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The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living

Every Tuesday is Finance & Family Day at Zen Habits.

Confession time: I’m a cheapskate. Some would say frugal, which sounds much more positive, but in reality I can be a real cheapskate.

I am fairly frugal (though not always), but sometimes I take it too far: I have T-shirts with holes in them, I never buy new clothes, we’re shopping for a new couch because our current one has holes in it, and I ran my current pair of running shoes until the soles fell off.

However, I have gradually learned to be frugal in many ways that I would recommend to others. I don’t think you should have holes in your couch, and you should definitely replace your running shoes more often than I do, but there are many ways to cut back on spending and live a more frugal lifestyle.

Why live frugally? First, because it allows you to spend less than you earn, and use the difference to pay off debt, save or invest. Or all three. Second, because the less you spend, the less you need to earn. And that means you can choose to work less, or work more but retire early. Or take mini retirements. You have more options with a frugal lifestyle.

I know what I’m going to hear in the comments, because it’s been done repeatedly with my other frugal articles: I have no life. This is boring. I might as well live in a box. You have to enjoy life sometimes.

All of which you might believe, but I believe I do have a life. A great one. One where I spend time with my family, where I have conversations and read and get outside and do things that are fun and exercise and focus on what’s important and spend my free time the way I want. This is a good life. Read this article for more.

So, if you’d like some tips on frugal living, here are just a few, from a cheapskate. I should note that I do most, but not all, of these tips.

