Are you more frugal now than you used to be?
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (41970)
February 22, 2025 3:35pm CST
I didn't think it was possible, I have always considered myself to be frugal. I come from the school of the grandmother's who raised children during the depression, and lived by ''Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without'' mantra, and it has served me well.
We eat leftovers. I grow some vegetables and herbs, what I have room to grow, but my space is very limited. I process any excess foods such as fruits and vegetables and freeze or can them. We make our own pizzas and baked goods, and very, very rarely eat out. I bake a lot of our breads.
Lately, I have searched out other ways to be more frugal with things. Here and there, I have learned some bits and pieces to help.
I've never been an impulse buyer, so I do have that in my favor. Clothing is only purchased on a ''need'' basis, not a want. Even then, I weigh the cost and the certainty as to whether it would be practical, or worn much. I dress simply, and most of my clothes can be mixed or matched to make different looks, etc. I've never been high maintenance. I hate painted nails and all the trendy stuff that goes with that, not practical for me. I take care of myself, by myself. I have a great friend who is a retired beautician, and she trims my hair for me. Good deal, as we have always helped each other out.
Some ways I have discovered in the last few years that have helped me?
BuyNothing groups. Nearly every town, city, or county has one on FB. No money is allowed to be exchanged, ever. If you have something to offer, you put it up in the group--many do what they call ''porch pick-up'' which alleviates strangers being in their homes. When you need an item, you can post your need. Often, you can find what you want as someone will have it and offer it to you. It's a great way to find things and not spend money, and it saves the waste of possibly something very usable being tossed out to a landfill.
My friends and I trade books to read, or I use the library or the satellite Little Free Libraries. Otherwise, I go to a local thrift store that offers nice books for 25cents. Can't been that price for good books.
I line dry a lot of laundry, I purchased a sturdy, portable drying rack some years back. It's very light and convenient. On nice days, I put it on the patio and my clothes smell like my grandma's did when she line dried hers. Dryers are one of the most expensive appliances a person has.
I am a tough food shopper. I check sales. If something is on a great deal and it is something for the pantry we use a lot of, you can bet if I can swing it, I get a spare or two. The key to cooking and eating at home is to have ingredients a person can actually make a meal with--a good, nutritious meal. I make it a point to have things here that I can always pull it together to make a meal that doesn't break the bank.
Bartering is something people used to do a lot of--trading goods for goods, or goods for services needed. I barter for my eggs, I have for years. I give her baked goods, she gives me eggs. It's a fantastic deal, and we have done this for a long time now. I hope the bird flu doesn't hit her chickens, so that we can continue this trade-off.
There are many more things I do, this is just a few.
How frugal are you? Do you have some hints or things you practice to save money, especially in the kitchen? Share with us!!
Pixabay picture.
30 people like this
23 responses
@RasmaSandra (83324)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
22 Feb
I live from SS to SS and when I order groceries once a month I redo the list about three times to be sure I can afford it. I add on some money with surveys and I get gift cards and my cats have food and litter so despite all I cannot order I think I am doing quite fine,
6 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
22 Feb
That’s good that you earn some to add to your grocery shopping. I know both people and pet food is expensive!
5 people like this
@sallypup (63361)
• Centralia, Washington
22 Feb
@RasmaSandra I am horrified by the price of cat supplies and food and dog biscuits. Truly scary. Cat litter costs way too much and of course a must have. Now my one cat has health issues so he eats a prescription diet that costs about as much as steak. My Siamese is doing best on spendy wet kitten chow. Only one cat eats ordinary food. I am amazed you are doing as well as you are.
5 people like this
@kaylachan (76294)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Feb
I like to think I have been pretty good with it. My house looks like I have a lot, buut I buy things in bukl when I can or buy ahead.
