8 Frugal Household Essentials That Help You Save Money
There are some things you’ll find in almost every frugal household. Not because they’re fancy or trendy, but because they help make everyday life a little less expensive.
After years of trying to spend less without feeling like I’m constantly sacrificing, I’ve learned that the best money saving habits are often surprisingly simple. Sometimes it’s using something you already own instead of buying a disposable version. Sometimes it’s cooking at home. And sometimes it’s finding a small way to cut an everyday expense.
So, what are some of the frugal household essentials worth having around?
Here are eight items that can help you save money, reduce waste, and get more use out of what you already have.
They make it easier to prepare meals at home, which can help limit the temptation to grab takeout when you’re short on time. And many of these appliances can cook everything from soups and stews to appetizers, side dishes, and even desserts.
A slow cooker is especially handy for inexpensive cuts of meat, dried beans, soups, and other budget-friendly meals that benefit from a long, slow cook.
The best part? You can often throw everything together, turn it on, and let it do the work while you get on with your day.
Why keep buying something you’re going to use once and throw away?
Reusable cloth towels and napkins can replace many disposable paper products around the house. Reusable grocery bags can also help cut down on the need for single-use bags.
Of course, reusable products aren't automatically cheaper. The key is to actually use them repeatedly, which lowers the cost per use!
That’s one of my favourite frugal living principles: the cheapest option isn't always the one with the lowest price tag. It’s the one you can use again and again instead of continually replacing.
3. A Basic Repair Kit
One of the most useful frugal household essentials you can have isn't something that saves you money every time you use it. It's something that can help you avoid spending money when something breaks.
That's where a basic repair kit comes in.
You don't need a workshop full of tools or a drawer overflowing with supplies. A small box containing a few basics can handle a surprising number of little household problems.
Think:
A small sewing kit with needles and thread
Fabric patches
Safety pins
A measuring tape
A few basic screwdrivers
Pliers
Scissors
Strong tape
Super glue or household adhesive
A hammer
Spare buttons
Picture-hanging supplies
A few commonly used screws and nails
The goal isn't to become a professional repair person. It's simply to have enough on hand to deal with the little things that inevitably happen around the house.
And here's the bigger lesson I've learned from years of frugal living: not everything that is broken needs to be replaced.
4. A Clothesline or Drying Rack
A clothesline is an old fashioned money saving idea that still makes sense today.
Air drying your clothes can reduce your reliance on the dryer, and you don't need a huge backyard to do it. A compact drying rack can work well in a laundry room, bathroom, balcony, or other small space.
And yes, there’s also something pretty wonderful about the smell of laundry that has been dried outside on a sunny day.
5. Vinegar
Vinegar is one of those inexpensive household staples that can come in handy for all sorts of jobs.
White vinegar can be useful for cleaning tasks such as removing certain mineral deposits and helping to clean glass and other surfaces. It’s inexpensive, easy to get, and a good example of why you don't necessarily need a cupboard full of specialized products for every cleaning job.
Just remember that vinegar isn't appropriate for every surface, especially some natural stone surfaces, so check before using it.
6. A Bicycle
A bicycle can be more than a way to get some exercise. For short trips, it can also be an inexpensive alternative to jumping in the car.
If you have errands nearby, riding a bike can help reduce fuel use and put fewer kilometres on your vehicle.
Of course, this isn't practical for every household or every errand. But if you live somewhere that makes cycling convenient, it can be a fun way to save a little money while getting outside. And unlike driving to the gym, your transportation can double as your workout!
7. A Ceiling Fan
If you already have ceiling fans in your home, don't underestimate how useful they can be.
During warmer months, a ceiling fan can help circulate air and make a room feel more comfortable. Many ceiling fans can also be reversed in cooler weather to help circulate warm air.
Fans don't actually lower the temperature of a room the way air conditioning does, but they can help you feel more comfortable while using less energy than running your AC.
8. Reusable Straws
If you regularly use straws, reusable straws are a simple replacement for disposable ones.
They're washable and can be used over and over again, which means you aren't continually buying or throwing away single-use straws.
I also like the fact that many reusable straw sets come with a little cleaning brush, which are a must to keep them clean!
And while a reusable straw isn't going to transform your budget on its own, that's really the point of frugal living. It's often the accumulation of lots of small choices that makes the biggest difference over time.
Frugal Living Isn't About Buying More
One thing I would add to this list after years of living frugally is this: you don't need to own every “frugal” product to be good at saving money.
In fact, sometimes the most frugal thing you can do is use what you already have.
You don't need a fancy appliance, a collection of reusable products, or a house full of money saving gadgets. The goal is to find simple habits and tools that genuinely make it easier for you to spend less.
And if something you already own helps you cook at home, reuse what you have, reduce waste, or avoid an unnecessary purchase, even better!
How many of these frugal household essentials do you have? What would you add to this list?
After years of frugal living, I know there are plenty of simple household items that can help us save money without making life feel harder. I’d love to hear your favourite!
Want to give your home a fresh new look without spending a fortune? Before you head to the store, try shopping your own home!
I find that once February rolls around, or honestly, once I've had enough of the dreary winter weather, I start craving a little change. I want things to feel brighter, fresher, and a bit more cheerful.
