14 Frugal tips while paying off debt
Embracing frugality isn’t about deprivation—it’s about aligning your spending with your values and finding joy in simplicity. These tips are great while you are on a debt debt-free journey, but anyone can thrive by practicing frugality.
Cook at home: It is so much cheaper to buy ingredients and prepare your meals at home. Leave going out to eat as a treat or reward for passing a goal or paying off a credit card.
Cash in your jar of coins: Do you toss your coins into a jar? Well, those coins can add up. We cashed our coin jar in many times while paying off debt.
Track your expenses: it is so important to know where your money is going. This is where budgeting comes in. Pick a budgeting method or make your own plan that fits into your life.
Buy generic: Generic brands are usually cheaper than brand names and most of the time you cannot tell a difference. If you have one or two items that you must buy in brand name, that’s ok. Just make sure to buy most items in generic to save money.
Coupons: Have you heard of the Krazy Coupon Lady? Check out her website. She has updated deals listed for everything. Also, where I live in the Sunday paper there are several paper coupons you can cut out. So, you might want to try your Sunday newspaper.
Apps: There are grocery apps you can use for certain discounts or cash back. You get more savings as well using Kroger + card. Walmart offers cash back while using their app. There is Fetch, Rakuten, Target Circle, Checkout51 and many more.
Bulk buying: Most of the time it is cheaper to buy in bulk for savings. Always check to see what the difference is in buying 1 item versus 10.
Garden: Start a garden. This can be fun for the whole family. It’s so exciting to see tomatoes plants bloom and grow into plump tomatoes.
Only buy what you need: I go back in forth from shopping at Walmart and Kroger. I shop online and pick up at the store. If I am spending more than I want to that week, I delete items. I love shopping online and I have never had an issue.
24-hour rule on impulse shopping: Are you an impulse buyer? This one can be hard to kick. The 24-hour rule means you actually wait a whole 24 hours before making that purchase. Most of the time you will find you really didn’t need it after 24 hours.
Have a declutter party: I declutter in Spring and Fall. That is just what works best for me. I will make a sell, give, throw away pile. Anything that I do not want/need goes in one of the piles.
Thrift shopping: I love to go thrifting. (as I call it) I have found some good items as well as clothes. I cannot tell you how many times I have bought clothes with the tags still on them.
Free local events: Each town usually has a list of free local entertainment in your area. For smaller towns, you might check your local newspaper or chamber of commerce. You can get a library card and go explore what all they have to offer.
Visit Parks: A fun and less expensive treat can be visiting parks. Grab a book and a packed lunch. While your kids are playing, you can catch up on reading. It can be fun to visit and explore different parks with family.
By practicing mindful habits today, you’re not just saving money; you’re building a life of freedom and intention. Start small, stay consistent, and watch the benefits grow. Are you ready to take the first step toward a more purposeful financial journey?
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