Go with one car. Many families have two or more cars. Besides your house, your car is probably your most expensive item. If you can do with one, you should. My wife and I both work, and we have six kids, and yet we have learned to manage with one car.
Go with a smaller house. Just because you can afford a larger house, doesn’t mean you should live in one. Live in as small a house as you can and still be comfortable. I don’t mean you should live in a one-room apartment with a family of four … you know what I mean. You can save thousands a year with a smaller house. Many times, if you get rid of a lot of clutter, you don’t need a large house.
Go with a smaller car. Again, you can save thousands by going with a smaller car. A car instead of an SUV, for example, is a big savings. Be comfortable, but don’t overdo it. You’ll save a lot on gas this way too.
Rent rather than own. This will probably spark a huge debate, as it always does. The thing is, just don’t assume that buying is the better investment. If you calculate the interest you pay on a mortgage, the cost of insurance and maintenance, buying is often much more costly than renting … and if you rent, save money, and then invest the difference, you can actually end up well ahead in the long run. Now, it’s not a given, so do a comparison, factoring in all expenses. Here’s a more in-depth article.
Look for used first. If you need something — I mean really need it, not just want it — see if someone you know has one that they don’t use or need anymore. Send out an email to family or friends, or just ask around. You might be surprised. I was about to buy a printer, and then found out my mom just bought a laser printer and didn’t need her old inkjet … saving me close to 100 smackeroos. If no one you know owns one, try freecycle.org or craigslist.org. Then look to buy used, at garage sales or thrift shops. You can find a bargain if you look around.
Eat out less. One of the biggest expenses in our daily lives is eating out — the average person spends well over $2,000 a year on eating out. Restaurants are expensive, including fast-food (not to mention the health hazards). It’s much cheaper to cook your own food. Our family creates a weekly menu, then we buy the groceries, and cook dinner (and lunch) each evening. Lately I’ve even been prepping it in the morning, so it’s a snap when we get home.
Eat out frugally. If you do eat out, check out these money-saving tips.
Brown bag it to work. Instead of eating out for lunch, bring your lunch. More here.
Adopt a minimalist wardrobe. This tip won’t be for everybody, but I try for a minimalist wardrobe. I generally wear jeans or casual pants, a T-shirt or Polo-type shirt, and sandals or shoes. Plain, solid colors are my favorite. Everything goes with everything else, and I don’t have too many clothes. This saves me the stress of picking out an outfit, and I don’t need as many clothes.
Stop online impulse buys. This was a problem for me before I canceled my credit card. I used to buy online a couple of times a week. Now I buy maybe once every couple of months, using PayPal or someone else’s credit card. I’m not saying you have to go to this extreme, but realize that online buying can be way too easy (you don’t even have to go to a store) and therefore, we make too many impulse buys. Buy online if you really need something and it’ll save you money, but beware the impulse buy. See 30-day list tip below.
Don’t shop. Don’t go to the mall or other shopping area or department store to look around and shop. Go to a store if you know what you need, and then get out. Many times people go shopping, with a vague idea of what they want, and get caught up buying much more. Or they go just for fun, as a form of entertainment. That ends up costing a lot. It can really add up. Instead, stay away from shopping areas and find other ways to have fun (more below).
Use a 30-day list. To curb impulse buys, create a 30-day list. When you want to buy something, other than a true necessity (medicine or food, for example), put it on this list, with the date you added it to the list. And make it a rule that you can’t buy anything for at least 30 days after you put it on the list. And stick to it. You’ll find that you buy a lot less with this system.
Cut out cable. I’ve talked about how I cut out cable before. It saves me money every month (in my area, about $60, or more than $700 a year), and also forces me to do things like read and have conversations and go outside. Win win.
Use the library. Instead of buying books, check them out. The library often also has a great selection of DVDs (depending on your area), saving you even more. Now who needs cable?
Find free entertainment. Find cheap ways to have fun. Entertainment often ends up costing a lot of money, if you go to the movies, buy concessions, or go out at night, go to the bar, etc. The average person spends about $1,800 a year on entertainment (not including eating out). Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have fun … but there are cheaper ways to do it. Here are a few ideas. Here’s a frugal family’s fun and cheap weekend.
Frugal exercise. Exercise is important, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here are some tips.
Stay healthy. Easier said than done, I know, but staying healthy can save you tons of money on doctor’s visits, hospital bills, and medicine over the long run. An ounce of prevention, and all that. Eat healthily, and exercise. Simple and effective.
Commute by bike. Even if you own a car, commuting by bike will save you gas, and get you in shape at the same time. I highly recommend it. Here are my tips.
Carpool or ride the bus. OK, you don’t want to bike it. So find a friend or neighbor who works near you, and arrange a carpool. Or take public transportation. Simple advice, but something a lot of people ignore.
Walk. Often we drive to the corner store, or to a school that’s less than a mile away. Leave a few minutes early, walk, burn some calories, and save gas.
Sell your clutter. This is not so much saving money as making it, but the frugal, simplifying cheapskate, like myself, will want to declutter and make a few bucks doing it. Hold a garage sale or sell it on eBay. It’s amazing what some people will buy. See the Simple Dollar’s post on this.
Frugal gifting. Gifts can cost a lot of money over the course of a year. Look for ways to do it cheaply. Make a gift, or give a consummable. My family enjoys getting and giving cookies, for example. Here are some ideas.
Quit smoking. Not the easiest way to save, I know. It’s hard. But I did it, and so have many, many others. Not only will you save on cigarettes (which are expensive over the long run), but also associated costs (I used to buy a soda or beer to go with my cigarettes) … and of course the huge, long-term medical costs. In less than 2 years of not smoking, I’ve saved well more than $3,000. Here are my tips for quitting.
Alcohol in moderation. If you drink one beer or a few beers a day, that adds up to big money each month. Some drink even more than that. It’s expensive. If you can cut your drinking to the occasional party, and once in awhile with friends (not all the time), you’ll save tons.
Sweets in moderation. Desserts and sweet snacks give us lots of calories with no nutrition. And we pay a premium price for that, in dollars and in our deteriorating health. Cut back on sweets (don’t eliminate them entirely of course) to save money and cut calories.
Drink water. Often we drink lots of calories through sodas, coffee, alcohol, juices, tea, etc. And that costs a lot too. Drink water, save money, save calories. Here are some tips for forming the water habit.
Batch your errands. Instead of running an errand or two every day, batch them into one errand day, and plan your most efficient route, to save gas and time. Also do as much bill-paying online as possible, to eliminate some errands.
Stay home. Becoming a homebody might not sound like a lot of fun, but it really can be. I love staying home with my family. We can do all kinds of fun things at home. Or I can spend a day alone, if the family is at school, and really enjoy it. It’s quiet and peaceful, I can read or watch a good movie or respond to comments on my blog or write. Staying home can save tons, in eating out expenses, shopping expenses, gas, and incidentals.
Stop using credit cards. Credit cards are not evil. And before you flame me, once again, I realize that they can be used to good purpose. If that’s how you use them, then that’s good, skip this tip. For others, credit cards make buying too easy, and end up making them buy too much.Not only that, but if you don’t pay your bill in full each month, they will cost you a lot in interest. The average American with at least 1 credit card has more than $8,500 in credit card debt. Don’t make that mistake. Here’s my story.
Cancel subscriptions. With the wealth of information and entertainment online, do you really need magazine subscriptions? With all the news online, do you really need a newspaper subscription? If you can get DVDs for free or cheap, do you really need a Netflix subscription? Don’t flame me if you think you do need any of these — I’m just asking you to consider whether they’re really essential — the answer might be yes. Also consider other subscriptions you might be paying for — I’m not saying you should cancel everything, but seriously consider whether they can be canceled without much loss of value. Read more.
Make your own. I won’t go into all the possibilities here, but many times we buy things when really, we could make them ourselves for much cheaper if we get a little creative. Now, this might take a little more time and effort, but it can be fun, especially if you make it a family project. We recently made our own (very simple) bookshelves with only a couple of pieces of lumber, instead of buying them. If you don’t know how to make something, search for it online. You’ll most likely find some instructions.
Do it yourself. Instead of hiring someone to do something, try doing it yourself. Sure, it takes some time and effort, but it’s satisfying, and of course cheaper. It’s also educational, if you don’t know how to do it — again, do an online search, read up on it, and give it a go. Frugality freaks are DIYers.
Stop paying interest. I mentioned the interest of credit cards, and auto loans, and mortgages. I consider them a waste of money. I’ve talked about how to live without credit before, and I recommend it for a frugal lifestyle. Consider any other accounts or loans where you pay interest, and see if you can eventually eliminate as much of these as possible.
Reduce convenience foods. Frozen foods, microwaveable stuff, junk food … anything that’s packaged and prepared for our convenience is not only more expensive than something you cook yourself, but also most likely less healthy. I’m not saying to eliminate these completely, but reduce consumption.
Travel frugally. I actually don’t travel (or haven’t for years), but if you do have to travel, some advance planning can save you money. Airfare is most expensive, usually, so look to buy your ticket in advance, and look for deals. Also consider train travel. Shop around for car rental rates, as they can vary greatly (or use public transportation). Look for cheaper accommodations, or stay with a friend or relative. Just a note: I do plan to travel, but not until I finally eliminate all of my debt.
Cut the cell phone. This will not be a popular suggestion either. If you don’t like it, move on to the next one. It’s not for everybody. But think about this: 20 years ago, most people didn’t have cell phones. And miraculously, they survived. A cell phone is not a necessity. It’s a convenience. When people needed to make a call, 20 years ago, they either waited until they got to a destination (wait to make a phone call?! omg!), or pulled over and used a pay phone or a phone in a business establishment.
Cut your own hair. Again, this one isn’t for everybody. Personally, I use electric clippers to shave my head. It’s easy, it’s cheap, it’s minimalist, it’s care-free. I don’t worry about my hair getting messed up, or having to fix it in the morning. However, I’m not saying you should shave your head. Many people cut their own hair, in many simple but nice hairstyles, long or short. Saves money, and time.
Maintain stuff. This is a no-brainer, but we don’t often think about it: if you take care of what you have, it will last longer. You’ll then spend less on buying new stuff. When you buy something worth maintaining, take a few minutes to read the maintenance manual, and create a maintenance checklist that you can attach to the item. For important things like your car’s oil changes or tune-ups, put them in your calendar.
Save energy. There are little things we can do to lower our power bill. I don’t use a dryer or hot water heater, although those are a little extreme. Try these tips.
Save gas. With the rising price of gas (and no end in sight), fuel has become a major monthly expense for many people. Small things can add up to big savings. Try these tips.
Only buy bargain clothing (when you need clothes). OK, so you’re a cheapskate like me who only buys clothes when the old clothes have too many arm or leg holes. But now you need new clothing. I mean really need it. So instead of buying new, look for thrift shops with good clothes. Or buy new, but only buy the stuff that’s 50% off. Look for the bargains, and you’ll save a ton.
Telecommute. Telecommuting doesn’t necessarily give you your dream job, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. But in addition to allowing you to work in your underwear (and who doesn’t have that dream?), telecommuting saves money on gas, on eating out (if you eat lunch at a restaurant), and on buying expensive work clothes (all you need to buy is underwear, right? And no, don’t buy used underwear).
Plan ahead. Sure, easy to say, hard to implement. But if you make it a habit to think ahead to things that are coming up in your life, you can save a lot of money. For example, if you think about where you’re going to get your meals when you go out to do errands, you can pack a lunch or dinner instead of eating out. If you pack a big container of iced water, you don’t need to buy expensive bottled water. If you know that a birthday is coming up, you can buy a gift on sale instead of spending more at the last minute.
Cook ahead. If you have one free day a week (or even a month), cook food in big batches and freeze in dinner-sized portions. I don’t do this all the time, but I have done it and it saves money (buying big can often save) as well as time. You have to plan it out a bit, coming up with a menu and shopping, cooking enough meals for a week or a month. But once you’re done, your meals each night (and for lunch if you like) are quick and easy. This saves you from eating out or eating convenience food when you’re hungry but too tired to cook.
Wash clothes less. Some people wear clothes and then wash them, but I’ve gotten into the habit of wearing my clothes more than once if they’re not really dirty. I use my nose as a test — I don’t want to wear clothes that smell, but most times the clothes are still perfectly clean. This saves on washing.
Sun-dry clothes. When my parents were young, everyone used a clothesline to dry clothes. Now dryers are ubiquitous, because they’re fast. But if you don’t wash a ton of clothes, it’s not that hard to take a few minutes to hang them up. You’ll save a lot in electricity, plus your clothes last longer.
Eat less meat. I’m not saying you have to become a vegetarian (although you could always give it a try), but once in awhile, eat meatless dishes. Pasta, vegetarian chili (see my recipe halfway down this article), vegetarian Indian or Thai dishes, falafels with hummus and pitas and tomatoes and lettuce … there are plenty of tasty dishes without meat. And as meat is expensive (well, the fresh kind is … Spam is cheap), you’ll save money on meatless dishes. Again, I’m assuming you cook with fresh meat, not canned.
Save on groceries. For my family of eight, groceries is a major expense. With some simple habits, we’ve been able to save a lot of money. See more here.
Frugal Christmas. Christmas is expensive, especially in America (if you live in an area that doesn’t celebrate Christmas with a huge amount of buying, or doesn’t celebrate it at all, skip this tip). People go on crazy shopping gorges. It’s insane. While it makes the retailers and manufacturers happy, it doesn’t make our bank accounts happy. Break out of the cycle and find cheaper ways to celebrate Christmas. Here are some great ways to do that, and here are some more.
Eat a cheap breakfast. Here are some great ones.

