Let’s be honest—saving money is hard when you barely have enough to get through the week. I’ve felt that struggle deep in my bones. When you’re broke, broke-saving advice like “skip your latte” doesn’t cut it. You’re not worried about lattes—you’re worried about rent, food, and just making it.

But here’s the truth: you can still save, even if you feel like you have nothing to spare. It’s not about how much you save—it’s about the mindset and the habit.

💡 Step 1: Shift Your Mindset from “I Can’t” to “What Can I Do?”

Instead of focusing on what you can’t afford, start asking:

• What’s one small thing I can cut today?
• What’s one way I can stretch this dollar further?

It’s about micro-decisions that add up over time.

🧨 Extreme Frugal Hacks That Actually Work

When money is tight, you need to go all-in on frugal living—without feeling like you’re suffering. Here are some of my go-to hacks:

1. Cut the Convenience

• No more DoorDash or takeout—cook at home.
• Brew your coffee instead of buying it.
• Do your own nails, hair, or cleaning if possible.

2. Make Your Own Everything

• DIY cleaning supplies (vinegar + baking soda = magic).
• Reuse containers, bags, and even old clothes creatively.
• Cook in bulk and freeze meals—waste nothing.

3. Shop Secondhand Only

• Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp—start here before buying anything new.

4. Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without

• Old-school wisdom that still works. Delay replacements. Repair instead of replacing.

5. Cancel and Cut ruthlessly

• Look at subscriptions, automatic payments, and services. Cancel anything that’s not essential.

✂️ How to Cut Unnecessary Expenses Without Feeling Deprived

Frugality isn’t about punishment—it’s about prioritizing. Here’s how to cut back while still feeling good about it:

• Swap don’t stop: Instead of going out for entertainment, invite friends over for game night.
• Plan your “fun money”—even if it’s $5 a week. Guilt-free spending keeps you from rebounding hard later.
• Automate your savings—$1 a day still adds up. Treat it like a non-negotiable bill.

💬 Real Talk: It’s Not Forever

Living broke isn’t your final destination—it’s your starting point. These frugal habits build the discipline and awareness you need to break the cycle. Once your money situation changes, you’ll already know how to make smarter choices.

You’re not just saving dollars—you’re creating the habits that will get you off assistance, out of survival mode, and into the life you deserve.

📌 Final Thought

Saving when you’re broke isn’t about having money—it’s about mastering your mindset. Start small, stay consistent, and remember you don’t have to be rich to take control of your money—you just have to be intentional.