Budgeting

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

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Cook large batches of meals like stews, chili, or roasts and eat them over several days to save money.
It saves a ton of money.
- It may get boring sometimes.
8 people, independently
- Buy whole chickens or rotisserie chickens to stretch meat portions across multiple meals and save money.3
Cover windows with bubble wrap or plastic shrink film to form an insulating air pocket.
It forces cold air through an extra layer; air acts as a strong insulator.
- Leaving it up year-round prevents opening windows for fresh air.
- Extreme cold may make adhesive useless.
11 people, independently
Weigh the time spent cooking against eating out; if prep takes an hour, the money saved may not cover the value of that time.
An hour of labor is worth more than the cost of dining out.
4 people, independently
Clear the full amount on your credit card statement each month; do not carry any balance.
Interest is ridiculous and keeping a balance is a trap that hands money to the bank.
3 people, independently
Call your cable company and state you want to disconnect service to trigger retention offers.
The operator will transfer you to the retention team, which usually offers a better rate to keep you.
- They may let you cancel, leaving you without internet for a week.
- Automated operators may send you directly to retention.
4 people, independently

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Roast whole chickens and use the leftovers for multiple meals (like enchiladas or salad) and boil the carcass for stock.
A whole chicken can provide enough food for several meals, stretching the budget.
7 people, independently
Apply for WIC benefits to purchase baby food, formula, and nutritious staples if you have children under five.
- You must apply for it.
- The benefits may only cover a few items and might not be enough to fully support the baby.
5 people, independently
Create a shopping list beforehand and adhere to it closely to manage costs and prevent unplanned purchases.
Following a set list and budget tends to be more effective at limiting what you buy.
- One person noted that sometimes they write vague items like 'crisps - whatever one you feel like' to allow for exploration.
- Another person noted that when they go without a list, they tend to forget half their stuff.
7 people, independently
Use a pressure cooker to prepare dried beans instead of buying canned ones.
It is more cost-effective and tastier.
4 people, independently

