Some weird frugal habits can look a little extreme from the outside. Over the past 35 years, we’ve had more than a few raised eyebrows from friends and family about the way we do things.
But here’s the real question: is it actually weird… if it works? The truth is, many of these habits may seem unusual at first, but they consistently help reduce expenses and stretch a budget further than most people think possible.
If you’d rather watch these weird frugal habits in action, we break them all down in the video below.
Covering Windows in Winter
Cover windows during the winter months using materials like bubble wrap, cardboard, or plastic. It may not win any design awards, but it adds an extra layer of insulation that helps keep heat inside.
We’re always a little surprised by how much pushback we get on this one. However, the proof is in the numbers. In our experience, this simple step contributed to reducing our winter utility bills by 10%, making it one of those weird frugal habits that delivers real results.
Unplugging Everything
Many devices continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. This “phantom” or “vampire” energy can quietly add up over time. By unplugging items with lights, remotes, or auto-on features, you can reduce unnecessary energy use.
Need an easy way to do it? Buy power strips and plug multiple items into it. When you turn the power strip off, it’s the one-step equivalent of unplugging every single item.
Studies suggest this can account for up to 10% of a household’s electricity bill, making this habit both practical and impactful.
Turning Down the Thermostat
Lowering the thermostat and adding an extra layer of clothing is one of the simplest ways to cut heating costs. While some people are surprised by this approach, it works.
We were able to reduce our natural gas usage by 14% using this strategy, which made a noticeable difference in our overall utility bills.
Interestingly, this habit is one which also tends to get the strongest reactions. We recently mentioned it at a wedding reception while sitting with some of Larry’s high school friends. Let’s just say it sparked more than a few loud gasps and a lot of “no way!” responses.
That moment made one thing clear. This is one of those weird frugal habits that sounds extreme at first… until you see the results.
Shopping with a List
This is one of the most effective ways to lower your grocery costs, but also one of the least utilized. Walking into a store without a plan almost always leads to spending more.
Using a list keeps you focused and reduces impulse purchases. The longer you stay in a store, the more likely you are to buy things you didn’t intend to. This habit may seem basic, but sticking to your list means sticking to your budget.
Reusing and Stretching Items
Open a frugal person’s cupboards and you’ll usually see a variety of plastic tubs, containers, and jars nestled next to the Tupperware they bought for 50¢ each at garage sales.
Reusing everyday items can significantly reduce both waste and spending. Many frugal households also stretch products as long as they remain usable.
While some people feel strongly about this approach adding unnecessary clutter, it’s a practical way to maximize what you already have. These kinds of weird frugal habits challenge the idea that everything needs to be replaced quickly.
Wearing Clothes Longer
Fast fashion encourages constant replacement, but frugal living often means wearing items far longer than most people would. Some clothing can last for decades when properly cared for. In fact, Larry has shirts that are decades old (no exaggeration).
This is one of those habits that people definitely notice. I once had a woman at church ask me, “Do you shop thrift stores?” When I (probably more than a little enthusiastically) replied positively, she added, “Aren’t you afraid of not dressing in the current style?”
That question stuck with me, because it highlights how differently people think about appearance, money, and priorities.
I don’t believe looking like a million requires spending one.
The truth is, we’re not trying to keep up with trends. We care far more about practicality and making the most of what we already have. Although this is one of those weird frugal habits that might be a sore spot to others, over time, it can save a significant amount of money.
Frugal Habits From Our Readers
We also asked our community to share their own experiences with weird frugal habits, and the responses were both creative and eye-opening. Many of these habits reflect a strong commitment to saving money in ways that challenge conventional thinking.
Energy and Utility Savings
Some readers shared habits focused on reducing utility costs. One example included neighbors who consistently went to bed shortly after dark to minimize electricity use. Their bill was so low that the electric company showed up at their door, checking to see if the house was abandoned.
Others mentioned skipping every other toilet flush or using cold showers in warmer months. These strategies may not be for everyone, but they highlight how small changes can lead to noticeable savings.
Transportation and Lifestyle Choices
Several readers emphasized reducing transportation costs. Walking instead of driving and maintaining a one-car household were mentioned. One reader shared that in winter they switch to storage insurance on a vehicle which was only used in warm weather months.
These approaches reduce fuel, insurance, and maintenance expenses while encouraging a more frugal lifestyle.
Household Resourcefulness
Many responses focused on making the most of everyday resources. Saving napkins, reusing water, and stretching food ingredients were common themes. Others mentioned using handkerchiefs instead of tissues or limiting how often towels are washed.
These habits demonstrate how resourcefulness plays a big role in frugal living.
Unusual Cost-Cutting Strategies
Some readers shared ways they’ve adapted modern conveniences to fit a frugal lifestyle. Canceling home internet in favor of library hotspots and reducing phone plans to the lowest possible cost were popular examples.
