30 ways for simple thrifty living
This list of 30 ways for simple thrifty living is your fresh take on saving money that feels rewarding, not restrictive. I am not a fan of the term frugal living. I think that over the years, people often feel that being frugal means being deprived. Instead, we are going to coin a new phrase and get folks excited about saving money again.
If you’re interested in a back-to-basics lifestyle or just want to stretch your budget, you’re in the right place. My goal as your guide to simple living is to share creative, practical tips to help you save money while enjoying the simple things—no deprivation required.
When we first started out and began growing our family, money was definitely tight. For us, and pretty much everyone we knew, living frugally was just normal. Sure, it was tough at times, but there was also something satisfying about rising to the challenge. It made those lean years feel less about doing without and more about getting creative with what we had.
Over time, I’ve noticed that frugal living has changed—it may still be challenging, but the rewards are just as sweet. There’s something genuinely satisfying about saving money and avoiding debt you might regret sooner rather than later.
Giving Frugal Living a Modern Twist
Thrifty living is a modern twist on saving money. It’s not about feeling like you’re missing out or being restricted—instead, it’s about making smart choices, getting creative with what you have, and not running to the store (or clicking for delivery) every time you need something.
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and lose sight of what really matters. Sometimes you need that gentle reminder to slow down and take a moment to see how you’re really living. Choosing a simple, intentional lifestyle helps you hit pause, breathe, and refocus on your goals.
How can you live a simple and thrifty life?
Living a thrifty life is really about being self-reliant—which just means making the most of what you already have to meet your needs. It’s about getting creative with your skills rather than always asking for outside help. This could look like reusing or repurposing things, trying your hand at DIY projects, or finding clever new uses for old items.
At the same time, simple living is all about making your home and lifestyle less complicated. If you want to live more simply, start by cutting back on your belongings. Letting go of the extra stuff frees up space and makes it much easier to stay organized—and a neat home feels so much less stressful. You might even find a few things to sell each week, which can bring in a bit of extra cash when money is tight.
Think of it as a fun and challenging little side job.
When you combine simple living with a thrifty mindset, you cut down on chaos and stress. That means more time to relax, recharge, and actually enjoy your home—with the bonus of a bit of extra cash in your pocket.
Simple Thrifty Living Tips
Remember, living simply and thriftily isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making intentional choices that maximize what you already have and finding more satisfaction in everyday life. Below, you’ll find practical and actionable tips to help you implement the simple and thrifty lifestyle in your own home.
#1. Reduce, Reuse, and Repurpose
Before making a purchase, take a moment to assess whether you can repurpose or repair what you already have. Many items can have a second life with a little creativity. For example, turn glass jars into storage containers or old t-shirts into cleaning rags.
Action Tip: Create a small “repair box” with tools, adhesives, and basic supplies. The next time something breaks, try fixing it before tossing it out or replacing it.
#2. Cook at Home
Preparing your meals at home saves money and gives you control over ingredients. It’s healthier and often more fulfilling than eating out.
Action Tip: Start by meal prepping once a week. Choose recipes that use overlapping ingredients to save time and limit waste. For inspiration, search for restaurant copycat recipes online to recreate your favorite dishes at home.
#3. Embrace second-hand
Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces are treasure troves for gently used items at a fraction of the cost. You’d be surprised by the great finds available second-hand.
Action Tip: Set a goal to replace one item you need with a second-hand version each month. For instance, shop for furniture, kids’ clothes, or outdoor equipment through second-hand platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
#4. Buy in Bulk
Staples like rice, flour, and pasta are often cheaper when bought in bulk. You’ll save money per unit and stock up on essentials in one go.
Action Tip: Invest in airtight containers to keep bulk items fresh. If you’re unsure where to purchase bulk goods, check local grocery stores or co-ops.
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#5. Start a Small Garden
Whether it’s a windowsill herb garden or a backyard vegetable patch, growing your own food can reduce grocery costs and bring a sense of accomplishment.