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The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living

Every Tuesday is Finance & Family Day at Zen Habits.

Confession time: I’m a cheapskate. Some would say frugal, which sounds much more positive, but in reality I can be a real cheapskate.

So, if you’d like some tips on frugal living, here are just a few, from a cheapskate. I should note that I do most, but not all, of these tips.

Go with one car. Many families have two or more cars. Besides your house, your car is probably your most expensive item. If you can do with one, you should. My wife and I both work, and we have six kids, and yet we have learned to manage with one car.
Go with a smaller house. Just because you can afford a larger house, doesn’t mean you should live in one. Live in as small a house as you can and still be comfortable. I don’t mean you should live in a one-room apartment with a family of four … you know what I mean. You can save thousands a year with a smaller house. Many times, if you get rid of a lot of clutter, you don’t need a large house.
Go with a smaller car. Again, you can save thousands by going with a smaller car. A car instead of an SUV, for example, is a big savings. Be comfortable, but don’t overdo it. You’ll save a lot on gas this way too.
Rent rather than own. This will probably spark a huge debate, as it always does. The thing is, just don’t assume that buying is the better investment. If you calculate the interest you pay on a mortgage, the cost of insurance and maintenance, buying is often much more costly than renting … and if you rent, save money, and then invest the difference, you can actually end up well ahead in the long run. Now, it’s not a given, so do a comparison, factoring in all expenses. Here’s a more in-depth article.
Look for used first. If you need something — I mean really need it, not just want it — see if someone you know has one that they don’t use or need anymore. Send out an email to family or friends, or just ask around. You might be surprised. I was about to buy a printer, and then found out my mom just bought a laser printer and didn’t need her old inkjet … saving me close to 100 smackeroos. If no one you know owns one, try freecycle.org or craigslist.org. Then look to buy used, at garage sales or thrift shops. You can find a bargain if you look around.
Eat out less. One of the biggest expenses in our daily lives is eating out — the average person spends well over $2,000 a year on eating out. Restaurants are expensive, including fast-food (not to mention the health hazards). It’s much cheaper to cook your own food. Our family creates a weekly menu, then we buy the groceries, and cook dinner (and lunch) each evening. Lately I’ve even been prepping it in the morning, so it’s a snap when we get home.
Eat out frugally. If you do eat out, check out these money-saving tips.
Brown bag it to work. Instead of eating out for lunch, bring your lunch. More here.
Adopt a minimalist wardrobe. This tip won’t be for everybody, but I try for a minimalist wardrobe. I generally wear jeans or casual pants, a T-shirt or Polo-type shirt, and sandals or shoes. Plain, solid colors are my favorite. Everything goes with everything else, and I don’t have too many clothes. This saves me the stress of picking out an outfit, and I don’t need as many clothes.
Stop online impulse buys. This was a problem for me before I canceled my credit card. I used to buy online a couple of times a week. Now I buy maybe once every couple of months, using PayPal or someone else’s credit card. I’m not saying you have to go to this extreme, but realize that online buying can be way too easy (you don’t even have to go to a store) and therefore, we make too many impulse buys. Buy online if you really need something and it’ll save you money, but beware the impulse buy. See 30-day list tip below.
Don’t shop. Don’t go to the mall or other shopping area or department store to look around and shop. Go to a store if you know what you need, and then get out. Many times people go shopping, with a vague idea of what they want, and get caught up buying much more. Or they go just for fun, as a form of entertainment. That ends up costing a lot. It can really add up. Instead, stay away from shopping areas and find other ways to have fun (more below).
Use a 30-day list. To curb impulse buys, create a 30-day list. When you want to buy something, other than a true necessity (medicine or food, for example), put it on this list, with the date you added it to the list. And make it a rule that you can’t buy anything for at least 30 days after you put it on the list. And stick to it. You’ll find that you buy a lot less with this system.
Cut out cable. I’ve talked about how I cut out cable before. It saves me money every month (in my area, about $60, or more than $700 a year), and also forces me to do things like read and have conversations and go outside. Win win.
Use the library. Instead of buying books, check them out. The library often also has a great selection of DVDs (depending on your area), saving you even more. Now who needs cable?
Find free entertainment. Find cheap ways to have fun. Entertainment often ends up costing a lot of money, if you go to the movies, buy concessions, or go out at night, go to the bar, etc. The average person spends about $1,800 a year on entertainment (not including eating out). Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have fun … but there are cheaper ways to do it. Here are a few ideas. Here’s a frugal family’s fun and cheap weekend.
Frugal exercise. Exercise is important, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here are some tips.
Stay healthy. Easier said than done, I know, but staying healthy can save you tons of money on doctor’s visits, hospital bills, and medicine over the long run. An ounce of prevention, and all that. Eat healthily, and exercise. Simple and effective.
Commute by bike. Even if you own a car, commuting by bike will save you gas, and get you in shape at the same time. I highly recommend it. Here are my tips.
Carpool or ride the bus. OK, you don’t want to bike it. So find a friend or neighbor who works near you, and arrange a carpool. Or take public transportation. Simple advice, but something a lot of people ignore.
Walk. Often we drive to the corner store, or to a school that’s less than a mile away. Leave a few minutes early, walk, burn some calories, and save gas.
Sell your clutter. This is not so much saving money as making it, but the frugal, simplifying cheapskate, like myself, will want to declutter and make a few bucks doing it. Hold a garage sale or sell it on eBay. It’s amazing what some people will buy. See the Simple Dollar’s post on this.
Frugal gifting. Gifts can cost a lot of money over the course of a year. Look for ways to do it cheaply. Make a gift, or give a consummable. My family enjoys getting and giving cookies, for example. Here are some ideas.
Quit smoking. Not the easiest way to save, I know. It’s hard. But I did it, and so have many, many others. Not only will you save on cigarettes (which are expensive over the long run), but also associated costs (I used to buy a soda or beer to go with my cigarettes) … and of course the huge, long-term medical costs. In less than 2 years of not smoking, I’ve saved well more than $3,000. Here are my tips for quitting.
Alcohol in moderation. If you drink one beer or a few beers a day, that adds up to big money each month. Some drink even more than that. It’s expensive. If you can cut your drinking to the occasional party, and once in awhile with friends (not all the time), you’ll save tons.
Sweets in moderation. Desserts and sweet snacks give us lots of calories with no nutrition. And we pay a premium price for that, in dollars and in our deteriorating health. Cut back on sweets (don’t eliminate them entirely of course) to save money and cut calories.
Drink water. Often we drink lots of calories through sodas, coffee, alcohol, juices, tea, etc. And that costs a lot too. Drink water, save money, save calories. Here are some tips for forming the water habit.
Batch your errands. Instead of running an errand or two every day, batch them into one errand day, and plan your most efficient route, to save gas and time. Also do as much bill-paying online as possible, to eliminate some errands.
Stay home. Becoming a homebody might not sound like a lot of fun, but it really can be. I love staying home with my family. We can do all kinds of fun things at home. Or I can spend a day alone, if the family is at school, and really enjoy it. It’s quiet and peaceful, I can read or watch a good movie or respond to comments on my blog or write. Staying home can save tons, in eating out expenses, shopping expenses, gas, and incidentals.
