11 “Weird” Living Frugal Ideas That People Laugh At…Until They Try Them!

This post is all about the “weirdest” living frugal ideas that will save you thousands…. even if your friends laugh at you.

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Because let’s be honest:

Most people don’t go broke from one big mistake.

They go broke from 47 tiny “whatever” purchases… every single week.

And I know this because I’ve lived it.

I’ve been the girl who “deserved a little treat” every day, and somehow ended up with no money, no savings, and a cart full of vibes.

So today I’m sharing living frugal ideas that feel a little weird… but can literally change your life.

Some are simple.

Some are savage.

And some might make you whisper, “Maya… are you okay?”

Yes. I’m okay.

I’m just trying to keep my money instead of donating it to random companies like it’s my full-time job.

Let’s get into it.

The Real Secret Behind Living Frugal (That Nobody Wants to Admit)

Before we start, here’s the truth:

Frugal living isn’t about being cheap.

It’s about being free.

Free from:

• panic when bills hit
• stress when your car needs repairs
• the “I can’t afford it” feeling
• working forever because you had no plan

And the best part?

You don’t need to be rich to start.

You just need a few living frugal ideas that actually stick.

Living Frugal Ideas #1: Look “Broke” on Purpose

This is one of the biggest money hacks on Earth.

The old phrase stays front of mind, “we buy stuff we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people who don’t care about us”.

So do yourself a favour….

Look poor… even when you’re not.

Because most people spend money trying to look like they have money.

• new phones because their friend did
• new cars because their neighbor did
• name-brand everything because… ego
• expensive “aesthetic” stuff that does nothing

Meanwhile their bank account is out here wheezing like it just ran a marathon.

Here’s what I do instead:

• plain clothes
• no flashy logos
• simple shoes
• simple bag
• I keep things until they’re truly DONE

Not because I’m struggling.

Because I’m not interested in paying extra just to impress people who aren’t paying my bills.

If someone thinks you’re “broke” because you don’t wear a designer logo?

Let them.

That’s the sound of you keeping your money.

Living Frugal Ideas #2: Negotiate Everything

Most people only negotiate bills when they’re furious.

Like when they open their phone bill and it’s $183 and they’re like:

“WHO APPROVED THIS?!”

But here’s a better strategy:

Negotiate BEFORE it becomes painful.

Make it a habit.

Every few months, do a quick “bill check.”

Here’s what to check:

• phone plan
• internet bill
• streaming subscriptions
• car insurance
• home insurance
• credit card interest
• bank fees
• gym memberships you forgot existed

What to do:

• call and ask for a better deal
• switch providers
• downgrade your plan
• ask about promotions
• ask about loyalty discounts

This is one of those living frugal ideas that can save you hundreds per year… with one phone call.

Not glamorous.

But extremely powerful.

Living Frugal Ideas #3: Stop Buying Stuff “Because It’s Popular”

This one will save you the most money long-term.

Most people buy things because of:

• trends
• TikTok
• friends
• fear of missing out
• feeling “behind”

But frugal people buy things because:

• they need it
• it works
• it saves money
• it lasts

Here’s a rule I love:

If it’s not solving a problem, it’s probably just decoration for your ego.

That sounds harsh.

But it’s true.

And if you’re trying to build a better life?

You have to stop spending like you’re trying to win “Best Dressed at the Broke Olympics.”

Living Frugal Ideas #4: Try “Chickenomics” (Buy Things That Pay You Back)

Okay, hear me out.

You don’t need actual chickens.

But the concept is genius:

Buy things once that keep producing value.

In the transcript, the guy literally did the math and realized chickens can be a crazy return on investment because:

• they produce eggs constantly
• eggs are expensive
• you can sell extras
• you get better quality food

And honestly?

That’s not weird.

That’s smart.

Your version of “Chickenomics” could be:

• a deep freezer so you can stock up on sale meat
• a bread maker if you eat bread constantly
• a water filter so you stop buying bottled water
• a Costco membership if you actually use it
• a bidet (yes I said it)
• a solid winter jacket so you stop replacing cheap ones

The goal is to spend money once… and stop bleeding money forever.

That’s what good living frugal ideas do.

Living Frugal Ideas #5: Plant Your Food (Even If It’s 2 Things)

Listen, I’m not saying you need to become Farmer Maya.

But berries are basically luxury items now.

Like why are blueberries $7 and also the size of sadness?

In the transcript, they planted:

• blueberry bushes
• blackberry bushes
• apple trees
• strawberry beds

Because it’s a one-time investment that keeps giving.

If you want the “lazy version,” start with:

• green onions (you can regrow them in water!)
• herbs like basil or parsley
• strawberries in a pot
• tomatoes in a bucket

Even doing one or two things is a win.

Because it shifts your brain from:

“I buy everything.”

To:

“I can create things.”

That mindset alone is worth money.

Living Frugal Ideas #6: Get Creative With Weather

(Because Power Outages = Expensive)

Okay so this part was about home backup systems and solar.

And even if you’re not buying solar panels tomorrow…

The takeaway is this:

The weather costs money.

Cold winters = higher heat bills
Hot summers = higher AC bills
Power outages = spoiled food, stress, and extra spending

So, one of the smartest living frugal ideas is preparing your home so you’re not constantly paying “emergency prices.”

