Top 10 Ways to Start Living the Frugal Life

By Erin Huffstetler, About.com
See More About:
couponing
frugal fun
frugal recipes
saving energy
saving on household expenses
Ready to give the frugal life a shot? Here are ten simple ways to get started:
1. Befriend the Library
Buying books and movies gets expensive, and even renting can add up. Take a trip to your local library; and you'll find all of the latest books and movies available free of charge. Still like the idea of renting? Then, sign up for Netflix or Blockbuster. With plans starting at $5, the damage to your budget will be mimimal.
More About Frugal Fun:
Frugal Crafts for Kids
Plan a Frugal Vacation
zSB(3,3)
Sponsored Links
Learn To Spend Less MoneyReal advice on how to save money on all your household expenses.www.SavingsNut.com
Work at Home- Make $25/hrYou can earn a living from home. Start Today, No Experience Needed!Paid-Work-at-Home.com
Clip Free Grocery CouponsSign Up For Our Recipe Contest For Your Chance To Win A $50 Gas Cardwww.yadahome.com/coupons.php
2. Clip Coupons
Take the time to clip coupons for the grocery items that you buy regularly, and shave an easy 25 percent off of your weekly grocery bill. Want to save even more? Find a grocery store in your area that doubles coupons, and make that your store of choice.
More About Bargain Shopping:
How to Coupon Effectively
Clever Couponing Strategies
How to Rebate Like a Pro
3. Eat Out Less OftenEating out is fun, but far more expensive than eating at home. Challenge yourself to eat at home more often – even if it's just once more a month, and watch your bank account grow. Then, find ways to minimize the cost of eating out when you do decide to treat yourself.
More About Food Savings:
Frugal Foods and Recipes
The Cheapest Fruits and Vegetables Month-By-Month
Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
Save on Organics
4. Switch to Online Bill Pay
Save yourself a stamp, and avoid late fees by paying your bills online. You can pay direct to your creditors, or set up automatic bill pay with your bank; and take yourself out of the equation entirely.
More About Money Management:
How to Create a Frugal Budget
How to Get Rid of Credit Cards
Simple Ways to Get Serious About Saving
5. Group Errands
Reduce your gas bill by grouping your errands and only driving when you need to. For even more savings, consider biking or walking when you don't have far to go.
More About Affordable Transportation:
Lower Your Auto Insurance Premium
6. Make Your Own Cleaners
Homemade cleaners work just as well as store-bought cleaners and at a fraction of the price. Stock up on basic cleaning agents like vinegar and baking soda; and you'll be ready for any cleaning task that comes your way.
More About Homemade Cleaners:
Clean with Vinegar
Clean with Baking Soda
Foaming Hand Soap Recipe
7. Seek Freebies
Freebies are fun and budget-friendly. Look online for a wide-array of free offers, and enjoy a mailbox bursting with goodies. Like to try new products? Then, this is a particularly good savings strategy for you.
More About Freebies:
Free and Nearly-Free Kids' Events
Kids' Birthday Clubs
Free Things to Do in Cities Around the Globe
8. Wash in Cold
Cut your electric bill substantially by washing your laundry in cold water. Your clothes will still come out clean, and your hot water heater won't have to work nearly as hard.
More About Laundry Savings:
Nearly-Free Stain Removers
Vinegar as a Stain Remover
Frugal Laundry Booster
Spray Starch Recipe
9. Flip a SwitchReduce your electric bill even further by turning off lights and other electronics when they aren't in use. It may seem like a small thing, but you're sure to see the difference on your next electric bill.
More About Household Savings:
Save Money on Your Water Bill
Lower Your Phone Bill
Lower Your Homeowner's Insurance Premium
10. Change Your Own Oil
Skip the quick lube, and change your own oil. You'll reduce your tab to the price of oil and a filter, and maybe even save time too – quick lubes aren't always as quick as the name suggests.
More About Do-It-Yourself Projects:
Homemade Drain Cleaner
How to Season Cast Iron Cookware
Frugal Living Basics
What is Frugal Living?How to Get Rid of Credit Card DebtPainless Ways to Cut Your Spending
Budgeting Basics
How to Create a Frugal BudgetDevelop a Monthly Spending PlanStart an Emergency Fund
Food Savings
Simple Ways to Slash Your Grocery BillThe Cheapest Fruits and Vegetables Month-By-MonthEat Out for Less

Erin HuffstetlerFrugal Living Guide
Sign up for my Newsletter
My Blog
My Forum
Get Started
Cut Costs
Do-It-Yourself