This Blog Post is all about The Best Frugal Living Tips for 2023.
Living frugally is a way of life where you are being prudent and sparing. Frugal living does not mean you must live off the grid and dig holes to use the restroom. It’s a simple and minimal lifestyle. Implementing a frugal lifestyle can significantly decrease your financial stress and give you and your significant other the freedom to do other things or pay off debts.
Being a stay-at-home wife or momma in this economy can be scary. For one, the prices of every little thing have gone up tremendously. Up to the point where living off of one income is questionable. But by applying some frugality into your life, it is possible to continue being a homemaker and living off one income.
In this blog post, I share 9 Frugal Living Tips Everyone Should Implement in Their Life!
Frugal Living Tips for Homemakers in 2023
Gardening & Canning
Groceries are one of the few items you will forever need, no matter the price. Groceries are also one of the biggest weekly or monthly expenses (depending on how often you buy groceries).
One way to live more frugally regarding groceries is by gardening and canning. Of course, there is an upfront investment when you start your garden or the canning process. But you can often find canning items at your local thrift store or see if your grandparents want to get rid of theirs (; The best way to save money when you start your garden is by sowing your seed inground if possible. This will eliminate your spending on raised garden beds and soil. Gardening takes time and work, but the quality of the food you put on your table and the process is gratifying.
One of the best books I recommend when starting your canning journey is “Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving.”
Butchering Your Own or Bought Animals
Butchering your own animals, such as beef, chicken, or pig, is another area where there is an upfront investment, BUT the quality and the amount of meat you will be getting is WORTH the cost. You can also split the expense and animal in half with another family member, making it way more affordable.
Find some local farmers or ranchers near your area and ask if you can buy a cow, chicken, pig, etc.; they will more than likely sell you one.
Make Your Foods From Scratch
Making your food from scratch is one of the most common ways to be more frugal. 85.7% of your weekly meals should be made from scratch. That is six out of the seven days you should eat at home (Everyone needs at least one day away from the kitchen;) For one, it’s excellent for your health. Two, it’s great for your wallet.
In all seriousness, though, it’s really good for your health to eat at home instead of going out. You know all the ingredients in your food, and you’ll be able to nourish your body how you want to.
Making your staple foods from scratch can be anything from pasta, sauces, cookies, cakes, soups, butter & buttermilk, bread, and anything!
Do it or Fix it Yourself.
There are many simple fixes or projects around the house that you can do on your own. All the information you need is either a Google search away or in a few YouTube videos. Hiring outside help can be very costly, and the problem is often an easy fix! There are also many DIY projects that you can do yourself instead of having it made or buying it.
Another benefit to doing it yourself is gaining experience and knowledge; the more you know, the better.
You are capable of doing anything and everything you set your mind to.
Reduce your one-time-use items.
The convenience of using one-time-use items is really nice. But it’s not so great for the environment or your wallet. There are many simple ways to replace your one-time-use items with items that will last longer.
To name a few…
Going from Napkins to Microfiber towels or Kitchen Towels.
Most Cleaning Products to Vinegar, baking soda, and soap.
Plastic sandwich bags to Glass Containers or reusable bags.
From Downy Unstoppable Beads to using none (you don’t need it).
From plastic food wrap to beeswax food wraps
From plastic spoons, forks, and knives to reusable bamboo/ stainless steel or regular utensils.
Think Before You Buy
You can get rid of 75% of your belongings and still live a more comfortable life than most! This entails that what you think you “need” isn’t necessarily a necessity but a want. Before you go out and buy something because you “need it,” give yourself a week. If, within that time period, you’re still thinking about it, then go through your finances and see if it’s worth it. If you instantly forget about it once you step out the door or close your amazon app, it wasn’t a necessary purchase.
Learn to Live with Less
You do not need the fanciest gadget, the newest vehicle, the biggest house on the block, or the newest appliances. But, as mentioned above, even if you only have 25% of the items you own right now, you wouldn’t be missing out on much.
One way to teach yourself to live with less is by buying less and not being easily influenced by social media or advertisements. Learning to be happy and content with what you have and not comparing your home or items to those online.
Never Buy Anything Full Price
Coupons! Coupons! Coupons! They are an integral part of frugal living. Nothing is worth the full price. EVER. If companies can have 30%, 40%, or even 50% sales, then the item was never worth the original price.
You can find coupons or promotions online or at the bottom of many websites. If they do not have a promotion or coupon at the moment, then wait until they do. Another thing you can do is ask the person if they have any available coupons. The worst thing they can say is “no.”
As embarrassed as I would get when my parents would negotiate with people, I now understand that saving 20, 40, or even 100 dollars here and there is the best feeling ever. Negotiate, especially if you buy from the Facebook marketplace or at your local tire shop. Honestly, anywhere negotiate the price.
Don’t Follow Trends
Trends go in and out quicker than the Chic-Fil-A drive-thru lane! It is not worth putting your money into trends, whether that is with clothing, makeup, home decor, eating habits, etc.; instead, find staple items that can go with anything and everything. Decorate your home the way YOU want to, whether that’s a Scandinavian look, Traditional, Cottage, Modern, or Industrial style. Eat the way you want, whether that’s a carnivore diet or vegan. Don’t fall into trends because they will empty your wallet and life satisfaction!
Conclusion: Frugal Living
A frugal lifestyle will give you peace of mind and help you financially. It takes time to develop the mindset of buying or needing less. But in the end, it is all worth it. You won’t be looking for the next best thing; instead, you’ll search for that home-cooked meal and a place to sit peacefully. You won’t be sitting down stressed or picking up extra shifts to accommodate your excessive spending.
