Simple Frugal Living Tips to Survive the Upcoming Recession

These next frugal living tips will help you navigate challenging economic times. 

So, if you’re feeling the stress of turbulent economic conditions or rising inflation, these tips can help you save more and stress less.

Do what you feel is best for your situation, and take what works for you. 

Even small changes can make a big difference over time.

Frugal Living Tips 2025

These frugal living tips will instantly cut your expenses in half.

Create a Zero-Based Budget Tracking Every Dollar

• Give every dollar a job before the month starts so you know exactly where your money goes.

• Use apps like GoodBudget or EveryDollar to make tracking simple and visual.

• Review your budget weekly to stay on track and make adjustments as needed.

• Include small treats to keep yourself motivated (total deprivation often backfires!).

• Conduct budget meetings with your partner to keep everyone aligned.

Switch to Cash Envelopes for Discretionary Spending

• Using physical cash makes overspending impossible, when it’s gone, it’s gone!

• Label envelopes for groceries, entertainment, dining out, and other flexible expenses.

• The physical act of handing over cash creates a psychological “pain” that curbs impulse buys.

• Leave credit cards at home in a safe place to avoid temptation.

• When an envelope is empty, get creative instead of reaching for plastic.

Cook Meals at Home Instead of Eating Out

• Learn 5-10 simple recipes you can make without a recipe to make cooking less stressful.

• Build meals around sale items at the grocery store instead of starting with a recipe. I use the Flashfood app to find discounted groceries!

• Create a cheap grocery list with budget-friendly grocery items that stretch your dollar.

• Breakfast for dinner is both cheap and fun for kids and adults alike.

• Use a slow cooker or instant pot to have dinner ready after a long workday.

Meal Prep on Weekends to Avoid Weekday Takeout

• Set aside 2-3 hours on Sunday to prep lunches and dinner components for the week.

• Chop veggies, cook grains, and marinate proteins in advance to speed up weeknight cooking.

• Make double batches and freeze half for busy nights when you’re tempted to order in.

• Prep grab-and-go breakfast items like overnight oats or egg muffins to start days right.

• Invest in quality food storage containers that make prepped food stay fresh longer.

Start a Vegetable Garden for Fresh Produce

• Begin with easy-to-grow foods like herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, and zucchini.

• A $3 packet of seeds can produce $50+ worth of vegetables over a season.

• Container gardening works even in apartments. A 5-gallon bucket can grow a tomato plant.

• Join a community garden if you lack yard space but want to grow food.

• Save seeds from this year’s garden to plant next year for truly free food.

Learn Basic DIY Home Repairs from YouTube Tutorials

• Simple plumbing fixes like unclogging drains can save $80-200 per service call.

• Keep a basic tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, and measuring tape.

• Practice on small projects to build confidence before tackling bigger jobs.

• Know your limits. Electrical and gas repairs often require pros for safety.

• Your local hardware store staff can often give free advice on DIY projects.

Use the Library for Books, Movies, and Discounted Museum Passes

• Modern libraries offer ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines you can access from home.

• Most libraries loan movies, music, and even tools or cooking equipment.

• Free events like craft classes, and job skills workshops happen regularly.

• Many libraries offer discounted museum passes you can use for a cheap and fun family outing.

• Librarians are search experts who can help you find free resources for almost any need.

Cancel Unused Subscriptions and Streaming Services

• Just one forgotten $10/month subscription costs you $120/year (this is so me with my Planet Fitness monthly membership fees!)

• Rotate streaming services instead of keeping them all. Subscribe to one for a month, then switch.

• Apps like Rocket Money find and help cancel forgotten subscriptions.

• Many subscription services offer discounts if you call to cancel, saving you money if you stay.

• Replace paid subscriptions with free alternatives like library streaming or YouTube channels (like my channel!…. ;-))

Shop Clearance Racks and End-of-Season Sales

• Buy winter clothes in spring and summer clothes in fall for 50-80% savings

• Check clearance sections, such as Walmart Hidden Clearance Deals, every time you shop. You can even resell these items as a side hustle!

• Purchase next year’s holiday decorations, cards, and gift wrap right after the holiday.