The good news is that you probably already have plenty of things around your home that can help you create that fresh feeling. Sometimes you don't need new stuff, you just need to look at the stuff you already own a little differently.
Here are some easy ways to decorate with things you already have and give your space a refresh without spending much (or anything at all).
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1. Get Creative with Spray Paint
Never underestimate what a can of spray paint can do!
An old vase, picture frame, lamp base, planter, basket, or small decorative item can look completely different with a fresh coat of paint.
Choose a colour that works with your current decor, or go with a classic neutral like white, black, or a soft beige. You may be surprised by how different an old item can look after a simple makeover.
Just make sure the item and paint are compatible and use spray paint safely according to the product directions.
2. Bring the Outdoors In
Nature is one of the best, and cheapest, ways to decorate your home.
Look around your yard for interesting branches that can be arranged in a large vase. Add fresh greenery to small vases or jars, or use seasonal flowers to add a little colour to a room.
You can also use things like pinecones, interesting stones, or other natural objects as decorative accents.
A simple branch in a pretty vase can make much more of a statement than you might expect!
3. Rearrange Your Furniture
Before buying anything new, try moving your furniture around.
Move a chair from one room into another. Try your side table beside the sofa instead of the bed. Switch the direction of your furniture or create a new conversation area.
You might find that your existing furniture works perfectly in a different arrangement. And the best part? It costs absolutely nothing!
4. Shop Your House
This is one of my favourite ways to decorate on a budget.
Walk through your home and look at your belongings with fresh eyes. Could the vase in your bedroom work in the living room? Could the basket in the bathroom hold blankets? Could a piece of artwork from one room look better somewhere else?
Move decorative items between rooms and see what happens.
Sometimes something feels "old" simply because we've been looking at it in the same spot for years.
5. Get Crafty with Fabric
Have fabric scraps, old curtains, scarves, tablecloths, or clothing that you're no longer using? You might be able to turn them into simple decorative pieces.
Use fabric to make a table runner, pillow cover, placemats, bunting, or even a small piece of wall art.
You don't need to be an expert sewer, either. There are plenty of simple projects that require very little fabric or sewing. Fabric glue might even work!
6. Give Your Picture Frames a New Job
Have a collection of picture frames sitting around that aren't being used? Put them to work!
Frame family photos, children's artwork, scrapbook paper, pretty fabric scraps, postcards, calendars, or even pages from an old book.
You can also group several frames together to create an inexpensive gallery wall.
Don't worry if the frames don't match perfectly. A collection of different frames can actually make a display feel more interesting.
7. Use Old Things in New Ways
One of the easiest ways to decorate without spending money is to stop thinking about things only for their original purpose.
An old mason jar can become a vase, bathroom storage container, or pencil holder. A wooden crate can hold magazines, blankets, or toys. A pretty bowl can become a catch-all for keys and other little items. An old tray can organize perfumes, candles, or coffee supplies.
Look at what you already own and ask yourself: "What else could I use this for?"
8. Decorate with Books
Books can be beautiful decor all on their own.
Stack a few books on a coffee table or side table and place a vase, candle, or small decorative object on top. You can also use books to add height to displays or create little groupings on shelves.
If you have old books that are no longer useful to you, there are plenty of creative craft projects you can make with them, too.
9. Display Your Kids' Artwork
Kids create an endless supply of free artwork!
Instead of putting everything on the fridge, choose a few favourite pieces and display them around your home. Frame artwork, create a rotating gallery wall, hang drawings from clips, or turn colourful pieces into homemade banners. You could even laminate particularly sturdy artwork and use it as placemats.
It's inexpensive decor, and much more meaningful than something you picked up at a store.
10. Rearrange Your Shelves
Sometimes your shelves don't need new decor. They just need a new arrangement.
Take everything off a bookshelf, hutch, or display shelf and start from scratch. Group similar items together, mix different heights, add books for dimension, and leave some empty space.
You'll be amazed at how different the same collection of objects can look when rearranged.
11. Make a New Gallery Wall
Take a look through the artwork, prints, calendars, postcards, children's artwork, and photographs you already have.
Choose a collection that works together and create a new gallery wall. You don't necessarily need matching frames. In fact, mixing frames can give the display more personality.
And if you already have a gallery wall, try rearranging the pieces into a completely different configuration.
12. Switch Out Your Textiles
You don't need to buy an entirely new set of decor to make a room feel different.
Move throw blankets and pillows between rooms. Bring out a tablecloth you haven't used in a while. Fold a colourful blanket over the arm of a chair.
Even small changes to textiles can make a room feel refreshed.
13. Create a Decorative Tray
Do you have an unused serving tray hiding in a cupboard? Pull it out and turn it into a little decorative display.
Add a candle, vase, small plant, favourite book, or another decorative item you already own.
Trays are especially useful because they make a collection of random objects look intentional and organized.
14. Make a Simple Centrepiece
You don't need an expensive floral arrangement to create a pretty table centrepiece.
Try filling a bowl with pinecones, fruit, ornaments, or other seasonal items you already have. A vase filled with branches can also make a beautiful centrepiece. Even a few candles grouped together on a tray can create a simple focal point.
15. Move Your Decor Around Seasonally
One of my favourite ways to make my home feel different without buying anything is to rotate what I already own.
