I know cutting back on spending can feel a little, well… extreme sometimes.
Trust me, I’ve been there, staring at my bank account like, Where did it all go?
That’s when I started leaning into some extreme frugality tips, and honestly, it changed everything.
We’re not just talking about skipping your latte (though, hey, that helps too).
I’m talking about getting creative, rethinking habits, and finding those little ways to stretch every dollar way further.
It might sound intense, but once you get the hang of it, it actually feels kind of empowering, like you’re winning a secret savings game.
I’ll walk you through some of the best ways I’ve cut expenses without totally losing my mind.
You don’t have to do it all overnight, but even trying one or two could make a huge difference!
Extreme Frugal Living Tips for Cutting Everyday Costs
Everyday expenses can sneak up fast, but trimming them down doesn’t mean giving up everything fun.
It’s not about going without, it’s about spending smarter so your money lasts longer.
1. Cut Cable And Use Free Streaming Services
Cable bills can get wild, so I cut the cord a few years ago and haven’t looked back.
There are tons of free streaming services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Crackle that offer movies, TV shows, and even live channels.
Plus, you can rotate between paid services—grab Netflix for a month, cancel, then switch to Hulu.
Keeps things fresh and way cheaper.
2. Meal Plan Around Sales And Clearance Items
Grocery stores love to slap markdown stickers on meat, produce, and bakery items that are close to their sell-by date.
I check those sections first and build my meals around what’s cheap.
If I snag ground beef at 50% off, tacos are happening.
Chicken thighs on sale? I’m roasting those bad boys.
Freezing meat also buys me time before it spoils.
3. Buy Generic Or Store-Brand Everything
Store-brand pasta, rice, cleaning supplies, and even medicine work just as well as name brands and often cost half as much.
Dairy products, canned goods, and baking staples are other areas where store brands can offer serious savings with no noticeable difference.
Switching to store brands across most grocery and household categories is one of the easiest ways to lower the total bill without sacrificing quality.
4. Cook At Home For Every Meal
Eating out is fun, but it drains your wallet fast.
Cooking at home doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen either.
I batch-cook big pots of chili, soups, or pasta sauce and freeze portions.
When I’m feeling lazy, I grab a container and dinner’s ready in minutes—no drive-thru guilt.
5. Drink Only Water
Drinks can add up quickly.
A $2 soda here and a $5 latte there might not seem like much, but those small purchases can easily strain a budget.
Switching to water—straight from the tap—can significantly cut costs.
For those who find plain water a little boring, adding lemon slices, cucumbers, or mint can give it a refreshing twist.
It feels like an upgrade, but it’s practically free.
6. Line-Dry Laundry Instead Of Using The Dryer
Dryers use a significant amount of electricity, driving up energy costs.
Hanging clothes to dry is a simple way to reduce that expense while also helping clothes last longer by preventing shrinkage and wear.
Even during colder months, an indoor drying rack can handle the job efficiently.
When weather allows, drying sheets and laundry outside leaves them smelling fresh and naturally clean.
7. Cancel Subscriptions And Memberships
Small monthly subscriptions can quietly drain a budget.
Gym memberships, streaming services, beauty boxes, and app fees often seem harmless on their own, but together, they can add up quickly.
Reviewing bank statements and canceling non-essential subscriptions can free up a surprising amount of money each month.
Anything truly missed can always be re-subscribed to later, though it’s common to find that most services are hardly noticed once they’re gone.
8. Use Public Transportation Or Carpool
Gas and car maintenance costs can quickly strain a budget.
Public transportation, like buses or trains, can offer a far more affordable alternative in areas where it’s available.
Biking is another cost-effective option for those who live close to work.
When neither is possible, carpooling with a coworker is a great way to cut fuel expenses while making the daily commute a little more enjoyable.
9. Pack Lunches For Work And School
Buying $10 lunches five days a week? That’s $200 a month!
Packing lunch saves big, and it doesn’t have to be boring.
I prep simple stuff like wraps, leftovers, or a big salad I split over a few days.
