Do you want to live frugally and reduce your everyday costs? Then you've come to the right place! There are many good reasons to spend less money. For example, that your account balance regularly slips into the red at the end of the month - or that you're saving money to afford a certain To fulfill a dream.
Unfortunately, many of us spend our hard-earned savings on rather useless things - or simply don't have an eye for how to save a euro or two. Fortunately, there are dozens of really simple tips and tricks to spend less money and minimize costs.
In this article, I would therefore like to give you some smart saving rules and tips that you can apply directly and easily in your everyday life. And in such a way that you won't be seen as a cheapskate, bean counter or penny pincher. Let's go!
Living frugally: General tips & tricks of frugality and conscious consumption
According to the Federal Statistical Office lies the Savings rate in Germany currently at 11.3 percent per month. In other words: For every 100 euros, German citizens save an average of just 11.30 euros. A few more euros can definitely be squeezed out of this - even without having to (perhaps too extremely) Frugalism add.
So the potential is huge, let's use it. First of all, I would like to give you a few Basic rules of thriftiness that you should adopt. With the right mindset, you will ultimately save a lot of money throughout your life.
1. plan your budget
How can I see where my hard-earned money is actually going throughout the month? The answer to this question - i.e. sensible budget planning - is probably the simplest and most important tip for a frugal life. It helps you to always have the Keeping track of your finances and ensure that the money flows into sensible channels.
The following already serves as an aid simple Excel table (as a budget book, so to speak), in which you can enter your monthly income and expenses in the list. You can then evaluate which expenses were sensible - and which you can avoid in future. You recognize savings potential more quickly in this way.
Hillfreich should also the famous 50-30-20 rule be. You divide your expenses 50 percent into fixed costs and living expenses (e.g. rent, utilities and insurance etc.) and 30 percent into leisure activities (e.g. clothing, sports or going to the movies) to ultimately have 20 percent left to save. This is not possible in every individual case, but you can definitely use it as a guide.
Tip: This video also explains how proper budget planning works:
2. prevent impulse purchases with a shopping list
A Snickers here, a bag of Haribo there - we all know how the hare runs when shopping in the colorful supermarket. To avoid succumbing to the countless temptations and ending up buying more than you had planned, you should therefore write a shopping list and stick strictly to it. You guides you safely past tempting impulse purchases and keeps the focus on the essentials.
So think about it before you go shopping: What do I really need? The answer to this question - and this principle of minimalist lifestyle - helps you to live much more economically because you only buy the things you really need.
Tip: Consumption does not make happy - or is it? I have dealt with this question in more detail in the linked article.
3. use deal and bargain portals
If you need something specific, then Search specifically for discount promotions and bargains. The Internet offers plenty of opportunities for this. For example, use the numerous Offers and deals on My Deal. There are offers for every category - from travel to notebooks to shoes. Finally, discount promotions and vouchers are a great way to save money.
Bonus tips: You should keep an eye out for last-minute offers, especially when traveling - or generally head for less well-known and therefore cheaper, but equally attractive destinations.
4. look at the price and compare offers
The new Playstation - I just have to have it! Is there really no way around it? If you're going to spend money on consumer electronics, then you should at least take the opportunity to compare prices and ultimately opt for the best deal. Price comparisons on the net will help you.
It's really amazing how wide the price range is between the individual providers. Especially on special days, like the Black Fridaythere are extreme price differences. But you should do not participate in environmentally harmful overconsumptionbut simply wait for the best moment to buy the one thing you need.
5. learn to say no
Going on a spontaneous vacation or to a disco? Even if such things are of course a lot of fun, they should not get out of hand with a frugal lifestyle. Because other, cheaper activities are also fun.
That is why it is fundamentally important to "Saying "No - both to yourself, as well as to your friends. Your wallet will be happy at the end of the month if you follow this important basic rule for sustainable consumption heed.
Tip: You should also say no to alcohol and cigarettes if you want to save money. How you can definitely quit smoking and clearly consume fewer alcoholic drinksyou can find out in the linked blog posts.
Live frugally: Tips & tricks to save on household & leisure costs
Especially in the household and in your leisure activities, you can save a lot of costs and get by with little moneywithout completely bending over backwards. Here are some money-saving tips that I would like to share with you from my own experience.
6. borrow books instead of buying them
Books are valuable sources of knowledge and entertainment, but of course they also demand a lot from your wallet. According to the Statista analysis, a book costs an average of 13.68 euros - and every bookworm out there knows that one book a month is not enough.
So instead of buying your favorite books new, you can simply borrow them from the library. The annual fees for libraries are extremely low and give you access to millions of books. Also a Used purchase is of course much cheaper than buying a new one.
