If you’re seeking effective methods to boost your savings, look no further. With a collection of 21 practical frugal hacks at your disposal, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your nest egg can grow. By adopting these simple yet ingenious tips, you’ll not only reduce unnecessary expenses but also develop a more mindful approach to managing your finances.
Save Water with a Tap Spray Head (You can Save up to 15L / Min)
Kickstarting our series on Frugal Hacks with a game-changer! By simply attaching an affordable spray head to your kitchen or bathroom faucets, you’ll be amazed at the significant impact it can have. This clever hack not only saves you up to 15 liters of water per minute but also helps preserve our planet’s precious resources. Imagine the cumulative effect – every little bit counts!
Use a Rubber Band to Use Less Dishwashing Liquid
The fleeting satisfaction of squishing down the top of a bottle often gives way to an overwhelming release of product – a scenario all too familiar when dealing with dishwashing liquid. We’ve all experienced the phenomenon where a single drop seems to magically morph into a tidal wave, rendering our best efforts at conservation futile.
In an effort to reclaim control over this chaotic dispensing process, consider wrapping a rubber band around the neck of the pump.
This clever workaround effectively caps the flow of liquid, allowing you to tap just enough for a sparkling clean dish without sacrificing your sanity – or in this case, your dishwashing liquid.
Use Nutshells to Light the Fire
When it comes to starting a campfire or wood stove, many people turn to commercial fire starters. However, these products can be expensive and may not align with your commitment to the environment. A more budget-friendly and eco-conscious approach is to repurpose nutshells from your next baking or salad preparation session. By drying out the shells properly, you can create a natural fire starter that burns longer than its chemical counterparts.
Make a Scourer Sponge from a Mesh Bag
When it comes to kitchen hacks, one often-overlooked area is the humble household sponge. By repurposing old sponges and combining them with common produce packaging, you can create a super-effective cleaning tool without breaking the bank. The trick is simple: take any mesh bags that come with your fruit or veggie purchases and separate them from any labels or cardboard. Then, wrap an old sponge in the mesh bag, securing it with a rubber band.
This clever combination boosts the scrubbing power of the sponge and eliminates the need for buying scourers, saving you money in the process.
Make your Own Granola
Making your own granola at home is a great way to save money and ensure you’re getting the ingredients you want. One of my favorite recipes starts by combining 250g of oat flakes, 25g each of almonds and hazelnuts, 20g of sunflower seeds, 20g of dehydrated grapes, and 20g of walnuts in a bowl. A pinch of salt adds flavor to the mix. Next, I add 2 tablespoons of corn oil, 65g each of agave syrup and honey, and just enough water to bring everything together.
Once all the ingredients are well combined, I spread them out onto a baking tray and pop it into the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown. After it cools, I’m left with a delicious and healthy snack that’s perfect for starting my day.
Make your Own Fabric Softener with: ½ L of Hot Water, 1 Cup of Baking Soda, ½ Cup of Vinegar, and Essential Oils
Skip the harsh feeling of wearing clothes that resemble sandpaper by creating your own fabric softener at home. While it may be tempting to cut costs on fabric softener, there’s a simple frugal hack that can achieve similar results without breaking the bank.
To get started, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:
– 1/2 liter of hot water
– 1 cup of baking soda
– 1/2 cup of vinegar
– A few drops of aromatic essential oil
Once you have all the ingredients ready, simply combine them in a plastic bottle and shake well to mix.
That’s it! Your homemade fabric softener is now ready to use. With this simple hack, you can enjoy the benefits of soft clothes without sacrificing your wallet.
Make Breadcrumbs from Dried Out Bread Instead of Throwing it Away
Transform stale bread into a versatile ingredient by repurposing it into breadcrumbs. This simple process can save you from wasting valuable bread and also cut down your expenses on store-bought options. Start by cutting the dried-out loaf into smaller, chunky pieces and then blend them in a food processor for about 30 seconds. The resulting breadcrumbs are perfect for adding crunch to baked goods, desserts, or using as a crispy topping for your favorite dishes.
Use Grocery Bags as Waste Bags
A simple yet effective trick I often employ is to reuse my grocery bags as liners for my trash can instead of purchasing dedicated waste bags. This hack not only helps me save a few bucks but also contributes to reducing the staggering amount of plastic waste that ends up in our environment. By making this small change, I’m able to minimize my ecological footprint and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
Use Eggshells as Fertilizer
As I delved into this hack, my curiosity was piqued! It turned out that eggshells are a treasure trove of essential nutrients for plant growth. The shells contain calcium carbonate, as well as vital minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are crucial for cultivating healthy plants. To put this hack to the test, simply wash your eggshells, crush them into small pieces, and incorporate them into the soil surrounding your potted plants.