Stop using credit cards. Credit cards are not evil. And before you flame me, once again, I realize that they can be used to good purpose. If that’s how you use them, then that’s good, skip this tip. For others, credit cards make buying too easy, and end up making them buy too much.Not only that, but if you don’t pay your bill in full each month, they will cost you a lot in interest. The average American with at least 1 credit card has more than $8,500 in credit card debt. Don’t make that mistake. Here’s my story.
Cancel subscriptions. With the wealth of information and entertainment online, do you really need magazine subscriptions? With all the news online, do you really need a newspaper subscription? If you can get DVDs for free or cheap, do you really need a Netflix subscription? Don’t flame me if you think you do need any of these — I’m just asking you to consider whether they’re really essential — the answer might be yes. Also consider other subscriptions you might be paying for — I’m not saying you should cancel everything, but seriously consider whether they can be canceled without much loss of value. Read more.
Make your own. I won’t go into all the possibilities here, but many times we buy things when really, we could make them ourselves for much cheaper if we get a little creative. Now, this might take a little more time and effort, but it can be fun, especially if you make it a family project. We recently made our own (very simple) bookshelves with only a couple of pieces of lumber, instead of buying them. If you don’t know how to make something, search for it online. You’ll most likely find some instructions.
Do it yourself. Instead of hiring someone to do something, try doing it yourself. Sure, it takes some time and effort, but it’s satisfying, and of course cheaper. It’s also educational, if you don’t know how to do it — again, do an online search, read up on it, and give it a go. Frugality freaks are DIYers.
Stop paying interest. I mentioned the interest of credit cards, and auto loans, and mortgages. I consider them a waste of money. I’ve talked about how to live without credit before, and I recommend it for a frugal lifestyle. Consider any other accounts or loans where you pay interest, and see if you can eventually eliminate as much of these as possible.
Reduce convenience foods. Frozen foods, microwaveable stuff, junk food … anything that’s packaged and prepared for our convenience is not only more expensive than something you cook yourself, but also most likely less healthy. I’m not saying to eliminate these completely, but reduce consumption.
Travel frugally. I actually don’t travel (or haven’t for years), but if you do have to travel, some advance planning can save you money. Airfare is most expensive, usually, so look to buy your ticket in advance, and look for deals. Also consider train travel. Shop around for car rental rates, as they can vary greatly (or use public transportation). Look for cheaper accommodations, or stay with a friend or relative. Just a note: I do plan to travel, but not until I finally eliminate all of my debt.
Cut the cell phone. This will not be a popular suggestion either. If you don’t like it, move on to the next one. It’s not for everybody. But think about this: 20 years ago, most people didn’t have cell phones. And miraculously, they survived. A cell phone is not a necessity. It’s a convenience. When people needed to make a call, 20 years ago, they either waited until they got to a destination (wait to make a phone call?! omg!), or pulled over and used a pay phone or a phone in a business establishment.
Cut your own hair. Again, this one isn’t for everybody. Personally, I use electric clippers to shave my head. It’s easy, it’s cheap, it’s minimalist, it’s care-free. I don’t worry about my hair getting messed up, or having to fix it in the morning. However, I’m not saying you should shave your head. Many people cut their own hair, in many simple but nice hairstyles, long or short. Saves money, and time.
Maintain stuff. This is a no-brainer, but we don’t often think about it: if you take care of what you have, it will last longer. You’ll then spend less on buying new stuff. When you buy something worth maintaining, take a few minutes to read the maintenance manual, and create a maintenance checklist that you can attach to the item. For important things like your car’s oil changes or tune-ups, put them in your calendar.
Save energy. There are little things we can do to lower our power bill. I don’t use a dryer or hot water heater, although those are a little extreme. Try these tips.
Save gas. With the rising price of gas (and no end in sight), fuel has become a major monthly expense for many people. Small things can add up to big savings. Try these tips.
Only buy bargain clothing (when you need clothes). OK, so you’re a cheapskate like me who only buys clothes when the old clothes have too many arm or leg holes. But now you need new clothing. I mean really need it. So instead of buying new, look for thrift shops with good clothes. Or buy new, but only buy the stuff that’s 50% off. Look for the bargains, and you’ll save a ton.
Telecommute. Telecommuting doesn’t necessarily give you your dream job, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. But in addition to allowing you to work in your underwear (and who doesn’t have that dream?), telecommuting saves money on gas, on eating out (if you eat lunch at a restaurant), and on buying expensive work clothes (all you need to buy is underwear, right? And no, don’t buy used underwear).
Plan ahead. Sure, easy to say, hard to implement. But if you make it a habit to think ahead to things that are coming up in your life, you can save a lot of money. For example, if you think about where you’re going to get your meals when you go out to do errands, you can pack a lunch or dinner instead of eating out. If you pack a big container of iced water, you don’t need to buy expensive bottled water. If you know that a birthday is coming up, you can buy a gift on sale instead of spending more at the last minute.
Cook ahead. If you have one free day a week (or even a month), cook food in big batches and freeze in dinner-sized portions. I don’t do this all the time, but I have done it and it saves money (buying big can often save) as well as time. You have to plan it out a bit, coming up with a menu and shopping, cooking enough meals for a week or a month. But once you’re done, your meals each night (and for lunch if you like) are quick and easy. This saves you from eating out or eating convenience food when you’re hungry but too tired to cook.
Wash clothes less. Some people wear clothes and then wash them, but I’ve gotten into the habit of wearing my clothes more than once if they’re not really dirty. I use my nose as a test — I don’t want to wear clothes that smell, but most times the clothes are still perfectly clean. This saves on washing.
Sun-dry clothes. When my parents were young, everyone used a clothesline to dry clothes. Now dryers are ubiquitous, because they’re fast. But if you don’t wash a ton of clothes, it’s not that hard to take a few minutes to hang them up. You’ll save a lot in electricity, plus your clothes last longer.
Eat less meat. I’m not saying you have to become a vegetarian (although you could always give it a try), but once in awhile, eat meatless dishes. Pasta, vegetarian chili (see my recipe halfway down this article), vegetarian Indian or Thai dishes, falafels with hummus and pitas and tomatoes and lettuce … there are plenty of tasty dishes without meat. And as meat is expensive (well, the fresh kind is … Spam is cheap), you’ll save money on meatless dishes. Again, I’m assuming you cook with fresh meat, not canned.
Save on groceries. For my family of eight, groceries is a major expense. With some simple habits, we’ve been able to save a lot of money. See more here.
Frugal Christmas. Christmas is expensive, especially in America (if you live in an area that doesn’t celebrate Christmas with a huge amount of buying, or doesn’t celebrate it at all, skip this tip). People go on crazy shopping gorges. It’s insane. While it makes the retailers and manufacturers happy, it doesn’t make our bank accounts happy. Break out of the cycle and find cheaper ways to celebrate Christmas. Here are some great ways to do that, and here are some more.
Eat a cheap breakfast. Here are some great ones.