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Prepare a large dish on Sunday to reheat and consume during the following days.
9 people, independently
Shop at ethnic or immigrant markets for cheaper meat and produce.
Prices can be half or less compared to standard supermarkets.
3 people, independently
- Visit Asian supermarkets for fresh produce, as fruits and vegetables tend to be less expensive there.3
Spend less on things you do not care much about so you can spend freely on things you truly appreciate.
Focus on spending on what matters while ruthlessly cutting expenses that don't.
4 people, independently
Live below your means to eliminate financial worry.
Living frugally now allows you to live freely later.
3 people, independently
- Do not finance your lifestyle; live within your means without taking on debt for non-essentials.7
Try frozen vegetables, since they are frequently harvested at peak ripeness and quickly frozen, which can help preserve nutrients and extend shelf life compared to fresh produce.
They cost less, are simpler to prepare, and spoil more slowly.
4 people, independently
- Purchase frozen vegetables to cut costs while maintaining nutritional value.4
- Use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones to save money and reduce waste.3
Plan meals based on what is currently on sale rather than your usual preferences.
One person reported this cut their grocery bill by 30% and changed everything.
5 people, independently
Divide spare cash by the 50/30/20 method: 50% for essentials, 30% for desires, 20% for saving or debt.
6 people, independently
Use local food banks to supplement grocery budgets during financial hardship.
It helps tide you over and there is no harm in it.
3 people, independently
Cook dinner meals that can be repurposed into lunch leftovers to cut costs.
This approach is extremely cost-effective.
3 people, independently
- Prepare work lunches using leftovers or by cooking double portions of dinner to avoid buying midday meals.3
When lean protein like chicken goes on sale, buy multiple packages and freeze all but one.
5 people, independently
Immediately freeze fresh fruit from a food bank by cutting and portioning it first to stop spoilage.
Donated produce is often near the end of its usable life.
3 people, independently
Skip processed, convenience, or snack items like chips, soda, and pre-made meals.
They become very costly very fast.
3 people, independently
Set a strict weekly or monthly budget for eating out and stick to it.
4 people, independently
- Eliminate all non-essential spending, including eating out, shopping, cable, and streaming services.4
- Categorize certain food purchases under an 'eating out' fund rather than counting them against your grocery budget.3
Record all of your expenditures, down to the last cent.
This provides perspective and reveals areas where you can cut costs.
3 people, independently
Pre-plan your weekly meals and create a strict shopping list based on those plans.
17 people, independently
- Start meal planning by inventorying your pantry, fridge, and freezer to use up items before they spoil.4
Purchase large quantities of rice (20 or 40 lbs) from warehouse clubs or Asian groceries to lower the per-unit cost.
It is much cheaper in bulk.
5 people, independently
Switch from store-bought soda to making tea or coffee at home.
3 people, independently
Cook meals from scratch rather than buying pre-prepared processed foods.
It is way cheaper and avoids ultra-processed ingredients.
4 people, independently
- Cook meals from scratch using basic ingredients rather than buying prepared foods.8
Include rice, dried beans, and frozen vegetables in your meal plan to increase nutritional value and variety at a low cost.
These items are cheap, last through several meals, and provide protein and nutrients.
3 people, independently
- Stretch a tight budget by prioritizing low-cost, high-volume staples like rice, beans, eggs, peanut butter, bread, bananas, oatmeal, milk, and cheap vegetables while avoiding expensive fast food and processed items.6
- Get the bulk of your calories from cheap, filling staples like rice, beans, lentils, corn, and eggs.5
- Focus on buying rice and beans in large quantities as affordable meal staples.4
Use a vacuum sealer to divide larger pieces of meat for extended freezer storage.
It saves money by letting you buy discounted meat and freeze it into meal-sized portions that keep longer.
3 people, independently
Break down bulk meat into portions and vacuum seal or bag them for freezing.
8 people, independently
- During festive seasons, purchase surplus hams and turkeys, prepare them, divide into servings, and freeze for long-term meat supply.3
Buy whole watermelons instead of pre-cut fruit to save money.
Whole watermelons are cheaper than store-cut portions.
3 people, independently
- Buy whole fruits and vegetables instead of pre-cut or pre-prepared versions, as they are cheaper.6
Think about giving spices to local pantries so clients can add flavor to basics like rice, potatoes, and beans.
Having options beyond salt for seasoning can make meals more enjoyable.
3 people, independently
Give money to food banks instead of physical items.
Cash allows them to purchase supplies via regional distributors and set aside immediate needs more.
4 people, independently
Choose water over alcohol when eating at restaurants.
Not drinking booze tends to make the restaurant bill a lot cheaper.
3 people, independently
Use a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand to save money and time.
Washing by hand costs more and takes longer.
4 people, independently
Seek free food from local pantries, soup kitchens, churches, shelters, or mutual aid groups.
9 people, independently
- Inquire about pet food or treats at food banks, as some may provide them.3
Share rent and living expenses with a partner to reduce costs.
5 people, independently
Ask vendors for 'seconds' (less pretty but edible food) or negotiate deals for bulk purchases.
3 people, independently
Make your own pasta sauce from canned tomatoes instead of buying jarred sauce.
6 people, independently
Prefer frozen vegetables over canned varieties to skip additives and excess sodium, since frozen packs generally hold only the produce.
Canned options typically include preservatives and salt, while frozen bags usually contain nothing but the veggies.
3 people, independently
Look for chicken thighs as they are usually much cheaper than other cuts.
6 people, independently
- Substitute expensive meats with cheaper alternatives like chicken thighs, ground pork, or canned tuna.4
Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season.
It saves money and the food is typically fresher and more flavorful.
4 people, independently
Be prepared for long wait times at food banks, especially during high-demand periods.
3 people, independently
Keep two checking accounts: one for spending and one for bills, transferring slightly more than needed to the bill account.
3 people, independently
Buy frozen berries instead of fresh ones.
Frozen berries are vastly cheaper due to shipping difficulties and seasonality.
3 people, independently
Shop for meat and produce based on what is on sale, then plan meals around those discounted items rather than sticking to a rigid meal plan.
3 people, independently
Mix up meal prep ingredients weekly or use sauces to avoid boredom.
This keeps you motivated to keep it up and provides more interesting food to look forward to.
3 people, independently
Meal prep when you are motivated and freeze portions to avoid cooking fatigue and save money.
3 people, independently
Buy disposable aluminum roasting pans and baking ware at dollar stores.
They are cheaper than grocery store options and just as recyclable.
4 people, independently
Purchase cheese in whole blocks and slice or shred it yourself rather than buying pre-sliced or shredded varieties.
11 people, independently
Substitute lentils, beans, tofu, or finely chopped mushrooms for meat in meals like meatballs, chili, and sauces.
7 people, independently
Make a large batch of caramelized onions and freeze them for later use in soups, frittatas, or dips.
3 people, independently
Swap applesauce for eggs in baking if you are out of stock or want to avoid using them.
3 people, independently
Move meat from the freezer to the fridge every night to thaw it for the next day's cooking.
3 people, independently
Buy one high-quality kitchen knife rather than many cheap ones.
3 people, independently
Avoid grocery shopping when you are hungry or under the influence of substances.
4 people, independently
Consider volunteering or donating to food banks after regaining financial stability to pay it forward.
7 people, independently
Work out whether DIY projects are economically sensible based on your hourly wage and leisure time value.
4 people, independently
Recognize that 'expiration' dates and 'best by' dates are two totally different things.
3 people, independently
Buy butter during November and December sales and freeze it.
Prices rise in January after the holiday season.
3 people, independently
Create a sinking fund for irregular annual expenses like license renewals, locker fees, or glasses by figuring out yearly costs and setting aside money for them.
3 people, independently
Make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a cheap, quick meal.
5 people, independently
Substitute Better Than Bouillon paste or bouillon cubes for canned or carton broth.
4 people, independently
Stretch ground beef by mixing it with drained canned red beans or lentils in dishes like tacos and pasta.
4 people, independently
Freeze overripe fruit in bags to use later in smoothies instead of throwing it away.
5 people, independently
Make stock from turkey carcasses after roasting to extend the value of the meat.
3 people, independently
Buy visually imperfect 'wonky' produce for half the price, as it is nutritionally identical to standard items.
3 people, independently
Avoid over-analyzing small expenses if the time spent calculating savings is worth more than the money saved.
3 people, independently
Buy rotisserie chicken to save time, as it comes seasoned and cooked.
5 people, independently
Consolidate errands into a single driving route on one day to limit fuel usage.
5 people, independently
Blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, salt, and lemon juice in a mini blender to make hummus.
3 people, independently
Freeze chopped seasonal produce, like peppers, for later use.
3 people, independently
Cut open bottles of hair cream or similar products to extract the remaining product.
3 people, independently
Pay insurance premiums semi-annually or annually to reduce costs.
4 people, independently

