When your financial situation is extreme and you’ve squeezed as much possible out of every dollar, you need to take extreme measures to survive financially. Some of these may be a lot less painful than you might think. Read on for our very best super-frugal tips.
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Sometimes in life, we find ourselves in situations of extreme stress where it seems like we are dealing with one crisis after another–job loss, expensive car and home repairs, appliances breaking down, medical emergencies, and so on. Many of us have been in circumstances like this, only to look up and suddenly realize there is a NEW crisis: money, or lack thereof.
Suddenly, savings accounts have run dry, credit cards are maxed out, debt is accruing rapidly, but your kids still want to know what’s for dinner tonight.
In dire cases like this where there is no longer a financial cushion for you to fall back on, then it’s time to consider every possible avenue of boosting your income you can. That includes diving deep for ways to be more frugal. In this article, we’ve got extreme frugality ideas to help you weather this very difficult season.
How are frugality and self-reliance related?
Frugality seamlessly combines with a lifestyle of preparedness and self-reliance, including more than just financial management. Adopting a frugal lifestyle involves nurturing a mindset of resourcefulness and building resilience against unforeseen challenges. Through intentional spending, saving, and budgeting, you can create a financial safety net for unexpected situations.
Beyond finances, the frugal mindset promotes resourceful daily living, minimizing waste and enhancing self-sufficiency. This holistic approach transforms frugality into a comprehensive preparedness strategy.
It also positions you better for when life keeps hitting you when you’re already down. In a season like that, you need tips like these to help you be extremely frugal.
Best Extreme Frugality Tips
Closely examine every expense
- Be ruthless when cutting expenses for wants vs. needs, and sell whatever you can. Is Netflix really a need? What about any subscriptions you have going? If you have multiple cars in your household, do a serious assessment of whether all of them are truly needed. You could easily get a few thousand dollars if you sell one of them and save on insurance, gas, and upkeep at the same time. Note: This can be a risky strategy in a household with multiple wage-earners and/or students who need transportation.
- Go through each monthly expense and see what can be canceled. Very often, TV streaming services, cable TV and cell phone companies will negotiate a lower price with you to avoid a cancellation. Here is some guidance to help in reducing household expenses.
- Choose 30 days or more this year when the weather is nice to not use any type of heat or cooling. This will bring your power bill way down, giving you extra money to set aside, pay on a bill, or stock up on something you’ll need in the near future.
Take advantage of free & super-cheap
- Amazon Prime is only $6.99 per month for people who receive food stamps or other types of assistance. This would give you access to Amazon Prime streaming with thousands of movies and TV shows for a very low price. Also, you can use food stamps to purchase some foods on Amazon. Do a search for products that are eligible for food stamp purchases. If you have a college student in the household, they qualify for Prime Student, currently get 6 months free, and then Prime for half off.
- With Prime TV, go ahead and cancel all cable TV and any streaming services you pay for. Between Prime TV and YouTube, you’ll quickly get used to these for all your entertainment.
- Cancel your Audible account and listen to thousands of books for free with the Libby app. Don’t purchase another Kindle ebook, either. Just connect your library card with the app, and you’ll have access to more listening and reading material than you can handle!
- YouTube is free and has TV episodes and movies available. Or check out movies for free from the library.
- Does your town or community have a Facebook page? You might be able to request for free things you need before buying them and offer things for free you no longer want or need.
- Contact the companies whose products you use and request coupons or free samples. Use their contact page online, write a note about how you use and love their product, and ask if they have coupons, a discount code, or free samples.
- If you’ll be traveling, order food from Walmart and have it delivered to your hotel room. This is SO much cheaper than eating out multiple meals a day.
- Speaking of having groceries delivered, this is my #1 way of saving money on our food bill. I have a set list of groceries and occasional things like cleaning supplies. I’m not tempted by impulse purchases, and we spend less than $600 a month for four adults.
- Use the grocery store’s bonus and membership programs. I signed up for Kroger’s Boost Membership during their 50% off Black Friday sale. This gives me free grocery delivery and extra discount points at their gas station. Read this post for more tips to save money on food.
