These days, everyone seems to be embracing tighter budgets, and John and I are no exception. We’ve always leaned toward being thrifty—sharing an appetizer and an entree at a nice restaurant or clipping coupons for oil changes—but with costs rising it’s even more important to stretch our dollars. Over the years we’ve developed a set of money-saving habits that add up. Here’s a clear, practical rundown of what we do and roughly how much each tip trims from our annual spending.
1. I cut John’s hair. I’ve been his at-home barber since we started dating. I use simple shears from CVS—no clippers or electric tools—and the results are surprisingly good. Not only is it fun, it saves us a regular salon expense. Estimated annual savings: $140.
2. We only have one car. This setup wouldn’t fit every household, but since I work from home and John commutes, one vehicle covers our needs. We bought our used Maxima with cash, avoiding monthly payments. That reduces insurance, maintenance, fuel, and registration costs significantly. Estimated annual savings: $1,000–$2,000+
3. We Netflix with a vengeance. Instead of frequent movie outings, we enjoy DVDs and streaming at home. Renting whole seasons from premium channels lets us watch quality shows without subscribing to costly services. We also rent yoga videos and practice at home three times a week, which beats studio prices. Estimated annual savings: at least $300.
4. We buy plants with guarantees. We buy most of our plants from big-box stores that back their greenery for up to a year. If a plant dies, we return it and get a replacement or refund—no wasted money. Estimated annual savings: about $80.
5. We pay every bill online. Paying bills electronically reduces the risk of mail theft and saves postage and paper. Small changes like this add up over time. Estimated annual savings: about $40 in stamps alone.
6. We maintain a zero balance (except our mortgage). We pay off credit cards every month so we never carry interest. It’s not about wealth—it’s about avoiding unnecessary fees. Estimated annual savings: $300+ (varies based on average interest avoided).
7. We rarely pay full price on home decor. Our home is furnished with classic, neutral pieces bought on sale, clearance, thrift stores, garage sales, or big-box retailers. The overall effect is polished at a fraction of retail cost. Estimated annual savings: $1,000+
8. Our clothing purchases follow the same rules. We shop sales, outlet stores, consignment, and discount retailers. Great finds are out there if you’re willing to hunt—the savings add up without sacrificing style. Estimated annual savings: $300+
9. We bring reusable fabric bags to the store. Our grocery store gives a small credit per bag, and using reusable bags reduces plastic waste. The direct financial savings are modest, but the environmental benefit is worthwhile.
10. We buy basics in bulk at Costco. Large packs of staples like cereal and pasta stretch further and cost less per serving. Combined with a discounted membership from John’s work, the bulk strategy pays off. Estimated annual savings: about $125.
11. We go grocery shopping less often. Limiting trips to the store—usually twice a month—reduces impulse buys and forces us to cook what we already have. That helps cut waste and unnecessary spending. Estimated annual savings: $200.
12. We host an annual garage sale. Selling items we no longer need declutters the house and brings in extra cash. Last year we made roughly $425 in one morning. Estimated annual earnings: $425.
13. We’re thermostat freaks. In winter we keep the house around 69°F when home and 63°F when away or asleep. In summer we set it to 74°F during the day and 79°F when we’re gone or sleeping. A programmable thermostat plus occasional use of our gas fireplace keeps comfort high and energy bills lower. Estimated annual savings: $200.
14. We do a magazine swap and use the library. My friends and I share subscriptions so each of us reads more for less. We also borrow books and magazines from the library and enjoy free browsing at bookstores. Small entertainment choices like these save money and are better for the planet. Estimated annual savings: $80.
15. We live frugally in general. We look for sales, use coupon codes, make drinks like chai at home, and scout Craigslist, Freecycle, and thrift stores for deals. These habits are part habit, part culture in our families, and they compound to meaningful savings. Estimated annual savings: $100.
Altogether, when we add up these habits, we estimate annual savings of roughly $4,793. That’s the equivalent of a tax-free raise—and one of the reasons I can focus on running this blog full time. Smart, consistent saving makes a real difference.
What about you? Do you have budgeting tips or habits that work well in your household? We’d love to hear your ideas and learn new ways to save.