50 Ways to save money.... | The Diary of a Frugal Family (2024)

We could all do with finding new ways to save money so I thought I’d share a round up of some of the things I do to help you.

50 Ways to save money.... | The Diary of a Frugal Family (1)

Some of these ways to save money may be things you do already, some you might know you should do but don’t and hopefully, there’ll be some you’ve never thought of that you can start doing to start saving money right away….

Let’s start with ways to save money paying your bills….

Work out your monthly budget so you know what, if anything you have spare each month. Use my free downloadable budget planner if that helps.

If you can’t afford to pay your bills, don’t just ignore the fact like a lot of people do – it won’t go away but you can take action to help yourself.

If you can’t see where your money is going, keep a spending diary for a month.

Use the snowball method to repay any debts in the quickest and most efficient way possible.

Overpay your mortgage each month – even a small amount can make a huge difference to the overall amount you’ll even up paying and it could reduce your mortgage term.

Make sure you’re on the best deal possible for all of your utility bills.

Check that your house is in the right band for council tax.

Consider a water meter if you’re not already on one.

Pay your bills by Direct Debit to ensure that they’re always paid on time and that you get any discounts for paying this way.

Never renew any insurance without doing a price comparison.

Think outside the box – car insurance, for example,could be cheaper if you drive fewer miles than average.

Ways to save money around the home….

Plan your meals in advance.

Make a wall planner to keep track of your meal plans.

Don’t always throw something out because it’s passed it’s best before date.

Try shopping online at Approved foods.

Consider switching the kids to packed lunches.

Get rid of the tumble drier.

Save money on your laundry.

If your microwave breaks, do you really need to replace it?

Turn your heating down by 1 c – this could save up to £40 a year and make sure you turn your appliances to standby and save up to £76 a year (that’s 2 I know but they’re on the same post ;-))

And there’s lots of other ways to make sure you’re spending less on gas and electricity here too.

Keep the kids entertained for free by making a bored jar.

Dedicate a section in your garden for a vegetable patch.

Save money with just one phone call.

Ways to save money when you’re out and about….

Learn how to drive efficiently to save money on fuel.

If you are visiting a theme park, make sure you check out my ways to save guide.

Have fun at home with the kids instead of spending money on days out.

Have a Frugal date night.

If you’re off somewhere nice, make sure you pay as little as possible by checking any offers before you go.

Get a seat in the audience for one of your favourite TV shows for free.

Plan in advance what you’ll be doing over the school holidays so you can take advantage of free and cheap events.

Ways to save money on shopping….

Change the way you shop to save money.

Use cash back websites whenever you make a purchase online.

Make the most of store loyalty cards.

Use eBay more to buy things.

Reduce food waste.

Check out my amazing Amazon Discount checker for savings of up to 80%.

(This handy little widget does have my affiliate id in so if you do use it then I might make a few pennies but you’ll pay the same. The money goes towards paying for the widget so you can find some amazing deals)

Other ways to save money….

Do you wear a uniform for work? Make sure you’ve reclaimed the tax back for taking care of it.

Sell any old mobile phones.

Use apps that will give you free texts and calls on your mobile.

Cut down on cleaning products by using lemons in your cleaning routine.

Vinegar’s great for cleaning too.

Find free books for your Kindle

Make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.

Not exactly money saving but you can stop annoying cold calls and junk mail here.

There really is an app for everything – take full advantage of what’s out there.

Make some extra money….

Make money by reviewing things you already own

Use Swagbucks.

Save your spare change

Sell your unwanted things at a car boot sale.

Or, sell them on eBay.

There you have it, my 50 ways to save money!

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50 Ways to save money.... | The Diary of a Frugal Family (2024)

FAQs

How can a family save more money? ›

Shopping consignment shops, thrift stores and yard sales, or hosting a clothing swap with another family, are simple money-saving tips for families. You can also check out online marketplaces to buy and sell items locally, or scope out what people are selling in your local bargains group on social media.

How can I save money when I am already frugal? ›

Ten Frugal Habits to Save Money
  1. Track Spending.
  2. Automate Your Savings.
  3. Save Loose Change.
  4. Compare Prices & Comparison Shop.
  5. Avoid Spending Triggers.
  6. Shop Second Hand.
  7. Save Windfall Income & Use a Spending Rule of Thumb.
  8. Institute a Waiting Period.

