#frugal

[bitchesgetriches]

{ MASTERPOST } Everything You Need to Know about Saving Money and Being Frugal

We’re all in this together. Don’t give up.

On food and groceries:

How to Shop for Groceries like a Boss

Why Name Brand Products Are Beneath You: The Honor and Glory of Buying Generic

If You Don’t Eat Leftovers I Don’t Even Want to Know You

You Are above Bottled Water, You Elegant Land Mermaid

You Should Learn To Cook. Here’s Why.

On entertainment and socializing:

The Frugal Introvert’s Guide to the Weekend

7 Totally Reasonable Ways To Save Money on Cheap Entertainment 

Take Pride in Being a Cheap Date

The Library Is a Magical Place and You Should Fucking Go There

Your Library Lets You Stream Audiobooks and eBooks FOR FREEEEEEE!

What’s the Effect of Social Media on Your Finances?

You Won’t Regret Your Frugal 20s

On health:

How to Pay Hospital Bills When You’re Flat Broke

Run With Me if You Want to Save: How Exercising Will Save You Money

Our Master List of 100% Free Mental Health Self-Care Tactics

Why You Probably Don’t Need That Gym Membership

How to Get DIRT CHEAP Pet Medication, Without a Prescription 

On other big expenses:

Businesses Will Happily Give You HUGE Discounts if You Ask This Magic Question

Understand the Hidden Costs of Travel and Avoid Them Like the Plague

Other People’s Weddings Don’t Have to Make You Broke

You Deserve Cheap, Fake Jewelry… Just Like Coco Chanel

3 Times I Was Damn Grateful for My Emergency Fund (and Side Income) 

When (and How) to Try Refinancing or Consolidating Student Loans

The Real Story of How I Paid Off My Mortgage Early in 4 Years 

Season 2, Episode 2: “I’m Not Ready to Buy a House—But How Do I *Get Ready* to Get Ready?”

The Most Impactful Financial Decision I’ve Ever Made… and Why I Don’t Recommend It

On buying secondhand and trading:

Almost Everything Can Be Purchased Secondhand

I Am a Craigslist Samurai and so Can You: How to Sell Used Stuff Online

The Delicate Art of the Friend Trade

On giving gifts and charitable donations:

How Can I Tame My Family’s Crazy Gift-Giving Expectations?

In Defense of Shameless Regifting

Make Sure Your Donations Have the Biggest Impact by Ruthlessly Judging Charities

The Anti-Consumerist Gift Guide: I Have No Gift to Bring, Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum

How to Spot a Charitable Scam

Ask the Bitches: How Do I Say “No” When a Loved One Asks for Money… Again? 

On resisting temptation:

How to Insulate Yourself From Advertisements

Making Decisions Under Stress: The Siren Song of Chocolate Cake

The Magically Frugal Power of Patience

6 Proven Tactics for Avoiding Emotional Impulse Spending

On minimalism and buying less:

Don’t Spend Money on Shit You Don’t Like, Fool

Everything I Know About Minimalism I Learned from the Zombie Apocalypse

Slay Your Financial Vampires

The Subscription Box Craze and the Mindlessness of Wasteful Spending

On saving money:

How To Start Small by Saving Small

Not Every Savings Account Is Created Equal

The Unexpected Benefits (and Downsides) of Money Challenges

Budgets Don’t Work for Everyone—Try the Spending Tracker System Instead

From HYSAs to CDs, Here’s How to Level Up Your Financial Savings

Season 2, Episode 10: “Which Is Smarter: Getting a Loan? or Saving up to Pay Cash?”

The Magic of Unclaimed Property: How I Made $1,900 in 10 Minutes by Being a Disorganized Mess

We will periodically update this list with newer articles. And by “periodically” I mean “when we remember that it’s something we forgot to do for four months.”

Bitches Get Riches: setting realistic expectations since 2017!

Start saving right heckin’ now!

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[anim-ttrpgs]

"Frugal" investigator Trait from Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy. Every investigator has 3 to 6 Traits!

Frugal: This investigator has a +1 Contextual bonus to Wealth.

[bootleg-nessie]

Pro tip for broke college students: learning how to cook and bake will save you soooo much money. Homemade bread is only 4 ingredients, costs about 1/10th of what you’d pay for a loaf at the store, tastes 10x better, and is WAY easier than you’d think

[smell-the-dirt]

DIY newspaper pots: an illustrated guide

Cut a newspaper sheet into quarters, then fold each quarter in half.

Find a beer bottle or other cylinder (~2" in diameter) and wrap a folded quarter-sheet around it. Ensure the "hanging" portion of the wrapped sheet is longer than the radius of the bottle.

Fold the hanging portion over the end of the bottle to form the bottom of the pot.

Remove the formed pot from the bottle.

Roll the rim inward to help the pot maintain its shape. The weight of the soil should prevent the bottom of the pot from unfolding.

The end result is a biodegradable dirt-holder. This size is ideal for starting seeds.

