How to Be Frugal in Everyday Life (Without Feeling Deprived)
I used to think frugal living meant reusing tea bags three times and cutting dryer sheets in half (which, by the way, I still do – because why not?). But as life has humbled me in more ways than I can count, I’ve realized frugality isn’t about feeling deprived. It’s about choosing what matters, getting creative, and finding a sense of pride in living wisely.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Here are some real-life, slightly unconventional ways I practice frugality these days – without feeling like I’m punishing myself.
1. Keep a Good Stock Inventory (and Get Creative with Leftovers)
One of the simplest ways I stay frugal is by actually knowing what I already have. I keep a mental (sometimes written) inventory of what’s in my fridge and pantry. Before grocery shopping, I do a quick check – what’s about to go soft, wilt, or sprout eyes?
At the end of each week, instead of letting those bits go to waste, I have fun with them. Fried rice is my favorite catch-all meal – leftover rice, scrap veggies, random protein bits – they all get tossed in the pan with garlic, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Suddenly, it feels intentional rather than desperate.
Meal prepping also keeps my grocery list focused on what’s truly necessary. As someone living in a one-person household, I’ve learned the hard way that if I’m not careful, fresh foods become compost before I remember they exist. Checking your fridge before shopping and planning meals around what you already have saves money, reduces waste, and turns cooking into a little creative game each week.
2. Wash Less Often (Hear Me Out)
Not everything needs to go straight into the laundry basket after one wear. For clothes that aren’t soiled with sweat or carrying any stingy odors, I simply hang them out in the sun for a bit. Fresh air and sunlight do wonders – they lift out light smells, dry out any moisture, and give me another wear or two before washing.
I do the same with heavy jackets and blankets. Instead of tossing them in the washer every time, I hang them outside on a sunny day to air out. Sometimes, I give them a good slap or shake with a stick to get the dust out – a trick I learned from my grandmother. It freshens them up, saves water and electricity, and makes laundry day feel far less overwhelming.
3. Shop Where Chefs Shop (and Explore Chinatown)
If you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget, here’s something that’s worked wonders for me: skip the big name stores once in a while and check out your local Chinatown. I live downtown, and the Chinatown nearby has produce prices that blow Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s out of the water – plus everything is fresh and turns over fast.
Another tip? Look for grocery markets that cater to restaurants. Their prices are often lower than regular grocery stores because they sell in larger volumes, and most welcome regular folks, not just restaurant owners. No membership fees like Costco, either.
Yes, the portions can be bigger – but that’s where the fun comes in. I shop with my friends or neighbors and split large bags of produce, meat, fish, or rice. We all save money, nothing goes to waste, and it feels like a little community co-op moment each week. Frugal living at its finest.
4. Declutter to “Shop Your House” (Then Go Treasure Hunting)
Whenever I feel tempted to buy a new decor piece or storage basket, I start by decluttering first. Nine times out of ten, I find something tucked away that scratches the same itch. A basket in the back of the closet becomes a plant holder. A scarf draped over a lamp adds instant cozy. Sometimes just rearranging what I already have makes everything feel fresh again.
But if, after shopping your own house, you still feel like something’s missing, go on a little treasure hunt at Goodwill or your local thrift shop. It’s like a fun adventure – you never know what gems you’ll find. Maybe a beautiful vase for $3 or the perfect throw pillow to brighten your reading chair. The thrill of the find is half the joy, and your wallet stays happy too.
And here’s a little ritual of mine: anything I bring home from Goodwill or a thrift shop, I sage before bringing it fully into my space. It’s just my way of cleansing its energy and starting fresh, making sure it feels like mine before it settles into my home.
5. Budgeting Shapes Everything
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about frugal living, it’s this: budgeting is the foundation. You can cut coupons and shop sales all day, but if you don’t know where your money is actually going, it’s like pouring water into a bucket with holes.
Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. For me, it’s simply knowing what I’m spending, where it’s going, and why. When you see your spending habits clearly, you can decide what to cut back on, what to add, and how to adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
In many ways, budgeting has shaped my life more than any single frugal trick. It gives me a sense of control, confidence, and calm knowing my choices align with what matters most. Frugality isn’t just about saving money – it’s about creating a life that feels intentional and grounded.
Frugal living isn’t about depriving yourself of joy or comfort. It’s about being intentional with what you have, finding creativity in the everyday, and choosing where your money goes so it truly serves your life.
Some days, frugality looks like cooking a creative fried rice from scraps. Other days, it’s splitting a giant bag of onions with a neighbor, or sun-drying your favorite cardigan to save on laundry. Small choices add up to something bigger—a life that feels more grounded, less wasteful, and a little more free.
If you have your own quirky or practical frugal living tips, I’d love to hear them. Share them in the comments below so we can all learn from each other. After all, this journey is easier – and a lot more fun – when we walk it together.
– Susanne A.
Real life, real experiences. Share your wisdom, your wins, or even the mess — because life after 50 is worth talking about.