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Posted on 28 August 2007 in Finance & Family |
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Comments (180)

Abel Says:

August 28th, 2007, 5:22 am

I must say you’re really frugal, hmm, or cheapskate. As much as being frugal is good (eg: quit smoking, drinking water, commute by bike) you must not forget to pamper yourself once in a while. For this, I go for a good massage or good food.

Leo Says:

August 28th, 2007, 5:52 am

Abel … excellent point. That’s why, in the article, I talked about enjoying yourself and being frugal at the same time. Here’s more:

http://zenhabits.net/2007/07/enjoy-life-now-and-save-for-later-or-why-delayed-gratification-is-a-false-dichotomy/

Thanks, Abel!

Abel Says:

August 28th, 2007, 6:02 am

Thanks, I read that too… and I agree with you.

As long as you strike a balance in your life, nothing wrong with being frugal. FYI, I am one part of the club too ;-) I just changed my slippers recently because I couldn’t mend back the broken straps! My wife just couldn’t stand me! She offered to buy me a pair some time ago but I refused.

While we are on the topic, what do you think of gurus/authors who say that you must think rich to be rich? Or surround yourself with great things before you even get rich?

Leo Says:

August 28th, 2007, 6:17 am

Abel: well, I’m not much into wanting to be rich. I am for wanting to be happy, and many times that doesn’t require money. I’d rather spend a day with someone I love than with a credit card and a shopping mall.

However, I am not against earning money … I just don’t think it should be the focus of your thoughts.

If you “think rich”, you will probably focus on it more than others … and will work harder to get it. I don’t think you need to surround yourself with expensive things to do this … you just need to focus your mind on wealth. Does that mean that wealth will automatically come? Of course not. Thinking about something doesn’t make it true. However, focusing on it makes you more likely to achieve it.

Look at Warren Buffet. He thinks money all the time, and he makes a lot of it. He’s really good at what he does, of course, so that’s the main reason. However, he doesn’t surround himself with opulence. He is a pretty frugal guy, for a billionaire. And yet, even if he drives a modest car, he makes tons of money. So the key, then, is not having rich men’s things, but having the focus of the rich man.

Again, I don’t subscribe to that goal, but I don’t knock it either.

Andy Says:

August 28th, 2007, 7:25 am

Let´s assume everybody will live this fifty rules.
Would this be a world you want to live in?
What could make you more happy, Giving away or hold back?
Perhaps you gave away a information you better held back?
From Germany

Beth Says:

August 28th, 2007, 7:43 am

Perhaps the idea behind this list is to consider whether each item is worth the expense. And that’s a personal decision. For instance, we do have Netflix, but we don’t have cable TV. We do have a cell phone, which replaced our land-line.

In terms of selling stuff, I’d love to sell some of our clutter, but have no idea what to charge. These are items that have been in the family for a long time, but which we’ll never use (like a formal tea set). How do you know how to price items like that?

Julia from Germany Says:

August 28th, 2007, 8:22 am

I really approve of this list. Since I am a student, and therefore always short on money, I already follow most of these tips!

I rarely buy meat, new clothes or fancy stuff, hardly ever go out to eat, have no TV, don’t drink or smoke (yuk), cycle to Uni, my mum cuts my hair and much more! But in the end, it annoys me so much to miss out on alot of things, like going out with my friends and so on.

So for me living like this is partly just a simple way of saving money. I enjoy the fact that I don’t have TV, for example. But I know that one day when I am finished with Uni and start earning money, I will still save on things which I deem unnecessary, but will spend more money on things like organic food/clothes (costs more..). So I think living frugally for me means: spend money only on things that are worth it to you. For me that would be: living enviromentally friendly rather than buying a TV.

Martha Says:

August 28th, 2007, 9:09 am

If you’re thinking bigger picture life plans, also important and maybe even more so in the long run: live near where you work and play and you won’t need to drive, and don’t have tons of kids! Besides saving money and time, it’s a better idea for the environment and the future of the planet (unless, of course, you are adopting).

Jul Says:

August 28th, 2007, 9:10 am

Great list! I don’t consider myself to be particularly frugal, but I already to a surprisingly high number of the things on the list. It;s really all about priorities.

Next up, getting rid of some of this clutter! Like other commenters, I often find myself using various excuses to hold onto things I don’t particularly need or like. For example, I feel bad throwing things away when they could be of use to somebody somewhere, but they hardly seem worth enough to go through the bother of trying to sell them. And whereas I know great places to donate books and clothing, I’m not sure there are any local charities which accept knick knacks as donations…

Gerhi Janse van Vuuren Says:

August 28th, 2007, 9:14 am

No, you’re not that much of a cheapskate. We do most of the things on your list. Own one car, cut our my own hair, buy bargain clothing.

I’m still way into debt at the moment for one main reason. Buying a house. The hidden costs of owning a house are insidious.

Mary Says:

August 28th, 2007, 9:19 am

Jul, if you are in the U.S., I know that Goodwill and the Salvation Army will take whatever you have to donate. They resell these things in their stores (which employ disabled/disadvantaged people) at low prices, along with the clothes, books, furniture, etc.

Leo, great list. Thank you. When I was a single mom, I was amazingly frugal - fed myself and two school age children on $25.00 a week (this was 9 years ago). And we didn’t suffer. We still ate out once a week (nothing fancy) and the kids were in sports. It was actually great. Then I remarried and in having more income, I seem to have lost that frugality. You inspire me to try to regain it. :-)

Christina Says:

August 28th, 2007, 9:35 am

Definitly not a cheapskate….Cheapskates stiff their waitress and skip birthday gifts all together.

Frugality means thinking about what is important to you and spending money accordingly and practically. You can still have a rewarding and fullfiling life without spending lots of money.

In addition to the library for free reads - some of my friends and I set-up a book swap from our personal collections. It gives us the double pleasure of reading a good book and then spending time together to socialize and discuss the book.

rjfrost7 Says:

August 28th, 2007, 10:10 am

Hi Leo!
I have been lurking on your site for awhile and use it as one of my daily inspirations as I really enjoy what you write. I had one question about today’s post: how do you get by without a water heater? I have not used a dryer in years as I realized that all that lint in the dryer was actually the slow demise of my clothing. But I wondered about the hot water heater?
Thanks and best wishes!
RJ Frost

Lou Says:

August 28th, 2007, 10:14 am

Excellent tips! This is my first time commenting, but I feel this is worthy of some praise. A lot of people could get some huge benefits from your ideas.

And I wouldn’t call you a cheapskate. I think the real benefit of a lot of the tips is that they can simplify our consumption habits and lives, a benefit far greater than saving $. I would probably argue the other side of your rent/own tip, but I think you are right on the money that it is best to examine the specifics of the situation and where you are living, then make an informed decision.