Action Tip: Start simple with easy-to-grow plants like basil, lettuce, or tomatoes. If space is an issue, explore container gardening options.
EAsier ways to grow your own food:
#6. Walk, bike, or take the bus
Walking, cycling, or carpooling can save on fuel costs while promoting a healthier lifestyle. Public transit is another budget-friendly choice.
Action Tip: Map out biking or walking routes to places you visit regularly, such as the grocery store or your workplace. If public transport is an option, look into weekly or monthly passes for discounted fares.
#7. Declutter Regularly
Streamline your home by letting go of items you no longer use or need. A simplified space is easier to organize and less stressful to maintain. Read our guide on How to Declutter Your Home Room by Room for more tips to try.
Action Tip: Start with one drawer or shelf at a time. Create three piles—keep, donate, and discard. Set a timer for 20 minutes to make it feel manageable.
#8. Learn Basic DIY Skills
From home repairs to creating your own décor, DIY projects can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Action Tip: Choose one small project this month, such as fixing a leaky faucet or repainting furniture. Search for how-to videos online to guide you step by step.
#9. Explore Free Resources
Libraries, community centers, and local events often offer free books, activities, and entertainment.
Action Tip: Check your local library’s calendar for free workshops or events. Many libraries now offer digital collections like eBooks and streaming movies.
#10. Pause Before You Buy
Impulse purchases can disrupt your budget. Taking a little time to reflect can help you avoid unnecessary spending.
Action Tip: Adopt the 24-hour rule—wait a day before making any non-essential purchase. Use this time to decide whether the item truly fits your needs.
#11. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Take advantage of discounts, loyalty programs, and cashback apps to save money on groceries and everyday items.
Action Tip: Download a reliable cashback app like Rakuten or Ibotta and link it to your regular shopping habits. Review weekly sales flyers before heading to the store.
#12. Plan Your Meals
Meal planning can prevent overspending at the grocery store and reduce food waste.
Action Tip: Set aside 10 minutes each week to jot down meals and snacks. Then, make a shopping list based on your plan and stick to it.
More Meal Tips:
- Weekly Menu Insider Tips
- Make Dinnertime Easier With a Meal Plan
- 10 Ways to Save Money on Holiday Hosting
#13. Buy Generic When It Makes Sense
Generic brands often provide the same quality as name brands. Where practical, choose store-brand alternatives to save money.
Action Tip: Start with staple items like milk or pasta to see how the quality compares. Gradually experiment with other products to identify where you’re comfortable opting for generic.
#14. Learn to Say “No”
Overscheduling or overspending often stems from saying “yes” too often. Learn to prioritize your time and finances.
Action Tip: Practice setting boundaries by politely declining social invites or purchases that don’t align with your personal or financial goals.
#15. Take advantage of discounts
,Many stores offer discounts for students, seniors, or members of organizations such as AARP or AAA. They also may have a member card that is free to sign up for but gives you access to coupons and other discounts.
Action Tip: Check if your daily coffee shop or favorite retailer offers discounts you weren’t aware of.
#16. Cut back on expensive habits
Regularly spending money on activities like buying coffee or going to the movies can add up quickly. Consider cutting back on these expenses and finding more affordable ways to have fun and relax.
Action Tip: Visit your local library for books, games, and even movies for Friday fun night. Plus, many libraries offer free online courses, family events, and kids’ activities like Lego building days. It’s worth checking out!
#17. Find a side hustle
Turning a hobby into a side job adds extra income. Think dog sitting, baking, or freelance writing.
Action Tip: Dedicate one day to brainstorming what you enjoy doing and list ways you could monetize it. Start small and grow from there. A few ideas are:
- Dog sitting or walking
- Baking and selling goods at farmer’s markets or online
- Prepping meals and delivering to shut-ins
- Babysitting
- Gardening and selling the produce
- Driving older folks, younger kids to summer camps, or the Amish
- Bookkeeping
- Housecleaning
#18. Prioritize saving
Make sure to prioritize saving money every month, even if it’s just a small amount. Over time, your savings will add up and provide a safety net for unexpected expenses like repairs or car medical.
