Living frugally on an extremely low income isn’t easy, but it is possible with planning, creativity, and determination.

The strategies outlined below aren’t about deprivation—they’re about making conscious choices about using your limited resources.

Many people find that once they embrace frugal living, they feel more in control and less anxious about money, even with a modest income.

1. Creating a zero-based budget is essential for managing a minimal income.

This simply means giving every dollar of your income a specific job before spending it. This approach ensures you’re using your limited resources exactly where they need to go. List all your income sources, then assign each dollar to housing, food, utilities, and transportation categories.

2. Housing costs can often be reduced through moving, sharing with roommates, downsizing, or negotiating.

When the COVID Pandemic hit, as newlyweds, our jobs were on the line, and our apartments announced a big rate increase. We elected to retire and moved over an hour away. Our rent was cut in half. Electricity & other utilities decreased considerably.

The dump is just a few miles away and far less expensive than paying for garbage service. (Note that housing typically takes the biggest bite out of most budgets, often eating up 30-50% of income).

We do not watch TV,  have no cable or satellite service. We occasionally check out a free DVD at our local library. Most everything we need is less than two miles away: church, gas, cafes, hardware store, Family Dollar, mechanic shop, thrift store, library & more.

3. Strategic grocery shopping with lists, store brands, and sales can significantly cut food expenses.

On occasion, we visit nearby farmer’s markets or drive into the next town 15 minutes away. We also plant vegetables and fruit in our backyard garden.

4. Cooking from scratch using basic, affordable ingredients provides better nutrition at a lower cost.

Learning to cook basic meals from scratch is perhaps the most critical skill for frugal living. Focus on simple, nutritious meals with affordable ingredients. Batch cooking saves both money and time. 

5. Transportation costs can be minimized through public transit, walking, and proper car maintenance.

If public transportation is available in your area, calculate whether a monthly pass would be cheaper than driving. Walking or biking might save money for some trips while improving your health.

6. Free entertainment options like libraries, parks, and community events provide enjoyment without expense.

We have a close-knit church that we enjoy participating in various functions: pot lucks, Bible study, and various special events.

We also enjoy supporting our school and community events: sports, banquets, theater, community choir, etc.

7. Thrift shopping and secondhand markets offer quality items at a fraction of retail prices.

Our community has a thrift store open on Saturdays, and street markets occur regularly at the Community Center or along the main road through town.

Learn basic repair skills to extend the life of what you already own. A simple sewing repair can add years to a garment, and minor furniture fixes can save hundreds of dollars. 

8. Eliminating or negotiating recurring expenses creates ongoing monthly savings.

Subscriptions and memberships slowly drain your budget month after month.

Review every automatic payment and ask: “Is this bringing me enough value to justify the cost?”

Cancel unused gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, streaming services, or anything else you’re not fully utilizing.

For services you want to keep, call and negotiate lower rates. Companies often have unadvertised discounts or promotions, especially if you mention you’re considering canceling.

9. Even a small emergency fund of $500-$1,000 can break the cycle of debt and reduce financial stress.

Even on a tight budget, setting aside some money for emergencies is crucial. Start with a goal of saving just $500—enough to cover many common emergencies without resorting to high-interest credit cards or loans. Save in small increments whenever possible, even if it’s just $5 or $10 at a time.

10. Developing additional income streams through side gigs helps when expenses exceed income.

For instance, I write. Dodie researches and proofreads. It helps considerably.

Sometimes, no budget cuts can make ends meet for very low-income individuals. Looking for ways to bring in additional money, even temporarily, might be necessary.

Explore side gigs that fit around your existing commitments, like pet sitting, house cleaning, or delivering food.

Selling items you no longer need through yard sales or online marketplaces can generate quick cash while decluttering your space.

Think about skills you have that others might pay for—tutoring, minor repairs, crafting, or helping seniors with technology. Even a few hours of extra work per week can make a significant difference when money is tight.

☆☆☆☆☆

To receive free email notification when we post new articles like this, sign up below. Clever Journeys does & will not sell or share your information with anyone.

☆☆☆☆☆

IN GOD WE TRUST

Thanks for supporting independent true journalism with a small tip. Dodie & Jack

CLICK HERE for GREEN PASTURE BENEFITS

Use Code CLEVER10 for a 10% discount on Green Pasture products today!

CLICK HERE for GOOD HEALTH!

GREENPASTURE.ORG

☆☆☆

CINDY LEAL MASSEY, TEXAS AUTHOR

Now Available CLICK Here!

CleverJourneys is on Gab.com