Pack away some of your decor for a few months and bring out things you've forgotten about.
When you see those pieces again, they can feel almost new!
You don't need a huge collection of seasonal decor, either. Simply rotating pillows, blankets, artwork, vases, and small decorative pieces can make a big difference.
Before You Buy Anything, Shop Your Home
The next time you feel like your home needs a refresh, resist the urge to immediately start shopping.
Instead, take a walk through your house.
Open the cupboards. Look in storage bins. Check the basement. Look at your bookshelves and closets. You might already have everything you need to create the change you're craving.
Decorating doesn't always mean buying something new. Sometimes the best way to refresh your home is simply to use what you already have in a new way.
And if you're trying to save money, that's a pretty great decorating strategy!
How do you decorate your home on a budget? Do you have a favourite way to refresh a room without buying anything new?
How to Be Frugal: Simple Tips to Save Money and Live Well
Learning how to be frugal is one of the best ways to reduce financial stress and feel more in control of your money. Frugal living doesn’t mean depriving yourself or never spending money. It simply means being intentional with your spending and making smarter financial choices.
At its core, frugality is about living well within your means. When you spend less than you earn, you create room in your budget for savings, emergencies, and future goals. Knowing how to be frugal can help you feel more prepared when unexpected expenses pop up and can give you peace of mind during difficult financial seasons.
Years ago, frugal living was simply a normal way of life. Families cooked from scratch, reused what they had, grew gardens, and found creative ways to stretch their budgets. Today, with rising grocery prices, inflation, and increasing living costs, more people are searching for practical ways to save money and learn how to be frugal in everyday life.
The good news is that it’s never too late to start.
You don’t need to completely change your life overnight. Small habits and simple lifestyle changes can make a huge difference over time. Learning how to be frugal is all about making progress little by little and finding ways to live comfortably while spending less.
If you’re wondering how to be frugal, here are some practical tips to help you get started:
1. Never Spend More Than You Earn
One of the most important frugal habits is learning to live below your means. Track your spending, create a simple budget, and avoid relying on credit cards for everyday expenses whenever possible.
Eating out and ordering takeout can drain your budget quickly. Cooking simple meals at home is one of the easiest ways to save money. Start with easy, affordable recipes and build a list of go-to family favourites.
3. Grow Your Own Food
Even a small garden can help reduce grocery costs. Herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers are beginner-friendly options that can save money throughout the growing season.
4. Use the Library
Libraries offer free books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, and more. Using your local library is a simple and effective way to be frugal while still enjoying entertainment and learning opportunities.
5. Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions
Review your monthly expenses and cancel subscriptions you rarely use. Streaming services, apps, and memberships can quietly eat away at your budget each month.
6. Prioritize Your Spending
Spend money on the things that matter most to you and cut back on the things that don’t. Being frugal doesn’t mean never spending money. It means spending intentionally.
7. Compare Prices Before Buying
Take a few extra minutes to compare prices online and in stores before making purchases. Watching for sales and using cashback apps can help you save even more.
8. Keep a Price Book
A price book is a simple way to track the regular prices of items you buy often. This helps you recognize a genuine sale and know when it’s the best time to stock up.
9. Reuse and Repurpose What You Have
Before buying something new, see if you can reuse, repair, or repurpose something you already own. Frugal living often means making the most of what you already have.
10. Make Things From Scratch
Homemade meals, snacks, coffee drinks, and cleaning products are often far cheaper than store-bought versions. Learning basic DIY skills can save a lot of money over time.
11. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Coupons still work, especially when paired with sales. Cashback apps and rewards programs are another easy way to reduce your grocery and household expenses.
12. Buy Less Overall
One of the simplest answers to how to be frugal is to buy less. Use what you already have before purchasing more clothing, beauty products, decor, or household items.
Learning how to be frugal is a journey, not an overnight transformation. Every small change you make can help improve your financial situation and reduce stress over time. Frugal living is ultimately about being resourceful, intentional, and confident with your money so you can build a more stable and peaceful life.
Way back in January 2008, I challenged myself to go an entire month without buying anything we didn't absolutely need. A month-long No Spend Challenge. The only things I allowed myself to pay for was groceries and monthly bills. My husband and I were newly married in 2007 and at the time I was working a seasonal job with winters off.
It wasn't because I wanted to become "the frugal person." I wasn't trying to make a statement or see how little I could live on. I simply wanted to take a closer look at where our money was going and stop buying useless junk that I usually ended up decluttering. I had a feeling we were spending more out of habit than necessity.
I expected the month to feel very restrictive. I imagined constantly telling myself "no" and counting down the days until it was over.
Instead, something unexpected happened.
The challenge forced me to slow down before buying anything. I started shopping my pantry and making meal plans before heading to the grocery store. I found creative ways to use what we already had. Instead of browsing the stores, I decluttered our house. I rekindled some hobbies. (I found uncompleted sewing projects while I was decluttering!) I realized how many of my purchases had been automatic rather than intentional.
By the end of those thirty days, we had saved money. But that wasn't the biggest surprise.
The biggest surprise was how much lighter I felt. I wasn't constantly chasing the next purchase or wondering where our money had gone. I realized that living frugally wasn't about deprivation. It was about being intentional with the money we worked so hard to earn.
