Frugal living is a lifestyle geared toward being intentional about how you spend your money. Although this may sound unappealing, it's not about being cheap or going without things you want or need. This lifestyle can be achieved in various ways, but finding cost-effective alternatives to everyday expenses and activities can go a long way toward making the most of your financial resources and achieving long-term financial goals.

We've gathered ten tips on how you can incorporate frugal living habits into your daily life. Keep reading to learn how you can reduce financial stress and reach your goals faster with these small changes that make a big difference.

1. DIY Seasonal Decorations
   Although those 12-foot skeletons or blow-up reindeer decorations may be tempting, making seasonal decorations is a fun and simple way to embrace frugal living. Like everything else, seasonal decorations often go through trends, so brainstorming creative DIY projects lets you stay stylish without overspending.
   
   Need some inspiration? We asked Vibe team members their favorite DIY seasonal decorations to get you started!

   1. Carve or paint pumpkins with family and friends.

   2. Mix nature and existing items to create fall or winter wreaths.

   3. Use glue and glitter to make festive holiday pinecones.

   4. Cut out patterns on paper to make at-home snowflakes.

2. Meal Plan Before Grocery Shopping
   Meal planning benefits more than health—it also benefits your wallet! Before your next grocery shopping trip, decide what meals you plan on making soon and note what ingredients you need. Stick to the items on your shopping list to limit spontaneous purchases and keep your budget on track.

3. Limit Convenience Purchases
   Convenience purchases are often made because they are readily available to meet an immediate need. However, they usually come at higher costs compared to alternatives. For example, the cost of buying a disposable water bottle every time you're thirsty can really add up compared to carrying and using a reusable bottle.
   
   As we said before, practicing frugal living doesn't mean you have to give up things you like to treat yourself to. Making coffee mainly at home, bringing snacks when on the go, or replacing paper towels with cloth are simple ways to embrace frugality.

4. DIY Simple Repairs
   Empower yourself to do simple repairs around your home to reduce handyman costs. Use resources such as YouTube or advice from family and friends to learn new skills you can use when necessary. Of course, leave more complicated projects to the professionals for safety reasons.

5. Cut Down Energy Costs
   Another simple change you can make, and the impact may surprise you, is turning off lights when you leave a room, using a drying rack instead of your machine, and keeping showers short. These are just a few ways to reduce energy costs. Your savings may even cover energy-efficient replacements for your current appliances in the future.

6. Plan No-Spend Days or Weekends
   Fun doesn't always have to come with a hefty price tag. Try planning no-spend days or weekends to practice frugal living without sacrificing the fun. This can be an excellent opportunity to explore your community. Look for free events and entertainment at local places such as your library or parks. If you're looking for things to do this fall, check out our list of Michigan's best fall activities on a budget.

7. Unsubscribe From Marketing Emails
   Many people can find themselves on many promotional email lists. Signing up for emails from your favorite stores to get alerts and discounts is common. Prevent the temptation to buy things you otherwise wouldn't by unsubscribing from promotional emails.

8. Cut Down on Subscriptions
   The first step is to look at every subscription you currently pay for. We recommend making a list and totaling your subscription cost per month. You may be surprised at how much you're spending! From there, narrow down your subscriptions to the ones you use the most. Compromises may have to be made. You don't need every streaming service—choose your favorite and cancel the rest.

9. Think About Transportation
   Reconsidering transportation methods before work or events is another way to embrace frugal living. Carpool with friends or coworkers to save money on gas and the opportunity to enjoy some quality time along the way. If you don't have far to go, bike or walk to your destination to get some movement in while traveling to your destination.

10. Reserve Big Spending on Outings for Special Occasions
    Make a point to spend larger amounts on special events or occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and wedding celebrations are a few examples of significant events to spend on, but it's up to the individual to decide what matters most to them. Reserving this type of spending for specific occasions can also make them feel even more special and memorable.

Frugal living is about making small, intentional changes to save money without sacrificing what you enjoy. Simple habits like meal planning, cutting down on convenience buys, and choosing free activities can help you reach your financial goals faster. It's an easy way to reduce financial stress while living life to the fullest.