- Find discount, surplus, and salvage stores near you. Thrift stores usually have Senior Citizen Day with an extra discount and then discounts on items that have been on the shelf for x-number of days. Surplus bakery stores are hidden gold mines and worth the drive. You may be able to score good quality tossed-aside clothes that just need minor repairs.
Creative ways to earn extra income
- Seriously consider job-searching for something better-paying. The job hunt is NO fun and can be time-consuming, but seeking more lucrative employment is an obvious way to try to increase household income. Or, add a second part-time job on top of what you already do. Apps like Rover can connect you with people who need pet-sitting. Or try Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Favor, or any other job where you have the ability to set your own hours. Lastly, many companies look for part-time remote employees (such as Walmart, United airlines, and others). Read this post for ways people earned money during the Great Depression. You might glean some ideas.
- If other members of your household can work, then encourage them to find jobs and help contribute to expenses where they are able. (e.g. A 14 year-old who works at Chick-Fil-A obviously can’t help with big utilities expenses, but they can pay for and cook dinner a few times a month. Earning their own money will also enable them to pay for their own clothes, haircuts, snacks, etc.)
- Some side gigs can pay very well. Check out:
- Substitute teaching
- School bus driver
- Sell plasma (You might be able to donate twice a week, eight times a month to bring in upwards of $500.)
- Do DoorDash as a couple to earn money together and have time to chat.
- Personal care assistant for the elderly and/or bedridden. Do a search for “Center for Independent Living” and/or Department of Rehabilitation Services.
- List a spare room on AirBnB, and if you live in an area close to a major event like a Super Bowl or World Series, clean up your house, and list it for rent (AirBnB) for those specific dates. You might be surprised at the rent homeowners get for things like this.
Get some help
- Look into any and all Social Security programs that may be available to you (SSI, Medicaid, food stamps, etc.). Government authorities are not very generous when it comes to financial aid, but every little bit of help counts when the situation is desperate. Which leads into tip #2…
- When reporting your circumstances to federal agencies or other authorities, describe your worst days, not your best–don’t lie, but do emphasize heavily how dire your situation is. One woman I know who has been unemployed for some time was told she didn’t qualify for assistance because the value of her truck exceeded a set amount. Federal agencies have strict cut-offs for who they will and will not help, so make sure to familiarize yourself with their general policies before seeking help through them.
- If you have credit card debt, check to see if your card company offers any type of assistance or deferment. Chase Bank has Payment Advisors who can tell you of any options to pay down that debt.
- All states have an Assisted Connectivity Program. If anyone in your household receives SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, you can get a $30 discount on internet services.
- Consider supplementing your food storage with items, such as fresh produce, from local food banks or church food pantries. It might require swallowing your pride, but it’s important to maintain your health and good nutrition is key.
Most extreme measures
- File for bankruptcy and cut your losses if debt is accruing too rapidly for you to get a handle on. It is an incredibly difficult and painful decision to make, but sometimes it is best to just start fresh.
- Learn from the Great Depression and rent out a room. Colleges and churches might have a bulletin board for posting a “room available” as well as Nextdoor.com and local Facebook groups. Do this carefully — pay for a background check, ask for referrals and check them out, and get deposits (first/last month’s rent, a refundable cleaning deposit, etc. Know your rights and get a legally binding contract for both parties to sign.
- Go dumpster diving. I have it on good authority that many grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and the like regularly throw out perfectly good food, still in its original packaging. Know local ordinances and check out social media groups like this one on Reddit. Check out my dumpster diving guide here.
- Live out of your car. This is one of the most extreme measures, and yet, if you search through social media, you’ll find many thousands of people living this way and thriving. This extensive guide will give you some of the best tips out there, and if you’re a woman, this article has tips specifically for you.
- ASK for what you need! Frequently in my town’s Facebook group people will post requests for groceries, shoes for thei kids, dog food, etc. and explain why they’re in need. I can’t recall there ever being a post that didn’t get multiple responses. Be sure to do the same for others whenever you can.
Above all, never be afraid to ask for help or reach out to available resources. Most people need a hand up at least once or twice in their lifetime. Help is available; just ask. Next time around, you might be the one with more than enough to share.
Remember Self-care
In the midst of these challenging times, remember that you’re not alone. Life’s unexpected crises can feel overwhelming, and it takes incredible strength to navigate through them.