That one month experiment ended, but the mindset never did.
Over the past 18 years, my version of frugal living has evolved. Some of the things I used to do no longer make sense. New tools and technology have changed the way I save money. But many of the habits I developed during that very first no-spend challenge are still part of my everyday life.
Looking back now, I've learned what truly saves money, what wastes time, and what purchases are worth every penny. If you're curious about what nearly two decades of frugal living has taught me, here's an honest look at what has changed, what hasn't, and the habits I still rely on today.
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What Frugal Living Looked Like 18 Years Ago
When I first started living more frugally, things looked a lot different than they do today.
There were no grocery pickup orders, cashback apps, or browser extensions that automatically searched for coupon codes. Forget about frequent Amazon deliveries! If you wanted to save money, you had to be much more hands-on.
Every week, I'd live for the coupon booklets (remember SmartSource?) and flyers that came in the Sunday newspaper. I'd sit down and cut out all the coupons, compare prices, and make my shopping list based on what was on sale. I would match the coupons up with items that were on sale, planned meals around store sales and often visited more than one grocery store if the savings made it worthwhile.
Meal planning quickly became one of my biggest money saving habits. Before heading to the store, I'd check the pantry, fridge, and freezer to see what we already had. Instead of deciding what sounded good for dinner, I'd build meals around ingredients that needed to be used first.
Cooking at home became the norm. We packed lunches, made coffee at home, baked more often, and stocked the freezer with freezer meals for the days I didn't feel like cooking. Leftovers were almost never wasted because they usually became lunch the next day.
We became experts in borrowing and accepting free things. Most of our furniture was given to us. We didn't care about aesthetics! We borrowed baby clothes from family and friends. Streaming services like Netflix and Prime didn't exist back then so we borrowed shows and movies. It was great because we could just give everything back when we were finished. Or donate our furniture with zero regrets.
We also found lots of free entertainment. Movie nights borrowed from the library, afternoons at the beach, hiking trails, and free community events became regular parts of our lives. Looking back, some of our favourite memories didn't cost much at all.
Of course, not everything I tried was a success. Like many people starting their frugal journey, I experimented with homemade cleaners, DIY projects, and every money saving tip I could find online. Some became lasting habits, while others quietly disappeared after I realized they weren't saving enough time or money to be worthwhile.
What I remember most, though, wasn't any specific trick or tip. It was the shift in how I thought about spending. Instead of asking, "Can I afford this?" I started asking, "Do I actually need this?" That one simple question probably saved us more money than any coupon ever could.
What Has Changed
While the heart of frugal living has stayed the same for me, the way I save money has definitely changed over the past 18 years.
Technology has made many things easier. Instead of flipping through paper flyers, I browse digital ones from my phone. I can compare prices online in minutes, order groceries for pickup to avoid impulse purchases, and use cashback apps and rewards programs without carrying around a stack of coupons and loyalty cards.
Shopping has changed too. Years ago, finding a good deal often meant driving from store to store. Now I can quickly compare prices, set price alerts, or wait for a sale without leaving the house. It saves both time and money.
I've also become much more selective about where I put my energy. I know that my time has value too.
Saving $2 isn't worth an extra hour of my day. Sometimes paying a little more is the better choice if it saves time. Besides, I've since learned that if I stop at another store for a deal, I usually end up buying more than more than I intended!
One of the biggest changes is that I no longer focus on being as cheap as possible. Instead, I focus on getting the best value.
For example, I've learned that buying a well made pair of winter boots that lasts for years is often cheaper than replacing inexpensive ones every season. A quality kitchen tool that gets used several times a week can be a smarter purchase than the cheapest option on the shelf.
I've also become much more intentional about what I bring into our home. In the beginning, I was excited whenever I found a great deal. Now I know that a bargain isn't really a bargain if it wasn't something I needed in the first place.
Perhaps the biggest change is that frugal living no longer feels like something I have to think about every day. It's just our way of life and doesn't feel restrictive.
The habits I worked so hard to build during those first few years have simply become part of how we live. Meal planning, checking the pantry before shopping, waiting before impulse purchases, and looking for good value all happen almost automatically now.
After 18 years, I've realized that frugal living isn't about constantly finding new ways to save money. It's about creating habits that make spending intentionally feel effortless.
What Hasn't Changed
Even though the way I save money has evolved over the years, I've been surprised by how many of the simplest habits are still the most effective.
Meal planning is still one of the biggest ways I save money. Taking just a few minutes each week to decide what's for dinner helps me avoid last-minute takeout, lessens food waste, and makes grocery shopping much less stressful. Eighteen years later, it's still one of the best returns on the small amount of time it takes.
I also still check my pantry, fridge, and freezer before making a grocery list. It's amazing how often I already have the ingredients for several meals hiding in plain sight. Using what we already own has always been one of the easiest ways to spend less.
Shopping with a list is another habit that has never gone out of style. I have a notepad on the fridge where I jot down the things we run out of right away so I don't forget something we use all the time. Whether I'm walking through the grocery store or filling an online cart, having a plan helps me stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.