So you can save a lot of money in any case and also natural resourcesnecessary for the creation of new books.
Tip: Do you know why it is important to read books regularly? For example, because reading improves your communication skills and stimulates your imagination! I explain all the important reasons and benefits in detail in the linked blog article.
7. consciously save electricity
Energy efficiency is a simple and effective way to reduce energy consumption in everyday life. save money in a sustainable way. For example, switch off the lightwhen you leave a room or your home to minimize your electricity bill. Also the purchase energy-efficient appliances or the Wear warm clothing at a slightly lower room temperature, your Significantly reduce energy consumption.
Simply try to switch off the (often invisible) energy guzzlers in your home. This also includes the Standby mode of technical deviceswhich unfortunately still consumes electricity unnecessarily and therefore costs money.
Here I have a few examples and their consumption so that you can put this tip into practice directly and with motivation:
- LCD television: Annual 103 kWh (approx. 30 Euro)
- Computer: Approx. 73 kWh per year (approx. 21 Euro)
- Fully automatic coffee machine: Approx. 22 kWh per year (approx. 7 Euro)
- Stereo system: About 120 kWh per year (approx. 36 Euro)
- Washing machine: Approx. 22 kWh per year (approx. 7 Euro)
8. buy your clothes second-hand or out of season
A bikini or swimming trunks in summer can be quite expensive. The same goes for buying a Winter jacket in the cold season.
As clothing is often is offered at a reduced price at the end of the seasonto make room for the new collection, you can strike sooner at such times and save money if you really need a new item of clothing.
Tip: Being thrifty also means being conscious of fashion and making sure that your Clothing lasts as long as possible. How this works - and how a cost-effective, Sustainable closet can look like in the linked blog articles.
9. sell old things and buy used
I'm sure you have a few, unused or no longer needed itemsthat are still gathering dust in the attic or on some shelf and are actually just taking up space. For example, lamps, crockery, an old desk or toys.
Instead of letting these things gather dust in the corner, you can sell used and convert it back into money. There are many platforms on the internet where you can sell second-hand items - from books and clothes to furniture and electronics. The flea market in your region is also a great place to go.
Of course, you can also use these savings opportunities in reverse to get the things you need yourself (and perhaps even unique things) at a reasonable price. The Buying second-hand really does have countless advantages.
10. dare to carry out repairs and DIY projects yourself
Waiting in the shed old bicycle on a new handlebar or have pallets in the garage that are actually ideal for DIY construction of a garden lounge? Or how about the Building your own desk from old wooden planksstill lying around somewhere?
By repairing broken things and recycling existing items, you can ultimately Avoid expensive new purchases and save your wallet.
Speaking of which! How to use the save a lot of water in the garden and thus save your wallet, can be found in the linked article.
11. make your gifts yourself and from the heart
Is your next birthday just around the corner and you still need a present? It doesn't always have to be expensive! Homemade gifts do require some creativity and brainpower, but they have two major advantages: they save your Financecome from the heart and last much longer.
This is your way of showing your favorite people that you Time and effort invested in the gift has. And that's actually always a good thing!
Tip: How you Plastic-free gift wrappingI explain in the linked blog article.
12. switch to trains, public transport and bicycles
This tip is particularly important due to of the 49-euro ticket provided by Deutsche Bahninteresting. Instead of traveling every way by car, in many cases it is cheaper and definitely more environmentally friendly to use public transport, such as Train and bus to switch.
This applies in particular to large cities where Parking spaces are not only rare, but also expensive are. In addition, fuel consumption in inner-city traffic increases dramatically.
The one or other Ride with the bike helps you with your frugal lifestyle - and is not least much healthier.
Tip: If you are dependent on a car and do not have access to car free living there are many other ways to still be able to do this cost-effectively and Environmentally friendly traveling by car to be. For example, by carpooling with your colleagues.
Live frugally: Save a lot of money on food and shopping
Especially when it comes to your diet, you can get by on a budget, without having to compromise on quality. Simply use the following tips and ways to save money to get food cheaply and set an example of a low-cost diet.
13. cook fresh and avoid ready meals
Nowadays, there are countless delivery platforms for culinary delicacies from the city. From expensive food orders (including minimum order value and delivery charges) if you want to save money. Processed meals in plastic packaging are also unnecessarily expensive.
But you don't have to miss out on delicious meals. Just swing the wooden spoon yourself! As a rule, this is not only cheaper, but also healthier - also, as you have full control over the ingredients. It's best to rely as much as possible on Plant-based, regional and seasonal foods.
