oils can degrade plastic and cause leaching.
one person who lived it
Cut the bottom off a pump bottle above the remaining moisturizer and cover the opening with tin foil to create a tub.
This prevents the product from drying out.
one person who lived it
Discard original cheese packaging, cover the face with wax paper, tightly cling wrap it, and store blue cheese separately from other cheeses.
Mold will spread if blue cheese is stored with other cheeses.
one person who lived it
Reuse glass jars from products like spaghetti sauce for storage.
It is eco-friendly and follows the reduce, reuse, recycle principle.
one person who lived it
Prep and store overnight oats in glass jars like Stonewall Kitchen or Bonne Maman for commuting.
Perfect size.
one person who lived it
Save food containers and trays for plant propagation.
It has worked wonderfully for one person.
one person who lived it
Flatten and fold plastic grocery bags into triangles for compact storage in cars or backpacks.
This method allows you to fit more bags in a container like a milk jug.
one person who lived it
Cover Gu dessert pots with plastic Pringles lids.
They cover the pots perfectly.
one person who lived it
Line a collapsible hamper with a garbage bag before placing it outside to keep the fabric clean.
It avoids getting dirt on the hamper from outside.
one person who lived it
Use a tub mushroom to prevent clogged bathtub drains.
It saves time and money on drain cleaners, especially in households with multiple shower users.
one person who lived it
Use Pyrex and Snapware lids instead of Tupperware lids.
They are easier and more effective.
one person who lived it
Regularly clean and air out hydration packs and water bottles to prevent mold.
To keep mold away.
one person who lived it
Apply a screen protector to phones and tablets to hold broken glass together and prevent cuts from shards.
It prevents injury from glass splinters if the screen breaks.
one person who lived it
Avoid storing red sauces like spaghetti or pizza sauce in plastic containers.
The stains are permanent and do not come out.
one person who lived it
Use Gu dessert pots as tiny espresso mugs if they fit under your coffee machine.
They fit beautifully under the machine.
one person who lived it
Dumpster dive to find free items.
Dumpsters can contain valuable discarded goods.
one person who lived it
Place a plastic garbage bag lined with newspaper and topped with a little litter on the floor for senior cats with mobility issues who cannot access a litter box.
Newspaper is very absorbent.
one person who lived it
Remove labels from empty spice or cheese shaker bottles to reuse them for homemade mixes.
This saves you from buying new shaker bottles and allows you to buy cheaper bagged spices.
one person who lived it
Eat food directly from a taco shell or a folded paper plate to eliminate dishes.
It creates no garbage and no dishes.
one person who lived it
Discard hoarded sauce packets annually during a deep clean to ensure freshness and reduce clutter.
less clutter is better
one person who lived it
Grow your own herbs in restocked containers.
Better tasting, cheaper, and reduces packaging waste.
one person who lived it
Use jars to take leftovers from restaurants, especially Indian food, to prevent leaking.
Gravy- or curry-based foods often leak out of Styrofoam containers.
one person who lived it
Use refillable pouches for applesauce and yogurt to save money on children's snacks.
It saves a significant amount on single-use snack pouches.
one person who lived it
Bring your own glass jar to restaurants for leftovers to avoid bulky styrofoam containers and contain food smells.
It allows you to toss the container into your bag without worries.
one person who lived it
Securely tie grocery bags used for trash to prevent maggot infestations.
Untied bags led to a gross maggot infestation for one user.
one person who lived it
Apply clear nail polish or resin to cracked screens to temporarily hold the glass together.
This may help the device last longer and protect against splinters and further breakage.
one person who lived it
Seal entrances, declutter, clean routinely, and check occasionally to prevent pest infestations.
Avoids infestations that could cost thousands.
one person who lived it
Buy same-sized reusable containers (such as 1-liter, half-liter, and quarter-liter) that share universal lids to stack neatly.
It eliminates the difficulty of matching Tupperware lids.
one person who lived it
Use bamboo cutting boards instead of plastic ones.
Studies show they carry less bacteria, and wood is naturally antimicrobial.
one person who lived it
Store pantry staples like beans, rice, oats, and spices in reused glass jars to keep them fresh and organized.
4 people, independently
Donate sealed denture cleaner tablets to local food banks, shelters, or senior assisted living facilities.
Food banks and elderly care facilities often need hygiene supplies like denture tabs.
one person who lived it
Buy a potted basil plant; one user reported theirs surviving well for three years.
one person who lived it
Use a compact wheeled cart that expands to hold groceries.
it reduces the misery of carrying items
one person who lived it
Wash mason jars in the dishwasher, placing them on the top shelf.
one person who lived it
Buy a worm compost bin to reduce trash output and generate fertilizer.
It reduces trash while producing vermicompost for plants.
one person who lived it
Squeeze leftover ketchup packets into a larger bottle to consolidate condiments.
It saves space and consolidates small amounts.
- Some view this as unnecessary work or inefficient use of time.
one person who lived it
Collect napkins from takeout orders and drive-thrus to reuse at home instead of buying paper products.
3 people, independently
- Collect and stash free napkins from restaurants or coffee shops to use at home for wiping grease or general cleaning.3
Avoid using cardboard boxes as long-term trash solutions because they attract roaches and bugs, especially if food waste is present.
Cardboard attracts roaches; food waste on old cardboard increases bug attraction
one person who lived it
Use straight-sided jars for freezer storage instead of those with shoulders.
one person who lived it
Save small bits of usable materials in appropriate storage areas for future handy use.
These items inevitably prove valuable later.
one person who lived it
Cut open empty lotion bottles to scrape out the remaining product into a bag or smaller container.
- Do not mix brands, as ingredients may react and turn into a watery, gritty sludge.
3 people, independently
Avoid disposable items like paper towels and plates; use reusable alternatives like thrifted napkins and Tupperware.
It saves so much
one person who lived it
Label the repurposed bottle clearly as 'CONTAMINATED SHARPS' or similar.
Some jurisdictions require containers to be labeled as 'SHARPS'.
one person who lived it
Cut tubes into three parts to extract every remaining bit of product.
one person who lived it
Retain spare paper napkins from dining out to substitute for towels when dealing with spills or messes.
3 people, independently
Eat mason jar salads directly out of the container or pour them onto a plate.
one person who lived it
Squish small leftover bars of soap directly into new large bars to consolidate them.
3 people, independently
Laminate paper pretend food to increase durability.
It prevents the items from falling apart.
one person who lived it
Use reused jars as drinking glasses for water or other beverages.
6 people, independently
Keep empty mini bottles to refill from larger bottles for travel to avoid buying new mini sizes.
3 people, independently
Invest in Tupperware rather than disposable food storage containers.
It's definitely worth the price difference vs. 'disposable' food storage containers.
one person who lived it
Pack lunches and store leftovers in Tupperware containers instead of plastic bags.
4 people, independently
Use Pyrex glass containers to stop buying plastic replacements.
3 people, independently
Cut open soap, toothpaste, and wash tubes to extract several extra uses.
one person who lived it

