66 Super Frugal Ways To Cut Down On Household Expenses

Put down that extra large cappuccino from the overpriced coffee shop up the road and stop to think about how much money you are spending on your money coffee?!

Every dollar adds up and on average a good cuppa costs around $3.00. For example if you were to purchase a coffee each day for a week you are spending $15.00 a week that could be put back into your savings.Over a year this equates to a whopping $780.00 that you could be saving towards your next holiday, project or even a house deposit!

Faced with extravagant house prices and high barriers to entry for first home buyers now is the time to buckle down with your spending and get your savings up to scratch to buy into the market as soon as possible. Starting early is important and it can be achieved with discipline and creativity.

Here is my list of 66 super frugal ways to cut down on your household expenses;

1. Turn the heating/cooling down and use it sparingly to save on electricity
2. Use the clothesline and not the clothes dryer. Opt for the drying rack during the cooler months of the year.
3. Become a one car family - carpooling is cool!
4. Ride your bike, walk or use public transport to cut down on fuel costs
5. Turn on your washing machine and dishwasher only when full
6. Turn off lights that aren’t being used in other rooms of the house
7. Cancel your landline telephone - work from your mobile phone instead
8. Unplug appliances that aren’t being used
9. Create and stick to a weekly meal plan
10. Eat your leftovers
11. Pack a bag lunch
12. Switch to cloth napkins
13. Ditch your single use paper and plastic items
14. Grow an edible garden
15. Save your gold and silver coins in a coin jar - you will be amazed at how much every dollar counts!
16. Cook from scratch - fresh food beats greasy takeaway everyday - and it’s cheaper!
17. Do your own minor repairs around the home with the help of Youtube tutorials
18. Downsize your home if you can
19. Sell stuff you don’t use - decluttering is cleansing
20. Don’t buy stuff to impress people
21. Focus on your ‘needs’ and not your ‘wants’
22. Shop locally and avoid online shopping with it’s added delivery fees - eek!
23. Make your own cleaning solutions using vinegar, water and baking soda or opt for cheaper cleaning products. Aldi supermarkets are now your new best friend.
24. Use it, mend it, re-purpose it, recycle it
25. Cut up old shirts and use them for cleaning rags
26. Trade your goods and skills with others to save money
27. Workout at home, skip the gym and use free online workout videos or DVDs
28. Purchased second-hand furniture instead of new furniture
29. Check the sales flyers and coupons before your fortnightly shop
30. Make a shopping list and stick to it
31. Plan a no spend weekend - stay in and enjoy what you have at home!
32. Opt to buy generic goods to save money
33. Keep emergency cash handy
34. Be prepared for all seasons - Buy clothing out of season e.g. denim shorts at the start of autumn in the sales for next Summer, you could save big bucks!
35. Don’t wait till the last minute with anything, repairs, groceries, planning and etc
36. Cut back on entertainment expenses - hire weekly DVDs, cut the cable service and make going out to the cinema a special occassion.
37. Sign up the kids for free kids classes at your local craft stores, local arts centre, Bunnings and  the library
38. Do your own housework, baking, landscaping and maintenance work
39. Set a budget and stick to it
40. Purchase long-lasting, non-perishables
41. Learn to say no
42. Learn to knit, crochet and sew
43. Learn to use household tools
44. Do your own painting and redecorating
45. Buy it in bulk
46. Use reusable bags
47. Plant fruit trees and berry bushes
48. Buy energy efficient appliances
49. Install low flow toilets and shower heads
50. Maintain all gas and wood burning fireplaces and heaters
51. Opt for sweaters, slippers and blankets before turning up the heat
52. Replace all your light bulbs with LED bulbs
53. Start living with less
54. If you don’t have a tool or appliance borrow it, or rent it instead of buying it
55. DIY your gifts
56. Invest in a good slow cooker
57. Buy cheaper cuts of meat or opt for meatless meals
58. Drink more water and less soft drink and juice
59. Plan cheap but amazing dates
60. Use reusable soap dispensers
61. Freeze your leftover vegetables to use in soups and bone broths
62. Invest in a good coffee maker or teapot and bring your own coffee or tea with you
63. Use cash envelopes
64. Have open communication with your spouse regarding money, goals and life
65. Plan potluck dinner parties with friends instead of eating out - e.g. My Kitchen Rules Sundays
66. Learn to cook something new each week - variety is the spice of life!

If you have any other ideas on ways to cut down on household costs I would love to hear them!