Frugal Living with a Focus on Saving & Making Money
The Frugal Ones blog nails the idea that your mindset shapes your money habits. Their “Attitude is Everything” post goes beyond basic thrift tips, focusing on how a positive (or stubborn) outlook can make or break your savings goals. The author shares a few slip-ups—late-night online shopping, anyone?—but also highlights advice from financial therapists about building routines that last. There are practical ideas here, like setting tiny daily goals instead of aiming for a huge lifestyle overhaul (it’s easier on your brain and less stressful). You’ll also find some gentle nudges to track your emotions when you spend, since guilt or stress often fuel bad habits. I find the tone realistic, not preachy, and the mix of expert quotes and real stories makes the whole “attitude shift” seem possible, even if you’ve messed up before. If you’re looking for more than a spreadsheet, this is a good place to start.
Living below your means might sound simple, but many people get it wrong. They think it means strict rules, missing out, or feeling ashamed for not keeping up with others. That’s not true. The real key to building wealth is having control, lowering stress, and making choices that fit your values.
You don’t need harsh discipline to handle your money well. What matters is how you think about it. Spending less than you earn isn’t a punishment—it’s the base for true freedom.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, life was tough. Jobs vanished. Money was scarce. People had to get creative, stretching every dollar. Their careful spending wasn’t a choice—it was a matter of survival.
The good part? Many habits they built back then still help people save money today. This list of 40 simple money-saving tips comes from their smart ideas and strong spirit. Use them to live smarter and spend less—no time machine needed.
Think about what you really need to get by. If you packed everything important into an RV, you’d realize most things aren’t needed at all. I need my family, time in nature, our dog, travel, learning, and coffee. That covers happiness for me. The same may be true for you—happiness often comes from people and moments, not from piles of stuff. The truth is you can live well with less. Strip back to the basics plus what matters to you, and you’ll do fine. When you look around, you’ll see it’s easy to collect too much—extra toys, tools, books, and kitchen gear fill spaces and crowd out calm. If you’re not sure how to start, pick one small area and clear out what you know you don’t use. Take control of your space and time. What could you let go of today?