books, money10

Read 'The Complete Tightwad Gazette' by Amy Daczczyn for foundational frugal concepts.

Read 'The Defining Decade' to shift your mindset about spending in your twenties.
One reader found it helped them become credit card debt-free and start saving.
one person who lived it
Read books by Peter Lynch for investment advice.
They have served one person well despite being dated.
- The books are dated.
one person who lived it
Take Robert Kiyosaki’s financial advice with caution.
He is heavily in debt and reportedly made more money selling his book than following its advice.
- He is heavily in debt.
- He marketed himself via clickbait without fiduciary qualifications.
one person who lived it
Read 'The Simple Path to Wealth' by JL Collins for a basic investing plan and to understand that living below your means accelerates wealth building.
Living below your means can help you reach your goals faster.
one person who lived it

6 more on this

Do not buy books until you have read them first, such as at a library, to avoid wasting money.
One person learned this lesson from reading 'It Ends with Us'.
one person who lived it
Listen to the 'If Books Could Kill' podcast episode about 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' for a critical analysis of the book.
The episode is described as a great takedown of how awful the book is.
one person who lived it
Read 'Getting to Yes' to improve negotiation terms, helping you save money and secure desired outcomes.
Better negotiation skills help you dodge bad deals and hold out for what you want.
one person who lived it
Read punk/Buddhist books by authors such as Brad Warner or Noah Levine to rethink your desires and lifestyle.
one person who lived it
Only buy books that speak to you deeply and that you know you will want to read again.
one person who lived it
Read 'The Complete Tightwad Gazette' by Amy Daczczyn for foundational frugal concepts.
2 people, independently

cast, iron, cookware, steel33

Invest in high-quality cookware and knives that last a lifetime to avoid frequent replacements.

