Frugal living saved me when I was unemployed for 6 months. It helped me buy my first home at 25. It gave me peace of mind.
But I didn’t get it all right.
Over the years, I’ve made some frugal mistakes that actually cost me more in the long run—mentally and financially.
If you’re just starting to live frugally (or want to avoid burnout), here are 7 frugal living mistakes I wish I avoided.
1. Buying Cheap Instead of Buying Smart
Early on, I used to go for the absolute cheapest option—tools, clothes, appliances.
Half the time, they broke down fast or didn’t work properly. I had to replace them, which meant I spent more.
Lesson: Frugal ≠ cheap. Buy once, buy right.
2. Ignoring My Time Value
I’d drive 25 minutes to save $2 on groceries. Or spend hours hunting for a $5 voucher.
At some point, I realized: my time is also valuable. If I could earn more or rest more instead, it wasn’t worth it.
Now: I save where it counts—but I don’t waste hours chasing tiny wins.
3. Burning Out on “No Spending”
I once tried a full “No Spend Month.”
Week 1: Felt strong.
Week 3: Miserable.
Week 4: Overspent.
Frugality isn’t meant to feel like punishment. You need margin for joy.
Now I build in “fun money” each month—even if it’s small.
4. Not Tracking My Spending Properly
I thought I was frugal because I didn’t shop much. But I never tracked.
Once I started logging expenses (every cent), I realized I was leaking money on snacks, online buys, and “small” things that added up fast.
Track for 30 days—you’ll be surprised.
5. Hoarding Just Because It’s On Sale
Clearance bins used to trap me. I’d buy 5 of something “just in case.”
Then I’d never use it, or forget I even had it. BRUH moment.
Frugal tip: A deal isn’t a deal if you didn’t need it in the first place.
6. DIYing Everything (Even When I Shouldn’t)
There’s pride in doing things yourself. I tried to DIY repairs, websites, bookkeeping…
Some things I learned. Others? I made it worse.
Frugal doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Sometimes paying a pro saves money and stress.
7. Not Setting Clear Financial Goals
Initially I was saving, but not for anything specific. Just hoarding money.
That led to boredom, burnout, and lack of motivation.
Now I set goals:
- Save $10k emergency fund
- Save up for holiday
- Fund next business project
- Give my cat a better life 😺
Goals give frugality direction.
Final Thoughts
Frugal living is powerful—but only if it’s sustainable, intentional, and human.
Avoid these mistakes and you’ll save money and sanity.
I’m still learning. Still adjusting. Still figuring out how to live simply—but not rigidly.
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– AJ