10 things frugal people never do that save them thousands of dollars
January 14, 2022
Being frugal is an art form that can save you thousands of dollars every year. It’s not about being cheap or living a life of deprivation. It’s about being mindful of your spending and making smart financial decisions. Frugal people have a different mindset when it comes to money, which allows them to live well on a tight budget. They understand that every penny counts and that small savings can add up to big dollars over time.
In this post, I’ll be sharing with you 10 things that frugal people never do that help them save money. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you too can save thousands of dollars each year and live a more financially secure life.
1. They never pay full price
Frugal people know that there is always a way to get what they want without paying full price. They know how to find deals, discounts, and other ways to save money on their purchases. They never walk into a store and pay full price without first checking for discounts, coupon codes, or sales.
One way frugal people save money is by shopping at thrift stores, garage sales, and consignment shops. These places often have gently used or even new items at a fraction of the cost of retail prices. In addition, frugal people also know how to negotiate. They don’t shy away from haggling and will always try to negotiate a better price, especially if they are purchasing a big-ticket item.
Frugal people are also experts at price comparison. They always research the best prices available before making a purchase. They use price comparison websites, apps, and other tools to find the best deals on everything from groceries to vacations.
In addition, frugal people never buy things they don’t need just because they are on sale. They are selective in their purchases and only buy what they need. They also avoid impulse purchases and instead, plan their purchases in advance, often waiting for the right time to buy.
By never paying full price, frugal people save thousands of dollars every year. They know that every dollar counts and that being smart with their money is the key to financial success.
2. They never ignore their budget
Frugal people are always mindful of their budget. They never ignore their budget, and they always know where their money is going. They are aware of how much they are spending on each category of their budget, such as housing, transportation, food, and entertainment, among others. By keeping track of their spending, they can identify areas where they are overspending and adjust accordingly.
Frugal people also set financial goals and work towards achieving them. They prioritize their spending based on their goals and values. For instance, they may choose to save for a down payment on a house, pay off debt, or save for retirement, rather than spending money on things that are not important to them.
To stay on top of their finances, frugal people also use different tools and techniques that help them keep track of their spending. They may use budgeting apps, spreadsheets or envelopes to manage their money. They also avoid using credit cards or taking on debt unless it is necessary or part of their financial plan.
In summary, frugal people never ignore their budget. They are mindful of their spending, set financial goals, prioritize their spending based on their values, and use tools to keep track of their finances. By doing so, they save thousands of dollars and achieve financial freedom.
3. They never skip shopping around for the best deal
Frugal people know that shopping around for the best deals is the key to saving money. They never jump to the first option they see, instead, they take the time to research and compare prices before making a purchase.
Whether it’s for major purchases like a car or house, or smaller purchases like groceries or clothing, frugal people are always on the lookout for a better deal. They use price comparison websites, read reviews, and even negotiate with the sellers to get the best price.
Moreover, frugal people also keep an eye on sales and promotions, and use coupons and discount codes whenever possible. They also know that sometimes, the best deal is not the cheapest one but the one that offers the best quality for the price. Therefore, they don’t compromise on quality just to save a few bucks.
In the long run, shopping around for the best deal can save thousands of dollars. By avoiding impulse purchases and taking the time to find the best deal, frugal people stretch their dollars further and keep more money in their pockets.
4. They never buy what they don’t need
Frugal people understand the importance of distinguishing between wants and needs. They are well aware that every purchase they make has a direct impact on their finances. Therefore, they adopt the habit of never buying what they don’t need.
This means that they are not easily swayed by the latest trends or fads in the market. Instead, they only purchase items that have a direct use or purpose in their lives. They make a list of what they need and stick to it when shopping, avoiding impulse purchases that can quickly drain their bank account.
By avoiding unnecessary purchases, frugal people are able to save thousands of dollars each year. They also tend to prioritize quality over quantity, investing in items that are durable, long-lasting, and will save them money in the long run. This approach not only helps them save money but also leads to a more minimalist lifestyle that is focused on the essentials.
5. They never ignore the value of DIY
Frugal people know that Do-It-Yourself (DIY) is not only a great way to learn new skills but also an excellent way to save money. They never ignore the value of DIY and often take advantage of the many resources available to them.
From fixing a leaky faucet to repairing a piece of furniture, there are countless opportunities to save money by doing things yourself. Frugal people understand that the cost of hiring a professional to do a task can often be much higher than the cost of doing it themselves.
In addition to saving money, DIY projects can also be a lot of fun. There is a sense of satisfaction that comes with completing a project and knowing that you did it yourself. Frugal people often find that taking on DIY projects is a great way to stay busy, learn new skills, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.
There are many resources available for those interested in DIY projects. From online tutorials to community classes, there are many opportunities to learn new skills and tackle new projects. Frugal people take advantage of these resources and are always looking for ways to expand their knowledge and save money.