Thanks for all the great posts!

DebtSecrets (John Dean) Says:

August 28th, 2007, 10:20 am

Hey Leo,
Great list of tips! I’ve been raving on about your blog to everyone over here in the UK. Now, in addition to following your ideas above, they just need to read my article on how to get real cheap items at the grocery store! I mean some of the bargains I have picked up are absolutely unbelievable including huge cheese cakes for 40c and large luxury four cheese pizzas for 60c!

Anonymous Says:

August 28th, 2007, 10:20 am

Leo your not a cheapskate, you have your priorities in order and that is a precious thing. A lot of people don’t seem to realize that simplifying your life and having time to enjoy your life and be happy are way more important than going out to eat, superficial entertainment and stuff. I showed this website to my mother who has an executive level career in the Mortgage industry and works the 10 and 12 hour days, and makes herself sick off of stress. She says yeah, I could take a step back but I am in my prime earning years and I like my stuff. It doesn’t even matter to her that she has no life outside her company during the week as long as she can go out to eat all the time and hit the mall on Saturday. She is totally missing her grandkids grow up right now because she is SO Busy Working…… Sad that I am 20 years younger and see clearly what she doesn’t see.

Rolf F. Katzenberger Says:

August 28th, 2007, 10:34 am

Leo, very useful reminders. I agree with almost every item except #34 “Reduce convenience foods. Frozen foods [...] anything that’s packaged and prepared for our convenience is not only more expensive than something you cook yourself, but also most likely less healthy.”

This is not the case in my country (Germany). Frozen vegetables and frozen fish are less expensive, but often more healthy than the allegedly “fresh” stuff. The most popular chains of supermarkets have started selling organic frozen food a few years ago, so you can now save money and still eat healthy food.

bluskygirl Says:

August 28th, 2007, 11:58 am

Being frugal is always a good idea. I think you raise some good points here, although in an article I posted last week about saving money, I also mentioned getting rid of cell phones, and one think that came up was that now days, it is assumed everyone has one, so finding a public phone is nearly impossible. I haven’t see a working pay phone in a long time, and the ones that do work cost a fortune now! My advice was to ditch the land line then, since you really truly only need one.

SpiKe Says:

August 28th, 2007, 12:02 pm

Regarding point 3 and getting a smaller car, while I agree to a point, you should also focus highly on the quality and reliability of it, even if it means spending a little extra or going for a slightly bigger car. Cars are often long term investments and not day-to-day costs like most of the list, so skimping on them can come back to bite you.

SpiKe
Organize IT

Isabel, in Costa Rica Says:

August 28th, 2007, 12:22 pm

Love the list! Actually I love your whole site. And it couldn´t come at a better time (I don’t believe in coincidences) since this week I´m moving out on my own, and my income will be drastically reduced and I really need to learn to be frugal. Thanks so much.

Mike Says:

August 28th, 2007, 12:31 pm

Great list. Regarding “Cut the cell phone.”: I would be happy to, if everyone else would. But we live in a world where being unavailable is simply not understandable anymore. It is actually possible to offend someone simply by being out of contact for more than 24 hours; they see it as a conscious effort to avoid them.

martha in mobile Says:

August 28th, 2007, 13:02 pm

Wonderful List! I recently quit my job specifically to improve my and my family’s quality of life, even though it meant cutting our income in half. We practice many of your tips already, and I will be implementing more of them as well.

Anonymous Says:

August 28th, 2007, 13:02 pm

51. Don’t buy/adopt pets.

They cost a fortune and require lots of time and maintenance on a daily basis. I’m a HUGE dog lover, but I’ve decided to enjoy other peoples pets and volunteer at the local shelter instead.

rjfrost7 Says:

August 28th, 2007, 13:18 pm

52. Give up your car altogether. While not everyone can do this, Chris Balish as written a great book, How to Live Well Without Owning a Car, (http://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Well-Without-Owning/dp/1580087574)
which is a great start to re-imagining a life that is not built around the massive money drain that is anautomobile. Most people do not realize that they will spend more on cars in their lifetime than a house(s)! The savings and freedom, not to mention good health and ecological impact are enormous.
You can also check out a short video clip on Chris:
http://cyclesantamonica.blogspot.com/2006/09/carless-santa-monica.html

m Says:

August 28th, 2007, 13:28 pm

It’s funny because I wrote a similar list and was blasted for (as you mentioned in your post) having no life, etc. Your comments so far seem to be largely positive and supportive, and that’s great. Perhaps the audience is different than for my post, or you have framed it in a way that is more appealing to readers.

I like your tips, and even better, I like the philosophy behind it. I think being frugal can be a means to end in that it can allow one to have the freedom to live in accordance to one’s values and priorities. It can also be an end in itself, in that being frugal, not spending where you don’t think it’s necessary can be rewarding in and of itself.

I enjoy being frugal simply because it feels good to not spend in areas that I feel I don’t need to spend in. It feels good to find happiness without having to spend a lot. It feels good to know I don’t need a lot of things or expensive experiences to be happy. It feels good to know life can be simple and yet so rewarding. And, it feels good to know I am doing my part in not being wasteful and in not contributing as much as I could be to environmental problems.

And, if I save money as a result, that is a great side bonus too. But it isn’t by any means the only reward or even the primary one. Yes, frugality is at times necessary for me to live within my means, but most of my frugal choices are just that, choices–ones I make regardless of whether my finances dictate it or not. Often I am driven simply by a desire to to avoid clutter, excess, and waste.

Love this post and admire your lifestyle!

Morgan Says:

August 28th, 2007, 14:01 pm

Leo — I think there is a very important distinction between frugality and being “cheap”. And it isn’t necessarily about how much we spend, but in the attitude that we have toward how much we spend or how much we save.
I tend to make gifts for people, but it may take me days and days… but I do things that I know will make their lives easier. Several dozen single-serving pies made ahead for my gramma and delivered to her freezer, made without preservatives, and with as many organic ingredients as I can (though she requeseted ‘regular’ flour). I make chocolate treats and truffles for my step-dad, and I have needle-pointed more than one gift very time-consuming) for various people. BUT… I don’t tell them “Oh, I saved so much money dumpster diving for this lamp that I cleaned up for you.”
A family member does do that that very thing, however, and does it with all of us. As a consequence, we all receive junk that we don’t need, and continue, many times, as younger people with fewer resources, to do without the things we *do* need. The message to us is that it’s more important to this family member not to spend money, than to be attentive to what family needs.
Where I am *frugal*; the other is *cheap* (as in: mean). Generosity is in the spirit of the giving, not in the cost, and if the point is to hoard one’s savings while watching others do without (food, for example) and giving them crap and making them thank you for it, then one has moved into the land of the mean (with that scrimping cadence).
I dislike Calvinism for this reason. It has a ’screw you’ tone to it that I find offensive.
Your site gives great tips on how to survive on less, and that’s wonderful. I only hope that it won’t encourage *meanness* on the part of readers. Thus have I made the distinction here with the example of attitude.