Amidst the chaos, try to find moments of gratitude. It may seem like a small thing, but acknowledging even the tiniest blessings can shift your perspective. The ability to share a meal, the warmth of your home, the support of friends—these are treasures that often shine brightest in tough times.
Consider embracing a spirit of generosity, not only towards others but also towards yourself. Generosity is a balm for the soul. It can be as simple as offering a kind word to someone else or extending compassion to yourself in moments of struggle. It’s a reminder that we’re all connected, and together, we can endure.
Remember, your mental and emotional health matter just as much as your financial well-being. Take moments for self-care, whether it’s a quiet walk, a few deep breaths, or finding solace in a good book. You’re resilient, and this challenging chapter will pass.
Lean on your support system—friends, family, or even a kind neighbor. There’s strength in unity, and people genuinely want to help. Sometimes, opening up to others not only lightens your burden but also creates space for the beauty of human connection. If you begin to feel like you need (and want) to give back, there are hundreds of ways to do that, none of them costing a dime.
You’re stronger than you realize, and brighter days are ahead. Keep moving forward with hope in your heart.
FAQ
Definitely. It can be easy to put pinching pennies ahead of personal health maintenance, such as dentist visits, which can easily create much more expensive and serious issues in the future. There’s a risk of burnout or fatigue from constantly scrimping and saving, which can lead to depression, which can lead to health issues, and the cycle continues. Try to maintain a balance. Look for little, inexpensive or free indulgences. Focus on your social life — even going for a walk with someone, going to church, or a free meetup at a library will help you feel like you’re all alone.
That’s a great question, and you’re exactly right. Try setting a financial goal and posting it where you can track your progress, such as paying off a credit card. Set up a friendly competition with your spouse to see how much money each of you can save by not eating out for a week or a month. Join a social media group where everyone shares their own tips for saving and living frugally. A good Facebook group for this is Frugal Living Tips and Tricks.
If any friend makes you feel guilty or demeans you for choosing to not spend money, they are not much of a friend. It’s okay to limit time spent with someone like that or consider ending the relationship. Their criticism may come from their own feelings of guilt or fear of their financial situation, but your first responsibility is to your own mental and emotional well-being.
Less extreme measures might be initiating a get-together or activity that doesn’t include spending money. Have honest conversations with your friends about your financial priorities and limitations. Let them know that while you value their friendship, you may need to opt out of certain expensive outings or find alternative ways to hang out
How about a meal you cook together or a potluck, either one around a theme like Mardi Gras or a type of cuisine? Learn a new board game (check out thrift stores for these), or have a movie night (a movie from the library, of course!). Explore a different city/county park each weekend. Find out what day of the week or month is free at museums. Go “thrifting” at local thrift stores.
Related Financial Preparedness Content
- The Importance of an Annual Insurance Check-Up (and How I Saved $7,000!)
- Prepare for Your Own Death: A Last Act of Love for Your Family
- 13 Ways to Prepare for Hyperinflation (With Video)
- Save Over $1300 with This Simple 52-Week Challenge
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Heya.
This is my tale. I had to use a food bank at a church in order to feed myself and my dog Milo. I had literally no money in my name at all at the flat either. So I had to get two of my childhood friends who also lived in Epsom to help us out for a while. It was a painful hard situation for sure. But I made it work for the both of us in the end. I called the food bank up to see if they can help me out or not. And they truly did me a favour after all. I had to be referred there though. You cannot simply turn up and request food. Far from it in fact. Good luck.
It certainly was very hard on me literally for sure. This was only four years ago. I had only five quid to spend on food each week in question here. And I knew that was not going to cut it. In addition I even had to ask them for ten pounds to buy some more food for myself and the dog. They supported me no end. After six months I decided to get back on my two feet once more. Eventually I did get out of debt. I had no chance otherwise to get food.
I then went online and looked for a new part time career to no avail. It was the global pandemic at the time. It was hard. Things are now improving however. I relied on meal assistance. I cannot still afford to purchase any dog food at the only pet shop in town so I have to make human food for us. That was the rather easy part of debt. Truly. I never felt the depressing and shocking need to steal.
