Contrary to popular belief, being frugal isn’t about depriving yourself or being cheap across the board. It’s about spending intentionally and finding creative ways to cut waste and keep more money in your pocket. You might assume that everyday basics like toothpaste, shampoo, paper towels, and dish soap are universal purchases, but many frugal people on a middle-class budget think twice before reaching for these items. Here’s what they skip, and what they do instead. Bottled Water Frugal people avoid throwing money away on bottled water year after year. Instead, they invest in a water filtration system and a set of high-quality reusable bottles, which is a move that saves money and reduces plastic waste. Disposable Paper Towels Paper towels are convenient, but they’re also expensive and wasteful. Frugal households swap them out for reusable, washable cloth towels or repurpose old clothes and linens as cleaning rags. It’s a simple switch that’s kinder to both your wallet and the environment. Dishwashing Soap Store-bought dishwasher detergents can be surprisingly pricey. Many frugal people make their own by mixing equal parts baking soda and borax, or by combining vinegar, water, and Castile soap to make an effective DIY dish soap. Pre-Packaged Snacks Pre-packaged snacks are convenient, but the cost adds up fast. Frugal households buy ingredients in bulk and portion snacks at home, so you’ll be getting the same convenience for a fraction of the price. Bottled Salad Dressing Store-bought dressings are often loaded with preservatives, added sugar, and artificial flavoring, and they don’t come cheap. Frugal people make their own with herbs, vinegar, and olive oil. It’s fresher, healthier, and far cheaper. Pre-Packaged Salads and Pre-Cut Vegetables Pre-cut produce and bagged salads carry a premium price tag, spoil faster, and are more susceptible to contamination from handling. Frugal individuals buy whole produce and prep it at home, saving money without sacrificing nutrition or freshness. Disposable Plastic Bags Rather than relying on single-use plastic bags, frugal people keep mesh produce bags, cloth totes, and other reusable options on hand. It’s a small habit that cuts both spending and waste over time. Dryer Sheets Single-use dryer sheets are another recurring cost frugal households cut. Wool dryer balls, like these,  are a popular alternative because they reduce static, soften clothes, and can be reused hundreds of times, making them far more sustainable in the long run.  Trash Bags Frugal people like to skip single-use plastic trash bags in favor of biodegradable liners or repurposed grocery bags. It’s an easy way to reduce both waste and spending without much effort. Hand Soap Pump hand soaps,  especially in households with kids, can disappear quickly and drain your budget. Many frugal people make their own using Castile soap, water, and a few drops of essential oils. Homemade versions tend to be foamier, longer-lasting, and much cheaper per bottle. Store-Bought Candles Beyond the cost, many commercial candles contain lead, paraffin, and phthalates, which are chemicals that aren’t great to inhale. Frugal people make their own candles using soy wax

Graphic letter tiles rest on a plate next to green foliage. Designing a consumer budget around cyclical retail promotions helps shoppers optimize their ingredient spending without sacrificing nutritional variety. Vegan Liftz/Pexels Building a meal plan around weekly sales is one of the most effective ways to lower your grocery bill. Many people start with a recipe and then try to find the ingredients, which leads to heavy overspending. By starting with the items that are […]