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5 ways I’m accidentally frugal

5 ways i save money without even trying

5 ways i save money without even trying

5 effortless ways i save money (2)

5 ways i save money without even trying

5 ways i save money without even trying

I have a penchant for good food and travel, but by happy accident, there are lots of ways in which I manage to save money with zero effort. Accidentally frugal, that’s me. Here’s how I save money without even trying.

I don’t really drink … anything

Alcohol, coffee and soft drinks don’t really agree with my digestive system. I don’t know how much NOT buying any of these on the regular saves me but I bet it’s a reasonable amount. Plus I’m a lightweight so if I do drink one is always enough.

I’m unfashionable

I have no sense of fashion nor interest in it. Every so often I go through a spurt of wanting to be stylish and plan to start accessorising and planning outfits more carefully – which never lasts very long before I revert to my lazy ways. There’s no point trying to fight my inner nature.

I’m kind of antisocial

I have friends, I swear, but I’m hardly swamped with invitations out every week. (Years ago I figured I needed to start making new adult friends and swore to start going to Meetups: then I realised I find it hard enough to keep up with my small circle and if I can’t even maintain my current friendships I shouldn’t add anymore.) My social calendar is sparse and I like it that way. More time to cuddle up with the dog and a book at my cosy place.

I love carbs

Seriously, I could basically live off potatoes, pasta, bread and rice.

I hate driving. And parking

Having a car is a necessity here but it’s also expensive! There’s no reason for us to have two vehicles and being a one car household definitely saves money. It’s occasionally inconvenient but those instances are rare.

 

*Part of Financially Savvy Saturdays on brokeGIRLrich, A Disease Called Debt and Femme Frugality*

16 thoughts on “5 ways I’m accidentally frugal

  • Reply Taylor Lee @ Yuppie Millennial June 16, 2016 at 23:24

    Ditto on drinking and driving. Independently, I mean, though I bet together they’d be really costly.

  • Reply Linda June 17, 2016 at 02:12

    I can relate to every one of these except the beverages. I love coffee and buy good beans that I grind myself. So, in addition to the cost of beans every week or so, I also invested in a good grinder and an electric gooseneck kettle so I can make a tasty cup of pour over whenever I want.

    I also drink alcohol (wine, beer, or simple cocktails), and yes, you are saving a substantial amount of money by not buying any on a regular basis.

    I’m trying to curb my carb consumption now that I can get off the “low residue” diet. Veggies are definitely more expensive than standard pasta, white rice, and white bread. :-/

  • Reply Lisa June 17, 2016 at 07:26

    Being a lightweight is a money saver for me, too! Haha

  • Reply Michelle June 17, 2016 at 11:40

    I absolutely love your list and I’m a lightweight too!

  • Reply The Personal Economist June 17, 2016 at 15:07

    Love this list, we have alot in common. Except for the diet soft drinks, I can’t kick that one.

  • Reply Stephany June 18, 2016 at 14:37

    OMG – you save so much money by not drinking! I spent $11 on an alcoholic beverage last night and it was SO not worth it. I rarely drink because it’s just too expensive for my taste!

  • Reply Karen June 20, 2016 at 08:08

    Another lightweight here! I usually try and drink the light beers or ciders. I’ll drink half and my husband finishes the rest.

    I hear ya on being fashionable. Just seems like it’s too much time and effort. I also hate shopping, so it all works out. And I’m anti-social/introverted. Sometimes I feel like being social is too tiring and smothering. If I see you all the time, I won’t have any updates.

  • Reply Pellrider June 20, 2016 at 12:19

    I don’t spend on fashion or makeup. But cannot live without coffee. Love my potatoes and sweets. I don’t drive. So there is no question of parking either.

  • Reply Lizzie June 21, 2016 at 02:07

    I am normally a lurker but felt obligated to comment when the 5 things you just listed described me to a T.

    I don’t drink anything because I can make it home for healthier and cheaper. I purchase maybe 1 Frappachino a year.

    I am not fashionable even though I like pretty clothing. I shop maybe once a year.

    I am anti-social in real life which is why I love reading blogs so much.

    I super love love carbs especially rice and pasta and potatoes. I can go on and on.

    I own a car but I rarely use it. I prefer to walk everywhere or take public transportation because driving in NYC is a b***h.

  • Reply Pia @ Mama Hustle June 23, 2016 at 05:17

    I’m an unfashionable, antisocial, carb-lover as well! (If I ever get divorced, I’ll be sure to lead with that on my online dating profile.)

    I’m pretty sure I need to back up off the carbs, especially those in beverage form. We’ve eaten a low-carb diet in the past, and while I value the health benefits, it is EXPENSIVE.

  • Reply Julie@ChooseBetterLife July 2, 2016 at 10:53

    I feel like I’ve found my tribe! I don’t like coffee or tea and don’t drink because after one I can’t even walk to get a second. For years I was addicted to Diet Coke, but I’ve been ‘clean’ for three weeks now!
    I wear scrubs at work and flip flops and jeans the rest of the time.
    We do love road trips, but my husband does most of the driving–does that count? 🙂

  • Reply Caroline August 27, 2016 at 11:11

    Haha this is me (except I like a glass of wine)! Pop me on the sofa in front of the tv with some bread and I’m as happy as a clam. Also sleeping 13 hours a day helps 😉

  • Reply BARBARA August 31, 2016 at 11:21

    Just like me. So funny could you also be INTJ?

  • Reply Aparna @ Elementum Money July 27, 2018 at 17:26

    Interesting post and makes me wonder if there are some ways where I might be accidentally frugal.

    Accidentally frugal sounds really effortless. I am a foodie and it takes me some effort to bring down the cost of eating out. While I enjoy alcohol off and on, I tend to not splurge on it.

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