36 Frugal Living Tips That Are Perfect for Large Families

 Let’s be honest,feeding, clothing, entertaining, and caring for a big family isn’t cheap. Whether you’ve got three kids or seven, life gets expensive fast. But living frugally doesn’t mean cutting out all the fun or living on beans and rice (well, maybe sometimes). It just means being smart with what you’ve got and stretching your money in ways that make sense for your home.

Here are 36 practical, creative, and family-tested frugal living tips that will help your large family live well,without breaking the bank.

1. Cook In Bulk And Freeze Everything

Make big batches of chili, casseroles, or pasta sauce, and freeze portions for future dinners. It's a time saver and money saver.

2. Shop Warehouse Clubs Smartly

Buy non-perishables like rice, pasta, toilet paper, and snacks in bulk. Just make sure it’s something your family will use.

3. Always Have A Weekly Meal Plan

Meal planning reduces food waste, helps you shop less, and prevents last-minute fast food runs. Write it down and stick it on the fridge.

4. Limit Snacks To Daily Portions

Kids (and adults) will eat a whole week’s worth of snacks in two days if you let them. Portion them out for the week.

5. Use Hand-Me-Downs With Pride

Clothes, toys, and gear get expensive fast. Save, swap, and reuse everything that’s still in good condition.

6. Embrace Secondhand Everything

From shoes to kitchen tools, check thrift stores, local buy-nothing groups, and Facebook Marketplace before buying new.

7. Make Laundry Detergent Go Further

Use less than the recommended amount—it still works. Or try making your own.

8. Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and water can clean almost everything in your home. No need for five different spray bottles.

9. Sign Up For Every Rewards Program

Get points, cash back, or coupons from stores you already shop at. Every little bit adds up.

10. Ditch Paper Towels

Switch to cloth rags and washable napkins. It’s cheaper and better for the environment too.

11. Create A Family Budget And Talk About It

Get everyone on board with saving goals. When kids understand why money matters, they become better spenders.

12. Rotate Toys To Keep Things Fresh

Put some toys away and bring them back in a few weeks—they’ll feel brand new without spending a dime.

13. Get Creative With Leftovers

Turn last night’s dinner into soup, quesadillas, or casseroles. Waste nothing!

14. Do Haircuts At Home

YouTube is full of haircut tutorials. A one-time clipper investment can save you hundreds a year.

15. Plan Free Family Activities

Park days, library visits, beach outings, backyard camping—there’s plenty of fun that costs nothing.

16. Have A Clothes-Swapping Party With Friends

Kids outgrow clothes fast. Host a swap and let everyone refresh their closets for free.

17. Use A Price Book

Track prices on your most-used groceries so you know when something is actually on sale.

18. Shop Clearance Racks Year-Round

Look for next year’s clothes at the end of each season. Buy bigger sizes and stash them.

19. Use Reusable Water Bottles

Skip the juice boxes and soda. Water is healthier, free, and way cheaper.

20. Eat At Home As Much As Possible

Feeding a large family at restaurants gets expensive fast. Save it for special occasions.

21. Try Meatless Meals A Few Times A Week

Beans, lentils, eggs, and pasta are filling and much cheaper than meat.

22. Buy Used Homeschool Or School Supplies

Check local parent groups or resale stores before buying anything new.

23. Automate Savings—Even If It's Small

Even $5 a week helps. Set it and forget it with a recurring transfer.

24. Teach Older Kids How To Cook

It saves you time, teaches them life skills, and makes them appreciate the work behind a meal.

25. Use The Library For More Than Books

DVDs, activity kits, story time, and even learning tools are all free if you’ve got a library card.

26. Celebrate Birthdays Simply

Skip the over-the-top parties. A homemade cake, a few decorations, and quality time go a long way.

27. Unplug Electronics When Not In Use

Phantom energy adds up on your power bill. Unplug and turn off what you're not using.

28. Set A Monthly Family Fun Budget

Plan fun in advance. When it’s part of the budget, there’s no guilt or overspending.

29. Cook From Pantry Challenges

Once a month, challenge your family to eat from what’s already in the pantry and freezer.

30. DIY Simple Home Repairs

Learn to fix small things yourself instead of calling someone in. YouTube is your friend.

31. Use Cash Envelopes For Non-Essentials

Cash helps you stick to a budget and avoid impulse spending.

32. Avoid Brand Loyalty

Switch to store brands when you can. Most are just as good at a fraction of the cost.

33. Plan Holidays Months In Advance

Buy gifts slowly over time, shop clearance sales, and DIY when you can.

34. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Check your bank statement and cancel anything you’re not using—streaming, memberships, apps.

35. Say Yes To Hand-Me-Down Furniture

Couches, bookshelves, even cribs can often be found for free or cheap. Clean it, fix it, and love it.

36. Keep A “Needs” List Handy

Write down things your family actually needs so you don’t impulse buy when you're out.

 Big Families Can Save Big Too

Living frugally with a big family isn’t about restriction, it’s about resourcefulness. These tips aren’t about doing less,they’re about doing smarter. With some planning, creativity, and teamwork, your large family can enjoy life, build memories, and save money all at the same time.

You've got this,and you've got each other. And that’s already worth more than money.