Being frugal doesn’t mean being cheap—it means being smart. Frugal people know how to stretch a dollar without feeling deprived, and they’ve mastered the art of spending with intention.
While the rest of us might fall for the occasional flashy sale or trendy splurge, frugal folks keep their wallets closed for a reason. Here are 20 things they consistently skip, proving that sometimes the best way to save is to simply say no.
20. Extended Warranties
Frugal people trust the product or buy one with a solid return policy. Paying extra just in case something breaks rarely makes financial sense to them.
19. Daily Takeout Coffee
They love a good cup of coffee, just not at five bucks a pop. A reliable coffee maker at home saves them hundreds over time.
18. Trendy Tech Upgrades
They don’t need the newest phone just because it has one extra camera. If their current gadget works, there’s no need to replace it.
17. Fancy Gym Memberships
Frugal folks prefer a walk in the park or a few YouTube workouts over shelling out for luxury fitness studios. Sweat doesn’t have to come with a monthly bill.
16. Name-Brand Everything
They know that generic brands often offer the same quality without the markup. Paying for a label simply isn’t their style.
15. Flashy New Cars
That new car smell comes with a price tag they’re not willing to pay. They’ll happily drive a well-maintained used car and let someone else eat the depreciation.
14. Fast Fashion
They’d rather buy a few quality staples that last than chase every trend. Cheap clothes that fall apart after a few washes just aren’t worth it.
13. Bottled Water
Frugal people drink tap water or use a reusable water bottle. Paying for something you can get almost free at home? Not a chance.
12. Overpriced Cable Packages
They cut the cord and never looked back. With all the streaming options out there, who needs 600 channels they don’t watch?
11. Impulse Buys
They avoid those “just because” purchases at the checkout line. If it’s not on the list, it’s not in the cart.
10. Designer Handbags
Frugal people appreciate style, but not at the cost of their entire budget. They prioritize function and durability over logos and hype.
9. Fancy Kitchen Gadgets
Unless it slices, dices, and saves lives, it’s not cutting it. Frugal folks know a few solid tools do the trick.
8. Premium Gas for No Reason
If their car doesn’t need premium, they’re not buying it. No use paying extra when regular unleaded works just fine.
7. Souvenirs from Every Trip
They prefer memories over magnets. Travel is about the experience, not the overpriced airport keychains.
6. Bank Fees
They read the fine print and choose accounts with no hidden charges. Why give your money away when you don’t have to?
5. Subscription Overload
They don’t need ten different streaming services. Frugal people pick their favorites and cancel the rest.
4. Daily Lunches Out
A packed lunch isn’t just cheaper—it’s often better. They save money and know exactly what’s in their food.
3. Constant Home Decor Refreshes
They resist the urge to redecorate every season. A timeless look beats trendy swaps that drain your wallet.
Read More: Stop Overpaying! These 20 Products Are Not Worth the Hype
2. Lottery Tickets
They don’t bank on luck when it comes to finances. That dollar is better spent—or saved—somewhere else.
Read More: 15 Things You’re Wasting Money On Without Realizing It
1. Paying Full Price
The ultimate frugal move is never settling for retail. Whether it’s coupons, sales, or cashback hacks, they always find a way to save.
Read More: You Are Wasting Too Much Time Being Frugal
