The Travels Blog

How To Save More Money Each Month And How To Live More Frugal

Want to learn how to save more money this month? As the cost of living continues to rise, learning how to make your money stretch further has never been more important. Living frugally isn’t about being stingy or depriving yourself – it’s about being smart, resourceful, and intentional with every penny you spend.

Frugal living is about getting more value out of what you already have and finding creative ways to save without sacrificing your quality of life.

You don’t need to live on rice and beans or give up your favourite treats. You simply need a plan that makes your money work harder for you.

Whether you want to save for a big goal, pay off debt, or simply build a little financial breathing room, these 35 frugal living ideas can help you keep more money in your pocket every single month.

---

What Does Frugal Living Actually Mean?

Frugal living is the practice of being intentional with how you spend and manage your money. It’s not about cutting out joy or refusing to spend it’s about spending smarter.

For example, you might still enjoy a takeaway coffee, but you choose to make it at home most days and save the café visit for special occasions. You might love holidays, but you travel off-season or use flight comparison tools to find cheaper deals.

Frugal living looks different for everyone, but the end goal is the same: living well while spending less.

---

How Much Can You Save by Living Frugally?

That depends entirely on your habits and lifestyle. Some people save a few hundred pounds a year just by being more mindful of bills and subscriptions. Others save thousands by budgeting, cooking at home, and reducing unnecessary spending.

Even saving £50–£100 a month adds up over time that’s £600–£1,200 a year that could go toward an emergency fund, a trip, or paying off debt.

Small, consistent changes make the biggest difference.

---

35 Frugal Living Ideas You Can Start Today

1. Create a Realistic Budget

Start by tracking every expense for a month. Identify where your money is going and decide what can be reduced or removed. A solid budget gives you control and direction, helping you see where your money leaks are.

2. Plan and Prep Meals

Meal planning prevents last-minute takeaways and food waste. Write down what you’ll eat for the week, shop with a list, and prep ingredients in advance.

Try using shopium to see what offers are around your local stores!

3. Take Stock Before You Shop

Before grocery shopping, check what’s already in your pantry and freezer. You’ll be surprised how many meals you can make with what you already have.

4. Buy in Bulk

Bulk-buying essentials like rice, pasta, and toiletries can save you a fortune. Look for warehouse stores or online deals that offer discounts for larger quantities.

Go for things such as Easy Cooking 5KG bulk rice or a value bulk pack of 72 toilet rolls

5. Grow Your Own Food

Even if you don’t have a garden, you can grow herbs, salad leaves, or tomatoes on a sunny windowsill. Fresh produce at your fingertips saves money and tastes better.

Gift Republic Self Watering House Herb Grow Kit Basil Rosemary Thyme Parsley Seeds Kitchen Garden Gift

Set of 3: Indoor Herb Garden in Jars Rustic Grow Your Own Kit – Herb Planter and Gifts (Mint, Basil, Coriander)

6. Learn to Cook Simple Meals

Cooking from scratch is one of the most powerful ways to save. Focus on easy, budget-friendly recipes – soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, and stir-fries.

7. Bake Your Own Bread

Making your own bread might sound like a luxury, but it’s cheap, fun, and can save money long-term. Plus, homemade loaves taste far better than most store-bought versions.

8. Freeze Leftovers

Don’t throw away extra portions — freeze them for another day. Batch-cooking and freezing meals is an easy way to avoid waste and save on future dinners.

9. Make Coffee at Home

Buying a daily coffee adds up quickly. Make your own at home, invest in a good reusable cup, and bring it with you when you go out.

10. Use Cashback and Reward Apps

Sign up for cashback sites or apps that give you money back when you shop online. It’s one of the easiest, passive ways to save extra money.

My favourite to use is Topcashback

11. Check for Cheaper Energy Providers

Compare gas, electric, and broadband prices at least once a year. You can often save hundreds by switching to a more competitive deal.

12. Air-Dry Your Clothes

Tumble dryers are energy-hungry. Whenever possible, hang clothes outside or use an indoor airer instead of running the dryer.

13. Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Household cleaners can be expensive. Simple ingredients like bulk vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can clean just as effectively at a fraction of the cost.

14. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Go through your monthly subscriptions – streaming services, apps, memberships — and cancel anything you’re not actively using.

15. Borrow or Buy Second-Hand

Before buying something new, check local charity shops, online marketplaces, or community swap groups. You can often find what you need at a fraction of the price.

16. Sell Unused Items

Decluttering can put extra cash in your pocket. Sell old electronics, clothes, or books on resale platforms.

17. Walk or Cycle Instead of Driving

If your destination is nearby, skip the car or public transport. Walking or cycling saves fuel, gym fees, and boosts your health.