Purchase Tramontina tri-ply stainless steel cookware from Walmart as an affordable option comparable to All-Clad.
It is described as matching All-Clad in quality and durability while costing less.
3 people, independently
Watch America's Test Kitchen reviews before buying kitchen tools to avoid low-quality products, but ignore their top-rated OXO products if you have large hands.
ATK testers include people with poor grip strength or small hands, so their best-rated grips may not suit those with large hands.
- Ignore OXO products rated best if you have large hands.
one person who lived it
Look for secondhand copper-clad stainless steel Revere Ware at thrift stores for low prices.
They are underrated, clean well, and offer good quality.
one person who lived it
Consider buying IKEA 365 stainless steel cookware sets for around $60-$75, noting their 10-year warranty.
They are considered pretty great for the price.
one person who lived it

26 more on this

Run cast iron through an oven's self-cleaning cycle to strip old seasoning and rust, then wash off crud and reseason.
It is described as efficient and easy.
one person who lived it
Soak rusty cast iron overnight in a bath of 60% vinegar and 40% water to melt away rust before scrubbing.
This reduces the need for steel wool.
one person who lived it
Check outlet mall kitchen stores for good deals on cookware.
One person found very good deals there.
one person who lived it
Buy a well-maintained cast iron skillet for lifelong cooking.
They can serve generations and remain useful for decades.
2 people, independently
- Buy a quality cast iron skillet instead of repeatedly replacing Teflon pans.1
Buy heavy stainless steel pans second-hand for a fraction of the retail price.
one person who lived it
Place the washed pan back on a low-heat burner to evaporate all water and prevent rust.
Leaving moisture can cause the pan to start rusting again.
one person who lived it
Pop the whole cast iron skillet into the oven under the broiler to finish frittatas.
This avoids the need to flip the dish.
one person who lived it
Use a thin Dexter spatula and a chainmail scrubber to maintain cast iron with minimal effort.
These tools make the pan easy to handle and clean.
one person who lived it
Warm up the cast iron pan before adding fat or food to help close fissures and prevent sticking.
Theoretically makes for a smoother surface; prevents food from sticking.
one person who lived it
Invest in high-quality stainless steel cookware as a long-term alternative to frequently replacing cheap non-stick pans.
It lasts for generations and pays for itself over time by avoiding the poor heating profiles and frequent replacement costs of cheaper options.
one person who lived it
- Buy cheap non-stick skillets and replace them when the coating degrades rather than investing in expensive ones.1
- Invest in high-quality cookware and knives that last a lifetime to avoid frequent replacements.4
Season cast iron primarily through regular cooking using the fat you cook with, rather than dedicated seasoning sessions.
Every time you cook, you are seasoning it.
one person who lived it
Choose Victorinox knives with Fibrox handles for better grip.
The handle is nice and grippy.
one person who lived it
Use cast-iron pans instead of nonstick pans.
Cast-iron is nonstick and indestructible, whereas nonstick pans die quickly
one person who lived it
Cook English muffins on a griddle instead of baking them to get a different taste.
Griddle cooking contributes to the distinct flavor.
one person who lived it
Ask grandparents or older relatives if they have unused cast iron cookware to give away.
You can get a story with the item.
one person who lived it
Prevent knife dulling by avoiding rattling against wire cages, glass, or other metal utensils in the dishwasher.
Rattling against hard surfaces dulls the edge.
one person who lived it
Avoid using cast iron for dishes requiring fine heat control, such as many Asian dishes.
Cast iron is unsuited for tasks needing precise heat management, unlike woks.
one person who lived it
Store cast iron cookware separately if others in your household do not understand how to care for it.
Others may ruin the seasoning.
one person who lived it
Skip undercoating your car to avoid trapping corrosive materials; instead, rinse off road salt buildup regularly.
Undercoating can increase rust by trapping corrosive stuff where the coating wears off.
one person who lived it
Use wood or bamboo utensils with cast iron to avoid scratching the surface.
Metal can leave scratches and plastic is considered unsuitable.
one person who lived it
Look for free or cheap enameled cast iron sets on Craigslist or eBay.
one person who lived it
Season your cast iron skillet yourself, especially after cooking acidic foods.
It makes the pan cheaper than Teflon options and maintains the non-stick surface.
one person who lived it
Use nylon pot scrubbers for kitchen cleanup chores.
They last forever, can be easily sanitized, and handle many chores.
one person who lived it
Look at mid-range or commercial-grade kitchen tools, as they are often inexpensive and durable compared to decorative expensive sets.
Expensive kitchen tools often have a high prevalence of decorative junk.
one person who lived it
Visit restaurant supply stores or used restaurant equipment dealers for durable, affordable cookware.
3 people, independently
Use enough oil when cooking to prevent sticking.
Sticking often indicates insufficient oil or an inadequately heated pan.
one person who lived it