It’s tough to be desperate for money, and I’m glad you sought out whatever help your community could give you.
Many companies such as internet, cell phone, etc will negotiate a discount if you tell them you are considering cancelling their service, just call ask for the retention group.
Credit card companies, medical bills, and other creditors often negotiate to lower the bills in order to ensure they get paid. Always ask for your options instead of ignoring them, and ask the effects those options might have on your credit score. If you have student loans, ask for assistance- you can delay payments fue to hardships under several programs. If your area is suffering from an emergency, contact your mortgage company to see if there are any assistance programs. Your 401k may have hardship provisions as well to draw a loan against it.
Look for food rescue opportunities, from local farmers with excess, or food rescue stores and organizations (often called food banks), that sell fresh produce and pre-packaged items for very low cost (60lbs for $12 in AZ!).
Find your local Freecycle or Buy Nothing group. Give. Ask. Gratitude. All free within your neighborhood, so you don’t have to go far. FaceBook Marketplace often has free food, and items as well!
Ask your city if they have hardship programs. Many do to help with electric, water, rent, and even home repairs. Our city even has a tool loaning program to do yardwork!
Test out your barder and trade skills. Neighbors may have food to trade for repairing stitches in clothing, or fixing a leaking toilet. What skills do you have you could advertise for either extra cash or for needed items?
Less conventional ways to save can include bathing less often (generally 1-3x/wk is sufficient if you aren’t working manual labor). Washing laundry less often. Cutting bad spots off of fruit/veg/cheese (like my granny always did), and using the good parts left. Drinking more water to eat a little less. Hanging clothes out to dry instead of running a dryer. Changing the thermostat by a few degrees to reduce electric use.
Having been a single mom with meager income, there definitely is a lot of juggling. I wish I had known about how many resources were available at the time! Just remember, take it day by day, and just keep trying to move in the right direction. Mindset can make or break you. <3
More great ideas!! Thank you!
A few tips. Keep in mind I’m a stay at home mother, so I have more time flexibility than some.
-Keep a price book for different grocery stores and their prices on things to know if something is truly a good deal at any given store if it goes on “sale”. This helps you know definitively where to shop most often and if something is actually a good deal.
– cut the gas and electric bills by cooking everything in the oven at once for dinner, by using old towels and blankets under doors to insulate, and by hanging clothes instead of using a dryer. It adds up.
– Learn to mend clothes, and buy a bottle of “boot glue” (super glue for fixing shoes). YouTube has a ton of tutorials on this.
-Keep a specific place in the house for change: a jar or bottle or whatever. Whenever you find coins in your pocket, place them in the jar. Every now and again (it’s every three or four months or so for us) exchange the coins at the bank or coin machine and use that money to eat out, buy groceries, whatever.
-Last but most important: it’s a mind game. Make it a badge of accomplishment to find a particularly good deal or to make something rather than buy it, or to make that shirt last another year, or to sew kids’ clothes out of adult ones. Frugality is a lifestyle that encourages creativity and thinking outside the box to solve problems — that’s a good thing! Make a conscious decision to choose this lifestyle, not just endure it.
I love all of these! They’re so positive and inspiring. Thank you!
This may not help when you’re in the middle of a financial crisis, but here’s my hint….my husband recently went 5 months unemployed. What really saved us was #1-having a DEEP pantry and freezers and #2-I had paid ahead (when times weren’t as tough) on my utility bills. Honestly, I just rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10 dollars and paid over. This created a “credit balance”. Then when husband was unemployed, I had paid enough ahead that I didn’t need to use any of our now-limited cash to pay the electric bill, water bill, etc. I know there will be some who argue to just keep that money in savings to pay when needed, but for us, it was mentally more comforting to know the bill was already paid, and what cash we had in savings went to paying the mortgage, and didn’t have to stretch to cover the utilities as well.
Just a thought. When my son was a baby times were very tough for us. I too used the food bank, and in those days they actually delivered it to your door, which was a godsend because we just had the one car and husband drove it to work.
The food bank people were invariably kind and not at all condescending. So now I give them money every month so they can help people who are in the same bind we were. Bonus: The amount we give is directly deductable from our state tax bill! So when you do get help, don’t forget — pay it forward.