Let’s be honest: When you first hear the phrase “frugal living,” what pops into your head? For most people, it’s probably some mashup of extreme couponers on reality TV, people reusing teabags, or someone sporting socks with more holes than thread. Trust me, I get it. “Frugal” used to sound like a life sentence in the land of bland, a place where joy went to wither and die next to a pile of outdated receipts.

But what if I told you that frugal living doesn’t have to mean deprivation—or eating instant noodles every night? In fact, since embracing frugality, I’ve actually had more fun, more peace of mind, and (you guessed it) a lot more money. Turns out, being frugal isn’t about saying “no” to everything; it’s about saying a smarter “yes” and leaving your old, overspending self in the dust.

So, if you want to stretch your dollars, enjoy life, and still have stories to tell that don’t involve heated debates about the best ramen flavour, you’re in the right place. Here’s how I became a savings ninja—with zero cardboard meals required—and my favourite frugal living and money hacks anyone can try.

The Frugal Mindset: Not Cheap, Just Smart

First things first: There’s a big difference between being frugal and being cheap. Cheap is skipping your friend’s birthday dinner and showing up with a coupon for free breadsticks. Frugal is picking a fun (but budget-friendly) activity and maybe sharing a homemade dessert instead.

My journey started not out of trendiness but out of necessity. Debt is a fantastic motivator, and so is the realization that, “Wow, I make decent money, but somehow my wallet is emptier than my fridge before payday.” I realized I didn’t need more income—I needed better habits.

The key? Frugality isn’t about cutting joy. It’s about trimming the fat from the stuff you don’t really care about, so you can spend freely on what actually matters. Or, as I like to say: Don’t just cut. Curate.

Hack #1: The Great Subscription Purge

Did you know the average person pays for seven monthly subscriptions? I was apparently striving for gold in the Olympic event of “most unused streaming services.” Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, two random fitness apps, a “luxury” meditation app (which only stressed me out), and, for some reason, a sock-of-the-month club.

One bored Saturday, I sat down and cancelled everything that didn’t absolutely spark joy or get daily use. Just like that, I saved almost $90/month—over $1,000 a year—without missing a thing (except maybe the socks).

Pro tip: If you’re too scared to cancel outright, try “freezing” a subscription for a month or two. Most services let you do this, and you’ll quickly discover what you actually miss.

Hack #2: Pantry Challenge—Unleash Your Inner Chef

There comes a time in every frugal person’s life when they must stare down the pantry and make a stand. For me, it was a week when grocery shopping seemed like an Olympic sport I wasn’t in shape for. So, I decided: No new groceries. I had to eat only what was already lurking in the pantry, fridge, and freezer.

What happened? Culinary magic (and the occasional weird meal). Lentil soup with mystery spices, rice bowls with “found” veggies, pasta with—wait, was that salsa as sauce? No one died. In fact, I got creative, used up forgotten ingredients, and saved around $70 in one week. The challenge actually felt like a game, and nothing bonds you to your kitchen like inventing “Chopped: Home Edition.”

Hack #3: Fun for Free (Or Nearly)

Confession: I used to think fun had a cover charge. If you weren’t going out, spending, or at least buying an overpriced coffee, were you even living? Turns out, I was just unimaginative.

I made it a mission to seek out free (or dirt-cheap) fun. Some favorites:

• Library books and movies (with bonus “I’m an intellectual” energy).

• Community events—free concerts, open mic nights, art walks.

• Picnics in the park—a $3 baguette and some cheese, and suddenly you’re in Paris.

• Hiking, biking, or free yoga in the park (bonus: my health improved too).

After a month of “free fun,” I realized my favourite memories rarely came from the activities with the highest price tags. Experiences > expenses.

Hack #4: The $20 Weekend

Can you have a blast on just $20 for the whole weekend? I tested it—and lived to tell the tale. Here’s how:

• Friday: Homemade pizza night and board games with friends (everyone brought a topping).

• Saturday: Free museum admission (check your city—many offer monthly free days), then a walk downtown to people-watch.

• Sunday: Farmer’s market stroll (I stuck to the samples, because frugal) and a coffee shop splurge with the last of my $20.

The result? A full, fun weekend and no “spending hangover” on Monday. Challenge yourself once in a while—it’s wildly satisfying.

Hack #5: Master the 24-Hour Rule

This hack is a frugal classic for a reason. Whenever I wanted to buy something non-essential (looking at you, random kitchen gadgets), I’d wait 24 hours. If I still wanted it the next day—and could fit it in my budget—I’d consider buying.

Ninety percent of the time, I’d forget about the item altogether. The other ten percent? I’d buy something I truly valued, guilt-free.

Hack #6: DIY Everything (Within Reason)

Before you spend, ask: Can I do it myself? Sometimes the answer is a hard “no” (cutting my own hair was a learning experience, let’s leave it at that). But lots of things, from coffee drinks to minor repairs to gifts, became fun DIY projects.

I started brewing fancy coffee at home, tried out meal-prep Sundays, and even made a few birthday gifts. The pride from DIYing was as good as the savings.

Hack #7: Secondhand Chic

Why pay retail when the universe has thrift shops, Facebook Marketplace, and Buy Nothing groups? I furnished half my apartment and upgraded my wardrobe with pre-loved treasures, all for a fraction of the cost—and with better stories attached.

Bonus: It’s eco-friendly, and nothing beats the thrill of a $10 “designer” find.

The Results: More Money, More Meaning

Frugal living didn’t just save me money (though the $3,000+ I socked away in my first year was nice). It rewired my habits, gave me more confidence, and proved that satisfaction isn’t measured by price tags. I found myself choosing frugality because it aligned with my values—freedom, creativity, and yes, the occasional brag when I scored a sweet deal.

Witty (But True) Takeaways

• “You don’t have to eat beans out of a can to be frugal. But you can if you want extra cred.”

• “Fun is not proportional to cost. Your most expensive memories are often the least valuable.”

• “A penny saved is a penny you can spend on something that actually matters.”

• “The best subscription in life is free happiness—with automatic monthly renewals.”

• “Thrift stores are proof that good things come to those who wait (and dig).”

Ready to Get Frugal?

Start small. Cancel a subscription you forgot about. Eat from your pantry for a week. Try a $20 weekend or the 24-hour rule on your next “must-have” buy. Track your wins, celebrate your progress, and don’t be afraid to get creative—or a little weird. Frugal living isn’t a sacrifice. It’s a superpower, waiting to be unlocked.

And hey, if all else fails, there’s always the sock-of-the-month club… but maybe check your sock drawer first.

Happy saving—and remember, living well doesn’t mean spending more. It means spending smart, and making every dollar (and memory) count.