These days everyone seems to be embracing a budget mindset, and John and I are no exception. We’ve always leaned toward frugality—sharing an appetizer and an entrée at a nicer restaurant or clipping coupons for routine expenses—but now more than ever it matters to stretch every dollar. Over the years we’ve developed a collection of practical habits that add up. Here are the ways we save money without sacrificing comfort or style:
1. I cut John’s hair. I started doing this years ago when we began dating. It began as a simple favor and turned into a reliable routine: a quick trim with inexpensive scissors from the drugstore. No electric clippers required. He consistently gets compliments on his cuts, which is a win for both of us. Estimated annual savings: $140.
2. We only own one car. This arrangement works for us because I work from home and I spent many years living in the city without a car. Owning a single vehicle lowers our costs for gas, insurance, maintenance, and parking. We also bought our used Maxima outright, so there’s no monthly car payment. Estimated annual savings: $1,000–$2,000+
3. We use Netflix and home entertainment heavily. We still go to the movies occasionally, but most weekends we stay home and watch DVDs or streaming content. Renting full seasons of premium shows lets us enjoy high-quality programming without subscribing to every premium channel. We also rent yoga videos and practice at home several times a week—much cheaper than studio classes. Estimated annual savings: at least $300.
4. We buy plants with guarantees. We get most of our shrubs, perennials, and houseplants from big-box stores that offer a one-year guarantee. If a plant dies quickly, we return it and get a replacement or refund. This reduces the risk of losing money on greenery. Estimated annual savings: about $80.
5. We pay every bill online. Paying bills electronically reduces the chance of mail-based identity theft and saves money on stamps and envelopes. It’s also better for the environment. Estimated annual savings: around $40 in postage alone.
6. We maintain a zero credit balance. Except for our mortgage, we carry no revolving debt. We pay our credit card balances in full each month to avoid interest charges. It’s a conscious choice to avoid paying unnecessary fees. Estimated annual savings: $300 and up, depending on avoided interest.
7. We rarely pay full price for home décor. Our home is furnished with timeless, neutral pieces, but most items were bought on sale, at discount retailers, or secondhand. We shop at places like Target, HomeGoods, West Elm on clearance, Ikea, Lowe’s, thrift stores, and garage sales, and we accept hand-me-downs too. This approach lets us create a cohesive look without overspending. Estimated annual savings: $1,000+
8. We shop smart for clothing. John prefers brands like J.Crew and Banana Republic, but he waits for sales or shops outlet and discount stores. I buy shoes and dresses at places that offer quality for less, like DSW and Marshalls, and grab staples on sale at mainstream retailers. The thrill of a great find is part of the fun. Estimated annual savings: $300+
9. We bring reusable fabric bags to the grocery store. Our store offers a small credit per bag, and using reusable bags reduces plastic waste. It’s a modest saving but a good habit for the environment and the wallet.
10. We buy basics in bulk at Costco. Buying pantry staples in larger quantities lowers the per-unit cost—cereal, pasta, and other nonperishables last us months. We also benefit from a discounted membership through John’s workplace, which makes the annual fee negligible compared with the savings. Estimated annual savings: about $125.
11. We shop for groceries less often. We limit store trips to curb impulse buying and avoid accumulating unused items in the pantry. Fewer trips mean fewer unplanned purchases and less food waste. Estimated annual savings: $200.
12. We host an annual garage sale. It’s a productive way to recycle items we no longer need and earn extra cash. Last year we made a nice sum in a single morning. Estimated annual earnings: $425.
13. We’re careful with the thermostat. In winter we keep the house around 69°F when we’re home and lower it to about 63°F when we’re away or sleeping. In summer we set it to approximately 74°F during the day and 79°F when we’re out or asleep. Our programmable thermostat keeps the house comfortable when we need it and saves on energy the rest of the time. Estimated annual savings: $200.
14. We swap magazines and use the library. My friends and I share subscriptions so everyone reads more for less. We also borrow books from the library instead of buying titles we’ll read once. Occasional low-cost treats at a café let us enjoy a relaxed outing without overspending. Estimated annual savings: $80.
15. We live frugally by habit. We hunt for sales, use coupon codes, make drinks at home instead of buying them out, shop Craigslist and Freecycle, and keep an eye out for store discounts. Growing up in families that valued thrift helped shape our approach, and sticking to those principles has paid off.
All together, these habits add up. When we total our estimated annual savings, it amounts to several thousand dollars—a meaningful boost to our finances that helps me run this blog full-time and keeps our household stable. How about you? What money-saving tips do you use?