When my husband and I started our journey to paying off debt, we knew we had to make some big changes. But we didn’t want to feel like we were constantly sacrificing things. Instead, we focused on frugal alternatives—simple shifts that allowed us to save money without giving up the things that mattered most.
In this post, I’ll share how cooking from scratch, using reusable water bottles, and cutting down on waste became key strategies in our debt-free journey.
Cooking from Scratch: A Game Changer
One of the first changes we made was in the kitchen. Eating out less and cooking from scratch had a huge impact on our budget. Not only did it save us money, but it also helped us control what went into our meals, making them healthier and more satisfying.
We started by planning meals for the week and making a shopping list to avoid impulse buys. Simple meals like beans, rice, and pasta with homemade sauces became regular staples in our home. Not only did they fit our budget, but they were easy to prepare and fed our family for days.
I’ll be honest—at first, it felt like a lot of work. But once we got into the rhythm, it became second nature. We found that cooking from scratch didn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It was all about finding simple recipes that used affordable ingredients.
Reusable Water Bottles: Small Change, Big Impact
We all know how convenient it is to grab a bottled water when we’re out and about. But the cost of bottled water adds up quickly, and we were shocked at how much we spent over time.
Switching to reusable water bottles was one of the easiest (and smartest) frugal changes we made. We each invested in a durable, insulated water bottle that kept drinks cold all day. It was a small upfront investment, but the savings were immediate. We stopped buying bottled water altogether, and that decision saved us hundreds of dollars over the course of the year.
Plus, we loved how much waste we were cutting down on. It felt good knowing we were making a more eco-friendly choice for our family, all while saving money.
Cutting Down on Waste: A Simple Yet Powerful Strategy
Another key area we focused on was reducing waste around the house. From food scraps to packaging, we started paying closer attention to how much we were throwing away. The less we wasted, the more we were able to save.
We made the decision to use cloth diapers for 3 out of our 4 kids, which was a huge money-saver. Check out my blog post to learn how to cloth diaper on a budget. There was an initial upfront cost, but it paid off quickly, and we were able to use the diapers for multiple children. This was a great way to reduce waste and avoid the constant expense of disposable diapers.
We also started using cloth napkins, reusable shopping bags, and eliminating single-use plastic items wherever possible. These small changes made a huge difference over time. While they required some extra effort in the beginning, they became part of our routine, and the savings added up in unexpected ways.
How These Frugal Alternatives Helped Us Stay on Track
When you’re working to pay off debt, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sacrifices. But focusing on frugal alternatives made it feel more like a lifestyle change than a hardship. Every small decision added up, and together, these changes allowed us to save money without feeling deprived.
The best part? These habits stuck with us long after we paid off our debt. Cooking from scratch, using reusable water bottles, and cutting down on waste became part of our daily routine. They didn’t just help us get out of debt—they helped us build a more sustainable, mindful way of living.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Power of Small Changes
If you’re looking for ways to save money and get out of debt, I encourage you to start small. You don’t have to make drastic changes overnight. Just find a few areas where you can cut back, and stick with it. Over time, those small changes will add up to big results.
Remember, being frugal doesn’t mean you have to live a life of sacrifice. It just means making smarter choices, like cooking from scratch, using reusable water bottles, and reducing waste. When you focus on what truly matters—your financial goals—you’ll find that the sacrifices aren’t as hard as they seem.
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