4 people like this
@kaylachan (76294)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Feb
@MarieCoyle Neither is mine. our third bedroom has become a dumping ground for George's formula, because the VA sends us a month's supply. Which is fine I guess, but I have to space out my order so I don't have two to three months piled up.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
I only buy in bulk when it is cheaper to do that, as I always check the unit prices, but yes, sometimes buying in bulk is the smart way to go. My home is not large, so I don't have a lot of room for unnecessary things that I don't need, anyway.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
@kaylachan
Well, at least you have a place to put it that it's out of the way, yet convenient.
3 people like this
@dfollin (25610)
• United States
23 Feb
@MarieCoyle Same here, I don’t see it coming to and end either. Trump said he was going to put a stop to it, but I don’t see him doing anything towards that.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
I don't see an end to the prices, so I am doing the best I can to be frugal with what I have.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
@dfollin
I am of the personal opinion that all of us need to tighten our belts. I am no doomsday prepper by any means, but I hope most of us have at least a little food and goods put back for what could be a hard time for us all.
4 people like this
@FourWalls (72645)
• United States
23 Feb
If you saw my house, with a kitchen table that’s 40+ years old, you’d know. 
I don’t spend money on furniture, because it’s only me here. The most expensive thing in the house is the bed.
I don’t spend money on furniture, because it’s only me here. The most expensive thing in the house is the bed.4 people like this
@FourWalls (72645)
• United States
23 Feb
@MarieCoyle — my “recliner” is one of those zero-gravity lounge chairs they sell at Bass Pro Shops. Upholstery holds dust, so I don’t have any upholstery in here.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
My table is about 75-80 years old. It was my Dad's, before that it was his mother's. It's perfect and cute and I don't care if it's not in style. I love it anyway, and it's beautiful. In the last 20 years I have received 3 pieces of furniture to replace items that were worn out. A small leather recliner from one daughter. A new sofa and bed from my oldest son and daughter. They are very nice and will no doubt last me forever, or for my lifetime, whichever comes first. Since the others were so worn out, I was very glad to have new ones. It was a big gift, and so much appreciated.
As long as what we have suits us, that's all that matters. I like my ''old'' stuff, things with memories.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
@FourWalls
I understand about the dust thing. That's good that you have that type of lounge chair. The furniture I do have is basic, sturdy, and meant to last for years. Other than the three things I mentioned receiving I had no new furniture for maybe 25 years? If a person takes care of it all, it lasts a long time. And I was never one to want fad-like furniture, I want the more timeless, basic look.
3 people like this
@sallypup (63361)
• Centralia, Washington
22 Feb
When our daughter was young we lived from month to month. When she was born, friends asked us what we wanted for her? We said: skip the toys. Give us baby formula and diapers. These days we are on the other end, not watching the pennies so tightly. But if we get too many medical bills we will be sliding the wrong way. And our animals do not have insurance to cover their medical bills. The Vet has said more than once that Rufus dog has dirty teeth. Fine. That's around a five hundred dollar bill. You bet he still has dirty teeth. I don't know how families afford meat. I buy local fruit in the summer and freeze it for the winter. I am not a fashionable person so I figure if I am covered with clothes I am good to go.
3 people like this
@sallypup (63361)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Feb
@MarieCoyle Clothes? Think critter fur no matter what I do. Beau Teak should have an exam because of his ongoing gum issues. BUT all the Vet will do is recommend more tooth extractions- think toward 2 thousand and you will be close to the amount of the bill.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
@sallypup
It's crazy, crazy expensive now when a pet gets sick.
My oldest son has a 8 year old Golden Retriever. She started limping a lot, so he took her to the vet, who said she has SOME hip dysplasia--not full blown, but a start. He recommended surgery. $12,000 worth of surgery...my son took his dog to the U of I vet hospital and spent the money on a second opinion. They recommended a certain medication be tried. He put her on that, and we have seen no more limping for almost 2 years. She romps and plays still...the vet said she isn't in any pain. And get this--the vet at U of I said that 50% of the time, the hip dysplasia surgery does not work, and that she would eventually have to have the other one done, and it might not work, either. So for now, the dog takes medication.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
Medical bills, medication, and vet bills are so, so pricey. $500 for cleaning teeth is ridiculous. Maybe get some of those greenie things, they love them and their teeth benefit by them. Meat? Most people I know eat less meat than they used to.
