[FRUGAL LIVING TIPS] HOW TO STRETCH A DOLLAR IN 2019

Is money is tight for you right now?

Maybe your cost of living is high.

Or perhaps there’s always something that you “NEED” to buy, fixed or replaced.  But never have enough money for it.

For whatever reason, you searched for frugal living tips. You’re motivated to save money, budget better and have more money in the bank.  Well look no further, I have rounded up the best frugal living tips from some bloggers friends. I looked for some unique tips that aren’t mentioned in a million blog posts.

Frugal Living Tips: Grocery Shopping, Meal Planning & Food Choices

Tip 1:  Embrace the ordinary.

This frugal living tip comes from The Curious Frugal.  When you’re trying to eat healthy on a budget you should embrace the ordinary produce options. Like apples, oranges, bananas, and carrots.  That they tend to be the cheaper options at the grocery store. And once in a while splurge on the exotic, more expense produce choices.

Tip 2: Limit new recipes to only 2-3 times per month.  

Trying new recipes can be expensive, with no guaranty they will turn out.  Or if you’re even going to like them. If you liked this tip, check out 101 other meal planning tips from Melissa from Everyday Savvy.

Tip 3:  Buy In Bulk.  

Trina from In the Kitchen with Trina says that buying in bulk is her best frugal living tip.  And I can’t agree with her more. But, you need to check the price per unit price. Some items you can find cheaper on sale, with a coupon or in a smaller quantity at your local grocery store.  Other frugal tips she gives is to hit up meat sales and to buy frozen fruits and veggies over fresh.

Tip 4:  Eat Down the Pantry Challenge.

Jill from Organizational Toast explains that “An eat down the pantry challenge is committing to eating what you already have in your pantry or freezer for a specified period.”  I love anything that reduces food waste.

Steps to Eat Down Pantry Challenge

Tip 5:  Download Stores Apps, Coupon Apps, and Search Coupon Databases

Tiffany from Saving Talents suggests downloading grocery store apps to save.  As well as coupon apps like Checkout 51. And searching coupon databases for deals before you go shopping.

Frugal Living Tips For Budgeting

Tip 6:  Live Below Your Means

Jen and Mandi of Hairs Out of Place who have successfully lived off one income for 17 years.  They explain that,

“If you hope to live off one income in the future, but currently have two incomes, live a lifestyle NOW that one income supports and SAVE the other income.”  

This way you can easily transition to a one income lifestyle down the road.

Marissa from Simple Money Mom says,

“The general rule of thumb is that your vehicles should not be more than half of your annual salary and your monthly mortgage should be less than 30% of your take-home pay.”

Tip 7:  Take your opportunity costs into consideration.

Jacqueline from Mom Money Trap explains that you should ask yourself  “What’s the OPPORTUNITY COST of buying this item?” In other words, if you make this purchase what are you potentially missing out on.  Is there a better use for the money? She also suggests that you should take into consideration your time value of purchases. How much work do you have to perform to purchase items?  Is that new shirt worth two hours of work?

Tip 8:  Spend your Tax Refund Wisely

Mary from Mission to Save suggest to using your tax refund to set up an emergency fund or pay down debt.  Or invest the money for the future.

Frugal Living Tips For Your Home

Tip 9:  Check for leaking faucets and toilets

Kristen from Step Momming suggests checking your faucets and toilets for leaks.  And even though it won’t save you a ton of money, it a great reminder that small savings can add up to big savings over time.  Also, check out how to save money on your electricity bill.

Tip 10:  Mow Grass the Right Length.

Mary from Mission to Save say that “The rule of thumb is to cut the top 1/3 of the grass, not too short. Do this by spacing the cuts as well as setting the blade high.”  Not only will you save on watering, but fertilizing as well.

Tip 11: Stop buying as many “single-use” items

Nancy from Flavorpalooza suggests replacing single-use items with reusable alternatives. Such as replacing disposable straws for reusable straws.

Tip 12:  Re purpose, Reduce, Use Up.

It’s time to embrace thrift shopping.  You can save a ton of money by buying items used.  Get started with this Thrift Shopping Guide.

Learn to repurpose everyday items, such jars and other items around the house. Or use it up, or wear it out as our grandparents had.

Tip 13: Regift

Marie for Ladies Make Money suggest, instead of spending money on gifts, give any gifts you are not using away! We have all received gifts that weren’t our style but feel bad about getting rid of. Regifting is a great way to save some money and clear out some clutter. How many gifts do you have lying around your house?

Tip 14: Patience is the greatest form of income

Erin from Sixth Bloom explains how being patience is the greatest form of income. When we wait to purchase items, we can find better deals on them. Or even find them used for a fraction of the price.

Hope you have enjoyed this list of frugal living tips. Let me know in the comment your unique frugal living tips.