Waiting before buying something I want has also saved me countless dollars over the years. Most purchases don't need to happen immediately. Giving myself a little time to think usually helps me decide whether it's something I'll truly use or just something that caught my attention in the moment.
We have probably saved thousands over the years by shopping secondhand or borrowing items. Often, we end up with better quality than we could have afforded buying new.
This leads me to my next topic. We avoid debt as much as we can. This means we buy everything we can, including used vehicles with cash. The only debt we have had is our mortgage, which we have since paid off by putting down the maximum allowed once a year on top of our monthly payments.
Another habit that has stood the test of time is taking care of what we already own. Cleaning, maintaining, and repairing things whenever possible helps them last longer and delays the need to replace them. Thanks to YouTube, my husband has fixed our washing machine, dryer and air conditioner! Looking after what you have is one of the most overlooked ways to save money.
More than anything, though, what hasn't changed is my mindset.
Frugal living has never been about saying "no" to everything. It's about spending with purpose. It's asking whether something adds real value to our lives instead of buying it simply because it's on sale, trendy, or convenient.
After 18 years, I've realized that the biggest savings rarely come from complicated tricks or extreme sacrifices. They come from small, consistent habits repeated over and over again. Those habits may not be exciting, but they've made a lasting difference in our finances. They've become such a natural part of life that I hardly think about them anymore!
The Habits I still Use Every Week
Here's a checklist of the habits I still use 18 years later:
I always meal plan. Not because I enjoy it. But because every meal I don't plan usually costs me more. Some weeks, I only have a rough idea and that still helps! I have a dedicated notebook for meal plans and I find it's helpful too look back at old plans when I need inspiration.
I check my pantry, fridge and freezer first. It's amazing how often dinner is already sitting there!
I wait before buying most things. With the exception of groceries, very few purchases need to happen in the end if I wait. I'll find I don't need it, have something similar already or I'll fix what I already have.
I compare prices. Not obsessively, just enough to know if I'm overpaying. This is also handy for you when I share deals in Instagram stories or Facebook!
I search for deals on family activities. If it's not a free activity, you can bet I will try my hardest to save us some money! This includes any flights or hotels we may need for travel.
I look for the best value, not just the lowest price. Especially at the grocery store.
I check Checkout 51 and Caddle for cashback offers that I can use as well as Rakuten if I'm making online purchases.
Here's my personal Weekly Frugal Checklist:
✓ Plan this week's dinners
✓ Check the pantry before shopping
✓ Make (and stick to) a grocery list
✓ Review upcoming sales
✓ Wait before buying non-essentials
✓ Use leftovers for at least one meal
✓ Declutter one small area before buying new
What I No Longer Bother Doing
When I first started living frugally, I was willing to try just about every money-saving tip I came across. But over the years, I have learned that some things just aren't worth it to me anymore. Here's what I don't do anymore:
drive across town to save $2
make everything from scratch
keep hundreds of coupons
buy things just because they're on sale
feel guilty about spending money
stocking up on things we won't use
buy cheap products that wear out
trying to be a "perfect" frugal person (confession: we don't budget and I really love spending money on restaurant meals and coffee out.)
Where I Happily Spend Money
Yes, frugal people absolutely spend money! Here's what our family chooses to spend money on:
Good shoes. But almost always on sale!
A quality vacuum. If you maintain it, a good quality vacuum will last years!
Kitchen appliances we use daily. When you buy good quality, you don't have to replace them very often! Our KitchenAid stand mixer and toaster are still going strong after almost 20 years!
Travel. We love to travel! We save money in other areas of our life so we can splurge a bit while we travel. But I live for travel deals!
Extracurricular activities. We highly value extracurricular activities. These days, that looks like competitive dance and gymnastics for our daughters. A lot of money goes towards these but the benefits far outweigh the price. My husband is currently dealing with a knee injury, but he also plays soccer.
Experiences. Our family often does free or cheap activities, but love to do the occasional amusement park or similar activity!
High-quality winter clothing. It's not fun being cold or wet in the winter. The sorels I bought as a young adult are still in excellent condition, no regrets!
Coffee with a friend and dinner/lunch out. I mentioned that I love a meal or coffee out. Firstly, I don't have to cook or clean up after. But secondly, I love the time spent connecting with someone I care about.
Books. I love borrowing books and audiobooks from the library, but my husband and oldest like to buy books.
What I'd Tell Someone Starting Today
If you're just starting to live more frugally, my biggest piece of advice is this: don't try to change everything all at once.
When I began my month long no spend challenge 18 years ago, I had no idea it would completely change the way I thought about money. I certainly didn't adopt every frugal habit overnight. The biggest changes happened gradually, one small habit at a time.
Start with one thing that feels manageable. Maybe it's meal planning once a week. Maybe it's making granola bars instead of buying them. Maybe it's checking your pantry before grocery shopping or waiting 24 hours before buying something you want. Small habits may not feel life changing in the moment, but when you repeat them week after week and year after year, they add up in ways you can't imagine.
I'd also encourage you to stop comparing your journey to anyone else's. Frugal living isn't a competition to see who can spend the least money or make the most things from scratch. It's about making thoughtful decisions with the money you have and building a life that reflects your priorities.