Cut up Old Pillowcases to Make Dusting Cloths
Before discarding old, worn-out pillowcases, consider repurposing them as multi-purpose cleaning cloths. By cutting them up, you can create effective dusting, mopping, and wiping tools that will save you money by eliminating the need for store-bought alternatives. When it’s time to replace your pillowcases, explore the array of natural silk options available, boasting 20 distinct colors that effortlessly complement any bedroom design.
Grow your Herbs
Take the first step towards a thriving indoor garden by growing your own herbs. Not only will you save money on store-bought herbs, but you’ll also experience the joy of nurturing your plants and savoring the fresh flavors they add to your cooking. To begin, simply select some inexpensive plastic pots and fill them with rich potting soil. This simple setup will provide a perfect starting point for your indoor gardening journey.
Use Baking Paper to Polish Faucets
A clever frugal hack to keep your faucets shining without breaking the bank is to swap grimy cloths for baking paper. The waxy coating on the baking paper effectively removes water spots and fingerprints, leaving your faucet streak-free and radiant. By opting for this eco-friendly solution, you’ll not only save money on specialized polish but also avoid exposing yourself to harsh chemicals.
For a mere fraction of the cost, you can achieve a showroom shine with a simple roll of inexpensive baking paper – perfect for polishing faucets as well as baking those delectable scones.
Make an Air Freshener with Baking Soda and Essential Oils
Transforming stale air into a refreshing oasis is as easy as mixing baking soda with a few drops of essential oil! This DIY air freshener hack harnesses the power of natural odor absorption and pleasant aromas, allowing you to customize your scent using a variety of essential oils.
Unplug your Power Strips
While it’s easy to overlook, the small LED indicators on your power strips are actually drawing a tiny amount of electricity. To minimize your energy consumption and lower your utility bills, make it a habit to unplug your power strips when they’re not in use. This simple act can have a significant impact on your overall energy efficiency.
Work out at Home or Outdoors
The reality is that gym memberships often come with a hefty price tag, leaving many of us feeling guilty when we miss a session. However, there’s a simple solution to this problem: plan your workouts from the comfort of your own home using free online workout sessions. With this approach, you can exercise at your own pace and on your own terms, without the need for fancy equipment or a gym membership.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Transforming leftovers into mouth-watering meals is easier than you think. Take something as humble as leftover mushrooms, pair it with an egg and a pinch of flour, and you’ve got a tasty breakfast awaiting you! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations – the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for inspiration, scour the internet for innovative ideas or grab a copy of ‘Easy, Quick, Delicious Recipes with Leftovers’ for a wealth of creative solutions.
Make Hand Scrub with 1 Cup of Sugar and ½ Coconut Oil
With this simple yet effective frugal hack, I’ve ditched store-bought hand scrubs for good! By combining 1 cup of sugar with 3/4 cup of coconut oil, you’ll create a gentle exfoliant that effectively removes dead skin cells while simultaneously moisturizing and nourishing the skin. The sugar’s abrasive nature gently breaks down rough patches, allowing the coconut oil to deeply hydrate and soften the skin.
Turn the Heating Down by Two Degrees
While a mere 2-degree reduction in heating may not significantly impact your overall comfort, it can lead to substantial energy savings and cost reductions on your utility bills. Moreover, this small adjustment can collectively make a meaningful contribution towards a more environmentally friendly future.
Keep Coins in the Piggy Bank
Instill in children the value of saving and wealth creation by starting with the smallest denominations. The accumulation of seemingly insignificant coins can be astonishing! Encourage them to stash their spare change in a visually appealing piggy bank, like a cute ceramic one, and watch their funds grow. This habit will ultimately enable them to save up for a cherished item or bolster their emergency fund.
Use Passive Cooking
Are you aware that cooktops retain heat for an extended period even after the power has been turned off? This clever trick capitalizes on this phenomenon. Simply heat your pots and pans as needed, then adjust the temperature setting to zero and let the cooking process continue utilizing the residual heat. It’s a surprisingly effective way to save money.
Buy Whole Vegetables and Fruit
When it comes to produce, many of us default to buying pre-chopped or pre-cut options, but this habit can end up costing us more in the long run. In reality, whole vegetables and fruits are often significantly cheaper than their pre-chopped counterparts. By simply taking a few minutes to chop your own veggies at home, you can save money and enjoy the satisfaction of having done it yourself.