For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of being a writer and a full-time homemaker, balancing the creative joys of storytelling with the satisfaction of nurturing a family. But as with most dreams, there were financial realities to face. Becoming a stay-at-home mom and pursuing my passion for writing meant making some serious changes in how we approached money.
Adopting a frugal lifestyle has been key to making this dream a reality. By being mindful about our spending and focusing on what truly matters, we’ve found a way to live comfortably, enjoy life, and support my aspirations as a writer, all while sticking to a tight budget. I’d love to share a few strategies that have helped us, with tips for budgeting as a family, low-cost activities, and making smarter financial choices.
1. Set Clear Financial Goals
The first step in our frugal journey was getting clear on what we wanted. My dream of writing and homemaking meant transitioning to a single income, so we needed to assess our financial situation and set clear goals. We started by determining how much we needed for basic living expenses—like housing, utilities, food, and savings—then calculated how much we could save by cutting unnecessary spending.
Tip: Write down your long-term financial goals, whether it’s buying a house, starting a business, or simply living debt-free. This will guide your spending choices and keep you motivated.
2. Create a Family Budget
One of the most effective tools for frugal living is a solid budget. We sat down and created a family budget that broke down our monthly income and categorized our expenses. From groceries to entertainment, we tracked every penny to see where we could cut back.
Tip: Use a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app to track your income and expenses. Set realistic spending limits for each category and review them regularly to stay on track.
3. Plan Low-Cost Family Activities
Being frugal doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. In fact, we’ve discovered that some of the best family memories come from simple, low-cost activities. Instead of pricey outings, we opt for budget-friendly experiences, like visiting local parks, having movie nights at home, or taking nature walks.
We also love DIY projects—whether it’s a home-cooked meal together, a craft afternoon, or even a themed family game night, these activities foster connection without costing much.
Tip: Check out community events, free museum days, or local libraries, which often host free or low-cost programs for families. Prioritize time spent together over expensive outings.
4. Get Creative with Groceries
Groceries are one of the biggest expenses for a family, but there are ways to save without sacrificing quality. I’ve learned the art of meal planning, buying in bulk, and cooking from scratch, which has helped us cut costs significantly. We also avoid pre-packaged convenience foods and focus on whole, versatile ingredients that can stretch across multiple meals.
Tip: Plan your meals around what’s on sale or in season, and don’t be afraid to try generic brands—they often taste just as good at a fraction of the price. Batch cooking and freezing leftovers also helps reduce waste and save money.
5. Prioritize DIY and Secondhand
We’ve embraced the DIY mindset and learned to fix, create, and repurpose things ourselves. From simple home repairs to crafting my own décor, I’ve found that doing things myself not only saves money but also brings a sense of accomplishment. When we do need to buy something, we turn to secondhand stores, online marketplaces, or swap with friends and family.
Tip: Before making any purchase, ask yourself if it’s something you can borrow, buy secondhand, or make yourself. This small shift can lead to big savings over time.
6. Focus on Needs, Not Wants
Living frugally has taught us to differentiate between needs and wants. Every purchase is considered carefully—will this item add value to our lives, or is it something we can do without? This mindset shift has helped us avoid impulsive spending and focus on what truly matters.
Tip: When tempted to buy something, give yourself a cooling-off period. Wait 48 hours and see if you still feel the same urge. Often, the desire passes, and you’ll be glad you didn’t make a hasty purchase.
7. Build an Emergency Fund
One of the best financial decisions we’ve made is prioritizing an emergency fund. Having savings set aside for unexpected expenses, like car repairs or medical bills (or dealing with house emergencies, like our flooded first floor), gives us peace of mind and prevents us from relying on any credit cards. Even with a frugal lifestyle, emergencies happen, so having a cushion is essential.
Tip: Start small by setting aside a portion of your income each month until you reach at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Automating your savings can help make it a consistent habit.
By being intentional with choices surrounding money, I’ve been able to focus more on my writing and homemaking without the stress of financial strain. Living frugally does not mean giving up on any enjoyment or comfort––it just means being strategic, resourceful, and thrifty with what you’ve got.
With thoughtful budgeting, low-cost family activities, and smarter spending habits, my dream of being a writer and homemaker is not only possible but fulfilling in ways I hadn’t imagined.
If you’re looking to follow a similar path, I hope these tips inspire you to embrace a frugal lifestyle and pursue your own passions. Every penny saved is a step closer to your dreams!
Elizabeth Yuen 