Bonus: I don’t have to wait in line during my break.
10. Buy In Bulk For Pantry Staples
Rice, beans, pasta, oats—those basics are dirt cheap when you buy them in bulk.
I get a huge bag of rice for under $10, and it lasts me months.
Some stores let you refill your own containers, so you’re saving money and cutting waste.
11. Turn Off Lights And Unplug Devices When Not In Use
Leaving lights and electronics on unnecessarily can drive up electricity costs.
Simple habits like turning off lights when leaving a room and unplugging devices that aren’t in use can lead to noticeable savings.
Power strips with on/off switches make it even easier to cut power to multiple devices at once, avoiding the hassle of unplugging everything individually.
These small changes can reduce energy waste and lower monthly bills.
12. Stretch Personal Care Products
Turns out, you don’t need a handful of shampoo or a toothpaste mountain.
I started using half of what I used to, and nothing fell apart.
Some people dilute shampoo with water in the bottle—it makes it last longer and still lathers fine.
13. Batch Cook And Freeze Meals
Cooking larger portions and freezing individual servings can cut both grocery costs and food waste.
Preparing meals like soups, casseroles, or pasta sauces in bulk saves time during busy weeks and prevents the temptation of costly takeout.
Freezing leftovers also keeps food fresh longer, meaning fewer trips to the store and less money spent overall.
14. Shop Secondhand For Clothes And Shoes
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and even Facebook Marketplace are goldmines.
I once scored a barely-worn North Face jacket for $15.
Kids’ clothes are especially great secondhand—they grow so fast, you can often find stuff with tags still on.
15. Reduce Water Usage
Long, hot showers can be relaxing, but they can also significantly increase water and heating bills.
Shortening shower time by just a few minutes can lead to noticeable savings.
Turning off the tap while brushing teeth and using a basin or tub to wash dishes instead of letting the water run are other simple habits that help reduce water usage.
These small adjustments may seem minor, but they can add up to meaningful savings over time.
16. Use Cloth Napkins And Rags Instead Of Paper Products
I haven’t bought paper towels in years.
Old t-shirts became cleaning rags, and I found a set of cloth napkins at a thrift store.
Tossing them in the wash is easy, and I never worry about running out.
17. Borrow Instead Of Buying
Libraries are magical—free books, movies, and sometimes tools.
Need a drill for one project?
Borrow it from a neighbor or check out local tool libraries.
No need to own stuff you’ll use once a year!
18. Switch To A Cheaper Phone Plan
The big carriers are pricey, but smaller companies like Mint Mobile or Visible offer plans for half the cost.
I switched to a $25/month plan and noticed zero difference in coverage.
Sometimes loyalty doesn’t pay—shop around.
19. Use Loyalty Programs And Rewards Cards
Every grocery store seems to have a rewards app now.
I scan mine every trip and rack up discounts on future purchases.
Some programs offer freebies on birthdays or cash back after a certain number of visits—worth signing up for, especially if you shop there anyway.
20. Wash Clothes In Cold Water
Hot water uses more energy, and most laundry doesn’t need it.
I switched to cold for almost everything, and my clothes actually last longer.
For stains or towels, warm water gets the job done, but for everyday stuff?
Cold all the way.
Extreme Frugal Tips for Reusing, Repurposing, and DIY
Getting the most out of what you own is like having a superpower.
It’s not just about saving money—it’s oddly satisfying to fix something instead of tossing it.
21. Reuse Glass Jars For Food Storage
Pasta sauce, pickles, salsa—those jars are like free Tupperware.
Washed out and repurposed, they’re perfect for storing leftovers, homemade dressings, or pantry staples like rice and oats.
Glass jars are sturdy, reusable, and there’s no need to stress about losing a lid—there’s always another one waiting.
22. Turn Old Towels Into Cleaning Rags
Old, worn-out towels can be easily transformed into durable cleaning rags.
Cutting them into smaller pieces makes them perfect for scrubbing bathrooms, drying spills, or wiping down windows.
They hold up better than paper towels and can handle the tough messes—without costing a dime.