These strategies show how even essential services can be adjusted to save money.
DIY and Self-Sufficiency
A number of readers take frugality even further by embracing self-sufficiency. Making homemade cleaning products, growing food, bartering, and repairing items instead of replacing them were all mentioned.
Yes, these approaches require more effort but can significantly reduce long-term expenses.
Final Thoughts
At first glance, many of these habits might seem unusual. But when you look closer, they all serve the same purpose: reducing waste, lowering expenses, and making the most of what you already have. Whether you adopt one or several, the goal isn’t to be extreme—it’s to be intentional.
Because in the end, it’s not about whether something looks strange.
It’s about whether it works.
Your Turn
What frugal habits have raised the eyebrows (and maybe the ire) of your family and friends? Tell us in the comment section. We’d love to hear what you do that others think is “weird.”
I use thin silver insulation cut to fit my windows to cut heat loss. My windows are newer good quality windows. The reality is glass is cold when the weather is bitter cold . I also use the same insulation in my south and west windows during the hot afternoon sun in the summer. Windows are open in the evening for cool air .
We double or triple up when cooking meals. Freeze some. Use appliances on Sunday. Half price electric so wash and change beds. Hoover. Slow cooker on.
Wash and reuse plastic bags.
Buy frozen vegetables on whole. No waste. Always use all potatoes have our own frozen mash and jackets.
Shop in Lidl. Once you’ve spent £50 in there you get a free vegetable. Can be 7.5 kg of potatoes. If it’s free fruit a kg of strawberries. Make my own jam and marmalade. Freeze ‘free’ berries and apples from a local tree. Have enough to make 5 or 6 crumbles a year.
Use our local pantry. It’s £3.50 and you get ingredients for one meal and can pick 9 things. We got a tin of corned beef and potatoes. Does us a corned beef hash. 6 meals (freeze 2). A whole chicken that counts a 2 items. Made a roast dinner, chicken and salad and chicken sandwiches for lunch. That’s 4 evening meals. Used the stock from chicken to make soup and our free leeks from pantry. 2 litres of soup. All our lunches covered.
We also got bleach, cat food, 9 toilet rolls, toothpaste large Colgate, tin of tuna and tin of salmon.
The tuna was made into fish cakes. Just the 2 of us.
We shop with a list of I shop my kitchen first and look at Lidl offers.
We have gym membership so shower there.
Hope there’s something new.
Any washes done during week are 14 minute quick washes. Usually only one.
Shut black out blinds and lined curtains as soon as getting dark.
Wear a thick dressing gown when I sit to do paperwork.
Use your tips and podcasts too. Love them.
Great ideas!
Glad they were helpful.
I actually used the bubble wrap on windows this winter. We live in FL and it was cold. I could see it stopped the cold air because the shade was not moving. I also use the plastic containers that lunch meat comes in for storage containers, perfect size and when they wear out you toss them.
It’s surprising how well bubble wrap works.
I do everything that you have listed and then some! I guess we don’t think of it as weird, think of it as normal. Our family has never been “consumers”, my daughter and her husband even collect rain water and power by solar, as well as grow their own food
I just don’t understand How people can live without being frugal. It comes naturally to me growing up with parents that grew up during the depression. I save just about everything and reuse what I can. If I need to purchase something I go to two local thrift stores in our area, which are excellent. Their proceeds benefit our low income people as well as the local Humane Society. I buy everything with cash and if I don’t have the cash, I don’t buy it.
Utility bills are difficult, i know, as well as Internet and phone, but I have found that if I spend time comparing prices, I just switch to different carriers and companies that offer the same but cheaper in price. I don’t have AC and layer up in the winter. The house I live in luckily has a lot of good fiberglassinsulation in it, but I still use lined draperies in the winter and put plastic on the windows. I have found that the aluminum stove tape works really really well to keep drafts out around your doors and windows. A good tip!
Thanks for being there for all of us as your information it’s so crucial in today’s world. Now we have to get our younger generation to get on the same bandwagon!
We turned our heater off on March 1st even though it is still cold. In just one month we saved 27% off the electric/gas bill.!! Long sleeved flannel shirts and a blanket while reading or watching TV. Any ideas for keep cool during the hot summer?
My husband & I practice a lot of self-sufficiency, yet admittedly, we’ve slacked a little this past year. Our utility fees have tripled in the 5 years we’ve lived here, along with shocking food, gas, and for others, housing costs. (My son owns the home we live in and we pay several hundred dollars less in rent than the common rental rates in our town. He’s a lovely son. 😊) I was horrified at the price increases at Costco — Costco! I’ve always resisted my hubby’s attempts to lower our thermostat in the winter, but no more. How silly, when I can easily layer up! I’m committed to lowering our financial burden right now. Thanks for the inspiration. You’re a blessing to many, many families, no doubt. ❤️