As for fashion, I've never been a fashionista. I enjoy pretty things, who doesn't? But like you, if I am covered decently, and my clothing is whole, complete, and clean, I'm good to go, too!
2 people like this
@TheHorse (224751)
• Walnut Creek, California
23 Feb
@MarieCoyle Heh. I am still frugal. Material possessions don't mean that much to me. But in my old age, I'll buy the more expensive pizza if that's what I want.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
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22 Feb
You seem to live fairly simply, I think you are fibbing a bit. Drama…and you aren’t the flashy sort of guy.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
@TheHorse
Buy the pizza, make the trips, play the music, and pet the kitty...life is short.
@allknowing (142710)
• India
22 Feb
It is more to do with my wants having been reduced at this time of my life that automaically it could mean I am frugal. Yes. I do not waste.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
Not being wasteful is a very good trait to have, good for you!
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61365)
• United States
23 Feb
I am not exactly frugal, but I am not extravagant. I buy what I want as long as I can afford it. But I did buy a large package of chicken at Walmart and my grandson Chris cooked them for me. I then turned them into wonderful crockpot meals. I also made a big crockpot of lentil soup, it is vegetarian and the cheapest meal I know and delicious.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
We love lentil soup, too.
I cook one of those big, big bags of chicken sometimes, or two whole chickens at once. First meal, baked chicken. Then I pick all the mean off of all the pieces. I bag that up in Ziplocs to make meals out of. Then I put all the bones/scraps on to cook in the crock pot all night, with a chunk of celery and some onion, to make good bone broth. I get all the milage out of a chicken that I know how to do!!
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (52709)
• Canada
22 Feb
I was raised to be frugal as well.
I began babysitting at the age of 12, which was the legal age, and saved enough that I could pay for my own tuition at high school for 3 years, as well as books, and the cost to ride the bus, which wasn't funded for students who attended the private school. On top of that I also managed to put away $1000 in a debenture and buy all of my own clothes, shoes, boots and coats.
As a young bride-to-be we bought reasonably priced used furniture to start off with. One evening my husband purchased 3 bedroom suites at an auction sale and sold 2 before he left to go home. He made a profit and we bought ourselves a new suite with that profit.
We have always grown our own vegetables, which I freeze. We have always known orchard owners who have sold us (discounted) fruits.
I have always line-dried our clothing, and never run the dishwasher without it being completely full. My husband always worked overtime, on Sundays, as it paid double compared to time and a half on Saturdays.
We have always saved and put money aside. We taught our son to do the same, as a result, we and he now that he is the head of his household, have never gone hungry or without.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
22 Feb
It sounds like you were taught from an early age to be frugal and save for things. I had the example of both grandmothers and one grandfather until I was 12, then just one grandmother as we lost 2 in one year. I often wonder if I would have been as frugal as I am without their influence. They set a good example.
I bought my first car myself, with money I saved. I paid for my book fees and my sister's, every year. I kept myself clothed, decently but never fancy, and my little sister, too, until she moved with our aunt and I got married. My grandmother always had a vegetable garden and with the exception of when we lived in a smallish city apartment, I always planted vegetables. I buy some bulk local fruits, too--although I am fortunate that several friends often share their apple harvest, etc. And yes, I don't run the dishwasher unless it's full, which generally takes two days.
You set a great example for your son, it will pay off in his future with a family to take care of.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (52709)
• Canada
22 Feb
@MarieCoyle I regret that I never learned to make jelly/jam or to crochet, knit or sew. Those would have saved me alot of money over the years, but there are some things that I splurge on compared to my Gramma.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
@Juliaacv
Making jelly or jam is honestly really simple. And you can control what goes in to it, so there isn't all the preservatives, etc. that you get in store bought. I learned to sew at a young age, and used to make a lot of clothing, etc. But now it is not cost effective to make clothing. By the time you buy the pattern and the fabric, possibly buttons, zippers, etc. you have spent more than if you bought the item ready made.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (349046)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Feb
We are better off than we've ever been but I'm just as frugal iif not more so. We always check food prices per kg or grams and often stuff on sale is more expensive that a different brand. We don't slurge very often and rarely eat out. I can't think of other ways to save. You seem to have covered it all. 