• Buy quality classic items on clearance rather than trendy pieces that won’t last.

• Shop discount stores that offer steep discounts. I always shop the Nordstorm Rack Red Tag Sale and get tons of discounted, high-quality clothing!

Shop with a Grocery List to Prevent Impulse Purchases

• Never shop hungry. Eat a snack before going to the store to reduce impulse buys.

• Organize your list by store layout to shop efficiently and avoid wandering.

• Check your pantry and fridge before shopping to avoid buying duplicates.

• Stick to the perimeter of the store where whole foods live. Middle aisles house pricier processed items.

• Challenge yourself to buy only what’s on your list for a month and see how much you save.

Buy Store Brands Instead of Name Brands

• Store brands are often made in the same factories as name brands but cost 20-30% less.

• Try store brand versions of staples like flour, sugar, and canned vegetables first.

• Many stores offer money-back guarantees on their brands if you don’t like them.

• Keep a list of which store brands you like and which ones aren’t worth the savings.

• Premium store brands (like Target’s Good & Gather) offer quality comparable to name brands at lower prices.

Use Cash Back Apps like Ibotta or Rakuten

• Stack savings by using apps such as Fetch, Ibotta, and Rakuten with store sales and coupons for maximum discounts.

• Check apps before shopping to plan purchases around available rebates.

• Some apps let you double-dip by choosing gift cards over cash, unlocking extra rewards or bonus cash back in the process.

• Invite friends to join and earn referral bonuses. $10 Ibotta referral bonuses helped me rack up over $23,400 just by sharing a free app!

• Don’t let rebates tempt you into buying things you don’t need. Only claim for planned purchases.

Install a Programmable Thermostat to Reduce Energy Bills

• Setting temperatures back 7-10° for 8 hours daily can save 10% annually on heating and cooling.

• Program your thermostat to adjust automatically while you’re asleep or away.

• Each degree above 72° in summer or below 68° in winter saves 1-3% on energy costs.

• Ceiling fans let you set temperatures higher in summer while staying comfortable.

• Some utility companies offer free programmable thermostats or rebates to offset the cost.

Wash Clothes in Cold Water to Save on Heating Costs

• 90% of washing machine energy goes to heating water, not running the machine.

• Modern detergents work perfectly well in cold water for most loads.

• Cold water prevents colors from fading and clothes from shrinking, extending their life.

• Save hot water for truly dirty items like soiled work clothes or cloth diapers.

• Wash full loads whenever possible to maximize water and energy efficiency.

Line-Dry Clothes Instead of Using the Dryer

• Dryers are one of the biggest energy hogs in your home, costing $0.45-0.75 per load.

• Indoor drying racks work year-round, even in apartments or during bad weather.

• Air-dried clothes last longer as dryer heat and tumbling break down fibers over time.

• Throwing in a dry towel for 5 minutes before hanging cuts drying time significantly.

• Line-dried sheets and towels have a fresh scent no detergent can replicate.

Make Coffee at Home Instead of Buying at Cafes

• A $5 daily coffee adds up to $1,825 annually, enough for a nice vacation!

• Use money-making websites like Swagbucks to earn free Starbucks gift cards.

• Make coffee ice cubes from leftovers for iced coffee that doesn’t get watered down.

• Buy whole beans on sale and grind them at home for the freshest taste.

• Create a simple coffee station at home to make brewing feel special, not like a sacrifice.

Pack Lunches for Work or School

• The average bought lunch costs $10-15 while a packed lunch costs $2-4.

• Plan lunch menus when planning dinners, using dinner leftovers creatively for lunches.

• Keep emergency shelf-stable lunch options at work for days you forget to pack.

• Make extra portions at dinner specifically for next-day lunches to save morning time.

• If you are tempted to buy lunch, check the Too Good to Go app for deals on surplus restaurant meals in your area. I’ve nabbed some for as low as $3.29!

Get Free Food on Your Birthday

• Birthday freebies are a great way to get free food and free snacks on your special day.

• Jersey Mike’s will give you a free regular-sized sub on your birthday as part of their Shore Points loyalty rewards program.