6. They never ignore clearance sales
Clearance sales are a goldmine for frugal people. They are a great opportunity to stock up on essentials and non-essentials alike, at heavily discounted prices. Frugal people never ignore clearance sales, as they know they can save thousands of dollars by taking advantage of them.
Many stores offer clearance sales at the end of every season to get rid of excess inventory. This is the perfect time to stock up on clothes, shoes, and other seasonal items. Frugal people often plan their purchases ahead of time and wait for the right time to buy, rather than spending full price.
Another great way to find clearance deals is to shop at discount stores or online marketplaces. These stores often offer discounted prices on overstocked or discontinued items. Frugal people keep an eye on these stores and regularly check for deals to save money on everyday items such as toiletries, cleaning products, and non-perishable food items.
However, it’s important to note that frugal people never buy things they don’t need just because they are on clearance. They prioritize their needs over their wants and only purchase items they will use. This way, they can save money and avoid cluttering their homes with unnecessary items.
7. They never buy new when used will do
Frugal people know that buying used items can save them a lot of money in the long run. When you buy new, you’re paying not only for the item but also for its packaging, transport, and marketing. Used items have already been through all of that and are typically much cheaper.
They never underestimate the value of thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. These places are full of hidden gems that can be found at a fraction of the price of their new counterparts.
When it comes to big-ticket items like cars and electronics, frugal people always do their research before making a purchase. They know that buying a used car or refurbished electronics can save them thousands of dollars compared to buying new. Plus, by choosing a used item, they are doing their part to reduce waste and help the environment.
Frugal people prioritize value over status symbols and brand names. They know that just because something is expensive and has a popular brand name doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than a less expensive item with similar features. They’re willing to shop around and do their research to find the best value for their money, rather than just buying the latest and greatest thing. By doing so, they save thousands of dollars over time and still get what they need.
8. They never ignore the power of coupons and promo codes
Frugal people know the value of coupons and promo codes and they never ignore them. These little pieces of paper or codes can save you a lot of money. They are a great way to get discounts on items and services that you were already planning to purchase.
Coupons can be found in many places such as newspapers, magazines, and online coupon websites. You can also find them through loyalty programs, registered accounts, and email newsletters.
Promo codes are even easier to find, and you can usually get them directly from the retailer’s website or through a quick online search.
Many retailers offer promo codes for their online stores, which can provide you with a discount on your purchase or free shipping.
Frugal people take advantage of coupons and promo codes whenever possible and they never pay full price for anything. They know the value of a dollar, and they understand how quickly it can add up.
By using coupons and promo codes, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year. It might take a little extra time and effort to find them, but the savings are definitely worth it. So, the next time you’re shopping, don’t forget to look for coupons and promo codes that can help you save money and keep your budget on track.
9. They never forget to comparison shop
Frugal people never forget to comparison shop, and this is one of the most important habits that can help them save thousands of dollars. Comparison shopping means that you take the time to research and compare prices of products you need to buy from different retailers before making a purchase.
This approach enables you to find the best deals and discounts, and avoid overpaying for products or services that are available at a lower price elsewhere. Frugal people use online resources such as price comparison websites or apps to compare prices and find the best deals.
In addition, they also take advantage of promotional offers, coupons, and discounts to further reduce the cost of products they need to buy.
By comparison shopping, frugal people can save money on everything from groceries and household items to clothing and electronics.
It’s important to note that comparison shopping doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Frugal people understand the value of quality products and services, and they strive to find the best deals on high-quality items. So, the next time you need to make a purchase, take a few minutes to do some research and find the best deal. Your wallet will thank you.
10. They never ignore the power of negotiation
Negotiation is a powerful tool that frugal people never ignore. Whether it’s negotiating for a better price on a car, a home, or even a cell phone plan, being able to negotiate can save you thousands of dollars. The key to successful negotiation is being prepared. Do your research to find out what the fair market value is for the product or service you are interested in. Look for any discounts or promotions that may be available. Once you have all the information, you can confidently approach the seller with your offer.
When negotiating, it’s important to stay calm, polite, and respectful. Listen to the seller’s response and be willing to compromise. If the seller refuses to negotiate, don’t be afraid to walk away. There’s always another seller who may be willing to work with you. Frugal people understand that negotiation is not about being cheap or stingy, but rather about being smart with their money and getting the best deal possible. By mastering the art of negotiation, frugal people can save thousands of dollars over time.
I hope you enjoyed my article about the 10 things frugal people never do that save them thousands of dollars. Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to live a life of deprivation; it just means making smart choices and cutting back on unnecessary expenses. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, you can save thousands of dollars and live a more comfortable and financially secure life. I hope that these tips have inspired you to make some changes in your daily life and start saving money. Remember, every little bit counts!