Frugal upgrades that actually help:

• blackout curtains
• weather stripping doors/windows
• draft stoppers
• smart thermostat (even a cheap one)
• insulated curtains
• space heater for one room instead of heating the whole house

You don’t need to be a prepper.

You just need to stop letting your house leak money like a broken faucet.

Living Frugal Ideas #7: Use the “Free Stuff Hack”

This part was honestly iconic.

The guy wanted expensive wellness stuff like saunas and cold plunges…

Instead of saying:

“I can’t afford it.”

He asked:

“How can I afford it?”

Or even better…

“How can I get this for free?”

And then he:

• contacted brands
• offered to review products
• started a YouTube channel
• got free stuff
• made money from it

That’s not lucky.

That’s a strategy.

And it works in SO many areas.

Things you can get free (or heavily discounted) by being resourceful:

• beauty products
• home gadgets
• baby stuff
• workout equipment
• furniture
• clothes
• decor
• tech accessories

Where to look:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Buy Nothing groups
• local community pages
• brand ambassador programs
• PR lists (if you have a blog or social media)

One of the best living frugal ideas is realizing you don’t have to pay retail for everything.

Retail is a trap.

Living Frugal Ideas #8: Turn Your “Wants” Into a Side Hustle

This is my favorite mindset shift of all time.

Instead of buying something you want…

You build a tiny income stream that pays for it.

Example:

You want a $1,500 thing?

Instead of using your rent money like a maniac…

You ask:

• How can I earn $1,500 in 30 days?
• What can I sell?
• What service can I offer?
• What can I flip?
• What can I create?

This is how frugal people still get nice things.

They just don’t sacrifice their future to get them.

Living Frugal Ideas #9: Use Business Expenses the Smart Way (If Self-Employed)

Okay, quick note:

I’m not an accountant, so don’t go writing off your Starbucks and saying “Maya told me it’s a business expense.” 😅

BUT…

If you’re self-employed (or starting a side hustle), there are legit ways to reduce taxes and save money.

Things that may qualify (depending on your situation):

• laptop
• phone used for work
• internet
• camera gear
• office supplies
• software subscriptions
• part of your home (home office)

The point is:

A side hustle doesn’t just make money.

It can also help you keep money.

And that’s a major win.

Living Frugal Ideas #10: House Hack If You’re Brave (Or Just Strategic)

House hacking is basically:

Buy a property where someone else helps pay your mortgage.

Examples:

• renting a basement suite
• renting rooms
• duplex living in one unit, renting the other
• Airbnb (if you can handle humans)

In the transcript, they did extreme house hacking:

• multi-unit property
• renovated
• rented rooms
• made profit while living for free

Now listen.

Not everyone wants strangers in their space.

I personally enjoy privacy and peace.

But the bigger takeaway is this:

If your housing cost is your biggest expense… reducing it changes everything.

Even if you don’t house hack, you can still:

• rent a cheaper place temporarily
• move closer to work
• get a roommate for one year
• negotiate rent
• downsize for a season

This is one of those living frugal ideas that feels extreme…

But it can shave YEARS off your working life.

Living Frugal Ideas #11: Always Be “Broke” (Even When You’re Not)

This one sounds chaotic… but it works.

As soon as money comes in?

Move it OUT.

Put it somewhere you can’t easily touch.

Examples:

• high interest savings
• investing account
• bill account
• sinking funds (car repairs, Christmas, emergency fund)

Because if money sits in your chequing account…

Your brain starts acting like it’s “extra.”

And then suddenly you’re buying:

• random Amazon things
• takeout
• candles
• “just one more thing”

Frugal people don’t rely on willpower.

They rely on systems.

And this is one of the best living frugal ideas for building savings fast.

A Simple Weekly Frugal Routine (This Actually Works)

Here’s a beginner-friendly routine you can steal:

Every Monday:

• check your bank balance
• pay any bills due soon
• move savings immediately

Every Wednesday:

• no-spend day
• eat what you already have
• don’t browse online stores

Every Friday:

• plan cheap meals for the weekend
• check if you’re about to “panic spend”

Every Sunday:

• check subscriptions
• check your upcoming week
• plan 1 money-saving move

This makes frugal living feel automatic instead of exhausting.

Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Live Frugal

Let’s save you some pain.

Mistake #1: Trying to do everything at once

You don’t need to become a monk overnight.

Pick 2 living frugal ideas and start there.

Mistake #2: Cutting fun completely

That’s how you binge spend later.

Budget for fun.

Just do it smarter.

Mistake #3: Thinking frugal = miserable

Nope.

Frugal = intentional.

Big difference.

Mistake #4: Not tracking the wins

You need to SEE your progress.

Even $50 saved matters.

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Living Frugal Ideas FAQ

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The Bottom Line

Living frugal ideas don’t have to be perfect, pretty, or Pinterest-worthy.

They just have to work.

And once you stop trying to impress people…

Once you stop spending like you’re auditioning for “Rich Girl Summer” …

You’ll be shocked how fast your life changes.

Because money isn’t just money.

• Money is options.
• Money is peace.

Money is not panicking every time your tire light comes on.

So, try a few of these living frugal ideas, stick with them for 30 days, and watch what happens.

And if you want… tell me your weirdest money-saving habit.

I LOVE hearing these!!