Pasta, beans and lentils for example, are among the cheapest products in the food retail trade. Products from the region have Shorter transportation routes and can therefore be offered at more attractive prices. The same applies to foods that are in season and not costly to grow in greenhouses be
Bonus tips: You can also grow a lot of food yourself at home in a raised bed and save a lot of money! I would also like to take this opportunity to recommend my article on how you can Get organic food as cheaply as possible.
14. declare war on food waste
If you want to live frugally, you should stop wasting money. An effective measure in this respect is the conscious Reduce your food waste. It's really bitter to throw away food that you've just paid for with your money.
Instead of thinking about what you're going to cook every day, you should Plan meals for the whole week in advance. We always do this on Saturdays and then shop directly for the next week.
If you are involved in initiatives such as Food Sharing you can even get (or rescue) edible food completely free of charge and even distribute some to your neighbors or people in need. And many supermarkets now have boxes for food that is about to expire, which you can get at much more affordable prices.
Tip: Also try very specifically, Utilize leftoversinstead of throwing them away. You can use pumpkin seeds (e.g. after making pumpkin soup) to make a tasty snack, for example.
15. take meals with you as provisions for the journey
On the go, we are often tempted to grab a sandwich from the bakery or a box of noodles from a Chinese takeaway. But it tastes Self-prepared food usually just as tasty - and is also much cheaper.
So instead of spending money on expensive canteen meals or fast food every day, you can simply cook a little more for your evening meal, for example and then take the food with you to work the next day.
Tip: Be sure to check out this article for vegan meal prep on. There you will learn how you can not only save money, but also a lot of time.
16. drink tap water and avoid expensive soft drinks
Water is the elixir of life. It is healthy, refreshing and costs only a fraction of the price of most soft drinks. So instead of spending a lot of money on sugary drinks, you can simply Drink tap water.
So that it also works on the goI basically always have a Stainless steel drinking bottle in the process. Ultimately, this will not only save you money, but also your health. However, check beforehand whether it is safe to consume water from the tap in your region.
Tip: Do you think tap water tastes too boring? Then find out at Add flavor to tap waterhow you can make it more exciting with simple means.
Live frugally: Tips for your finances
Living frugally doesn't just mean spending less, it also means saving in a more targeted way and improving your Keeping an eye on finances at all times. I have also put together some valuable tips that you should definitely make use of.
17. file your tax return
Did you know that the average refund according to tax returns submitted in 2022 is 1,095 Euro lay? Whether Craftsman costs, home office work, income-related expenses, retirement provision or Vehicle tax - countless things can be deducted from tax.
So take care of Financial reliefby keeping the receipts and submitting your tax return to the tax office on time and by the deadline.
18. throw your coin money into a money box
Every coin counts! Even if it's just a few cents, the Small change in a piggy bank or savings jar can develop into a considerable amount over time. Putting your coins in regularly is a really simple and effective way to save money.
19. invest your savings profitably
If you have the opportunity, use your savings wisely by investing in profitable and sustainable investments. invest in sustainable investment opportunities. This way you can Making money work for youso that it multiplies by itself over time.
Simply find out about various investment opportunities (e.g. ESG ETFs) and select them responsibly in order to benefit from long-term growth and financial stability.
Important: Of course, you should avoid gambling at all costs, as you will not only lose money, but the addiction will also damage your health. jeopardize financial security can.
20. only take out important insurances and subscriptions
Insurance is important and can possibly secure your financial existence. But you can confidently do without many of them. Only take out insurance that is really relevant to your life situation.
These insurances are mandatory or important or usually useful:
- Health insurance
- Motor vehicle liability insurance
- Private liability insurance
- Occupational disability insurance
- Household contents insurance
- Legal expenses insurance
- Building insurance
These insurances, for example, are generally superfluous:
- Accident insurance
- Eyeglass insurance
- Cell phone insurance
- Glass breakage insurance
- Luggage insurance
Apart from superfluous insurance policies, subscriptions (for example from Magazines or streaming services) are really expensive. So make sure you check how much you really need them. As a rule, there is great potential for reducing costs here.
Live frugally and protect your wallet and the environment
Leading a frugal and not wasteful lifestyleis not just a question of money, but also a fundamentally smart and positive trait and decision. You should always be aware of this.
By treating your money with respect and making smart decisions, you can ultimately not only save your Improve financial situationbut also make a valuable contribution to environmental protection and sustainable development.
"People do not understand what a great revenue economy is."
Marcus Tullius Cicero (more at Modesty Quotes)
I very much hope that I can help you to live a more frugal life with this article. Do you have any questions, suggestions or other tips on how to avoid unnecessary spending and save money? Then I look forward to your comment.
Stay thrifty,
PS: You can also use our planet's resources sparingly. How you conserve resources in everyday lifeI will be happy to explain them to you next in the linked blog article. Good luck with the implementation!
