21 Frugal Hacks That Will Save You Money
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Are you looking for ways to save money? Here are 21 frugal hacks that will increase your savings over time.
Why waste money when you can save with these easy tips?
I use them all the time – I hope they help you too!
1. Save Water with a Tap Spray Head (You can Save up to 15L / Min)
My first Frugal Hack will make you feel good knowing that you are saving water and preserving the planet.
Did you know that by attaching an inexpensive spray head like this to your kitchen or bathroom taps, you can save up to 15 liters of water per minute? That is a lot of water!
2. Use a Rubber Band to Use Less Dishwashing Liquid
Squishing down the top of a bottle is satisfying, but it also dispenses loads of product you probably don’t need.
Take dishwashing liquid for example – we all know that a tiny drop goes a long way.
To limit the amount dispensed, wrap a rubber band around the neck of the pump. This simple hack reduces the amount of liquid released, while still giving you enough to do the dishes.
(Sorry, this hack was not meant to STOP you from doing the dishes!)
3. Use Nutshells to Light the Fire
Instead of buying expensive fire starters, why not use nutshells? Next time you prepare nuts for baking or salads, don’t throw away the shells.
After drying them out, they make cost-effective, eco-friendly fire starters that burn longer than chemical alternatives.
4. Make a Scourer Sponge from a Mesh Bag
Here is another frugal hack to save money in the kitchen.
1 – Don’t toss out your old sponges
2 – Separate the mesh bags from any labels or cardboard that come with your fruit and vegetable packaging
3 – Wrap the sponge in the mesh bag and secure it with a rubber band
You instantly boost the scrubbing power of the sponge and save money buying scourers.
5. Make your Own Granola
Granola is a delicious and healthy way to start the day, but store-bought options can be pricey. I save money by making my own Granola at home.
You need:
- 250g oat flakes
- 25g almonds
- 25g hazelnuts
- 20g sunflower seeds
- 20g dehydrated grapes
- 20g walnuts
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons corn oil
- 65g agave syrup
- 65g honey
- A few tablespoons of water
Place all these ingredients onto a baking tray, mix with a spoon, and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Cool and enjoy!
6. Make your Own Fabric Softener with: ½ L of Hot Water, 1 Cup of Baking Soda, ½ Cup of Vinegar, and Essential Oils
You may decide to save on fabric softener by not buying it, but you won’t enjoy wearing clothes that feel like sandpaper!
Use this frugal hack to make fabric softener at home.
You need –
½ Liter of Hot Water
1 Cup of Baking Soda
½ Cup of Vinegar
A few drops of aromatic Essential Oil
Place them all into a plastic bottle, shake to mix, and you are done!
7. Make Breadcrumbs from Dried Out Bread Instead of Throwing it Away
Don’t throw away dried out bread – you can turn it into tasty breadcrumbs for baking, desserts, and crispy toppings.
Cut up dried bread into chunky pieces, place them in a blender, and blitz for 30 seconds! No need to spend money on buying breadcrumbs.
8. Use Grocery Bags as Waste Bags
I use this frugal hack all the time! Instead of buying waste bags, I repurpose my grocery bags as liners for my bin.
It’s an easy way to save money and also reduce plastic waste.
9. Use Eggshells as Fertilizer
When I was told about this hack, I had to do some research!
I discovered that eggshells contain high amounts of calcium carbonate and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. These are all needed for growing healthy plants.
Wash your eggshells, break them up into small bits, and add them to the soil around your pot plants.
10. Cut up Old Pillowcases to Make Dusting Cloths
Don’t throw away old, ragged pillowcases!
You can extend their life by cutting them up and using them as dusting, mopping, and wiping cloths. And, you save money by not buying cloths from the store.
If you need to buy new pillowcases, these stunning natural silk pillowcases come in a choice of 20 different colors to match any bedroom décor theme.
11. Grow your Herbs
Try your hand at indoor gardening and grow your herbs! You will save money, gain joy from nurturing your plants, and enjoy fresh flavors in your cooking.
Inexpensive plastic pots like these filled with some rich potting soil will get you started.
12. Use Baking Paper to Polish Faucets
Using baking paper to polish faucets instead of grimy cloths is a great frugal hack.
The waxy coating helps to remove water spots and fingerprints, leaving it shiny and streak-free. You save money on buying polish and also avoid the use of harsh chemicals.
Inexpensive baking paper like this is ideal for polishing faucets, and for baking those scrumptious scones!
13. Make an Air Freshener with Baking Soda and Essential Oils
My next frugal hack is a breath of fresh air! Simply mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil to create your own air freshener.
Baking soda is a powerful odor absorber, while essential oils provide a pleasant scent. Choose your favorite scent from a set of essentials oils like these.
14. Unplug your Power Strips
You may not be using devices or appliances, but those little orange lights that gleam on your power strips do consume electricity.
Unplug your power strips when not in use to reduce your utility bills and save energy.
15. Work out at Home or Outdoors
Gym memberships cost loads of money! And, TBH, it’s hard not to feel guilty when you skip a session.
Plan your workouts at home using free online workout sessions. You can do it in your own time, and you don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership.
16. Get Creative with Leftovers
Get creative with leftovers by turning them into new, delicious meals. Something as simple as leftover mushrooms, an egg, and some flour can be turned into a scrumptious breakfast!
Find ideas online or buy this innovative book on Easy, Quick, Delicious Recipes with Leftovers.
17. Make Hand Scrub with 1 Cup of Sugar and ½ Coconut Oil
After discovering this frugal hack, I no longer buy hand scrub from the store!
Simply mix 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup of coconut oil. The sugar acts as a gentle exfoliator, removing dead skin cells, while the coconut oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
18. Turn the Heating Down by Two Degrees
Reducing your heating by just two degrees won’t make a noticeable difference to your level of comfort.
But, it will save energy, as well as save money on your utility bill, and contribute to a greener future.
19. Keep Coins in the Piggy Bank
Teach kids the power of saving and building wealth, one coin at a time. It is amazing how small coins add up over time!
Drop your coins into a cute piggy bank like this and you will soon save enough for a special purchase or increase your rainy day fund.
20. Use Passive Cooking
Do you know that cooktops retain heat for a long time after the power has been turned off? This smart frugal tip makes use of that!
Heat your pots and pans as required, then reduce the heat setting to zero and allow the cooking to continue using residual heat! It works and saves money.
21. Buy Whole Vegetables and Fruit
Why pay more for chopped vegetables and fruit when you can chop them yourself?
Next time you shop, compare prices – whole veggies and fruits are far cheaper than chopped varieties. Get chopping and save!