[introvertedx10]

[theunaestheticstudyblr]

Some of my favorite easy and fast foods/snacks for $5 or less that aren't ramen and spaghetti:

Couscous. You can get boxed couscous for like $3 and it's enough for 2-3 side dishes at least and takes literally 5 minutes and no extra ingredients. You can get large containers of it for like $5 at Walmart too so you can season however you want. A nice grain that's easy to digest and pairs well with almost anything.

Popcorn. Everyone's favorite healthy junk food that can satisfy most cravings. You can usually get a box for like $4 or a jar of kernels for like $6.

Oats. Whole oats. Extremely versatile. Put them in smoothies, make cookies, granola, snack bars/balls, brownies, oatmeal, etc. Truly the best bland fiber and filler out there. You can even easily make your own oatmilk for super cheap by blending them with water and straining!

Frozen veggies. Last for months in the freezer and usually under $2 a bag. Not great if you prefer raw veggies, but if you are fond of sautéed or roasted ones, save some money and just get them frozen.

Chocolate chips. Cheaper than chocolate bars and you get a lot more chocolate. Perfect for those cravings!

Powdered potatoes. I know I know but if you ignore the package directions and put some butter and milk and seasonings in it, you can't tell. Ready in like 2 minutes and you get a shit ton of mashed potatoes for like $2.

Vegan Mac and cheese. I'm lactose intolerant and so I will forever be thankful for the vegan movement of the early 2010s for making nondairy products easier to find and more affordable. Vegan Mac and cheese literally tastes the exact same and bakes so well. Annie's so far has been my favorite brand and they have other pastas with sauces too like squash which is so good.

Crepes. You can make your own batter for cheap but who likes all them dishes? You can find pre-made crepes for like $3 for 10.

Apples. You can find 2lb bags of these for $3 at a lot of places. I never knew they were so cheap and I go through phases where I'll eat like 4 a day.

Lunch meat. Packs of turkey cost like $4. I use turkey on so much. Bagels, omelets, salads, sandwiches, wraps, croissants, etc.

Ready to bake pastries. I'm not a big bread person but croissants ready to bake have my whole heart and cinnamon rolls can really help make a bad day a little better.

Pretzels. I'm an absolute whore for Pretzels and eat so many of these things. They're so easy to pack for snacks for class or anything really. I can't go two weeks without them.

Rice crisps. Rice cakes are great but they're big and crumbly and get stale if you don't close the bag JUST right. But little Rice crisps??? Elite. They come in so many flavors and are super crunchy and they're just super cute too and they're bogo a lot at publix.

Frozen potstickers. You can get them for so cheap and I have a giant bag of them in my freezer right now that I got for like $7. I usually get smaller portions for $4 or so though but decided to splurge and get 3lbs of them cus why not.

Frozen shrimp. A bag of extra small Frozen shrimp is about $5 at Walmart. Eat them thawed and cold or put them in pastas or rice or Soups. They're a staple in my house.

These are just a few I could think of off the top of my head. Please add to the list!

[tilbageidanmark]

Pepe Mujica, Uruguay's former president, and the only politician I admire, is battling cancer.

[toruandmidori]

Looking for a super simple halloween costume that also doubles as an ugly Christmas sweater? Get in here!

Get festively frugal with our hand drawn replica of that iconic sweater from everyone’s second favourite Christmas movie - Die Hard. 

Makes an easy trick or treat costume and great holiday gifts for movie fans. 

Buy online here.

[brokegirlsguidetolife]

Side Hustles That Actually Pay: Broke Girl Edition

Introduction

Finding ways to make money fast is hard. With this guide you can find some methods you never thought of! Here are 10 ways to make money fast online and in person.

1. Reselling Thrift Finds

How It Works: Buy clothes, home decor, or accessories from thrift stores, garage sales, or clearance racks and resell them for a profit on platforms like Poshmark, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. What You Need: A phone to take pictures, a small starting budget (or start with what you already own), and a little patience. Pro Tip: Look for name brands, vintage items, or trendy pieces that have a high resale value.

2. Pet-Sitting & Dog Walking

How It Works: Offer to watch or walk pets for busy people through apps like Rover or Wag, or just spread the word to friends and neighbors. What You Need: A love for animals and some free time. No upfront costs! Pro Tip: Offer overnight pet-sitting for extra cash, especially for pet owners going on vacation.

3. Freelance Gigs (Even Without a Degree!)

How It Works: Sell your skills online—writing, graphic design, social media management, virtual assisting—on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or even Instagram. What You Need: A laptop, internet, and a skill (even basic ones like data entry or admin work). Pro Tip: Don’t undersell yourself! Start at a fair rate and increase as you gain experience and reviews.

4. Selling Handmade or Spiritual Goods

How It Works: If you make jewelry, candles, or spiritual tools (like spell jars or tarot readings), you can sell them on Etsy, Instagram, or at local markets. What You Need: Supplies and creativity! Pro Tip: Take high-quality pictures and market yourself on TikTok or Instagram to get more eyes on your shop.

5. Flipping Furniture or Household Items

How It Works: Pick up free or cheap furniture from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or thrift stores, then clean, paint, or repair them and resell for a profit. What You Need: Basic tools, paint, and a way to transport items. Pro Tip: Mid-century modern and farmhouse styles tend to sell fast!