Finally, remember that frugal living isn't about deprivation. It's about freedom. It's about creating breathing room in your finances, reducing financial stress, and spending confidently on the things that truly matter to you. If you can shift your mindset from "What am I giving up?" to "What am I gaining?" you'll find that living frugally feels far more rewarding than restrictive.
Looking back, I'm so grateful I decided to try that no spend challenge all those years ago. I thought I was learning how to spend less, but what I was really learning was how to live with more intention. And that's a lesson that's been worth far more than the money we've saved along the way.
After 18 years, I'm still learning, still adapting, and still finding new ways to spend more intentionally. Frugal living has never been about having less. It has always been about making the most of what we have.
Now I'd love to hear from you: What's one frugal habit you'll never give up? Share it in the comments below!
Yeah, yeah... I'm sure you've heard it before: Use your local library to borrow books instead of buying new ones.
And while your library is definitely a great place to get your reading fix without spending a fortune, there's so much more to your local library than shelves full of books!
If you're looking for easy ways to save money, your library may be one of the most underused resources in your community. Many libraries offer free access to entertainment, educational programs, digital resources, and activities for the whole family. All included with your library card!
Here are 9 unique ways the library can save you money:
1. Borrow DVDs and CDs
Before you spend money on a movie or music album, check your local library's collection.
Many libraries have an impressive selection of DVDs, including popular movies, classic films, documentaries, and TV series. Some also offer CDs and other types of media.
While you can often find movies and music for relatively little money these days, borrowing them for free can save you money over time. Especially if your family enjoys watching movies together.
And if you only plan to watch something once, why buy it?
2. Borrow Audiobooks for Free
Love audiobooks like me? Your library card may give you access to a huge selection without the monthly subscription fee.
Many libraries offer downloadable audiobooks through apps such as Libby, allowing you to borrow titles and listen right from your phone or tablet.
This can be a great way to enjoy audiobooks without paying for a separate audiobook subscription. You can listen while you're walking, driving, cleaning the house, or doing other everyday tasks.
If you haven't explored your library's digital audiobook collection yet, it's definitely worth checking out!
3. Download Free eBooks
If you enjoy reading eBooks, your library may be able to save you money here, too.
Many libraries offer thousands of eBooks that you can borrow and read on your phone, tablet, eReader, or computer. You may be able to access them through your library's website or an app such as Libby.
Instead of buying an eBook every time you want something new to read, check your library first. You might be surprised by how many popular titles and new releases are available.
4. Read Digital Magazines for Free
Magazine subscriptions can really add up, but your library card may give you free access to digital magazines.
Depending on your local library system, you may be able to read popular magazines from your phone, tablet, or computer without paying for an individual subscription.
Check your library's website to see which digital magazines are available and how to access them.
This is an especially great way to save money if you regularly subscribe to several magazines.
5. Take Advantage of Free Kids' Programs
If you have kids, your local library can be an incredible resource for free family activities.
Many libraries offer storytimes, sing-alongs, craft programs, reading clubs, and seasonal activities for children. Some also run summer reading programs that encourage kids to keep reading while school is out.
My daughters regularly attended story time when they were younger and loved listening to stories and joining in with the songs.
These programs are a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged without spending money on expensive classes or activities.
6. Find Free Things to Do With the Family
Looking for something to do on a weekend or a rainy afternoon? Check your library's event calendar before spending money on entertainment.
When I was browsing our library's website, I was surprised by all of the free activities they offered. There was a scavenger hunt, a quilting circle, a little mermaids academy, escape rooms, a mahjong group and so much more.
Your library may offer everything from craft nights and board game sessions to guest speakers, workshops, and family events.
The programs available will vary from one library to another, so take a few minutes to browse your local library's calendar. You may discover a whole list of free things to do!
7. Borrow More Than Books
One of the best ways to save money with your library is to find out what you can borrow besides books.
Depending on where you live, libraries may lend out things like:
Board games and puzzles
Video games
Museum or attraction passes
Educational kits
Technology and electronics
Tools or household items
Seed libraries and gardening resources
Cooking equipment
Sports and recreation equipment
Not every library offers these items, but it's worth checking. You may be able to borrow something you need instead of buying it for a one-time project or occasional use.
8. Get Free Access to Online Learning
Want to learn a new skill without paying for an expensive course?
Your library may offer free access to online learning platforms, educational databases, language-learning resources, computer courses, and more.
Whether you're interested in learning a new language, improving your computer skills, researching your family history, or picking up a new hobby, check to see what resources are available through your library card.
You may already have access to resources that would otherwise cost you a monthly subscription or course fee.
9. Use the Library as Your Free Meeting Place
Sometimes saving money isn't about finding a cheaper version of something, it's about finding a free alternative altogether!
Instead of meeting a friend at a coffee shop, consider meeting at the library. Rather than paying for entertainment every time you want to get out of the house, see what's happening at your local branch. Maybe there's an event that would be interesting to you both! Or, our library offers free use of a 3D printer, Cricut, sewing machines, sound booth and more. Maybe yours does too?
Libraries can be a great place to read, study, work, browse, attend events, or simply get out of the house without spending money.
Your Library Card Could Be One of Your Best Money-Saving Tools
As you can see, your library is about so much more than borrowing books!
