A money saving strategy might sound good in theory, but how do you know if it’s really worth your time, energy, and effort? Over the past 30 years of frugal living, we’ve been asked that question more times than we can count. And honestly, it’s a good one.
Not all frugal tips are created equal. Some are game-changers. Others are just inconvenient and hard to sustain. If you’re looking for practical ways to save more, we’ve tested dozens of strategies over the years.
That’s why we created what we call The Frugal Filter—a five-part test we use to figure out whether a money saving strategy is really saving us money—or just wasting our time and energy.
The Math Check
First things first: does the math make sense?
We try to calculate exactly how much we’re saving by doing something. Take our twice-a-year trip to the Amish store, for example. It’s a two-hour round trip, and yes, people have asked if it’s really worth it.
The answer? Absolutely. We’ve created detailed price charts to compare bulk prices. It’s important to have concrete numbers which define your savings. In this case, we wanted to see what we’d pay at a regular store versus buying in bulk at the Amish store. The difference is often hundreds of dollars a year.
That’s a solid yes from the math side.
But sometimes, savings don’t look dramatic at first. Maybe you’re saving $10 a month. That might not seem like much—until you realize that’s $120 a year. Zooming out and multiplying your monthly savings by twelve often makes the difference clear.
The Time Tradeoff
We always ask ourselves: how much time does this take—and what is our time worth? Let’s face it, your time matters as much as your money.
Driving an hour each way and shopping for 45 minutes adds up. But because we only do it twice a year and the savings are substantial, it’s worth it to us.
It’s also worth considering your own circumstances. We drive a Prius and get 50 miles per gallon, so fuel costs are low. If we were driving a gas-guzzler, that could change the equation. The key is to look at the full picture of time and money when evaluating a strategy.
The Inconvenience Factor
We affectionately refer to this as the PIB factor—short for Pain in the Butt. (Hope prefers “inconvenience,” Larry’s the one who came up with the acronym!)
But whatever you call it, this factor matters.
Ask yourself: How much of a hassle is this really?
Is the task overly complicated? Does it disrupt your routine or make the rest of your week harder? Sometimes a money saving strategy looks great on paper, but the effort involved leaves you feeling worn out or frustrated.
That said, inconvenience isn’t always a dealbreaker. Sometimes the issue isn’t the task—it’s the process or mindset.
Can you simplify it? Batch it? Adjust your attitude or expectations?
Even a strategy that feels like a pain at first can become second nature with a few tweaks—or a fresh perspective.
The Sustainability Factor
Can you actually keep doing this long term?
If a money saving strategy feels too hard to maintain, you won’t stick with it. We used to go to the Amish store four times a year when all four boys were living at home. These days, with just the two of us, twice a year is plenty—and way more sustainable.
The takeaway? It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can often tweak the frequency or method to make a strategy work better for your life – and your income.
The Joy Factor
We always ask: Does this bring us joy? Or at least, do the results bring joy?
For us, the Amish trip is more than a chore—it’s a tradition. We love the drive, the peaceful scenery, the friendly faces at the store (who know us by name!), and yes… the cinnamon rolls on the way home.
If something saves you money but constantly drains your energy or enthusiasm, it might not be the right strategy for you. Frugality shouldn’t feel like a punishment.
The next time you’re debating whether a money saving strategy is worth it, run it through this five-part Frugal Filter. Ask yourself:
- Does the math work?
- Is the time investment reasonable?
- Will this drive me nuts?
- Can I keep this up long-term?
- Does this support the life I actually want?
If the answer is yes to most of those, then it’s probably a smart move. And if not? Let it go—guilt-free. Real-life frugality is about being wise with your resources, not exhausted by them.
Your Turn!
What’s a money saving strategy you’ve stuck with—even if other people thought it was a little weird? Or, have you ever tried something that just wasn’t worth the hassle? Tell us how you decided to keep it—or ditch it!
Tell us about it in the comments.