23. Cut Up Old Clothes For Rags Or Patches
That stained t-shirt or ripped pair of jeans?
Don’t toss it—cut it up!
I’ve turned old shirts into cleaning rags, and denim scraps have saved me more than once when patching up my kid’s torn knees.
It’s one of those little tricks that keeps both the budget and the clothing pile under control.
24. Make Broth And Stock With Food Scraps And Bones
Vegetable scraps and leftover bones can become liquid gold.
Toss onion peels, carrot ends, celery bits, and chicken bones into a freezer bag.
Once it’s full, boil everything with garlic and herbs to create a rich, flavorful broth.
It costs nothing and beats anything from a carton.
25. Collect Rainwater For Outdoor Use
Buckets, barrels, or any container will do—when rain hits, catch it.
That free water can be used to keep plants thriving, rinse off patio furniture, or even wash the car.
Some people take it a step further and use rainwater for flushing toilets, making every drop go further.
26. Mend Socks And Clothing Instead Of Tossing
A tiny hole doesn’t mean it’s time to throw something out.
Grabbing a needle and thread to patch socks or fix a shirt is quick and saves money.
Plus, there’s something surprisingly satisfying about keeping a favorite piece of clothing going strong.
27. Use Leftover Soap Slivers To Make A New Bar
When soap bars shrink into those little slivers, don’t throw them away.
Collect them in a jar.
Once there’s a decent pile, melt them down with a little water and press the mixture into a new bar.
It’s not the prettiest soap, but it’s free—and it works.
28. Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Store-bought cleaners are expensive, and the chemical smell can be rough.
I started mixing vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap for an all-purpose cleaner, and it’s been a game-changer.
Lemon peels soaked in vinegar also make a great citrus spray that smells fresh and costs next to nothing.
29. Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent can get pricey, especially for larger families.
Mixing washing soda, borax, and grated bar soap creates a simple, cheap alternative that works just as well.
A small scoop per load handles everything from sweaty gym clothes to muddy kid gear.
30. Repair Shoes Instead Of Buying New
Shoes don’t need to go straight to the trash the moment they show wear.
Shoe glue can fix peeling soles, and a cobbler can often restore boots or dress shoes for a fraction of the cost of replacing them.
A $15 repair is a lot easier on the wallet than dropping $100 on a new pair.
31. Skip Salon Services
I used to pay $50 every six weeks for a haircut—until I tried cutting my own hair.
YouTube became my best friend, and while my first few trims weren’t perfect, they were good enough.
Home manicures and pantry-ingredient facials give that “treat yourself” feeling without the hit to the bank account.
32. Sew Your Own Reusable Cloth Napkins
Paper napkins seem cheap, but buying them regularly adds up.
Cutting cloth napkins from an old sheet is an easy swap that pays off over time.
They’re washable, reusable, and somehow make even Tuesday night pasta feel fancy.
33. Refill Soap And Detergent Bottles Instead Of Buying New
Some grocery stores offer bulk refill stations for dish soap, hand soap, and even laundry detergent.
Bringing empty bottles to fill up is usually cheaper than buying new ones every time.
For those without a refill station nearby, buying the largest size available and refilling smaller bottles at home is still a money-saver.
34. Save Bacon Grease For Cooking
After frying bacon, don’t pour the grease down the drain—save it.
Stored in a jar in the fridge, it becomes a flavor-packed replacement for oil or butter.
It’s perfect for frying eggs, roasting potatoes, or giving green beans a little extra kick.
35. Turn Old Socks Into Dusting Mitts
A sock with a hole doesn’t need to be trashed.
Slide it over a hand, and it becomes the perfect dusting mitt.
It’s great for wiping baseboards, cleaning blinds, or tackling ceiling fan blades—no need to spend money on fancy cleaning tools.
36. Use Baking Soda And Vinegar For Cleaning
These two pantry staples can handle almost any mess.
Sprinkle baking soda in the sink, pour vinegar over it, and scrub for a sparkling clean finish.