• Papa Gino’s will give you a free small cheese pizza on your birthday as part of rewards program. You also get a free slice of pizza on Pi Day!

• Crumbl Cookies will give you a free birthday cookie of your choice as a member of their loyalty program.

• Panera Bread will give you a free pastry on your birthday as part of their MyPanera rewards program.

Plan No-Spend Weekends for Family Activities

• Challenge your family to enjoy 48 hours without spending a single dollar.

• Explore free local attractions like parks, hiking trails, or community events.

• Host a game night with board games you already own instead of going out.

• Have a backyard campout complete with stories and stargazing.

• Let kids plan activities using only what’s available at home. They’re surprisingly creative!

Buy Secondhand Clothing from Thrift Stores

• Shop affluent neighborhoods for higher-quality secondhand finds.

• Learn basic alterations to transform almost-right pieces into perfect fits.

• Many thrift stores have color-coded tag sales offering additional discounts on certain days.

• Check for online thrift options like ThredUp or Poshmark for name brands at deep discounts.

• Donate your own unworn items to earn tax deductions or store credits at some shops.

Sell Unused Items Online for Extra Cash

• Take clear, well-lit photos to make your items stand out in online marketplaces.

• Research completed listings to price items competitively so they actually sell.

• Bundle similar items together to attract buyers and save on shipping costs.

• Avoid fees by using local pickup options through Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor.

• Timing matters. Sell seasonal items just before their season begins for maximum value.

Use Public Transportation or Carpool When Possible

• Calculate your true car costs including gas, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. It’s often $0.50+ per mile.

• Explore your employer’s pre-tax transit benefit programs to save even more.

• Use commute time on public transit to read, catch up on podcasts, or even nap.

• Set up a neighborhood carpool rotation for kids’ activities to share driving duties and costs.

• Try going car-free one day per week as an experiment to see if it’s workable long-term.

Maintain Your Car Regularly to Prevent Costly Repairs

• Following the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual prevents expensive breakdowns.

• Learn to check your own fluids, air filters, and tire pressure. Simple DIY maintenance saves big.

• Shop around for mechanics. Dealer service centers often charge 30-50% more than independent shops.

• Keep a maintenance log to track what’s been done and anticipate upcoming needs.

• Good driving habits like smooth acceleration and braking improve fuel economy and reduce wear.

Refinance High-Interest Debt

• Even a 2% interest rate reduction can save thousands over the life of a loan.

• Consider 0% balance transfer offers for credit card debt, but read the fine print carefully.

• Credit unions often offer lower rates than traditional banks for personal loans.

• Try the debt avalanche method, paying off highest interest debts first to minimize interest costs.

• Calculate the break-even point for any refinance to ensure fees don’t exceed your savings.

Start an Emergency Fund with Automatic Transfers

• Begin with just $25-50 per paycheck—small consistent amounts add up surprisingly fast.

• Keep emergency funds in a separate high-yield savings account to avoid temptation.

• Aim eventually for 3-6 months of essential expenses, but start with a $1,000 mini-fund.

• Celebrate each $500 milestone to stay motivated for the long haul.

• When you use emergency funds, make replenishing them your top financial priority.

Use the 30-day Rule before Making Big Purchases

• Write down non-essential wants over $50 and wait 30 days before buying.

• After the waiting period, many impulses fade naturally, saving you from regret.

• Research thoroughly during the waiting period to find the best price and quality.

• Consider buying used or borrowing the item during your waiting period to test your need.

• Create a dedicated “want list” savings account to fund items that survive the waiting period.

Final Thoughts on Frugal Living Tips

When money feels tight, remember that small daily choices add up to big savings over time. 

Focus first on reducing your largest expenses such as housing, transportation, and food.

These changes will have the biggest impact on your financial health. 

Build a supportive community of like-minded friends who value experiences over things. 

Together, you can share resources, skills, and encouragement during tough times.

Practice viewing frugality not as deprivation but as a creative challenge that builds resilience and helps you discover what truly brings joy to your life. 

Most importantly, be gentle with yourself through the process.

Financial habits take time to change, and celebrating small victories will keep you motivated on your journey to financial freedom.

Next, you may be interested in reading about ways to make $300 a day.