Some people are born frugal, some choose to be frugal, and some have frugality thrust upon them. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, if you study the habits of frugal people, you’ll notice similarities. Here are just a few things frugal people do {or do not do} on a consistent basis. If you are frugal, many of these things might seem familiar to you. If you are on the path to frugality, take note. Here are some habits you’ll want to adopt!
What do you think? Are those frugal habits pretty accurate? Do you adhere to any of them? What are some habits you’ve noticed most frugal people adopt?
Stay frugal,
~Mavis
Caitlin says
Have you done a post about personal capital? I’m on the hunt for a new tracking platform and would love a review.
Shelli says
I second the request for a review about Personal Capital!
Aunt G says
I’m totally frugal– 110%.
Every Dollar (Dave Ramsey’s money budgeting and tracking ap is great too).
One more item frugal people do is buy most things used or deeply discounted.
Teckla says
Yes, all good frugal points. I don’t buy as much in bulk as I did at one time because I’m just one person, have minimal storage space and have to be careful with the budget. I never have been one who enjoyed cooking, but have been working on cooking from scratch (fewer ready-made/convenience foods) during this past year and will continue to do so. I haven’t canned much the last several years, but plan to do so again, working with beans and soup through this winter and with fresh produce next year. I’m hoping to get a freezer next month, too. Mom always had a big garden and cannned/froze/dried, etc., lots and lots of food every year.
Use every drop, repair, stay in, comparison shop (I’m working harder on this the last 5 years since I retired), plan for the future (yes, definitely), are all excellent goals. Spoiling has never been in the picture. I don’t have kids, but was never spoiled myself, and certainly wouldn’t have spoiled children had I had them because I think it’s important for them to learn how to live well in the real world.
Mavis, I’m glad you are such a proponent of frugality and teach so much about it. There’s always something new to learn and they are great habits to get into!
Wendy M says
Great list! I do most (all) of those! I can think of a few more:
Frugal people don’t try to keep up with the Joneses.
They will delay a purchase as long as possible in order to save money.
They buy quality but they will try to get it as inexpensively as possible.
Claire says
Good points, Wendy
Claire says
Gold star pass here! Thanks, Mavis, I feel less weird now; I have authenticated company.
Indio says
I agree that the US has a predominantly throw away culture. When I travel to other countries, this difference really stands out to me. The massive amount of plastic and styrofoam waste that we produce, and don’t recycle, is overwhelming.
I’ve been trying to instill the frugal gene in my children by pointing out what drives our economy is a consumer mentality rather than a producer way of life. Since children are very susceptible to peer pressure, this is a challenge. I have hope because they see how differently our lifestyle is from our neighbors, who usually drive expensive cars and live in big houses that require two working parents to sustain. My daughter overheard another kid on the bus talking about the $500 Tiffany rings, that were gifts from her parents, she keeps losing and therefore her manicure doesn’t look as good. Nothing like starting out the school day with a dose of superficial consumerism.
Kari says
Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without!
Marie says
Hi Mavis, I am in the market for a food saver machine like you have on one of the pictures in order to preserve food in the freezer. Do you have a recommendation? We harvest our own chickens and turkeys, and keep them in the freezer.
Mavis Butterfield says
Hi Marie,
Mrs. HB and I both like using Food Saver Machines. I own this one http://amzn.to/2yrmbJ3
Carolina says
Here in New England, we say. “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without>” You are going to fit in PERFECTLY here!!!