They also work together to unclog drains, deodorize the fridge, and freshen laundry—all without harsh chemicals.
37. Make Your Own Reusable Paper Towel
Paper towels can burn through cash, especially in a busy household.
Making reusable “unpaper” towels is a simple, budget-friendly swap.
Cut up an old flannel sheet, dish towel, or even a soft t-shirt into squares.
Keep a little stack in the kitchen, and toss them in the wash when they’re dirty.
They’re perfect for spills, drying hands, or wiping down counters—and way cheaper than grabbing another $10 pack of disposables every month.
38. Use Empty Food Cans as Organizers
Those sturdy metal cans from beans, tomatoes, or soup don’t need to hit the recycling bin right away—they make awesome organizers.
Peel off the label, give them a good wash, and they’re ready to go.
Use them to hold utensils in the kitchen, pens on a desk, or makeup brushes in the bathroom.
They’re tough, free, and keep all those little odds and ends from cluttering up your space.
39. Reuse Coffee Grounds In The Garden
Coffee grounds are great for the garden.
They add nutrients to the soil, help plants like tomatoes and roses thrive, and even repel pests like ants and slugs.
Instead of tossing them, sprinkle the grounds around plants or work them into the soil.
40. Use Newspaper Instead Of Paper Towels For Cleaning Windows
Paper towels can leave streaks, but newspaper gets windows sparkling.
Spray with a vinegar-water mix, wipe with newspaper, and get that pro-level clean—for free.
Don’t get the paper?
Neighbors or local libraries often have extras they’re happy to give away.
Extreme Frugal Hacks for Major Expenses
Major expenses can feel untouchable, but they don’t have to be.
I’ve saved hundreds just by negotiating bills, moving into a smaller place, and shopping around for insurance.
Big moves like downsizing or refinancing take some effort, but the payoff? Huge.
41. Negotiate Rent With Your Landlord
Rent can feel set in stone, but asking for a lower rate is always worth a try.
Landlords often prefer keeping a reliable tenant over risking an empty unit.
Offering to sign a longer lease or pay a few months upfront can sometimes help seal the deal.
Worst case, the answer is no—but the best case?
Lower rent every month.
42. Downsize To A Smaller Home Or Apartment
Bigger spaces often come with bigger bills—higher rent, heating, cooling, and more room to fill with stuff.
Moving into a smaller home can reduce rent and utility costs while also encouraging a more minimalist, clutter-free lifestyle.
Less space often leads to fewer unnecessary purchases, helping savings grow even faster.
43. Move In With Family Or Friends Temporarily
Living with family or sharing a home with friends can be a huge money-saver during a tight season.
Paying a small amount toward utilities is often far cheaper than covering rent alone.
Even a few months can provide the breathing room needed to pay down debt or build savings back up.
44. Buy A Used Car With Cash
Car payments can weigh down a budget, especially when factoring in interest.
Saving up to buy a reliable used vehicle with cash eliminates monthly payments and often results in lower insurance premiums.
It also brings peace of mind, knowing the car is fully paid for—no strings attached.
45. Shop Around For Car Insurance Every Year
Sticking with the same insurance provider year after year can lead to overpaying.
Getting quotes from competitors every 6 to 12 months can reveal lower rates.
Sometimes, simply calling the current provider and mentioning a cheaper quote can unlock discounts or loyalty offers on the spot.
46. Refinance Your Mortgage Or Car Loan
Interest rates fluctuate, and refinancing when rates drop can significantly reduce monthly payments.
When I refinanced my car loan, it lowered my bill by $70 a month—money that instantly made the rest of my budget easier to handle.
The paperwork can feel like a hassle, but the savings are often worth it.
47. Pay Off Debt To Eliminate Interest Payments
Interest is money going straight into someone else’s pocket.
Tackling high-interest debt like credit cards can free up hundreds of dollars every month.
Even adding an extra $20 or $50 toward a loan payment can speed up the payoff timeline and reduce the overall interest paid.
48. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances To Lower Bills
Old refrigerators, washers, and even light bulbs can silently drain energy and drive up utility bills.
