14 Tips, Hacks, & Secrets to Save Thousands

This guide is packed with the exact tips, tricks, and secrets I use to save hundreds to thousands of dollars every year. Most people are spending way more than they need to… on everything: groceries, clothes, home upgrades, even basic bills. I will teach you how to stop overspending, shop smarter, and save money without giving up the things you love.

You'll learn how to:

• Cut hundreds off your grocery bill with a little strategy
• Buy high-quality items for a fraction of the cost
• Discover hidden deals and bonus discounts that most people miss
• Never overpay for anything ever again
• Replace pricey habits with smarter ones
• Learn what it means to be Fancy Frugal

These tips aren't about cutting corners or sacrificing your desires—they're about getting more for less and never paying full price when you don't have to. Saving and smart shopping aren't a chore—they're a strategy, and this guide is your playbook.

Why I made this guide:

For the past several years, I’ve chosen a different path—stepping away from paid work to raise our daughter and give my time, energy, and creativity to those who need it most. I’ve poured myself into supporting nonprofits, launching positive community projects, and founding a volunteer arts center where everything is free and everyone is welcome.

People often assume we must be well-off to live this way, but the truth is quite the opposite. The life we’ve built—full of meaning, connection, and joy—has been shaped by necessity, not wealth. Over time, I’ve developed practical, powerful strategies to stretch every dollar without sacrificing the things that matter most.

As the cost of living rises and financial pressures grow, I’m constantly asked how we do it—how we live so fully on so little. That’s why I created this guide: to share the tips, tricks, and mindset shifts that allow us to live what I call the Fancy Frugal life. I hope it empowers you to do the same.