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Dampen the glass with a water spray bottle before pressing bubble wrap onto it to help it adhere.
The air pockets serve as an insulating barrier.
- Bubble wrap does not stop drafts from cracks around the window frame.
4 people, independently
Seal the spaces around window frames using glaze, silicone caulk, or putty to stop air leaks.
- Silicone window caulking smells strongly for a day or two while drying.
- Using plastic to cover windows after caulking may result in losing a security deposit if done without permission.
3 people, independently
Layer fleece blankets or flannel sheets under your bedding to keep body warmth in.
Fleece holds air, which helps retain heat.
3 people, independently
Layer multiple sets of curtains or hang drapes to improve home insulation.
Combining layers provides better insulation than a single pair alone.
3 people, independently

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Hang thermal or blackout curtains over all windows and sliding doors to retain warmth.
10 people, independently
- Hang curtains in doorways to block off unheated areas and retain heat in occupied rooms.3
- Place rolled-up towels or blankets at the bottom of exterior doors to seal out drafts.3
Set aside approximately 1% of the home's value each year for repairs and maintenance.
6 people, independently
Choose heated bedding with independent dual-zone controls so partners can set different temperatures.
It prevents conflict over temperature settings and saves money.
5 people, independently
Snuggle with a partner or pet under the covers to share body heat.
4 people, independently
Lower the thermostat by 2-5 degrees and wear warm clothing like hoodies, sweatpants, wool socks, and beanies, potentially using an electric throw blanket.
3 people, independently
Switch on the oven and prop the door open to let warmth spread into the room.
3 people, independently
Put foam plugs into electrical outlets on outside walls to block cold air leaks.
3 people, independently
Cut your hair using the ponytail method: tie hair in a ponytail, slide the holder to the desired length, and cut.
3 people, independently

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Pay for everything with credit cards to accumulate rewards, ensuring you settle the full amount each month.
Earn benefits while avoiding debt.
3 people, independently
Review credit card statements regularly even with autopay enabled to check for unrecognized transactions or errors.
Autopay does not absolve you from looking at the statement; it is there for when you are unexpectedly away or internet is down. Checking helps catch unauthorized purchases or double deductions.
3 people, independently

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If sharing a home, terminate your current plan and have a co-resident register under their own name to secure introductory pricing.
This allows access to promotional rates for another year.
- In the UK, deals are per household, so this is not possible.
3 people, independently
Suggest canceling or changing providers to prompt retention deals like discounted internet rates, but be ready to act on this threat if the company does not comply.
Threatening cancellation often results in reduced pricing.
- Companies may call your bluff; one person stayed after being called out, another went through with cancellation until a last-second deal was offered
3 people, independently
- Threaten to switch providers or cancel service to trigger retention offers.4
Call your current carrier to negotiate a lower rate or better plan before switching.
Carriers may offer shared plans or reduced rates to retain customers.
3 people, independently
Contact your internet provider once a year to politely request a discount or current offers.
They often have promotions available if you ask persistently.
4 people, independently

