Lately we’ve been hearing the word ‘frugal’ more and more often, but what does it mean? The Cambridge dictionary gives the following definition:
careful when using money or food, or (of a meal) cheap or small in amount.
Many people think that being frugal is about infringing on your own needs. However, it’s actually about making better choices and living smarter.
In this article we’ll tell you about little tricks that will allow you to save some money and become more conscious about your consumption.
Why live frugally?
- You’ll prioritise and understand what you really need.
- You’ll save extra money for reaching your financial goals.
- It’ll allow you to further revise your diet and choose better quality products.
- You’ll get the most out of what you have.
- It’ll help you think about the planet differently and treat it better.
- It’ll teach kids (and not only them) how to use money properly.
If you don’t know how to start living frugally, here are some easy tips so you can save money when it comes to your daily routines.
Frugal money saving tips
1. Frugal living in the house
There are a lot of things in your house that you can make frugal.
- Saving on your bills
The most obvious tip is switching off the light and the electrical appliances if you don’t use them.
Also if you’re able to buy a solar battery it will save you a lot of money in the future.
Use a shower timer or even a water saving shower head – with their help you’ll spend much less water than taking a usual shower or a bath.
If you are cold, wear a sweater. If that doesn’t work, then turn up the radiator. Everything is so simple, but we never think about it like that.
- The frugal person gets the last drop
Use up all the product in tubes such as toothpaste with the help of a squeezing tool.
- Eating smart
Eat less meat and more vegetables, including frozen ones. It’s cheaper and good for your health.
Don’t forget about the leftovers. You can eat it over the week or freeze it, if you aren’t going to eat it within a couple of days.
Stop buying sauces and do it yourself. For example, cheese sauce is very easy to make from a couple ounces of soft cheese and cream.
Write a meal plan for a week, so you don’t purchase extra food at the grocery shop.
2. Shop mindfully
How to be frugal while going to groceries?
- No more plastic bags
Always have bags with you – it’s so convenient to have one in the handbag or the backpack, especially when you go shopping.
- Mindful shopping helps you stay frugal
Discount cards and apps help you get privileges. It might be cashback, discount or even freebies.
- The bigger the better
Buy the biggest packs, tubes, etc. because it’s cheaper than getting things by the piece or in smaller sizes.
- Expensive ≠ the best
Try cheaper brands of your favourite products. It may surprise you, but in most cases the difference in taste and quality won’t be noticeable.
- Don’t pay for free information
Nowadays it’s kind of weird to purchase paper newspapers and magazines, when you can get the same news and information for free on the Internet.
Also you’re able to use libraries so you don’t have to buy books.
3. Frugal walking
Any tips on how to be frugal while walking? Of course!
- Let’s get physical
If it’s possible try not to use transport, walk or cycle instead. It’s healthier for you, your wallet and the planet.
- What did the water give us?.. Some extra money
Carry a bottle of water or other beverages with you to avoid purchasing expensive drinks.
- Savings on transport
You’re able to buy multi travel or discount cards if you use any public transport often.
- One family = one car
So purchase only one car. If it’s possible, try to save money by not having a second car: walk, use public transport or consider moving closer to your work. This not only saves money on fuel, but also (thanks to you) reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
4. Money, money, money
Here are some tips on how to manage your finances wisely.
- Make a budget
It’ll assist you to see the whole picture of your finances so you can manage your money wisely.
- Build an emergency fund
If you make it, it means you’re ready for some risks. You’re prepared for the unexpected emergencies, so you won’t have stress or panic when something will happen (or maybe it won’t go on…who knows?).
- Be like the Lannisters
Remember the famous quote from Game of Thrones? Always pay your debts – that’s what the Lannisters taught us. And they were so right. Put paying your debts first, because the sooner you pay them, the less your interest payments will be, thereby you’ll save more money.
- Try to invest
So when you’ve got the budget and the emergency fund, you can think about investment. If you’re new and you don’t know how to start, there are a lot of apps that can help you. For example, Orca (https://orca.app/). Here you can read about frugal living with Orca: https://orca.app/blog/frugal-living-uk/.
Can you be frugal without giving up your needs? Of course! You just prioritise and choose the most important things in your life. It’s all about awareness. If you want to live frugally in the UK, you can start doing it on a small scale.
As with all investing, you may get back less than you put in. Your capital is at risk. Be sure to conduct research on stocks that you want to invest in. If you are unsure of this you should seek advice from a professional advisor. Orca does not provide investment advice.
Orca is an appointed representative of RiskSave Technologies Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 775330).
