If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough to be frugal, this post is for you. Today, I’m sharing 15 frugal habits that I’m not doing right now and why that’s perfectly okay.
Frugal living is a tool, not a burden. Sometimes, choosing your sanity, your time, or even a bit of rest is more important than saving a few extra dollars. All of the habits I’m going to talk about are great frugal practices; many of them I’ve done before or might return to someday. But right now, in this season of life, they’re just not happening.
I was able to think up a list of 15 frugal things I’m not doing right now, so let’s jump right in!
Prefer video? Watch my YouTube video on this topic here!
1. Shopping at Thrift Stores
I used to love thrift shopping, especially as a teenager. These days though, I just don’t have the time. I still buy used clothes but mostly from consignment stores that are better organized and quicker to navigate. Thrift store trips just don’t fit into this busy season, at least on a really regular basis.
2. Using a Clothesline
Hanging clothes on a line is a fantastic way to save on your electric bill and I’ve even mentioned it in a past video sharing frugal tips. But right now the time investment just isn’t worth it for me. Pablo has even offered to put up a line, but I’ve politely passed haha. Maybe one day!
3. Making Everything from Scratch
I love a good homemade meal and I do cook from scratch a lot – but not always. I happily keep Walmart’s $1 French bread in my freezer and even have a bag of chicken nuggets on hand. Homemade is wonderful, but so is convenience.
4. Cloth Diapering
I’ve never cloth diapered. I totally respect those of you who do it for cost, environmental, or skin-health reasons, but I’ve always preferred the ease of disposables. It’s just one of those frugal habits that I’ve never been tempted to try.
5. Using Paper Coupons
Paper couponing can lead to some amazing deals. My mom used to score a lot of great deals that way. But right now I’m just sticking with digital coupons, mainly with Kroger. It’s quicker, easier, and more doable for me right now.
6. Making My Own Laundry Detergent
I’ve heard great things about making your own laundry soap, but I’ve never done it. If it really saves a lot and is easy I’d love to hear your experience! For now though I’m sticking with store-bought.
7. Never Eating Out
Yes, eating at home is way more affordable but we still don’t avoid eating out altogether. We love the occasional Chick-fil-A (or McDonalds) dinner or a date night out and we really enjoy those moments. It’s all about balance.
8. Always Making Coffee at Home
Most of the time I make coffee at home. But I also have a small monthly “fun money” budget and I often spend it at Starbucks when I’m there to work on my blog or YouTube channel. So yes, I do pay $6 for a coffee on occasion and I don’t feel bad about it.
9. Doing All Home Repairs Ourselves
DIY can definitely save money, if you know what you’re doing. Pablo fixed our dishwasher last year with a $10 part and a YouTube video! But when a big tree branch nearly fell on our house earlier this year we paid someone to take care of it. Some jobs just aren’t worth attempting on your own if you know it’ll take way too much time or be a too risky.
10. Keeping a Garden
Gardening is a great frugal practice, and we’ve tried! However, between the poor Texas soil and scorching summers, our efforts have been more about the experience than actual savings. Maybe one day we’ll get better at it, but for now we’re garden-free.
11. Shopping at Multiple Stores
Chasing every deal at multiple grocery stores is something I used to do more often. These days, with one car and five kids, it’s just not worth the time. I usually stick to Kroger for deals and Walmart for the basics and that works really well for us.
12. Eating Questionable Food
I really, really hate wasting food. But I’ve learned that trying to “save” food that might not be safe can backfire. Like the time I had to throw out a huge brisket after our oven turned off overnight. It about broke my heart but not enough to risk food poisoning.
13. Always Buying Store Brands
Store brands are usually my go-to, but there are a few exceptions. Oreos? Kraft mac and cheese? The name brands are just better. I try to buy generic when I can, but sometimes the splurge is worth it.
14. Turning the AC Up (or Heat Down)
Energy-saving thermostat settings are a classic frugal tip but to be completely honest we’re not doing it right now. Keeping our house at 74 in the summer feels like a luxury compared to the 80-degree norm I grew up with but Pablo prefers it cool and I’m not complaining!
15. Washing Our Own Car
Washing your own car can save money for sure. But Pablo takes the car to work during the week so it’s not available for us to wash while he’s gone and then on weekends he’d rather just run it through the car wash (every so often) instead of bothering to wash it. Maybe when the kids are older it can become one of their chores!
Final Thoughts
Frugal habits are amazing tools for saving money but they aren’t all-or-nothing. Life comes in seasons and it’s okay to press pause on things that aren’t working for you right now without feeling guilty.
What frugal habits are you not doing right now? Are there any on this list that you think I should reconsider? Let me know in the comments!