6. Plasma Donation & Medical Studies

How It Works: Donating plasma can earn you $50-$100 per visit, and some medical studies pay for participation. What You Need: A healthy body and willingness to spend time in a clinic. Pro Tip: Some clinics offer higher pay for first-time donors or referral bonuses!

7. Tutoring or Homework Help

How It Works: If you’re good at a subject, offer tutoring services online through platforms like Wyzant or locally to students who need help. What You Need: Knowledge in a subject and the ability to explain things clearly. Pro Tip: Offer test prep services (SAT, ACT, etc.)—parents are willing to pay extra for this!

8. Delivering Food & Groceries

How It Works: Sign up for apps like DoorDash, UberEats, Instacart, or Shipt to deliver food or groceries in your spare time. What You Need: A car, bike, or scooter, and a phone. Pro Tip: Work during peak hours (lunch/dinner) to maximize earnings and stack multiple apps for more deliveries.

9. Renting Out a Spare Room or Storage Space

How It Works: If you have extra space, rent it out on Airbnb or use apps like Neighbor to rent out storage space. What You Need: A clean, safe space to rent. Pro Tip: Offer short-term stays for travelers or event-goers in your area to keep bookings frequent.

10. Mystery Shopping & Market Research

How It Works: Get paid to shop, eat, or provide feedback on businesses through apps like Field Agent, Secret Shopper, or UserTesting (for online reviews). What You Need: A smartphone and attention to detail. Pro Tip: Combine multiple gigs for a full day of extra earnings!

Conclusion

Being broke doesn’t mean you’re out of options. These side hustles can help you get back on your feet with little to no investment. Pick one (or a few) that work for you, and start making that extra cash today!

What are your go-to broke girl side hustles? Drop them in the comments below!

[bitchesgetriches]

GO 👏 TO 👏 THE 👏 LIBRARY (are we still clapping? no??) You're already paying for the library through your tax dollars, so you might as well use what you're paying for!

The Library Is a Magical Place and You Should Fucking Go There

[netscapenavigator-official]

The one ingredient I learned to never cheap out on was soy sauce.

You go down the Asian cuisine aisle of the local grocery store, and you think, “They’ll probably be almost the same. How hard is it to mess up liquid sodium??” but you're wrong. There are two completely different choices in the exact same packaging

Soy Sauce (Name Brand)

and

Brown Salty Water (Store Brand)

[dk-thrive]

My parents were frugal not simply because they had to be careful, but because they saw little reason for making life about money.

― Richard Flanagan, Question 7 (Knopf, September 17, 2024)

[pieheda]

One of my favorite things is when financial advice YouTubers need to try and sound authentic about their sponsors.

They spend an entire video telling you how much you’re wasting on streaming services that you do enjoy and use frequently, and then they have to turn around and say “what is NOT a waste of your money is Audible. What are libraries? We have no idea! You get one lousy audiobook per month for $15! Some books retail for cheaper than that, but we will pretend this is a bargain! Audible! Pay for shit that is totally free somewhere else in your state!”

[lily-james17]

Money-Saving + Sustainability Hack

Instead of buying fabric softener, which is continual spending and not very good for the environment, let me introduce you to these fabulous little fuckers:

These are wool dryer balls. Instead of fabric softener in your wash cycle, put one or two of these into your dryer. They'll dry your clothes faster, don't come with any harmful or harsh chemicals, and only need to be replaced every few years (or roughly 1,000 loads of laundry)-- which is much longer lasting that fabric softener or drying sheets. Not only are they sustainable and non-toxic, they are safe to use for people with sensitive skin, since there are no chemicals or fragrances that can trigger agitation or allergies.

As a bonus tip-- if you would like fragrance in your laundry, just add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice to your dryer ball(s) before starting the drying cycle. And while the dryer balls are made simply of wool, you can also choose to get them in all sorts of colors, or even make your own!

[rainyfestivalsweets]

DIY [dirt cheap & probably works better than a] Starbucks Medicine Ball:

Functional teas that I had on hand were:

Celestial Tea Well Organic Ginger Mint

Bigelow Benefits Lemon & Echinacea

Honey, the real good stuff (this is from my cousin's farm)

Lemon Juice 🍋

Sugar Free Peppermint Syrup

Bonus Add on: Young Living Peppermint

Although the OG diy recipe uses the Teavana brand and a metric shitton of sugar, I am not that boujee and trying to avoid extra sugar... Honey has enough sweetness, but honey also has its own special properties. Use the google, I ain't your momma.

This tea is what I had on hand, and likely bought on sale or clearance. Also...there are a ton of different teas that are specifically blending to aid immunity or cold season. Try varieties by Yogi or Traditional Medicinals if you can find them. Experiment & find what works best for you.

I also don't have the space for a bag of fresh lemons. It is really all about balancing what you have with the effect you want.

I have found that in most of my experiments, I will feel better with any combination of mint, lemon and honey. But if I have to work, a tea that has some caffeine will help me perk up.

And yes, I have to work. I work FT and caregiver FT, I am out of PTO. My FMLA is only if my patient is sick, it doesn't cover my illnesses. But I work from home so... it could be worse. At least I am not infecting people.