7 Morning Money Habits To Start Your Day the Frugal Way

Woman lifting weights from the floor
©Shutterstock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Adopting a frugal lifestyle doesn’t have to mean overhauling all of your financial habits. Making a few tweaks here and there to how you spend, save and invest could greatly improve your chances of building wealth.

Whether your goals include funding retirement accounts, paying off debt or just improving your financial health overall, sometimes the way you start the day is the best indicator of how you will finish the personal finance race. The morning offers a unique opportunity to set the tone for a day filled with wise financial decisions, such as these seven morning habits that can help you live more frugally.

Embrace a Home-Brewed Coffee Routine

If before you even open your eyes you are thinking about ways to spend money on coffee, your daily financial plan may already be off to a rough start. Yes, the allure and aroma of a cafe coffee can be strong, but the daily expense adds up quickly.

By switching to home-brewed coffee, you can save a significant amount of money each month, which will perk up your financial future. Invest in a good coffee maker and discover the joy of brewing your own. This is not only more cost-effective, but also allows you to experiment with different blends and flavors.

Today's Top Offers

Plan Your Meals

The food you have at home is here to remind you of the money you’ll save by not making the impulse buy of fast food or ordering out. Meal planning is not just a way to eat healthier; it’s also a fantastic strategy for not depleting your bank account.

Take a few minutes each morning to plan your meals for the day as the little time spent here can save you a large amount of money down the road. This habit prevents impulsive food purchases and helps you stick to a budget. Utilize leftovers and plan meals around what you already have, reducing food waste and grocery bills.

Use Public Transportation or Carpool

With everything from tariffs to economic volatility increasing car costs to almost unmanageable amounts, it may be time to evaluate your daily commute and consider inexpensive options like public transportation or carpooling. These alternatives can significantly reduce your fuel costs and wear and tear on your vehicle. 

It’s also an environmentally friendly choice that helps both future generations and the future of your retirement plan. And, if public transportation is efficient in your area, it can offer a stress-free time to read or relax before starting your workday.

Practice Energy-Saving Techniques

Speaking of doing better things for both the environment and your finances, mornings are a great time to implement energy-saving habits. Simple actions like turning off lights in empty rooms, unplugging unused appliances and using natural light can reduce your electricity bill. 

Also, consider shorter showers to save on water costs. These small changes can lead to noticeable savings every time you pay your monthly bills. 

Exercise at Home or Outdoors

It seems every social media influencer starts their day by hitting the gym or going to some exercise class. However, gym memberships can be expensive, and you can often achieve the same fitness goals by exercising at home or outdoors.

Today's Top Offers

A morning jog, yoga session or YouTube workout video can be just as effective. You can also find many instructors or classes for free on a variety of streaming services. This habit not only saves money but also invigorates you for the day ahead.

Adopt a Minimalist Wardrobe

Ultimately, the thing that looks best on you is frugality and making smart money moves. Start by simplifying your morning routine and adopting a minimalist wardrobe. This doesn’t mean sacrificing style, either.

Rather, it involves curating a collection of versatile, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched. This approach reduces the temptation to constantly buy new clothes, saving money and time spent on deciding what to wear.

Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude

With everything that is happening in the world, sometimes the best mindset is one of appreciation for what you have and the realization that you don’t want to waste it. Begin your day with a focus on gratitude and mindfulness. 

This habit can indirectly save money by fostering contentment with what you have. A grateful mindset reduces the urge to make impulsive purchases in search of happiness. Take a few minutes each morning to reflect on what you are thankful for and set positive intentions for the day.

Final Take To GO

Starting your day the frugal way doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of life. It’s about making smart choices that align with your short-term and long-term financial goals. 

Today's Top Offers

These seven morning habits are not only easy to implement but also have the potential to lead to significant savings over time. Embrace thrm, and watch your wealth grow as you enjoy a fulfilling, frugal lifestyle.

BEFORE YOU GO

See Today's Best
Banking Offers

Looks like you're using an adblocker

Please disable your adblocker to enjoy the optimal web experience and access the quality content you appreciate from GOBankingRates.

  • AdBlock / uBlock / Brave
    1. Click the ad blocker extension icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable on this site
    3. Refresh the page
  • Firefox / Edge / DuckDuckGo
    1. Click on the icon to the left of the address bar
    2. Disable Tracking Protection
    3. Refresh the page
  • Ghostery
    1. Click the blue ghost icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable Ad-Blocking, Anti-Tracking, and Never-Consent
    3. Refresh the page