If you're trying to save money, reduce your entertainment expenses, or find more free activities for your family, your library card could be one of the most valuable cards in your wallet.
Take a few minutes to visit your library's website or stop by your local branch and see what's available. You will probably discover free resources and services you didn't even know existed.
How often do you use your library? What is the most unusual or surprising thing you've been able to borrow or do for free through your library?
How to Meal Prep for the Week: A Simple Guide for Busy Families
Meal prepping can be a simple way to save both time and money. By planning your meals ahead of time, you can shop for only the ingredients you actually need, reduce food waste, and avoid the temptation of grabbing takeout when you're too tired to figure out what's for dinner.
Cooking every breakfast, lunch, and dinner for an entire week in one day might sound overwhelming, but you don't have to do it all at once! Meal prepping can be as simple as chopping a few vegetables, cooking a batch of chicken, or preparing a big pot of soup that you can enjoy throughout the week.
With a little planning, you'll make busy weekdays easier, stretch your grocery budget further, and hopefully hear a lot less of the dreaded "What's for dinner?"
1. Start by Planning Your Meals
Before you head to the grocery store, take a few minutes to decide what you'll eat for the week.
Look at your schedule first. If you have a busy evening filled with activities, choose something quick and easy. If you have more time on another night, that's a good opportunity to make a meal that requires a little more cooking.
You don't need to plan seven completely different dinners. In fact, keeping things simple is one of the best ways to make meal prepping manageable.
Try planning:
2–3 breakfast options
2–3 lunch options
4–5 dinners
A few easy snacks
Then plan to eat leftovers for lunch or repurpose ingredients in different meals.
For example, a batch of roasted chicken can become:
Chicken and rice bowls
Chicken wraps
Chicken salad
Chicken quesadillas
A topping for a big salad
One ingredient can do a lot of work!
2. Check Your Fridge, Freezer, and Pantry
Before making your grocery list, take a quick inventory of what you already have.
You may already have pasta in the pantry, frozen vegetables in the freezer, or ingredients that need to be used up soon. Building your meal plan around what you already have is an easy way to save money and reduce food waste.
Think of it as a "shop your kitchen first" challenge.
3. Make a Grocery List
Once you've planned your meals, write down everything you'll need. Group your list by section of the grocery store, such as:
Produce
Meat and protein
Dairy
Pantry
Frozen foods
Snacks
This makes shopping faster and can help you avoid wandering through the aisles and adding things to your cart that weren't a part of the plan.
It can also help to check your grocery store's weekly flyer before shopping. If chicken is on sale, for example, you might build several meals around it and freeze anything you won't use right away.
4. Choose a Meal Prep Day
Pick one day each week when you have some time to prepare food.
For many people, Sunday works well, but there's no rule that says meal prep has to happen on a particular day.
You could also split your prep into two shorter sessions. For example, prepare your breakfasts and lunches on Sunday, then do a quick dinner prep on Wednesday.
The goal isn't to spend your entire day in the kitchen. It's to make the rest of your week easier.
5. Prep Ingredients Instead of Complete Meals
You don't have to cook seven complete meals in advance. Sometimes, the easiest approach is to prepare individual ingredients that can be mixed and matched throughout the week.
Try:
Washing and chopping vegetables
Cooking a batch of rice or quinoa
Hard-boiling eggs
Roasting vegetables
Cooking chicken or ground meat
Washing fruit
Making a simple salad dressing
Portioning snacks into containers
Preparing overnight oats
Then you can quickly assemble different meals throughout the week. This approach also gives you more flexibility if you suddenly don't feel like eating the meal you planned for Tuesday.
6. Keep Breakfast Simple
Breakfast doesn't need to be complicated. Choose one or two easy options that can be prepared ahead of time.
Some ideas include:
Overnight oats
Hard-boiled eggs and toast
Yogurt and fruit
Breakfast sandwiches
Smoothie freezer packs
Muffins and fruit
Egg bites
Peanut butter toast with a banana
If mornings are particularly hectic, preparing breakfast ahead of time can make a huge difference.
7. Prep Easy Lunches
Lunch is a great place to use leftovers.
Instead of making an entirely separate lunch every day, cook extra portions at dinner and pack the leftovers for the next day's lunch.
Other easy lunch ideas include:
Chicken and rice bowls
Pasta salad
Wraps
Soup
Chili
Grain bowls
Big salads with protein
Quesadillas
Keep a few easy lunch staples on hand so you're never tempted to buy lunch simply because there's nothing ready to eat.
8. Make Dinner Work Smarter
When planning dinners, think about how you can use ingredients more than once.
For example, roast a large batch of vegetables on Sunday. Serve them as a side dish one night, add them to grain bowls another night, and toss them into wraps later in the week.
You can also cook extra protein and use it in several different ways.
The key is to cook once and eat twice, or even three times!
9. Don't Forget Snacks
Prepping snacks can help prevent those mid-afternoon trips to the pantry to grab something easy and not so healthy.
Try portioning snacks into grab-and-go containers at the beginning of the week. Keep snacks where they're easy to grab when you're heading out the door.
Glass containers are great for reheating meals, while lightweight plastic containers can be convenient for lunches and snacks.
