13 Frugal Hacks To Keep Your Money In Your Bank Account

There's one thing you need to know about me, and it's that I'm frugal. It must have something to do with growing up in eastern Europe.

But seriously, over the years, I've learned plenty of ways to save money on grocery shopping, going out, and household chores. So I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite ways to keep that hard-earned coin. You're welcome.

1. Get Free Produce At A Farmer's Market

Unsplash | Jordan Christian

Here's a great tip I heard recently. Go to your local farmer's market and ask if they have any damaged produce they're willing to sell to you for cheap. You might even get them for free.

2. Use Hand Towels Instead Of Paper Towels

Unsplash | Denny Müller

We all know that paper towels can be expensive, especially these days. So do yourself a favor and buy cheap hand towels at the dollar store and use them instead. It will go a long way, that's for sure.

3. Use Comparison Apps When Shopping

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This one is a favorite. We always check a comparison app when shopping. It tells you what stores have the cheapest products. Chances are the one you're shopping at will do a price match too.

4. Buy Spices In The International Aisle

Unsplash | Heather McKean

Speaking of grocery shopping, do you ever shop at the international aisle? No? Well, you should. You can find many spices there for a fraction of the cost. So stock up on that turmeric and cumin there.

5. Can Those Veggies

You wouldn't believe how many vegetables go to waste. So what can you do about it in your household? Buy a bunch of them and get canning. Once you've preserved them, they'll last a very long time, and you'll make delicious dishes with them.

6. Create A White Board On Your Fridge

Do you often forget what you even have in your fridge? I hear you loud and clear. Why not create a whiteboard right on your fridge that lists all the contents? This method is quite genius, no?

7. Make Due With What You've Got

When you take your cats to the vet to get spayed and neutered, and they don't give you the cones, you have to improvise, right? That's exactly what this clever person did, and I think it worked out.

8. This McDonald's 'Happy Meal' Idea

Unsplash | Meghan Hessler

One mom was getting pretty annoyed with spending $15 every time her kids wanted a Happy Meal. So one day, she kept the packaging, and the next time they asked, she put her own food inside of it instead, ha, ha!

9. This Gas Station Tip

Unsplash | Jean-christophe Gougeon

Apparently, gas stations that make fresh sandwiches every day throw them out at the end of the night. So if you show up in time, chances are they will just give you the food instead of throwing it in the trash. Wow!

10. Use Vinegar Instead Of Store-Bought Cleaning Agents

Unsplash | Crema Joe

Those expensive store-bought cleaning agents aren't worth the price. You might as well mix plain water and vinegar for all your household cleaning. Add a few lemon drops for that fresh scent that lasts all day and keep your money.

11. Use Knitted Pads Instead Of Swiffer Refills

I don't know about you, but I always wait for Swiffer pad refills to go on sale. However, there's an even better idea. Just use knitted pads, that you can throw in your washing machine, and voilà.

12. Make DIY Makeup Remover Pads

On the same token, why buy those disposable cotton pads to remove your makeup? Instead, you can make your own that are totally reusable. This is such a fun craft that will help you and the environment.

13. Create Your Own Sandwich Bags

Something else that is bad for the environment is plastic. So why not avoid it at all costs, huh? Instead of using Ziploc bags for your sandwich, you can make these cute fabric ones. Throw them in the wash and use them again and again.

Are you the type of person who thinks that little things do add up?

I'm like that too. So, even though these might seem like small ideas, they can definitely save you money in the long run. And once you get into the habit, you won't be able to stop.