18. Negotiate Your Bills

Call your service providers — phone, insurance, TV — and ask if they can offer a better rate. Companies often have retention offers for customers who ask.

19. Avoid Impulse Purchases

When you see something you want, wait 24 hours before buying. Most of the time, you’ll lose interest, saving yourself money on things you don’t really need.

20. Shop Seasonal Produce

Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is cheaper and fresher. Local markets are often less expensive than supermarkets too.

21. Cook Once, Eat Twice

Double your recipes and save the extras for another day. Cooking once for two meals saves time and energy costs.

22. Travel Off-Peak

Avoid traveling during holidays or peak season. You’ll get cheaper flights, hotels, and attractions — often with fewer crowds.

23. Use Public Libraries

Libraries now offer far more than books — free access to films, audiobooks, e-magazines, and even workshops. They’re a free entertainment resource many overlook.

24. Repair, Don’t Replace

Fix broken items instead of immediately buying new ones. YouTube is full of tutorials for basic repairs — from clothing to small appliances.

25. Re-Dye Old Clothes

Faded clothes can look brand new with fabric dye. A simple refresh can extend the life of your wardrobe for pennies.

26. DIY Gifts

Homemade gifts like candles, baked goods, or photo frames are personal and thoughtful — and save a lot of money during birthdays or holidays.

27. Use a Free Budgeting App

Track spending automatically with free apps that categorise your expenses and show where you can save each month.

28. Automate Your Savings

Set up a direct debit into your savings account the day you get paid. Treat savings like a non-negotiable bill.

29. Focus on Debt Repayment

Paying off high-interest debts first frees up more of your income. Once they’re cleared, redirect that money toward savings or investments.

30. Improve Home Insulation

Proper insulation and draft-proofing can drastically cut heating bills. Simple fixes like window seals and door stoppers make a big difference.

31. Find Free Local Events

Entertainment doesn’t have to cost money. Many towns host free outdoor cinemas, museum days, or festivals — check community listings.

32. Take Packed Lunches to Work

Buying lunch out can easily cost £5–£10 per day. Pack your own meals and snacks instead — it’s healthier and much cheaper.

33. Share Subscriptions with Family

Streaming services often allow multiple profiles. Share with family or friends and split the cost fairly.

34. DIY Beauty and Self-Care

You don’t need salon prices to feel good. Try at-home hair masks, nail care, and skincare using affordable or homemade products.

35. Decide What You Can Live Without

Sometimes frugal living means asking what truly adds value to your life. Be honest about what’s essential and what’s simply habit. Cutting out even one unnecessary expense can lead to long-term savings.

---

Frugal Living FAQs

Is being frugal the same as being cheap?

No. Being frugal means getting the best value for your money — not avoiding spending altogether. It’s about prioritising what matters and finding smarter ways to afford it.

How can I stay motivated to live frugally?

Set a clear goal — like paying off debt, saving for a trip, or building an emergency fund. Track your progress monthly and celebrate small wins.

What’s the easiest way to start living frugally?

Start by budgeting and tracking your spending for 30 days. Once you know where your money goes, you can make informed adjustments that lead to big results.

---

Final Thoughts

Frugal living isn’t about restriction — it’s about freedom. When you learn to control your money rather than letting it control you, you open the door to financial stability, independence, and peace of mind.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Start small: cook more meals at home, review your subscriptions, and plan your spending. Each mindful choice compounds over time, leading to genuine financial change.

Remember: every penny truly counts, and the smartest way to save is to live intentionally — not impulsively.

Stay up to date with other articles:

More Articles

Restaurants
Squaremeal – Earn 300 Points on sign up!
San Carlo Fumo Manchester Restaurant Review
Ash Tree Farm Cavery Review
The Alchemist Brunch

FIND OUT HOW TO

How To Save money
How To Make money online
Manage money
How To Eat cheap

Check out more articles and more ways to learn how to earn money online!

Survey App Reviews & Recommendations

Banking Apps – Save & Earn!

How To Earn Articles

Earn money online through your phone, laptop, or iPad/tablet!

These are low-effort strategies where you can sign up and start referring from today!

Earn £30+ Just By Signing Up To The Below:

Disclaimers: All reviews on this site reflect my own experiences, tastes, and opinions. They are honest, unbiased, and intended as constructive feedback – not slander or defamation to brands. My goal is to support businesses while holding them accountable to fair standards of service, quality ingredients, and fair wages for all. For full details, please see my [Disclaimer Page].

Journalism Disclaimer: All articles are written independently with curiosity and integrity. As a self-published journalist, I share information and reviews based on my own research, experiences, and observations. Content reflects my honest perspective and is not intended as defamation. For full details, please see my [Disclaimer Page].

Keep up to date with the latest from Thetravelsblog

•