70 Extreme Money Saving Tips for Frugal Living

My friends all know me as the “frugal girl.” I’m the one they ask for a better deal, where to find deals, and what they should do when borrowing money.

Living a frugal lifestyle isn’t about being cheap on everything. It’s about making smart choices when it comes to money. As a couple, we think about every financial decision, and it’s led us to a 100% debt-free life, including NO MORTGAGE! Two years ago, we were able to buy an investment property and are on track to retire early.

If you are curious about a frugal life and wondering what you can cut back on, I’ve compiled a huge list of extreme money-saving tips. No, I didn’t do all of these, and some I will never cross the line and do, but they sure do get you thinking outside the box.

No shame in being frugal; many of us live our best life on a budget!

Warning: This is a quick list article with extreme ideas.

Food and Groceries

1. Dumpster dive for food (safely and legally)
2. Forage for edible plants in your area
3. Grow your own vegetables and fruits- How to start a garden here
4. Raise chickens for eggs (if allowed in your area)- How to raise chickens here
5. Buy only reduced price or “ugly” produce- Try the flashfood app
6. Eat one meal a day (OMAD diet)
7. Practice freeganism – only eat free food
8. Make your own bread, yogurt, and other staples
9. Buy in bulk and repackage into smaller portions
10. Use food banks and community meals when necessary

Housing and Utilities

11. Live in a tiny house or converted van
12. Housesit or petsit for free accommodation
13. Implement extreme energy-saving measures (e.g., no heat, minimal electricity use)
14. Collect rainwater for non-potable uses
15. Use a composting toilet to save on water bills
16. Share housing with multiple roommates
17. Live off-grid in a self-sufficient homestead
18. Insulate your home with repurposed materials
19. Use solar power exclusively
20. Negotiate all your bills annually

Transportation

21. Sell your car and use only a bicycle
22. Walk everywhere, regardless of distance
23. Hitchhike for long-distance travel (where legal and safe)
24. Use public transportation exclusively
25. Carpool or rideshare for all trips
26. Learn basic car maintenance to avoid mechanic fees
27. Buy used vehicles and parts only
28. Hypermile to maximize fuel efficiency
29. Use an electric bike for longer commutes
30. Participate in medical studies that provide transportation

Clothing and Personal Care

31. Only buy secondhand clothing
32. Learn to mend and alter your own clothes
33. Make your own cleaning and personal care products
34. Cut your own hair
35. Use reusable cloth for toilet paper
36. Practice “no-poo” hair care (no shampoo)
37. Use a safety razor with replaceable blades
38. Make your own laundry detergent
39. Wear clothes multiple times before washing
40. Use natural alternatives for feminine hygiene products

Entertainment and Luxuries

41. Cancel all subscriptions and streaming services
42. Use only free entertainment (libraries, parks, free events)
43. Barter skills for experiences or goods
44. Make your own gifts for all occasions
45. Use free Wi-Fi instead of paying for internet
46. Attend community college classes for free as an auditor
47. Volunteer for organizations that provide free meals or experiences
48. Participate in product testing for free items
49. Use only free apps and software
50. Create a neighborhood tool and equipment sharing program

Financial Strategies

51. Bank hop for new account bonuses
52. Invest in dividend-paying stocks for passive income
53. Use credit card rewards for all purchases
54. Participate in medical trials for extra income
55. Sell plasma regularly
56. Do odd jobs and gig work in spare time
57. Rent out any unused space in your home
58. Flip free items from Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
59. Extreme couponing for all purchases
60. Negotiate a remote work arrangement to save on commuting costs

Miscellaneous

61. Make your own pet food
62. Use a library internet connection instead of home internet
63. Collect cans and bottles for recycling money
64. Attend timeshare presentations for free gifts (without buying)
65. Use cloth diapers and wipes for babies
66. Repurpose grey water for gardening
67. Make your own furniture from pallets or reclaimed wood
68. Use public restrooms to save on water and toilet paper at home
69. Unplug all appliances when not in use
70. Live a minimalist lifestyle, owning only essential items

Your turn, let’s hear, which ones will you try and which ones are you shaking your head saving yeah never?