How to be extremely frugal? ›

12 Tips for Frugal Living
  1. Choose quality over quantity. ...
  2. Prioritize value over price. ...
  3. Use credit wisely. ...
  4. Declutter regularly. ...
  5. Use a budget to guide your spending. ...
  6. Know the difference between wants and needs. ...
  7. Be a savvy consumer. ...
  8. Prioritize your values.
Oct 17, 2023

How to be super thrifty? ›

15 Frugal Living Tips
  1. Tip 1: Differentiate between Luxury Spending vs Necessary Expenses. ‍ ...
  2. Tip 2: Make Cuts in Your Spending. ...
  3. Tip 3: Cap Your Spending. ...
  4. Tip 4: Keep Receipts and Track Spending. ...
  5. Tip 5: Think Twice Before You Buy. ...
  6. Tip 6: Learn How to Bargain. ...
  7. Tip 7: Reuse and Recycle. ...
  8. Tip 8: Find Thrifted Furniture.
Jan 19, 2024

How to save $5000 in 3 months? ›

How to Save $5,000 in 3 Months
  1. Track Your Expenses. The first step to saving money is understanding where your money is going. ...
  2. Create a Budget. ...
  3. Reduce Unnecessary Spending. ...
  4. Increase Your Income. ...
  5. Automate Your Savings. ...
  6. Save on Utilities and Subscriptions.
Jan 22, 2024

How to live simple life and save money? ›

8 simple ways to save money
  1. Record your expenses. The first step to start saving money is figuring out how much you spend. ...
  2. Include saving in your budget. ...
  3. Find ways to cut spending. ...
  4. Determine your financial priorities. ...
  5. Pick the right tools. ...
  6. Make saving automatic.
  7. Watch your savings grow.

How to live frugally on one income? ›

Living on a one-income budget
  1. Assess your financial situation. Start by understanding your current financial status. ...
  2. List fixed expenses. ...
  3. Track changing expenses. ...
  4. Differentiate needs vs. ...
  5. Set financial goals. ...
  6. Create an emergency savings fund. ...
  7. Allocate for savings. ...
  8. Start a debt repayment plan.

How can I be frugal instead of cheap? ›

Here are some of the ways to embrace a frugal lifestyle.
  1. Make A Budget. ...
  2. Rein In Entertainment And Dining Out. ...
  3. Save Money On Groceries And Home Goods. ...
  4. Slash Money On Home Expenses. ...
  5. Spend More Effectively On Self-Care. ...
  6. Find Ways To Cost-Cut On Necessities. ...
  7. Make The Most Of Your Spending. ...
  8. Reconsider Unneeded Spending.
May 4, 2023

What is toxic frugality? ›

Frugality is the practice of being wise with money and avoiding wastefulness. It's a virtue that many people admire. It fosters responsible financial habits and can lead to a more sustainable life. But there's a darker side to frugality that can be detrimental to our quality of life. This is known as “toxic frugality.”

What makes people cheap? ›

Being cheap can be a personality trait, but it need not be a permanent one. It could be a habit developed because you grew up poor and wished for more money or possessions or it can stem from other insecurities. It's possible to change this behavior if you become more aware of it and are motivated to be less stingy.

Is it smart to be frugal? ›

It helps you be more value-minded when spending, increases your satisfaction with simple pleasures, and helps you grow wealth at a faster rate! But, like so many good things in life, frugality can reach a point of diminishing returns.

How can a family of four save money? ›

Here's 8 Tips to Help Your Family Cut Costs and Save Money:
  1. Save Money on Groceries. ...
  2. Use Rewards Programs Wisely. ...
  3. Save Big on a Used Car. ...
  4. Sell Your Stuff for Extra Cash. ...
  5. Lower Insurance Premiums. ...
  6. Do You Really Need that Service? ...
  7. Be Thrifty. ...
  8. Take Advantage of Skip A Pay Features.
Mar 21, 2023

How can a family of 5 save money on groceries? ›

There are steps a family of five can take to save on groceries, including meal planning, taking advantage of coupons and weekly deals, and making a shopping list ahead of time. Those strategies allow families to spend more mindfully and, ideally, lower their grocery bill.

How much should a family keep in savings? ›

From there, your monthly income and expenses will dictate how much you save. If you want a handy formula to follow, some financial advisers recommend the 50/30/20 rule. Under this rule, at least 20% of your income should go toward savings.

How can I save more and more money? ›

What Is the Best Way To Save Money?
  1. Set goals. Set savings goals that motivate you, like saving up for a house or going on a dream vacation, and give yourself timelines for reaching them.
  2. Budget. Make a budget and make saving a necessary expense. ...
  3. Cut down on spending. ...
  4. Automate your savings. ...
  5. Pay off debt. ...
  6. Earn more.
Feb 14, 2024

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