Tag Page rFrugal

Kevin Murray

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Low-Cost Family Entertainment Ideas?

We’re tightening our budget big time — my wife is about to take a $10k/year pay cut, so it’s time to rethink our entertainment expenses, especially for the whole family (us + 3 young adult kids). We’re currently spending about $175/month on internet + streaming (Prime, Netflix, Hulu/Disney, Paramount+, Peacock, Spotify Family, etc.) and thinking we can cut that in half or more. Here are some cheap/free options we’re considering or already doing: 📚 Public Library DVDs, Blu-rays, books, audiobooks, free streaming, and more — super underrated. 📺 Free Streaming Pluto TV, Tubi, Roku Channel, YouTube, Archive.org — lots of ad-supported gems if you dig a little. 📡 OTA TV (Antenna) Not glamorous, but local rerun channels still air shows like X-Files and Frasier. 🌍 IPTV Weird but cool — global channels, not in English mostly, but interesting. 🎮 Gaming Nights We already own Minecraft and Sims — planning snack-filled family game nights. 🎶 Spotify Family This is our one tough one to drop. Everyone uses it daily. Any cheaper workarounds? 💡 Other Changes: Switch to local internet provider to save $20/mo Use PBS Passport ($5/mo) for access to loads of quality series We’re aiming to get down to $80/month total (Spotify, PBS, and internet). Not quite “$0 entertainment budget” like some of you legends out there — but a big improvement for us. What else do you use or recommend that’s free, low-cost, and actually gets used? Particularly interested in tips that work for whole families or households with grown kids. #FrugalFamily #FreeFun #BudgetEntertainment #CutTheCord #rFrugal #LibraryLife #FrugalWins

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Todd Johnson

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Is My Car Really Worth $1,000/Month?

I just did the math and realized my car is costing me nearly $1,000/month between payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance. That’s a huge chunk of my budget. Now I’m seriously debating if it’s time to go car-free — maybe switch to biking, public transport, and the occasional Uber/Lyft. Here’s what I’m thinking: ✅ Potential Pros: Big monthly savings Fewer impulse food stops (it’s way easier to grab fast food with a car) Health boost from biking/walking more No more parking stress or repairs ❌ But the Cons: How would I get my dog to the vet in an emergency? Transit isn’t always reliable Winter could be rough without a car Groceries, errands, and life in general would need more planning I know plenty of folks have made the switch and survived — maybe even thrived — but I’m torn. Anyone here go car-free and never looked back? Or regretted it? Would love to hear your real pros and cons, especially with pets involved. #FrugalLiving #CarExpenses #BudgetLife #GoCarFree #MoneySavingMoves #PetOwnerLife #rFrugal

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Joseph Wood

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What Frugal Habit Changed Your Life?

During lockdown, I started cutting my own hair — and it’s become one of my favorite frugal habits. I originally did it just to avoid leaving the house, but after a few YouTube tutorials and some trial and error, I got decent at it. Now I actually enjoy it. No appointments, no awkward barber chat, no $40+ every few weeks. It’s saved me hundreds over the years, and I’ve even helped a few friends learn how to do their own. It got me thinking: What’s one cheap or free habit you picked up that made a real difference in your life? Could be personal care, budgeting tricks, DIY stuff — anything that made life easier or better and saved money. Would love to steal some new ideas. 😄 #FrugalWins #LifeHacks #BudgetLiving #PersonalCare #CheapButEffective #MoneySavingTips #rFrugal

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Joseph Wood

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Your Weirdest Frugal Habit That Works?

We all know the standard frugal advice: buy generic, cook at home, stick to a budget, etc. But what about those quirky, maybe a little weird habits that actually save you real money? Here are a few of mine: Condiment hoarder: I save every takeout ketchup/soy/hot sauce packet. Haven’t bought bottles in over a year. Lotion surgeon: I cut open "empty" lotion bottles — there's always another few days’ worth inside. Toothpaste bobby pin method: I roll it tight and clip it with a bobby pin to squeeze out the last bits. Old T-shirt > paper towels: I use worn-out shirts as rags. Cuts down on waste and I don’t have to keep buying paper towels. Not glamorous, but effective. So let’s hear it: What’s your weird but wonderful frugal habit that just works? Bonus points if it’s something you think most people overlook. Let’s crowdsource the weirdest ways to stretch a dollar. #FrugalLife #MoneySavingTips #WeirdButEffective #BudgetHacks #CheapWins #LifeOnABudget #rFrugal

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