Frugal Habits – What I Learned When I First Started Out

Frugal Habits I Learned When I First Started Out

Living Frugally: Lessons From My First Apartment

When I first started out on my own, money was tight. I wasn’t earning much, and every dollar had to stretch further than I thought possible. At the time, I didn’t think of myself as “living frugally” — I just knew I had to make smart choices if I wanted to keep the lights on, pay rent, and still enjoy life a little. Looking back, those small frugal habits I picked up out of necessity have stuck with me ever since.

A lot of those habits reminded me of my grandmother. She grew up in a time when nothing was wasted, and she always found ways to make things stretch. Whether it was turning scraps of fabric into something useful or cooking big meals that could be reheated later, she showed me that living simply could also mean living well.

Here are some of the frugal habits that helped me in those early days — many of which I learned by watching her.

1. Shop the Sales and Plan Meals Around Them

I couldn’t afford to shop without a plan. Every week, I’d scan the grocery store flyers, circle the sales, and decide my meals based on what was cheapest. If chicken or pasta was marked down, that’s what I bought.

My grandmother used to do the same thing — her meals were built around what was in season or on sale. It felt restrictive at first, but soon I realized I was trying new recipes and wasting less food. This was also the time I started learning to make my own pasta.  Stay tuned for the upcoming recipe on Making Homemade Pasta but in a semi-modernized way.   

2. Batch Cooking and Freezer Meals Save Time and Money

Cooking after work every night wasn’t realistic, but eating out wasn’t in my budget either. I started cooking double batches on weekends — casseroles, soups, pasta sauces — and freezing portions.

On busy nights, I could just reheat dinner instead of being tempted by take-out. My grandmother always said, “If you’re going to make one loaf of bread, you might as well make two.” That mindset carried me through.

3. Share and Borrow Resources

Books and movies were luxuries I couldn’t realistically justify buying. Instead, I leaned on my local library, swapped books with friends, and even borrowed kitchen tools from neighbors.

It reminded me of how my grandmother would trade recipes or share garden vegetables with her neighbors. Community was always part of her frugal living, and I began to see how much richer life felt when I shared instead of bought. 

4. Decluttering Helped Me Spend Less

When I looked around at my tiny apartment, I realized I didn’t need more stuff — I needed less. I donated clothes I wasn’t wearing and promised myself I wouldn’t buy new ones unless I truly needed them.

My grandmother never bought things she didn’t have a purpose for, and she encouraged me to think twice before spending. That simple adjustment made a difference in my impulse shopping. 

5. Growing a Small Garden to Save on Groceries

I didn’t have much space, but I grew herbs in little pots by the window. Even a small touch like that saved me from buying fresh herbs at the store — and honestly, it felt good to nurture and care for something.  I developed a love for gardening and still do this today.

My grandmother had a huge garden when I was growing up, and I can still remember the smell of her fresh tomatoes and herbs. Growing my own, even on a small scale, made me feel connected to her.

6. Finding Free or Low-Cost Fun

Money for entertainment was almost nonexistent, so I got creative. Trips to the local library and evening potluck dinners with friends filled that gap. I also found a way to fill time with crocheting and knitting. 

Some of those low-cost memories are still my favorites today. My grandmother always said the best times didn’t cost much — laughter around the dinner table or a simple walk outdoors often meant more than an expensive outing.

7. Breaking the Impulse Buying Habit

This one was tough. I’d see something cute in a store and instantly want it. Over time, I taught myself to wait 24 hours before buying. Nine times out of ten, I realized I didn’t need it after all.

My grandmother was a master of patience — she’d remind me that if you can wait, you’ll often discover you didn’t need it to begin with and if you did need it, it was worth it. 

Final Thoughts on Frugal Habits That Last

Those frugal habits started as survival, but they turned into life lessons I still carry with me. Even now, with more breathing room in my budget, I find myself going back to these same strategies.

Living frugally taught me that it isn’t about doing without — it’s about being intentional. And thanks to my grandmother’s example, I learned that stretching what you have doesn’t just save money — it builds resilience, gratitude, and creativity. 

See my post on “Where Does Your Money Go” for more frugal tips and money saving ideas.  For more ideas visit my Resources page.

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