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Buy unlocked phones outright and use them with cheap MVNO services like Cricket.
3 people, independently
Be polite, courteous, and respectful to customer service representatives when negotiating.
Agents have autonomy over offers and are more likely to work with you if you are nice; rudeness may result in fewer benefits.
10 people, independently
Call your service provider and state you will switch to a competitor unless they lower your bill or continue your promotional rate.
8 people, independently
When negotiating costs, ask to be transferred to the retention department instead of standard support.
These agents typically possess unique offers unavailable to regular representatives and tend to be more accommodating.
3 people, independently
Ask to speak with the Customer Loyalty department if the initial representative cannot fulfill your request for a bill reduction.
3 people, independently
Research competitor prices in your area before calling to cancel so you can cite specific better deals during negotiation.
3 people, independently

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Buy store-brand items instead of name brands to save money.
Store brands are often cheaper and comparable in quality.
- Quality may vary by product; check what shops you have near you.
6 people, independently
Buy day-old bakery goods which are marked down.
They are discounted more than freshly made items were before price hikes.
3 people, independently
Purchase 'mistint' or 'oops' paint from big-box hardware stores to get high-quality product at a steep discount if color precision is not critical.
- Some stores may refuse to sell mistints to non-contractors.
- It may not provide enough volume for a big house.
5 people, independently
Do not buy things you do not need, frivolous luxury goods, or items you will never use.
8 people, independently

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Visit thrift stores in college towns immediately after a semester ends to find high-quality items discarded by students.
Students often donate unworn or nice clothing rather than hauling it home.
6 people, independently
- Check for discarded furniture outside when the academic term concludes, if you reside close to a university.3
Compare unit prices carefully, as bulk items are not always cheaper per ounce than smaller sizes.
Supply chain issues or packaging shortages can cause larger quantities to be priced higher per unit.
4 people, independently
Keep a running digital list of gift ideas and preferences for each person throughout the year.
This helps avoid repeats and ensures you know what they like.
3 people, independently
Buy 10-pound bags of chicken quarters when available at discounted prices.
3 people, independently
Compare unit prices between different stores for the same items, as costs can vary.
4 people, independently
- Use price-matching policies at retailers to secure lower prices found at competitors.3
- Shop around and comparison shop across multiple nearby grocery stores to find the lowest prices for specific items.3
Leave items in your online cart for several days to possibly trigger discount coupons.
10 people, independently
Offer experiences or shared memories rather than tangible presents.
Memories hold more value than fleeting material items.
5 people, independently
Purchase flowers directly from a local shop rather than national online services or funeral home sites to bypass middleman fees and potentially get better quality.
National services act as middlemen that take big fees, often resulting in bare minimum arrangements for higher prices.
5 people, independently
Buy snacks like candy and pretzels at dollar stores for road trips or movies to save money compared to gas stations.
They are cheaper than gas station options and offer better selection and price per unit than grocery stores.
3 people, independently
Keep a list of desired items with the maximum price you are willing to pay based on research, and buy only when the price drops to that level.
3 people, independently
Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local free cycles for used or free items before buying new.
7 people, independently
- Buy used appliances from Craigslist or Habitat for Humanity stores.3
Check if your public library offers free museum passes or reduced-price entry to local attractions.
17 people, independently
Search YouTube for repair videos to diagnose and fix broken appliances yourself.
4 people, independently
Buy gifts year-round when you see items someone might like, rather than shopping specifically for holidays.
3 people, independently
Stock up on items when they are on sale rather than buying them at regular prices every week.
7 people, independently
- Buy seasonal decorations immediately after the holiday season ends to secure steep discounts for future years.3
Look for discounted 'ugly' or damaged produce at local markets or specific supermarket sections.
7 people, independently
- Buy misshapen or 'naturally imperfect' items which are often sold at a slight discount.3
Buy greeting cards at dollar stores to save money compared to other retailers.
10 people, independently
Look for avocado sales or gluts to purchase them at a lower price.
3 people, independently
Shop at discount or liquidation grocery stores for deeply discounted items.
3 people, independently
Compare the cost per ounce, pound, or unit of dollar store products against big-box or warehouse stores to identify true bargains, as smaller quantities are often more expensive.
5 people, independently
- Pay attention to unit pricing on shelves rather than just the total shelf price to determine if an item is truly a good value.5
Check online weekly sales ads before shopping to plan your grocery list around current deals.
7 people, independently
Enroll in grocery store loyalty schemes to obtain digital coupons, points, and tailored offers.
3 people, independently
Use free online yoga classes available on YouTube or dedicated websites.
3 people, independently