You don’t need to spend a lot of money to feel rich. Sometimes, it’s the little things that bring the most joy.
Most people think frugality requires you to cut back on everything. That’s not true. Rather, frugality is about finding ways to enjoy life while still being smart with the money you make.
The right frugal habits can make your life feel abundant without stretching your budget. These habits can help you experience more luxury without the high price tag.
Here are 14 frugal habits that will make your life feel richer while keeping your finances in check.
PRO TIP: The frugal habits shared in this post aren’t my ideas but a collection of ideas from Reddit users.
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Drinking Coffee Out of a Fancy Cup
Drinking coffee from a fancy cup instead of a regular mug is a small change that can make your morning feel more special.
The way something is presented affects how you expereince it, and using and elegant cup adds a touch of luxury to your rountie.
This small upgrade can make your mornings feel more comfortable, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day while still being a frugal choice.
Buying High-Quality Second-Hand Clothes
I believe that wearing high-quality clothes doesn’t have to come with a high price tag that makes you want to dip into your savings. Buying second-hand pieces made from natural fibers like silk, cashmere, and wool allows you to enjoy luxury without overspending.
Thrift stores and resale shops often have high-end brands at a fraction of their original cost, making it possible to build a stylish and elegant wardrobe on a budget.
Even wearing soft, high-quality fabrics such as pyjamas can make you feel pampered and sophisticated.
Keeping the Car Clean and Smelling Good
Keeping your car clean and smelling fresh can make a huge difference in how luxurious it feels, no matter its age.
A tidy interior, free of clutter an dust, instantly makes driving more enjoyable. When you add a pleasant scent, like a quality air freshener, it elevates the experience even more.
Regular car washes and basic maintenance keep the exterior looking polished, making even an older car feel new.
When your car is well cared for, it not only looks better but also feels more expensive and enjoyable to drive, all without the need and cost of a new vehicle.
Using Fresh Herbs in Cooking
When you have fresh herbs on hand for cooking, it can transform your kitchen into a fragrant, enjoyable space.
Growing your own herbs, either by starting from seeds or buying small plants, is a simple and affordable way to add freshness to your meals. Keeping them on a balcony or windowsill not only provides easy access to ingredients like rosemary, thyme, basil and green onion, but it also creates a calming, green atmosphere.
This makes cooking at home feel more special, and with the bonus of free seed programs at local libraries, growing your own herbs is an accessible, cost-effective way to bring luxury to your meals.
Self Spa
A long, relaxing bath can give you that incredibly luxurious feeling you get with expensive spa treatment at a fraction of the cost.
Simply adding some basic Epsom salts and a few drops of essential oils can turn your ordinary bath into a calming experience.
You can set the mood further with a spa playlist to complete the ambiance. For those extra-long soaks, boil some water to top up your bath when it cools down and don’t forget to enjoy some snacks and drinks while you unwind.
Having a Library Card
Getting a library card is such a simple but awesome frugal habit that can really make you feel rich in knowledge and experiences.
With a library card, you can download free audiobooks and e-books on apps like Libby, which feels like a total cheat after paying for subscriptions like Audible.
The library offers more than just books. From free workshops and events to access to movies and music, there’s so much value packed in the library. A library card is a little gateway to a ton of free resources that most people don’t even realize they have access to.
A Clean House
Keeping your apartment spotless and your pets happy and healthy is another frugal habit that can make you feel incredibly rich.
A clean and organized home brings a sense of calm and satisfaction into your life. When you have a tidy space, you create a peaceful environment that feels like a retreat, and it doesn’t require a large income to maintain.
Nfact, you will often find that a clean, well-kept home can make you feel wealthier than someone with a large house who neglects to care for it.
Learning to Cook
When you take the time to prepare meals at home, you get to enjoy the same high-quality food you’d find at restaurants, but without the hefty price tag. As your cooking skills improve, you will be able to create dishes that taste even better than those served at your favorite sit-down spots.
Searching for copycat recipes for your favorite restaurant meals means you can enjoy specific flavors you are craving anytime, without also spending a lot.
This frugal habit gives you control over your meals so you can create them to suit your tastes and dietary needs while experiencing that sense of luxury right at home.
Reading Books Outside
Reading a book outside is a simple yet luxurious frugal habit that can make you feel incredibly rich.
With a blanket and pillow for comfort, a favorite drink in hand, and the beauty of nature surrounding you, it’s easy to see why this activity feels so indulgent.
You could be in your garden, a park, or on your balcony, being outside with a good book offers a peaceful, refreshing experience. It requires just your time and a cozy spot and yet, the tranquility and enjoyment it brings can make you feel like you’re living in a luxurious retreat, all without spending a dime.
Plating Food
While eating out may be a luxury that’s out of reach, presenting your meals like a restaurant-worthy dish adds an element of elegance and artistry to your everyday life.
Taking the time to arrange your food thoughtfully brings beauty to the table and elevates the entire dining experience. This is a small, simple act that makes you feel like you are pampering yourself with something special, turning an ordinary meal into a moment of luxury without spending extra money.
Making a Cozy Bed
Another frugal habit that can make you feel rich in comfort and relaxation is making a cozy bed every night.
Going to bed with clean sheets and a neatly made bed feels like a small luxury, just like having the same experience in a hotel.
Washing your sheets weekly and taking a few minutes to straighten the bed is a simple act that creates a sense of order and calm and can transform your nighttime routine.
Adding a few decorative pillows, while not essential, also contributes to making the bed feel even more inviting and comforting. This small, inexpensive habit brings a sense of tranquility and fun that makes you feel like you are staying in a hotel every night without spending a dime.
Use Savings from Coupons to Get Something You Want
When you clip coupons or use grocery store apps, you are already getting great deals on the essentials. But the fun part comes when you use those savings to buy something special for yourself, like picking up fresh flowers at the store and turning them into a beautiful arrangement at home.
This is a small act of self-care that doesn’t cost much, but it feels like a luxury. You get the satisfaction of saving money while also giving yourself a little treat, and that combination of smart spending and enjoyment is what makes this frugal habit feel so rich.
Fresh Flowers
You can make your space feel rich without also spending so much. Having fresh flowers at home is such a simple yet beautiful way to do that.
You could pick wildflowers like daisies, sunflowers, lavender, or wild poppies from a field’s pasture, or treat yourself to a lovely bouquet from the farmers’ market.
Flowers like these instantly bring life and color to any room. They just have a way of bringing a little extra joy and beauty into your everyday life, and every time you see them, it feels like a mini celebration.
Long Nature Walks
Another frugal habit that can make you feel rich is taking long walks in nature. A stroll through a local park, along the beach, or simply around your neighborhood can have a hugely positive effect on your mood and overall well-being.
The fresh air and natural beauty help you clear your mind, offering a calming break from daily stresses. This simple, free activity feels like a mini luxury retreat, allowing you to reconnect with the world around you. It’s an easy way to bring peace and a sense of richness into your life without spending any money.
Conclusion
Now it’s your turn:
Which of these frugal habits do you already practice — and which one are you most excited to try? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
