Let’s be honest; Nowadays, every new trend seems to promises easier ways to save money.
We’ve been conditioned to think that saving money requires complicated budgeting tools or the latest financial apps, but the truth is, the best savings strategies are often the ones we’ve forgotten.
So as we move into 2025, let’s take a step back and revisit the tried-and-true frugal habits that can make a real difference in your finances.
These habits might not be flashy or trendy, but they’re grounded in practicality and mindfulness—two things that can help you save more and stress less.
Here are 9 forgotten frugal habits that can help you save money without feeling like you’re missing out.
1) Embrace the art of repurposing
In our throwaway society, one man’s trash is indeed another man’s treasure.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane, to a time when our grandparents made the most out of what they had.
Nothing was wasted and everything was repurposed.
This isn’t about hoarding or holding onto things just because.
It’s about finding new uses for items that would otherwise end up in the bin.
- Old t-shirts can be turned into cleaning rags
- Glass jars can be used for storage
- Leftovers can be creatively transformed into a whole new meal
Repurposing not only saves you money but also reduces waste, making it a win-win situation.
So next time you’re about to throw something away, take a moment to consider how it could be repurposed.
It’s an easy way to adopt a frugal lifestyle without feeling deprived or sacrificing your quality of life.
2) Implementing a ‘No Spend’ day
In 2025, a simple yet effective way to save money could be implementing a ‘No Spend’ day once a week.
I’ve personally found this to be an incredibly beneficial habit.
Every Sunday, I make a conscious decision not to spend any money.
No online shopping, no takeaways, not even a quick stop at the local coffee shop.
It’s more than just saving a few bucks, it’s about learning to appreciate what I already have and realizing that I don’t need to spend money to enjoy my day.
Whether it’s reading a book from my shelf that I’d never got around to, going for a walk in the park, or cooking a meal with ingredients I already have at home.
Over time, these ‘No Spend’ days add up and have helped me save a significant amount of money.
Not only that but it also made me more mindful of my spending habits throughout the rest of the week.
So why not give it a try?
Implementing just one ‘No Spend’ day per week could help you save money and rediscover the simple pleasures that don’t cost a dime.
3) Growing your own food
Did you know that during World War II, nearly 40% of all fruits and vegetables consumed in the United States were grown in home “victory gardens“?
Growing your own food is a fantastic way to save money and eat healthier.
It’s a forgotten frugal habit that’s worth resurrecting.
You don’t need a large backyard to start a garden.
Even a small balcony can house pots of herbs, tomatoes, or peppers.
Not only does gardening save you money on groceries, but it also provides a sense of accomplishment.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about eating a meal made with ingredients you’ve grown yourself.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about the rising cost of groceries affecting your budget.
It’s a sustainable habit that can benefit you and your wallet in 2025 and beyond.
4) Making do and mending
In a world of fast fashion and disposable goods, the concept of repairing what we own has become somewhat obsolete.
However, ‘making do and mending’ was once a way of life.
Rather than discarding a pair of jeans because of a tear or getting rid of a toaster because it’s acting up, why not try to fix them first?
You’ll be surprised at how many things can be fixed with a little time and effort, and there are plenty of online tutorials to guide you through.
By adopting this habit, you’ll not only save money by not having to replace items as often, but you’ll also develop new skills and reduce your environmental impact.
5) Cooking from scratch
In today’s fast-paced world, ready meals and takeout have become the norm.
But let’s rewind to when home-cooked meals were a daily event.
Cooking from scratch is a frugal habit that not only saves money but is also healthier and often tastier.
Instead of paying for the convenience of pre-packaged meals or delivery, why not invest some time in preparing your own food?
You can control the ingredients that go into your meals and make enough to have leftovers for the next day.
Plus, cooking can be a therapeutic activity, a great way to unwind after a busy day.
So break out those cookbooks or search for recipes online and start cooking!
6) Embracing simplicity
We live in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us that more is better.
More clothes, more gadgets, more experiences.
But is it really?
Our grandparents didn’t have half the possessions most of us do today, and yet they led fulfilling lives.
This isn’t about romanticizing the past, but about realizing that happiness doesn’t come from material possessions.
Embracing a simpler lifestyle involves shifting your focus to what truly matters and removing the excess that doesn’t add value to our lives.
By choosing to live with less, we not only save money, but also create more space, time, and peace in our lives.
So take a step back and evaluate.
Do you really need all the stuff you have? Or could you live a happier, more frugal life by embracing simplicity?
7) Cutting out expensive habits
A few years back, I realized I was spending a small fortune on fancy coffees every week.
It was my little treat, but it was also draining my wallet without me even realizing.
I decided to cut back, making my own coffee at home and taking it with me in a travel mug.
It was a small change, but over time the savings added up significantly.
We all have those little splurges that we justify as ‘treats’.
They might seem insignificant on their own, but when added up, they can make a big difference in our budget.
So take a moment to evaluate your spending habits.
Is there anything you could cut back on or eliminate without drastically impacting your quality of life?
You might find that these ‘luxuries’ aren’t as necessary as you thought and that the money saved can be put to better use.
8) Using public transportation or biking
Cars are convenient, but they’re also expensive. Between the cost of the car itself, insurance, gas, and maintenance, it adds up quickly.
Our ancestors relied on public transport, walking, or biking to get around.
Why not adopt this old-school habit?
If public transportation is available and convenient in your area, it could end up saving you a significant amount of money each month.
For shorter distances, consider walking or biking.
It’s not only cheaper but also healthier and more environmentally friendly.
9) Making a budget and sticking to it
Possibly the most crucial habit of all is having a budget.
It’s the roadmap to your financial freedom.
A budget allows you to:
- See where your money is going
- Identify areas where you can save
- Plan for future expenses
Creating a budget might seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Simply track your income and expenses for a month, categorize your spending, and set realistic goals.
The key is to stick with it. It’s not enough to create a budget; you have to follow it consistently.
Sure, life happens, and adjustments may be needed along the way.
But having a budget and sticking to it is the foundation of financial success.
Final thoughts: The power of frugality
Revisiting these forgotten frugal habits can offer a refreshing, no-fuss way to take control of your finances.
Sometimes, the simplest methods are the most effective—whether it’s cutting back on impulse spending, repurposing what you already own, or learning to embrace the value of patience.
These habits are more than just ways to save money; they’re a mindset that encourages thoughtful, intentional living.
By incorporating even a few of these practices into your daily routine, you’ll be surprised at how much you can save over time, all without the need for complex financial strategies.
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