Dave Ramsey, personal finance expert and bestselling author, is known for his no-nonsense advice on eliminating debt, saving aggressively and building lasting wealth. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or trying to stay on track, these nine frugal habits he swears by can help you take control of your money, without sacrificing your lifestyle.
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Buy Generic Products
One of Dave Ramsey’s simplest money-saving strategies is skipping the name brands.
Many generic products are made in the same factories as their branded counterparts and often with identical ingredients or materials. The only real difference? Branding and marketing costs, which you end up paying for.
Ramsey recommends switching to generics for everyday items like staple food items, medicine, cleaning supplies and paper products.
Cancel Unused Subscriptions and Memberships
Subscription creep is real, and it’s draining your budget. Dave Ramsey advises taking a hard look at all your recurring charges, from streaming services to gym memberships, and asking one simple question: Does this truly add value to my life? If the answer is no, it’s time to cancel.
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Reduce Energy Expenses
Reducing your energy usage at home is one of the easiest ways to lower monthly expenses. Ramsey recommends a few practical habits that can make a noticeable difference:
Take shorter showers to reduce water heating costs
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible
Turn off lights when you leave a room
Fix running toilets and leaky faucets promptly
Saving money doesn’t always require big sacrifices — sometimes, it’s about small changes that add up.
Take Your Lunch to Work
Eating out might be convenient, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to drain your budget. Instead, Ramsey suggests brown-bagging it. Bringing your lunch to work is a simple, effective way to cut costs and eat healthier. Whether it’s leftovers from dinner or a quick meal-prepped salad, the savings can be substantial over time.
Stop Eating Out at Night and on Weekends
Eating out, especially on nights and weekends, can quietly drain your budget. Dave Ramsey’s advice on this is clear: if you’re serious about crushing debt, restaurant spending needs to go.
While it might feel like a sacrifice, cooking at home can be just as satisfying and far more affordable. Recreate your favorite takeout meals, experiment with new recipes or make it a fun family activity.
Switch Your Cell Phone Plan
Cell phone bills can quietly balloon over time. Dave Ramsey encourages consumers to shop around and negotiate — you might be overpaying without realizing it.
Start by comparing plans from different providers. Many budget-friendly carriers offer the same coverage at a fraction of the cost. Once you’ve done your homework, call your current provider and ask if they can match or beat the deal. If they can’t, consider switching.
Try a No-Spend Month
If you’re serious about saving money or paying off debt, Dave Ramsey recommends trying a no-spend month. This challenge can be a powerful way to reset your spending habits and boost your savings. The idea is simple: for 30 days, spend only on essentials like groceries, bills and transportation while cutting out all non-essentials.
Do-It-Yourself When You Can
Hiring professionals for every home project or repair can get expensive fast. Dave Ramsey encourages a do-it-yourself mindset, especially for tasks you can realistically tackle on your own.
From installing a backsplash to building a bench or laying new flooring, many projects are more doable than you might think. With countless tutorials available online, especially on YouTube, you can learn as you go and save hundreds (or even thousands) in the process.
Avoid Stores That Tempt You
We all have that one store, whether it’s Target, HomeGoods or even the local hardware shop, where we walk in for one thing and walk out with five. Dave Ramsey recommends avoiding the temptation altogether.
If you’re trying to stick to a budget or pay off debt, steer clear of the places that make you want to spend impulsively. Recognizing your spending triggers is key to staying in control.
Final Take To GO
Dave Ramsey’s frugal habits aren’t just about cutting costs; they’re about building a mindset of intentional spending and long-term financial freedom. Whether you adopt one or all nine, these strategies can help you take meaningful steps toward a debt-free and financially stable lifestyle.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Frugal Habits Dave Ramsey Swears By