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
I try to cover it all but I am always looking for other ways to save. It sounds like you do the same. I don't like to be wasteful anyway, so it's not that hard.
2 people like this
@Iam_jauntyjen (5307)
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22 Feb
I am frugal but sometimes guilty of impulse buying. Most of our clothes are either from Goodwill or Beautiful Store. We usually buy second-hand appliances at Carrot, an online store for used items. Some items are also free of charge. We prefer eating at home to dining out. During the past few years, we have eaten out almost every day. Now, we are more mindful of what we eat. We have become health conscious.
I wish I could plant some root crops and fruit-bearing trees but that is impossible because we live in an apartment.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
I am not tempted in impulse buying. I do buy from thrift stores, one local one in particular that is run by local churches, and they present everything washed, spotlessly clean, etc. I've gotten some incredible deals there--a new Talbot sweater for like $2?? I'm all over that. I take things there that we can no longer use. They help fire victims and the women's shelter, etc.
I think that eating out is pretty much the best way to blow money I have noticed. Some people eat out every single day. I would honestly get tired of that. Not to mention, if I could do that, I would rather spend the money on something else, at least some of the time, than eating out.
I can't plant trees here, but I do cram a LOT of garden in a small space!!
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (107990)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
22 Feb
I am very frugal since due to my relatives having to only buy items that we need, we are tight with spending money.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
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23 Feb
You are not alone in that, George. Many people are cutting back and practicing frugality.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (118553)
• Anniston, Alabama
23 Feb
I'm less now that I'm working 2 jobs. But I try.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
You do cook quite a bit, and seem sensible...I am sure you are frugal. It's hard to work two jobs, I did it for quite some time. It can be truly exhausting.
@thislittlepennyearns (63841)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
22 Feb
I spend days researching just about everything we buy to make sure we are getting the best deal. Even with gifts for the kids. I play games on my phone to offset prices of the things the kids ask for and rack up amazon orders till they hit 25 so regardless of if we have amazon prime then or not, the order ships free.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
That's good that you do all of that to save money. We all have our little tricks to the trade, so to speak!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (186915)
• United States
22 Feb
Not as much as I should be, but I don't generally overspend. I always have money left at the end of the month.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
That's good that you do. I avoid overspending. Since I am not an impulse buyer either, it's not hard.
1 person likes this
@id_peace (15268)
• Singapore
23 Feb
It is nice that you had given a lot of tips for a frugal lifestyle. I used to be more spend thrift in the past than now.
Instead of buying soft drinks, i will get plaiin water from my home. Also I brew my own coffee to bring to the canteen or food court in my office.
For the consumerables such as shampoo, I will buy a bigger bottle whenever possible.
For food that I crave during the festivals, I will eat only after the festivals. For an example, I will buy turkey post christmas where the price of the turkeys will drop.
1 person likes this
@id_peace (15268)
• Singapore
25 Feb
@MarieCoyle Yes. the cookies for some festivals became so cheap post festival that they are as good as giving it away for free.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
25 Feb
@id_peace
Free cookies would be a very popular thing!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
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23 Feb
I do a lot of the things you do. I don't buy soft drinks. They have absolutely no nutritional value and can actually affect your health. They are so, so expensive. A totally unnecessary expense. I also brew my own coffee, when I go somewhere and want to take coffee, I fill my insulated mug with the lid and off I go with it. And yes, after Christmas, turkeys usually go on sale. A good time to buy one and freeze it.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (113501)
• Marion, Ohio
22 Feb
I grow a lot of my food. I do like to buy new clothes but watch what they cost. We order out for food once a week as a treat
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
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22 Feb
I know you grow some things, it’s growing more and more popular since food costs are climbing. I know you can and freeze foods.
