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You are here: Home / Entertaining / Frugal Habits That Don’t Feel Miserable

Frugal Habits That Don’t Feel Miserable

July 15, 2025 by Mary Madison-Lewis

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Flickr – Tax Credits

If we’re being honest, when most of us think about being frugal, we picture a life of deprivation. No fun nights out, no fancy coffee, no impromptu buys. But here’s the thing: living frugally doesn’t have to feel like an act of misery. In reality, developing smart money habits can help life be more enjoyable, less stressful, and ultimately, more fulfilling. It really is about making choices that align with what you value without making you feel like you’re giving everything up.

So, if you’re ready to start saving money, here are nine frugal habits that feel good; they’re relatively easy to pick up, reasonable, and, dare I say, enjoyable.

1. Cook More, Eat Out Less 

Pexels – Cedric Fauntleroy

Eating out regularly seems more fun than eating at home, but it costs a lot more. Cooking new recipes can help make meal prep feel like a fun activity. Perhaps try cooking dishes you’ve never tried before or dare yourself to make your favorite restaurant dishes. If you cook with your family or friends, it can also be a fun social activity.

Host potluck gatherings with friends instead of dining at expensive restaurants to enjoy social activities. And since everyone brings a different dish to share, the cost and workload are also shared. Plus, home-cooked meals generally provide better nutritional value and help save money.

2. Embrace the Power of Lists

Pexels – Nataliya Vaitkevich

Making an impulse purchase isn’t smart when you are trying to be frugal. Always write a list of what to buy for food, clothing, or gadgets and stick to it when you go shopping. The list guides you and stops you from making unnecessary purchases. You will be surprised by how much you save by consistently avoiding unnecessary small purchases.

Additionally, lists help reduce stress and save time. Knowing exactly what you need stops you from aimlessly wandering store aisles or endlessly scrolling online. The process of checking items off your list leads to feelings of success, which transform shopping trips into more purposeful and gratifying activities.

3. Buy Quality Over Quantity

Pexels – Bryan

Although it’s not obvious, buying items that are built to last costs less over time. Cheap shoes that fall apart in a month? Not frugal. A well-made pair that survives for years? That’s smart spending. This also applies to clothes, appliances, and even furniture.

Buying better-quality items can prevent the trouble of using or replacing them often. It’s more satisfying to have things that are built to last and still look good over time. High-quality gifts can also appreciate in value, turn into special treasures, and give you and your family more pleasure.

4. Use the Library 

Pexels – Pixabay

Libraries are loaded with resources for frugal living. Beyond books, many libraries provide free access to movies, music, workshops, and, in some cases, even tools or seeds. Before purchasing that new best seller or signing up for a handful of streaming services, consider first visiting your local library.

Also, the majority of libraries now offer digital lending, so you can borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your phone or tablet without even stepping out of your front door. It’s free entertainment and education rolled into one, and it’s a habit that feels rewarding, not restrictive.

5. Set Up Automatic Savings

Flickr – Raisin Raisin

If you constantly stress about money or worry if what’s left will be enough, saving can feel very uninteresting. Automatically transfer part of your pay into your savings account through direct transfer each paycheck. Things you don’t notice won’t be missed, and your savings will increase by themselves.

Following the pay-yourself-first plan makes saving something you do without thinking. Watching your money savings grow over the years encourages you to keep going. In addition, an emergency fund lowers stress and brings a sense of security, so being frugal feels like you’re investing in a happier future.

6. Practice Mindful Spending

Pexels – Photo By Kaboompics com

Always stop to think before buying: “Is this something I truly need? Does it look like it’ll make a positive difference to me?” Checking your intentions in this way prevents buying things you don’t really need without feeling deprived. It’s focused on smart money management, rather than denying yourself the things you like.

You could realize that many of your wants aren’t that important, and you can put those purchases off to save for better things. Making sure to plan your purchases encourages you to form a better relationship with money and makes your buys feel more special.

7. DIY When It Makes Sense

Pexels – Vlada Karpovich

DIY, or making things yourself, has a sense of satisfaction. If you do your own home repairs, make holiday presents or treat yourself with DIY spa treatments, you save time and cash. Start with a small project, for example, a simple shelf, candle-making, or a personal present, and see how comfortable it is for you.

But remember that paying for a professional may be a much better option if the DIY work ends up causing more stress or costing more money. Sometimes hiring someone can be the best choice, but if you can do it yourself, it’s a good way to save money.

8. Take Advantage of Free and Low-Cost Activities

Flickr – Disney Photo Tour

You don’t have to pay extra for some fun experiences. Visit parks and museums with free admission or try some local hiking trails. These activities let you wind down, be active, and learn about the culture or nature, all for little money.

Instead of going out, do game nights or watch movies at home to catch up with friends. Such activities give you better memories, and they save a lot of money. Finally, don’t forget that going to thrift stores or small farmer markets can be very enjoyable. And even if you choose not to buy anything, spending time at markets makes for a good way to meet your local community.

9. Track Your Progress and Celebrate Wins

Pexels – Andrea Piacquadio

Check how much money you have set aside and compare it to how much you have spent. You can keep your expenses in an app, on a spreadsheet, or in a notebook that suits you best. Watching your gains happen through positive feedback is powerful motivation.

Reward yourself just a bit when you meet a savings target. Being rewarded in positive ways supports the habit of not shopping, making it an enjoyable and lasting community project habit. Stick to the goal of happiness and good money habits, not to feel you lack or are under stress.

Filed Under: Entertaining

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