You don't need to buy an entire new collection of containers to get started. Use what you already have and add to your collection over time if needed. If you do need containers, I've rounded up some good meal prep container options here.
11. Label Your Meals
If you're preparing several meals at once, it can be helpful to label containers with the meal and date. This makes it easier to see what's available and helps ensure that older food gets eaten first. A simple piece of masking tape and a Sharpie works perfectly.
12. Don't Prep More Than You'll Eat
One of the biggest meal prep mistakes is preparing too much food.
If your family doesn't enjoy eating the same meal several days in a row, don't make five servings of the same dinner. Instead, prepare smaller batches or freeze extra portions for another week.
Meal prepping should help reduce food waste not create more of it.
13. Freeze What You Won't Eat
If you know you won't eat something before it goes bad, freeze it! Soups, chili, cooked meat, casseroles, pasta sauce, muffins, and many other foods freeze well.
Freezing leftovers can give you a collection of easy homemade "ready meals" for those nights when cooking is the last thing you want to do.
Just remember to label everything with the name and date so you know what you're pulling out of the freezer.
Simple Weekly Meal Prep Schedule
Here's an example of how you could organize your meal prep day:
Sunday
Breakfast
Prepare overnight oats
Hard-boil eggs
Wash and portion fruit
Lunch
Cook chicken
Prepare rice
Chop vegetables
Make a simple dressing
Dinner
Make a large batch of chili
Portion leftovers for lunches or freeze extras
Snacks
Portion crackers and cheese
Wash fruit
Prepare vegetables and hummus
This might take a little time upfront, but you'll have several meal components ready to go for the week.
Sample Weekly Meal Plan
Here's a simple meal plan designed to minimize cooking and maximize leftovers.
Monday
Breakfast: Overnight oats with berries Lunch: Chicken and rice bowl with roasted vegetables Dinner: Turkey chili with cornbread Snack: Apple with peanut butter
Tuesday
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast Lunch: Leftover turkey chili Dinner: Sheet-pan chicken, potatoes, and vegetables Snack: Yogurt and berries
Wednesday
Breakfast: Overnight oats with banana Lunch: Chicken and vegetable wrap Dinner: Spaghetti with meat sauce and a side salad Snack: Cheese and crackers
Thursday
Breakfast: Eggs and toast with fruit Lunch: Leftover spaghetti and salad Dinner: Chicken quesadillas with vegetables and salsa Snack: Hummus and carrots
Friday
Breakfast: Yogurt, granola, and fruit Lunch: Chicken and rice bowl Dinner: Homemade pizza using naan or flatbread Snack: Popcorn
Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes with fruit Lunch: Leftovers or sandwiches Dinner: Easy burgers with oven fries and salad Snack: Fruit and yogurt
Sunday
Breakfast: Eggs, toast, and fruit Lunch: Leftover burgers or wraps Dinner: Slow-cooker soup or chili Snack: Popcorn or fresh fruit
Don't feel like you need to follow this meal plan exactly. Swap meals based on what your family likes, what's on sale, and what you already have at home. This is just to give you ideas of what you could do.
Sample Meal Prep Grocery List
Use this as a starting point and adjust it based on your family's preferences and what you already have in your pantry.
Produce
☐ Bananas ☐ Apples ☐ Berries ☐ Grapes ☐ Potatoes ☐ Carrots ☐ Bell peppers ☐ Broccoli ☐ Lettuce or salad greens ☐ Cucumbers ☐ Onions ☐ Garlic ☐ Avocados
Meat & Protein
☐ Chicken breasts or thighs ☐ Ground turkey or ground beef ☐ Eggs ☐ Hummus ☐ Peanut butter
☐ Oats ☐ Rice ☐ Pasta ☐ Pasta sauce ☐ Canned beans ☐ Canned tomatoes ☐ Chicken or vegetable broth ☐ Tortillas or wraps ☐ Bread ☐ Crackers ☐ Granola ☐ Popcorn ☐ Salsa ☐ Olive oil ☐ Salad dressing ☐ Your favourite seasonings and spices
Frozen
☐ Frozen berries ☐ Frozen mixed vegetables ☐ Frozen fruit for smoothies ☐ Frozen pizza or naan, if desired
A Simple Meal Prep Routine to Try
If the thought of spending hours cooking every Sunday makes you want to skip meal prep altogether, start small. Try this simple routine:
1. Pick your meals. Choose a few breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the week.
2. Check what you already have. Shop your fridge, freezer, and pantry before making your grocery list.
3. Make your grocery list. Only buy what you need for the meals you've planned.
4. Prep a few basics. Cook one protein, one grain, and a tray of vegetables.
5. Prepare a few breakfasts and snacks. Make overnight oats, wash fruit, or portion grab-and-go snacks.
6. Use leftovers strategically. Plan to turn dinner leftovers into the next day's lunch.
7. Freeze extras. If you won't eat something in time, freeze it for a future meal.
Remember, meal prepping doesn't have to mean spending your entire Sunday cooking. Even 30 minutes of preparation can make your week easier.
The goal isn't to create a picture-perfect fridge filled with identical meal prep containers. It's simply to make your future self's life a little easier.
Because sometimes the best meal prep win is opening the fridge at 5 p.m. and realizing that dinner is already halfway done. That is the best feeling!