James Says:

August 28th, 2007, 14:42 pm

Please Leo, how in the world does your family manage one car? We want a “Day in the (Travel) Life of the Zen Family” Post! :

Marc Says:

August 28th, 2007, 15:18 pm

James: some ideas of how to live with one car:

- use public transit, walk, cycle, carpool to commute to/from work: I walk to work or take transit when the weather is bad (saves money on gas and parking permit), my wife goes by bus to her work downtown (again money on gas and parking at meters/parkades). If you both live far from your work so that you both have to drive, you may want to consider moving or changing your jobs - it may be cheaper in the long run. Or leave the house a few minutes earlier so one of you can drop the other off at their work.

- have less outside obligations especially if they are located far from home: outside of work my wife and I go to yoga one evening a week (and we walk there, as it is at a nearby school), but I hear of other families with kids who have to drive them to soccer/baseball/football practice, ballet lessons, music lessons, birthday parties, etc. No wonder they need two cars, one parent alone can’t take their kids to all the events.

- organize your errands so you go only once a week for grocery shopping, banking, dry cleaning, etc. And make lists so you don’t forget any errands and have to go again.

- do more things together as a family; I’ve seen neighbours who both go do their own things after dinner in separate cars almost every day of the week; while you can’t do everything together, the more you can do together, the less need you have for two cars.

There’s probably more, but maybe Leo should do a “Day in the Travel Life…” to prove having one car is doable. ;)

engtech Says:

August 28th, 2007, 15:41 pm

I *love* going to the library. I’m there at least once a week. I find http://libraryelf.com is an essential tool because the daily email/RSS feed keeps me from paying fees.

Rachel R. Says:

August 28th, 2007, 15:45 pm

Love the list (and the point someone made about each item being something every individual/family needs to consider for their situation)! A comment about cell phones - we went without a cell phone for longer than anyone else we know. We finally got a prepaid in November, when my mom bought it for us because it was stressing HER out for me to drive the three hours to her house without one! lol But it is an emergency item for us, and the reason we “need” it - with so many people owning them nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to FIND a pay phone!

Scott Says:

August 28th, 2007, 16:55 pm

Great list. A few things to add.

1. Do own car maintenance. I bought an older model Saturn so that I would be able to do all of the maintenance myself. Oil changes, spark plugs, tire rotations can all be done on any vehicle. No mechanic needed.

2. Buy a washing machine that will dump and pull water into a 50 gal barrel. This allows you to save the rinse water from one load and use it for the next load of wash. Also, if you can manage it, use the water a third time for keeping your grass green. Of course, you need to reduce the use of detergents.
3. A cistern. I remember my grandparents home had one of these for storing rain water. They use the water for watering plants and washing clothes. These days, people can use rain barrels. Saves a lot on the water bill.

Erin Says:

August 28th, 2007, 17:28 pm

Leo–great post. I think the reason people are somewhat up in arms about the list is because we are taught that we are entitled to all these things. The economy is relatively good, we work hard, we spent a lot of time in college, therefore, we *deserve* a new car, fine dining and entertainment, and looking cool smoking cigarettes while developing an alcohol habit, what have you.
In reality, these things that we feel we deserve are usually not good for us spiritually OR financially. A middle class income can’t sustain these “habits” and we become more in debt, etc. They also serve as distractions for what is truly important–friendships, family, self-realization, etc. (I still can’t give up my indy movies on netflix though :)

Thanks for the continued virtual reminders/cheerleading!

byrnegreen Says:

August 28th, 2007, 17:29 pm

One person’s “Cheapskate” is another’s “Eco-conscious lifestyle”, as saving personal resources also makes ecological sense. (And as one commenter points out, it is actually a post on frugality, as a cheapskate is “someone who stiffs their waitress.”)

Nonetheless, a nice collection of some good advice, not all of it obvious to the seasoned cheapskate, er environmentalist.

Leo Says:

August 28th, 2007, 18:36 pm

Great comments, everyone. A couple of points in response:

@Rolf: Sorry, I wasn’t clear when I said to avoid “frozen foods” … I mean things like frozen, microwaveable dinners or the like (things that are already prepared), not frozen veggies or fish. I use frozen veggies all the time. :)

@rjfrost: Well, it’s a lot easier for me to go without hot water, as I live on a tropical island. :) However, showers are still cold in the morning. I prefer to shower when I’m hot, such as after exercise, or later in the day, but sometimes I have to suffer through a freezing shower.

@James: You’re right, I should do a post about living with one car. We’ve been doing it for years, so it’s second nature to me. But for us, it’s just a matter of planning our day and our route. And after awhile, things become routine. I’ll have to give it some thought to figure out what we do differently from others that makes it work. Marc had some great tips!

@Mike: I hear what you’re saying about cell phones, and others not understanding if you’re not available. In truth, I’m usually either at home or at work (at least, I am during the weekdays). When I’m on the road, it’s usually only for an hour or so, so I can always get back to people within 2-3 hours. However, on weekends, I prefer to remain unavailable.

Sure, that has meant that some people were unhappy about not being able to contact me, but I never apologize for that. My time with my family is sacred. If others want to be mad about that, that’s not my problem. I’ve even had bosses who don’t like that policy. They’ve learned to live with it, as I’m not flexible on my weekends. :)

Leo Says:

August 28th, 2007, 18:45 pm

Oh, a couple more points:

1. Regarding the use of the word “cheapskate” … actually, I agree with you guys … these are frugality tips, not cheapskate tips. However, I’ve found that many people don’t understand frugality. They look at me weird when I tell them that I don’t buy new clothes because I’m trying to be frugal. So instead, I say that I’m just a cheapskate. Then they get this knowing look on their face, smile, and say, “Ah.” They understand cheapskates, but not frugal people. :)

2. Regarding Beth’s comment, yes, the point of the article is to evaluate what things in your life give you the most value for your money, and to find ways to cut back on expenses without cutting back on your enjoyment of life. So, if cutting cable but not Netflix works for you, I think that’s great. The list is just a bunch of ideas, not a mandatory thing. I hope that everyone gets a few good ideas they can apply to their lives, but I don’t expect anyone to adopt all 50 tips — not even I do that, as I mentioned. I think I do somewhere between 40-45 of these, but some are things I’ve tried in the past, or good ideas I found elsewhere.

jonsnow Says:

August 28th, 2007, 19:23 pm

Great List. De-cluttering has been on my mind lately, as I’m trying to create more space in my home. I’m also a big proponent of using the library as a resource. Being an avid reader, it’s wonderful to
1)not spend any money on books and
2) not clutter up your house with more books.
I’ve also built up my iTunes library with CD’s borrowed from the library.

Bloggrrl Says:

August 28th, 2007, 20:01 pm

I like your list. As far as cellphones go, I save money because I don’t have to have a land line or pay for long distance. I’ve also noticed that pay phones are getting scarcer (although of course it would easy to borrow someone else’s cell phone.

I have a very simple wardrobe–I tend to rotate black pants, khaki pants and a black skirt. It can be more expensive to be female, though, at least where I live. Instead of shaving my head like a couple of my male coworkers, I have to get my hair cut and colored, and maintain a manicure. Okay, I don’t have to, but those are the expectations for a professional woman in my community.

Eric Says:

August 28th, 2007, 21:03 pm

For the most part, good advice. Some of it isn’t very realistic for a lot of people though.