Replacing appliances with energy-efficient models can lower monthly costs.
Many utility companies offer rebates on energy-efficient upgrades, making the upfront cost easier to manage.
49. Take On A Roommate To Split Rent
When rent takes up too much of the budget, splitting it can be the fastest solution.
Taking on a roommate cuts housing costs in half and often reduces utility bills as well.
Sharing a living space isn’t for everyone, but for those willing, the savings can be significant.
50. Get Medical Care At Low-Cost Clinics Or Universities
Healthcare costs can be brutal without insurance, but many community clinics and university medical programs offer services at reduced rates.
I once had a dental student fill a cavity—it took a little longer, but my tooth and my wallet were both happy.
These options can be a huge help when budgets are tight.
51. Apply For Financial Assistance Programs
There’s absolutely no shame in using programs designed to help during tough times.
Assistance with utilities, food, or medical bills can provide much-needed relief.
Applying for a heating discount one winter saved me over $300—that extra cushion made a huge difference when everything felt tight.
52. Choose Used Furniture Instead Of New
Furnishing a home from scratch can be ridiculously expensive, but secondhand options often deliver the same comfort for a fraction of the price.
Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and even curbside finds can provide everything from coffee tables to couches.
A little cleaning or a quick coat of paint can give old furniture new life.
53. Learn Basic Car Repairs To Avoid The Mechanic
Mechanic bills can wreck a budget, especially for simple fixes.
YouTube is packed with videos showing how to handle things like changing wipers, replacing air filters, or even swapping out brake pads.
I’ve saved hundreds doing these small repairs myself—and gained a little “car-savvy” confidence along the way.
54. Compare Utility Providers For Cheaper Rates
Some areas offer options when it comes to electricity or gas providers.
Comparing rates and switching to a lower-cost provider can reduce monthly bills.
Certain companies even offer sign-up bonuses or discounts, making the switch a win from day one.
55. Plan Road Trips Over Flights For Vacations
Flights, baggage fees, and rental cars can quickly eat up a vacation budget.
Road trips often cost far less—especially when packing snacks, using gas apps for cheap fill-ups, and avoiding pricey tourist traps.
Plus, there’s something special about those unexpected roadside stops and small-town diners along the way.
56. Sell Unused Items For Extra Cash
Clothes, kitchen gadgets, or furniture collecting dust can turn into quick cash.
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and eBay make selling easy, and even a small yard sale can bring in a surprising amount.
I cleared out my garage and made $400—it felt like getting paid to declutter.
57. Barter Skills Or Services Instead Of Paying Cash
Trading skills is an underrated way to save.
A haircut in exchange for babysitting, or lawn care swapped for house cleaning—it’s all about finding what works.
Everyone wins, and no money is spent.
58. Look Into Tax Credits And Rebates For Home Efficiency Upgrades
Upgrading insulation, replacing windows, or even installing a smart thermostat can qualify for tax credits and rebates.
These programs help cover upfront costs, while the improvements lower utility bills long-term.
Checking local and federal rebate programs before making upgrades can unlock serious savings.
59. Delay Upgrades On Phones, Laptops, And Tech
The latest phones and gadgets can be tempting, but holding onto working devices saves hundreds.
Extending the life of a phone by even a year can prevent another $800 splurge.
Often, the updates on new models are minor, while older devices still get the job done.
60. Use Cashback Credit Cards Responsibly For Big Purchases
Cashback credit cards can work in your favor—if paid off monthly.
Using one for necessary expenses like car repairs or groceries can earn a little cash back over time.
I put a $1,000 home repair on mine and got $30 back—small, but it all adds up when money’s tight.
Saving Big With Extreme Frugality Is Totally Possible
Cutting expenses to the bone might sound a little intense, but honestly?
It’s been a game-changer for me—and not just for my wallet.
You don’t have to do every single thing on this list, but trying a few can seriously add up.
Saving money doesn’t have to mean missing out—it’s about getting creative and making your cash work harder for you!
