Adopting a frugal lifestyle doesn’t mean you’ll never have to pay for anything again. Naturally, there will always be some expenses that are unavoidable, but there are ways to save on outlay.
Frugal people will continually look to cut costs, and there are certain items they will never pay full price for. On occasions, these would be considered luxuries, but some are everyday products.
To be truly frugal, some entries on this list could be cut out completely, but you can start your journey to a more economic outlook by looking for cheaper options.
1. Cable Television
A frugal follower is extremely unlikely to have a full cable TV package in their home. It’s far more likely that they will use on-demand services so that they only pay for the programs that they want to watch.
If there is a connected cable service, it will probably offer the minimum services and will have been negotiated down to a much more favorable price.
2. Books
It’s not necessary to buy books at their full retail price. A good trick is to head to your nearest major bookstore and browse for some latest reads. Take some photos, and check the prices online when you get home.
Many frugal people also use libraries, and when they have to make a purchase, it will be from the thrift store. That’s the ultimate step, but looking for book bargains online is a good start.
3. Music
With so many streaming services available, there really is no need to pay full price for CDs or vinyls. A huge library of digital music is available, and if you’re prepared to put up with the ads, you can listen for free.
There will always be collectors who want to have a physical product to hold in their hands. In this case, there are secondhand markets, while thrift stores often have a decent music selection.
4. Children’s Clothes
The major issue with children’s clothing is its short shelf life. Kids grow so quickly that an item that was a perfect fit two months ago is now too tight and impossible to wear.
Frugal people would never pay full price for an item with such a short window. Thrift stores and donations from friends and family provide an answer. If the frugal family subsequently has more children, those clothes are then handed down.
5. Household Furniture
Some products are always “on sale,” and that’s usually the case with furniture. Major retailers always have deals and it makes perfect sense to shop around for the best savings.
Goodwill, larger thrift stores, and freecycle websites will help to trim those costs even further. The secondhand goods supplied are often in excellent condition, so never look to pay full price for household furniture.
6. Coffee
Overpriced coffee at major chain stores could be considered the ultimate luxury purchase. Why pay $5 or more for a drink you can make at home? If you want to try to replicate a shop-bought latte or cappuccino, it’s recommended that you buy syrups and other flavoring at the grocery store.
Meeting for a coffee is, of course, a social engagement, but your local independent store will likely serve great products at lower prices than the major retailers.
7. Water
Water is at its most expensive when purchased in bottle form. To frugal followers, this makes no sense. They will see tap water as perfectly acceptable, and would never buy water from the store.
If you have concerns about the quality of water in your area, a filter is a small investment that will pay for itself in a short time. Compared to bottled products, it’s a minor financial outlay.
8. Regular Groceries
Not every frugal person will be an extreme couponer, but they will look for the latest savings at their grocery store. If you are behind one in the queue, expect them to use at least a handful of coupons when paying for their shopping.
Frugal shoppers will also likely use apps to compare prices across stores, and they’ll look for in-store promotions for additional savings.
9. Cars
For many Americans, a new car is a luxury item that they simply can’t squeeze into the budget. New vehicles also decrease in value as soon as they hit the road, and a frugalist would never enter the new market.
Secondhand autos provide a bigger selection at a better value. If, however, a frugal family did have the budget for a new model, they would pass. The “nearly new” market is an untapped source of vehicles with low mileage and significant savings.
10. Plants
Houseplants will cheer up any home but they can be expensive. Thankfully, there are many ways in which to ensure you never pay full price.
If you already have a green thumb, you’ll know how to take cuttings from other plants to start new life. If you’re not so skilled, there are detailed instructions that are easy to follow. All you need now is a donor plant, so ask among friends and family if you can take a cutting or two.
11. Holiday Decorations
A simple frugal trick could save hundreds of dollars on holiday decorations over a few years. All you need to do is pop into your local store as soon as the festivities are over and purchase the same goods at a discounted price.
If stored correctly, those products will be perfectly fine when the next holiday season approaches. I regularly do this with wrapping paper and never pay full price for this particular item.
12. Picture Frames
It’s a niche item and not something you buy every day, but picture frames are unnecessarily expensive purchases. Buying bespoke doesn’t make sense when you can pick up secondhand frames for just a few cents.
Thrift stores are overrun with old pictures and prints. If you don’t like the original artwork, simply replace it with your own choice.
13. Removal Boxes
Purchasing boxes from your removal company is an unnecessary expense. If they know that a house move is likely, frugal people will simply store delivery boxes in their garage rather than recycle them.
When the time comes to pack and you are short of boxes, head to the local store and ask the manager for surplus. Rather than pay full price, you’ll actually be getting these items for free.
14. Pets
There are so many rescue pets desperate for new homes. It’s a sad situation and one that can be helped in a small way when you’re looking for a cat, dog, small bird, or other animal.
Pedigree breeds are expensive and, while they need homing like any other prospective pet, a trip to the local rescue center can save you a small fortune.
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