If you’re just getting started with saving money and you want to live a more frugal lifestyle but you aren’t sure where to start, you are in the right place! The idea of living frugally can seem overwhelming. But instead of tackling it all at once, start small and try implementing one little thing at a time. This post is your beginner’s guide to being frugal with 10 frugal living tips to get you started!

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BEING FRUGAL

This post may contain affiliate links. 

If you’re new here, first, welcome! I am so glad to have you.

Second, there’s something you should know about me.

I used to be really bad with money. 

I spent it as fast as I could make it.

I’d work and work and work and then wonder where all my money had gone.

Can you relate?

Well, I was able to totally change my life and my finances. These days, I’m actually pretty good with money.

And here is something I know for certain:

If I can do it, you can do it to! 

The first thing you’ll want to do it set a solid money goal.

Then start saving money in real life ways.

Like with the beginner’s frugal living tips in this post.

START SAVING MONEY

By starting small, you’ll adjust to frugal living slowly over time and you’re more likely to be successful in the long run. Pick one tip at a time and once you master that, add in another one. 

EVALUATE YOUR EXPENSES

Chances are that your monthly expenses are costing you too much.

This may even be the main reason you’re trying to save money.

But don’t worry! I have a TON of practical resources for you that will help you take back your money and save it for the things you really want instead of spending it all on bills.

You can grab your FREE copy of my expense cutting workbook here and it will walk you step-by-step through cutting your expenses.

You’ll need to ask yourself some tough questions.

Am I overspending on my household costs?

Could I spend less on groceries? 

Do I really need that drive-thru coffee every morning?

Hint: Tackle your biggest bills first, like your electric bill or your phone bill.

SHOP LESS

I remember the days when I’d meet my girlfriends for a cup of coffee and a stroll through the mall.

It isn’t surprising that I was spending so much more money back then.

And almost always it was on buying things I didn’t need.

If you want to save money, you have to stop shopping for fun and start being intentional about every dollar you spend.

Track each dollar that you spend.

Don’t even go near a store unless you have a purpose.

• Read: 3 Simple Tips to Stop Overspending and 5 Tips to Shop Less

STICK TO A GROCERY BUDGET

Grocery spending is the area that most family struggle with the most.

But we all need to eat.

That’s why it’s so important to stick to a grocery budget each and every week.

This post will walk you through exactly how to set and stick to the grocery budget that’s right for your specific family.

If you want me to hold your hand and walk you through lowering your grocery budget, you can sign up for my grocery budget challenge here.

IF IT’S BROKE, FIX IT

Instead of being quick to throw things away, try to fix up what you can.

There are You-Tube videos on how to repair just about everything, so use that resource.

If something is old, broken, or worn out that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s garbage.

Think of new ways you can use that item. 

This is a way to train yourself to save money instead of spend it. 

BUY USED

When you need something you don’t have, think about whether you could buy it used.

This doesn’t have to mean going to your local consignment store, although of course that is a great resource.

You can find a quality used version of just about everything these days on a wonderful place called the internet.

Websites like Poshmark allow other people to list and sell their gently used high-quality items for reasonable prices.

Facebook Marketplace is another great resource. You can find just about anything you could possibly want listed on there.

You can also buy used on Amazon. When you’re looking at an item, check below the main price for it to say “new & used from”. Click that link and it will send you to the listing of the used versions of that item.

There are so many ways to buy used. However you do it, just start thinking beyond brand-new. 

CARPOOL

Driving to your usual places each day costs you money. Mostly in the gas that it takes but also in wear and tear on your car.

Depending on your commute, you may also be paying money in tolls.

Find a coworker who lives near by and start see if they’d be interested in carpooling.

Even if they don’t care about saving money, they may still be interested just because they would love not to have to drive to work every day.

Think about it. Wouldn’t you rather be on your phone than driving? For most of us, that’s an easy yes.

This works for kid’s activities too. Start switching off with another parent and gain back some time and some money in driving costs.

USE SOME COUPONS

You do not need to be an extreme couponer to save money with coupons.

Personally, I am not extreme about it in the least.

Instead, I strategically use a few coupons to make a big impact.

For some super simple ways to incorporate coupons into your shopping, read my easy couponing strategy here. 

GET CASH BACK

Any time you shop online you should be getting cash back through Ebates. They literally send you a check in the mail.

And it’s easy.

Just sign up here and go to the Ebates website and click through their website to go to the website you wanted to shop at.

Like I said, it’s easy.

And as simple as it sounds, this cash back can really add up! My last Big Fat Check (cute name, right?) was for over $200!

Here’s a post with all the details of exactly how Ebates works and how to get the most cash back.

ENJOY YOUR HOME

This may not seem obviously connected to saving money, but it totally is.

When you’re in love with your surroundings, you’re so much less likely to go out and spend money for an escape.

Consider the small things you could change that would help you to love your home more. Here are some examples:

• Start making your bed so you don’t feel bad every time you look in your room.
• Turn your desk so it faces a window instead of a blank wall.
• Paint your kitchen to be a color you enjoy instead of the ugly orange color it is right now. (True story, my kitchen used to be orange.)

Walk through your home and make a list of simple things you could change to make it more enjoyable.

Bonus tip: Create an outdoor space that you love too. Whether it’s a corner of your backyard of a little patio area – make it yours.

 

WAIT BEFORE MAKING A BIG PURCHASE

Have something big in mind that you absolutely need?

Wait for it.

Instead of rushing out to purchase big ticket items right away, give yourself (and your spouse!) some time to talk it over and sleep on it.

How long? 30 days seems to be the right amount of time.

You may be surprised to find that 30 days later you don’t actually need that item at all.

Maybe you found something else you could use in its place. Or maybe you found a less expensive version of the item.

Either way, you’re giving yourself time to save up for it.

If you do still need whatever it is, you can buy it confidently, knowing that you absolutely need it.

FRUGAL BEGINNINGS

Alright, you’re ready. Now it’s time to start saving.

You don’t need to dive right into extreme frugality. Instead, start with the tips in this beginner’s guide to being frugal and gain momentum as you go.

Start by evaluating your expenses and find places where you can cut back. Shop less and stick to a grocery budget when you shop for food.

Fix broken items before buying something new. And when that doesn’t work, buy used. Make it a rule to wait 30 days before purchasing big ticket items.

Consider carpooling to save money and time. Shop smart by using some coupons and getting cash back. Enjoy your home so you want to be there more.

It’s really not that hard, my friend. You just have to get started.

I know you can do it.

Psst… Want to save even more? Hop on my email list here. It’s my favorite place to give you money saving tips and insights that I just don’t share anywhere else. Plus you’ll get lots of free financial tools just for signing up.

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Keep reading. Here are some of my best posts:

7 Frugal Habits that will Save you Thousands

3 Tips to cut your Electric Bill in Half

39 Surefire Strategies to cut your Expenses Fast

5 Easy ways Moms can get Free Baby Stuff

How to Set and Stick to a Grocery Budget