2 people like this
@rakski (134870)
• Philippines
24 Feb
@MarieCoyle yes, true. I think I am more creative now in dishes
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
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24 Feb
@rakski
I like to cook, and I am thankful for that.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (16907)
• Raurkela, India
23 Feb
With high inflation we have to be frugal. I buy as much items I need. If I buy more vegetables I cook them and keep them in the fridge to have them later.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (16907)
• Raurkela, India
24 Feb
@MarieCoyle Sometimes my vegetables do rot if not cooked for long, so I cook them.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
We certainly do have to be frugal. Vegetables never go to waste here, either!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
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24 Feb
@aninditasen
Here in the US, many fresh vegetables are often a lot more expensive than frozen ones, or canned ones. I personally love fresh and get them when I can, and grow some of my own. Frozen is my next favorite, except for green beans--when they are frozen, they become tasteless to me. Canned vegetables are always very convenient. Can be used in soups, stews, eat heated with seasoning, add a sauce, etc. They are very versatile and completely cooked. Plus, their shelf life is a long one.
1 person likes this
@porwest (97850)
• United States
23 Feb
You are doing all the right things, and reading through some of this, I had to check remind you wrote this. Not me. lol. As for becoming more frugal, yes. I think it goes with the territory. It's not a static process. It is an evolving one. The more we do it, the more ways we find to do it, and the more precise in doing it we become.
1 person likes this
@porwest (97850)
• United States
23 Feb
@MarieCoyle My wife and I eat out rarely. When we do, 99% of the time, something that occurs within our investment portfolio is what pays for it. In other words, any eating out is not necessarily an added expense. For us. But yes, many people spend a LOT of money doing this. Not only that, but many people waste a LOT of pennies.
I broke something down for our friend LouAvil that I will only repeat because of course it will be deleted. I made an analogy about Aldi carts and how many people who really need the money will leave an Aldi cart in a parking lot and forget about their quarter. 9 times out of 10, it's someone who NEEDS the money.
If someone went to Aldi once a week, and abandoned their cart, that would add up to $13 a year. Assuming someone made $15 an hour, 52 abandoned carts would equal 52 minutes of work. WHO in their right mind would go into work and tell the boss, I will work an hour for free?
NO ONE.
Yet, when you take just a simple quarter times 52? That is essentially what you have done. You have worked nearly an hour just to give the money away and got nothing for it.
THAT'S the mentality of MOST people, and why more are broke rather than rich.
The problem is, the mentality extends BEYOND just an abandoned shopping cart, and essentially what happens is poor people work countless hours JUST to waste the money they earn and THEN complain that they don't have enough, and never realize it's because they are wasting money hand over fist WILLINGLY.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
24 Feb
@porwest
I also think we as a society are oh, so quick to buy a new and trendy item. No one ever wants to wait for anything, weigh the options, look at reviews, nothing. And people still buy trends, and don't think of the cost. Think of the wave of purchases made to replace perfectly good refrigerators when the stainless steel ones hit the market. I know you have no children, but those who have them soon realized that in purchasing the stainless steel appliances, they signed up for a lot of time just trying to keep all the little fingerprints off. And the stoves...yep. So many people don't seem satisfied to use a basic item if they can buy a fancier one that's glammed up in some way.
We need to use things up, not throw out things we don't want just because they aren't in style, we don't like the color, or we are keeping up with the Joneses and getting new whatevers, just because we want to. So ridiculous.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (41970)
•
23 Feb
I honestly think one of the biggest avoidable expenses people blow money on is eating out. A lot of eating out. It costs more and more pretty much every day. I do often see a lot less cars at the expensive restaurants when I drive by them, so evidently others feel the same way I do. The occasional treat I can see if you can afford it and want to do it, but some eat out every day.
1 person likes this