Action Tip: Open a high-yield savings account and transfer $10-$20 into it each paycheck.
#19. Stay Alert for Sales
Limit your shopping to a few trusted retailers but keep an eye out for their sales and clearance events.
Action Tip: Subscribe to email newsletters for those stores, but set spending limits to avoid overbuying.
#20. Learn Money Management
Taking control of your finances is one of the most empowering steps you can take. Whether you work with a financial advisor, explore free online courses, or dive into books on personal finance, improving your financial literacy can lead to long-term rewards.
Action Tip: Start small by committing to one new money-management tool. Try a budgeting app to track your spending, subscribe to a financial podcast for expert tips, or even set up a weekly money check-in to review your progress.
#21. Find free entertainment
Enjoy low-cost outings like local museums, hiking trails, or family game nights using what you already own.
Action Tip: Search for free public events in your area and attend one this month with friends or family.
#22. Avoid unnecessary debt
When possible, save before making large purchases. For items you really need, shop for gently used options.
Action Tip: Create a “save-to-spend” plan. Deposit money into an envelope or savings account over a set time instead of borrowing.
Another tip is to save up for purchases so you are ready if you do decide to buy. You can do this with a savings account or by starting a money envelope system.
#23. Shop smarter
Smart shopping means price-matching, buying secondhand, and avoiding unnecessary purchases.
Action Tip: Post what you’re looking for on social media to see if friends or neighbors have it for sale or trade.
#24. Help things last longer
Looking to save money and get more life out of your household items? A few small changes can make a big difference. Start by cutting back on single-use products and opting for reusable alternatives like fabric napkins, glass containers, or wool dryer balls.
Action Tips:
- Try using half the recommended amount of laundry detergent for a month—you might find it works just as well!
- Dilute fabric softener with water at a 1:1 ratio to make it last twice as long.
- Use less than the suggested amount for products like shampoo, detergent, and cleaners.
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#25. Learn to say no
Overscheduling or overspending often stems from saying “yes” too often. Learn to prioritize your time and finances.
Action Tip: Practice setting boundaries by politely declining social invites or purchases that don’t align with your personal or financial goals.
#26. Continuously educate yourself
Learn new domestic skills to become more self-reliant, from making bread to handling minor car repairs.
Action Tip: Choose one skill to learn this season—watch a tutorial or take a local class to get started.
#27. Make it instead of buying it
Why not try making some of the foods you usually buy, like granola, cookies, bread, or cakes? Not only can this save you money, but it also gives you a healthier, homemade alternative.
This DIY mindset works wonders for cleaning products, too. White vinegar and baking soda, for example, make an excellent all-purpose cleaner. You might be surprised at how effective and budget-friendly homemade solutions can be. Check out these 15 DIY Cleaners for Your Home for some great and easy recipes.
#28. Keep track of your progress
Review your budget regularly to see where you can make adjustments.
Action Tip: Hold a monthly meeting with your partner or family to celebrate savings milestones and tweak budgeting strategies. If you are older, set up a legacy drawer to ensure your family is prepared.
#29. Create a “No-Spend” Weekend
Turning saving money into a family challenge can help you stay motivated while also strengthening bonds.
Action Tip: Plan a no-spend weekend once a month. Prepare meals in advance, use free entertainment options, or create fun at home with board games and movies.
#30. Focus on Health
Healthy lifestyles often reduce costly medical bills. Preventative care, regular exercise, and wholesome eating all contribute.
Action Tip: Look up local walking trails or fitness classes offered in your community. Keep meals balanced by prepping a mix of protein, whole grains, and vegetables.
Simple thrifty living is about more than just saving money; it’s a way to reduce stress, take control over your resources, and feel more connected to what really matters.
By weaving these small changes into your daily life, you can enjoy long-term financial security and an intentional, peaceful home environment. Start with one or two tips that resonate and grow from there—the results might surprise you.
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