In today’s world, many people are looking for ways to save money and live a more frugal lifestyle. One hobbyist in a popular online forum asked, “What are some hobbies that can actually save you money and how?”
Table of Contents
Cooking
Cooking your own meals at home can save you a lot of money compared to eating out at restaurants. Save even more by buying ingredients in bulk and meal-prepping for the week. Now is the time to try different recipes and become a chef.
One user started the discussion with “Eating out is super expensive. And a lot of it isn’t healthy. With minimal cooking supplies, you can do a lot. [And] Cookware can be bought second hand at the thrift store.”
Gardening
Starting a vegetable or herb garden can save you money on groceries. You can grow your own produce and herbs, which can be used in your cooking.
One user commented, “…there are always start-up costs, unless you are lucky enough to be inheriting what you need, and the preservation of the produce can also be an expensive thing (again unless you’re lucky enough to inherit the equipment.) All that being said though, lots of people REALLY enjoy gardening as a hobby, it gets them outside, gives exercise, maybe people get involved in gardening clubs which is great for socialization, and the quality of the produce is usually vastly superior than what can be found in a grocery store. Herbs are pretty easy to grow, and are generally low-cost to start..”
DIY Projects
Doing your own home repairs and renovations can save you money on hiring professionals. You can also save money by upcycling old furniture or repurposing items around your home. One fixer-upper wrote, “Auto repair, or really anything mechanical! My husband loves to tinker with things and recently BOTH our front-load washer and dryer broke down. He was able to open it up, watch a couple [of] YouTube videos, figure out the replacement parts, and fix it himself! It was about $100 per machine for parts, but it saved us the expense of a service technician!!. If you can fix it yourself, you don’t need to pay someone else to do it.”
Walking, Running, or Hiking
Instead of paying for a gym membership, you can save money by going for a run or hike outdoors…walking also works. This can also be a great way to explore your local area. One user added “We pay less in a year for a few added prices of equipment or free weights than for the gym membership. Walking the neighborhood is good cardio also.”
Sewing
Sewing is a hobby that can save you money in the long run. By learning how to sew, you can create your own clothing, home decor, and other items. You can save even more money with free sewing patterns. Either way, it’s going to be cheaper compared to buying these items new. Additionally, you can repair or alter clothing and other items instead of throwing them away and buying new ones. This can save money on replacement costs and also reduce waste. By honing your sewing skills, you can create high-quality items that can last for years, which can save money compared to buying cheaper, lower-quality items that need to be replaced frequently.
Bike Riding
Investing in a good quality bike and using it as your primary mode of transportation, can save you a significant amount of money over time. By choosing to ride a bike instead of driving a car or taking public transportation, you can save money on gas, parking fees, and public transportation fares. Bikes require less maintenance than cars and have a longer lifespan, which can save money on repairs and replacement costs. Additionally, biking is also a great way to stay fit and healthy, which can save money on healthcare costs in the long run.
Baking
One user suggested “baking. So many people cook but don’t bake. The markup on baked goods is huge. Homemade baked goods are often cheaper and can be customized to your liking. Second, baking your own snacks and treats can save money compared to buying pre-packaged snacks. By making your own granola bars, energy balls, and other snacks, you can save money and also control the ingredients and nutritional value. Third, baking can be a way to use up ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. By using up overripe bananas, stale bread, and other ingredients that might be thrown away, you can save money on groceries and reduce food waste. Baking can be a fun and rewarding hobby that can provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, which can be a great way to boost your mood without spending money.
Woodworking
Woodworking can be a hobby that saves money in the long run. While the initial cost of tools and materials can be expensive, the ability to create your own furniture, home decor, and other items can save money compared to buying these items new. Additionally, woodworking can be a way to upcycle or repurpose old furniture or wood scraps, which can save money on buying new materials. By learning woodworking skills and techniques, you can create high-quality items that can last for years, which can save money compared to buying cheaper, lower-quality items that need to be replaced frequently.
Thrifting
Thrifting involves shopping at secondhand stores or garage sales to find items at a lower cost than buying new. unique or rare items and getting a sense of satisfaction from finding something for a great price. One user replied to how thrifting can save money by “going to pawn shops and buying broken things for super cheap and then fixing them and then trading that stuff with his neighbors.”
Couponing
Couponing involves using coupons to get discounts on items at the store. Some people find couponing to be enjoyable and rewarding, as it can lead to finding a good deal.
Reading
Reading is a great hobby that grows your mind while saving money. Check out your local library to borrow books instead of buying new ones. You can also find free ebooks online or participate in book swaps with friends.
We hope you enjoyed this inspiration list of hobbies that can save you money from Reddit.
How Minimalism Made Me More Intentional With Our Money
Have you ever felt like you’re just surrounded by stuff? One day, several years ago, I found myself looking around our home and wondering how we had accumulated so many things over the years. There were many items that we were storing in the home that we hadn’t touched in a long time, didn’t use on a regular basis, and frankly, were zapping the energy out of me and our space.
How Minimalism Made Me a Better Traveler
Some people might be devoted to taking four pairs of shoes on a four-day trip, and I want to start off by saying that there is nothing wrong with that! There is a saying in the outdoor backpacking community, “Hike your own hike.” I definitely apply this mentality to urban travel and believe that everyone should take their own trip, and do so in whatever way makes them happiest.