I have to say, rent instead of buy is terrible advice. Yes, renting is more “affordable” in most cases, but it does jack diddly for your future. Investing in real estate is the leg up many people need and one that the average American can realize if they work hard for it. It’s a struggle at first but the chance of enjoying a chunk of equity when it’s all said in done which allows you to invest or start a business (etc.) is great.

I just can’t get on board with that advice in the littlest way.

Alex Says:

August 28th, 2007, 21:16 pm

World’s no 1 cheapstake guide award goes to zenhabits.com! I feel sorry for your wife and children. :(

Alex

Tim Says:

August 28th, 2007, 21:40 pm

Now I’m really depressed, I do most of these anyway to cut costs and still end up with lots of debt. The joys of having a wife that can’t work.

Juliet Says:

August 28th, 2007, 21:42 pm

Great article! A few things:
First, Eric : hes right that buying is much more expensive than renting. I saw a break down showing that in 5 years, you actually spend about 1/3 to 1/2 the amount on renting vs buying (factoring in closing and other mortgage costs, as well as maintanence )
Most real estate is actually depreciating (ie either not increasing or actually decreasing in value). Unless you want to spend the next 20 odd years in one place, it is not worth it to buy. A house is not an asset, it’s a liability, but it is still the American dream. When you buy, the entire house is your responsibility. So if the water heater dies, you buy a new one, same thing with the heater, stove, and other units in the house.
The Wall Street Journal and several other financial publications have had articles recently on how using your house as an investment tool is actually a mistake. I know the Wall Street Journal had an article called “Why your home isn’t the Investment you think it is” on March 12th. (Pg R1)
I’m studying Financial planning, and my professors agree on this.

We’ve been using the library in our area for years to get movies and books, with very few exceptions. Yeah, we have late fees, but it still doesn’t compare with the cost of the actual cost of the items.

There is one problem with #46, sun drying clothes on clothes lines. Where we live, it is in the deed restrictions stating you’re not allowed to put up clothes lines. Can we say snobs? So if people want to set up clothes lines, make sure it is ok and they aren’t breaking any rules.

Thanks for a good read!

TMoney Says:

August 28th, 2007, 21:52 pm

This is the stupidest article I have ever read in a while..

To live a frugal life? Yes, responsibly every one should live within their means, but there are two sides of the coin here. Why not work harder to EARN MORE?

There is a reason why Donald Trump goes to golf in the best course in the world when he’s 900Million dollars in debt back in the 90s.

You want to know the real problem you have? you have 6 kids? yes, if someone is to graph the earnings potential of a person and the number of kids they have, it’s a inverse relationship. Why not try to earn more money for the kids? Oh wait, I see why, you can’t …so you go home, hump your wife to relieve the stress, ended up with 6 kids.

TMoney Says:

August 28th, 2007, 21:58 pm

To add to the post above, you have taken everything that’s enjoyable out of your life.

Isn’t it ironic that someone in your position who isn’t qualified to give financial advice write an article on how to spend money?

What?? Rent vs Own? Owning your house is far better than rent…that is when you OWN IT OUT RIGHT.

Stop paying interest? Some debt is cheap. Some debt is expensive. Credit card debt is expensive..so it’s right to pay it down…but how about you go make more money?

You are missing the best advice you can give to people who need to live frugally. That is: use a condom…it’s a 50 cent solution to most of your financial problems.

Don Says:

August 28th, 2007, 22:20 pm

This is an excellent list; thank you for putting it together! I wonder, do you have any tips on how to convince a loved one to do these things? My girlfriend is the best part of my life, but she’s also very cosmopolitan. Is there any way ease her into frugal living?

Roy Says:

August 28th, 2007, 22:23 pm

Awesome tips. I’ve been doing a few tips on the list.
For people who are considering on using public transport or small cars, if you really need a car/larger one regularly Car Sharing programs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carsharing) lets you have access to a private/larger transportation.

Michael Says:

August 28th, 2007, 22:23 pm

TMoney, if you can call him stupid, I can call you a turd.

Nice article.

Adam Says:

August 28th, 2007, 22:27 pm

I agree with you 90%. I want to buy a house because I hate renting. That’s a value call I’ve made and I’m willing to pay for it. I have a cell phone. I decided to pay slightly more for my cell phone and in turn cut out my home phone. And, it’s not always about the money. I’m living a quite-comfortable D.I.N.K lifestyle right now but I still budget every penny and I enjoy watching my savings grow. Better yet, my wife’s of like mind.
I don’t sell clutter, I give it away. Not only is e-baying not worth the time, I see it as an opportunity to pass on my good fortune.
TMoney, you sound bitter and unhappy and for that I’m sorry. But, by all means, spend, spend, spend and work harder so you have more to spend. It’s good for the economy so it’s good for my investments.
Adam

Matt Says:

August 28th, 2007, 22:34 pm

Here’s a tip. Use linux instead of windows!

By buying a computer without windows, or with windows, you can save 300 USD!

I like Ubuntu a lot (www.ubuntu.com)

Kelly Says:

August 28th, 2007, 22:48 pm

Jangle.net has a lot of easy-to-find bargains on clothing and apparel.

http://www.jangle.net/Apparel/All/Most-Popular/Page-1/=Search/Save.aspx

chicken Says:

August 28th, 2007, 22:58 pm

i got one for you…
stop your internet!
you can use wifi for free at tons of places

gunnard Says:

August 29th, 2007, 0:02 am

no cable… check out http://www.dontwatchme.com for free streaming tv and downloads

DoingMyOwn Says:

August 29th, 2007, 0:25 am

Saving a ton of money by tiling a shower stall myself. Took the hands on class at Home Depot, it really isn’t rocket science.

Danny Says:

August 29th, 2007, 0:51 am

Great list. It is a challenge though. US culture has most of us convinced that we have to buy nice things to be happy, to have fun and to be normal.
Experience proves otherwise.

Ted Says:

August 29th, 2007, 0:57 am

Combine #24 and #31 and brew your own beer at home. After some startup costs, it is really cheap, and fun to do.

James Says:

August 29th, 2007, 1:11 am

“33. Stop paying interest”
Most mortgage interest can be deducted from your taxes if you itemize. :)

Leo Says:

August 29th, 2007, 1:13 am

Great comments everyone! With all the tips you’re adding, I should change the title of the post to 100 tips for frugal living. :)

@TMoney: I usually delete comments that rude. I don’t mind dissenting opinions, but I only ask that people be civil.

However, I left your comments as an illustration of the anger that frugality can cause in some people. I don’t really understand it, but it’s not new to me.

Let me just say, in response, that I enjoy my life immensely. I enjoy my wife and six kids, and being frugal is actually a pleasure for me.

However, I know that it’s not for everyone. If you don’t like the tips, move on. :)

Regarding renting vs. buying: the point is that by saving money through renting, you can invest in something that actually makes money (as opposed to charging you mortgage interest). In most cases, if you rent and invest the difference, you’ll end up with much more in investments than someone who buys a house. However, there are other good things about buying a house, other than financial — such as security, and the ability to do whatever you want with your house. Weight the pros and cons, as everyone’s situation and priorities are different.

Aaron Says:

August 29th, 2007, 2:34 am

You’ll ruin the economy! “Gestapo, get that man a credit card! Implant it in his forearm. Drug him and drop him at the nearest consumer product procurement center immediately.”