In 2009, I became a first-time mom. My husband landed what we believed was his dream job, and for a brief moment, it felt like everything was falling into place. But within a year, the reality hit hard—I lost my job, and that “dream” job wasn’t so dreamy after all. We weren’t destitute, but we were stretched to the limit. Bills got paid, but there was nothing left over.
That’s when I made a decision: if I couldn’t make more money, I’d find every way possible to save it.
Over the years, that mindset has transformed into a lifestyle. Here are six frugal habits we began during those lean years—habits that still stick with us today—and five that, thankfully, we’ve left behind.
6 Frugal Habits That Stuck
1. Buying Rice in Bulk
At one point, “beans and rice” wasn’t a metaphor—it was our reality. We started buying 25-pound bags of rice from Costco, splitting a membership with my in-laws. Not only was it economical, but it gave us a versatile, quick-to-cook staple. To this day, we still keep bulk rice on hand. It’s comforting, practical, and has become part of our family rhythm.
2. DIY Haircuts at Home
A $20 haircut for a toddler was all it took to spark change. I invested in a $25 set of clippers, watched countless YouTube tutorials, and taught myself how to cut my husband and boys’ hair. There was definitely a learning curve, but now I can fade with confidence—and my husband has even opted to shave his head! Over the years, this has saved us hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars.
3. Thrift Store Treasures
I’m a thrift store enthusiast. Our home is peppered with secondhand finds: from clothes and furniture to toys and tools. Shopping thrift means we get quality items at a fraction of the price, and let’s be honest—finding a good deal is half the fun. Even Santa shops secondhand in our house!
4. Grocery Shopping at Aldi
Initially, I got swept up in the couponing craze—free toothbrushes, discounted cake mix—but soon realized the time and stress weren’t worth it. Then I discovered Aldi. No coupons necessary, just consistently low prices on quality food. It was a revelation. Today, Aldi is still my go-to.
5. Cooking from Scratch
When you’re pinching pennies, processed foods start to look like a luxury. I dusted off my Betty Crocker cookbook and began cooking from scratch—waffles, biscuits, oatmeal packets, even copycat takeout meals like orange chicken. Not only did it save money, but it brought our family together around the kitchen table. Some of those homemade staples, like waffles and biscuits, are still weekly favorites.
6. Selling to Buy
When funds were tight, “out with the old to afford the new” became our mantra. Want a new couch? Sell the old elliptical no one uses. Need clothes or electronics? Look around for unused items and sell them. Even now, we try to sell before we spend. This habit has helped us remain debt-free and steadily grow our savings.
5 Habits That Didn’t Stick
Not every frugal hack is worth keeping. As our finances improved, a few once-necessary habits quietly faded away.
1. Washing Ziplock Bags
Yes, we did this. And no, we don’t anymore. These days, we invest in reusable containers and leave the soggy baggies behind.
2. Homemade Laundry Detergent
I used to DIY our detergent, but it just didn’t work as well. Now I buy whatever’s on sale at Costco—cleaner clothes, less hassle.
3. Halving Dryer Sheets
We once cut dryer sheets in half to make them last. Now I splurge with a whole sheet… sometimes even two. Living on the edge!
4. Saying “We Can’t Afford It”
Now, we use a different phrase: “That’s not how we want to spend our money.” This subtle shift helps our kids understand that being financially stable doesn’t mean buying everything in sight—it means making thoughtful choices.
5. Ignoring My Own Needs
For years, I put myself at the bottom of the priority list. But I’ve learned that treating myself to quality makeup or skincare isn’t indulgent—it’s self-care. And it helps me feel good, which benefits the whole family.
Living Well Without Overspending
We may no longer live in fear of every dollar spent, but the lessons from our lean years still guide us. I’ve learned how to stretch, repurpose, and creatively solve problems. That resourcefulness didn’t just help us survive—it built the foundation for our current stability.
These days, I’m a stay-at-home mom to four amazing kids, and my husband is thriving in a career that blossomed from that first “disappointing” job. Looking back, I can see that every financial struggle taught us something valuable. And while our budget might have more breathing room now, our frugal mindset still shapes the life we’re building—one smart decision at a time.
Sometimes, the best things grow from the hardest seasons. And I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
