Frugal Living Is a Flex Now. And We're Here for It.

Let’s be honest. For years, being the “cheap friend” came with side-eyes and group texts that said, “Let’s just split it evenly,” even when you only ordered water. You knew how to save money. You just didn’t feel like you were allowed to be proud of it.

But lately? That’s changing. Fast.

At Your Healthy Deals, we’ve watched the rise of proud frugality firsthand because we’re part of it. We’re built for the person who wants clean, conscious products and a receipt that doesn’t make their stomach drop. So if you've ever felt like you're the only one scanning price tags or searching for a cleaner, cheaper alternative, trust us, you're not alone.

The New Face of Frugal

We’ve seen a big shift online and off. What used to be whispered is now broadcast proudly. People are sharing grocery hauls, thrift finds, and DIY wins on TikTok and Instagram with the kind of joy that used to be reserved for designer unboxings.

Why? Because saving money is smart. And in a world where organic strawberries cost more than a steak, it’s also a survival skill.

You don’t need a massive budget to live well. You just need to be intentional. That’s what frugality is really about.

A Real Story From the Community

Jenna, a mom of three from Pennsylvania, told us something recently that stuck:

“At first, I felt a little embarrassed pulling out coupons. But then I realized I was spending less and still feeding my kids organic snacks, and buying them clean toothpaste, and sulfate-free shampoo. I’m not cheap. I’m thoughtful.”

That mindset is exactly what Your Healthy Deals is here to support. Frugality isn’t just about what you don’t buy. It’s about being resourceful with what you do.

You Might Be the “Cheap Friend” If...

Let’s have some fun. If you’ve ever done one of these, you’re in good company:

• Waited for a clean shampoo brand to go on sale before restocking

• Split a Costco-size bag of chia seeds with your sister

• Made your own oat milk because you just couldn’t justify another $5 carton

• Walked out of Whole Foods with only bananas because of the prices

• Used psyllium husk in your smoothies and to avoid overpriced GLP-1 knockoffs

Sound familiar? You’re not being cheap. You’re being conscious. The same way you read labels to avoid synthetic dyes, you’re watching prices to avoid overspending. That’s not something to hide. It’s something to own.

What Frugal Living Used to Mean and What It Means Now

Not long ago, frugal living was wrapped in guilt. It meant saying no, opting out, or settling for less. But today, it’s being reframed as saying yes to mindfulness, clarity, and control.

This shift is everywhere. Financial influencers are building platforms around minimalism, thoughtful spending, and financial independence. “Girl math” memes joke about refunds and returns, but they also point to a generation learning how to frame spending in ways that make sense for them.

It’s not about deprivation. It’s about alignment.

You’re not opting out of life. You’re opting into the one that works for you.

Viral Trends That Prove Frugality Is Having a Moment

We’ve watched creators talk openly about “no-buy months” and “budget resets,” but it’s more than just content. It’s a reflection of what people are feeling. Everyone is tired of pretending $10 lattes and $48 serums are normal. They’re not.

Instead, we’re seeing:

Budget-friendly wellness swaps

Why pay $14 for a face mask when beef tallow or honey can do the job for less? Clean beauty doesn’t have to mean high-end.

Smart grocery hacks

Buying organic doesn’t mean buying everything organic. If you know the Dirty Dozen, you know what to prioritize (strawberries, spinach, kale/collard/mustard greens, grapes, peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, bell and hot peppers, cherries, blueberries, green beans).

Health-focused minimalism

People are skipping the overstocked supplement shelves and sticking with what actually works and what they can afford.

DIY Everything

From deodorant to dry shampoo, people are turning back to the basics. And often, it works just as well, with half the cost and ingredients you can pronounce.

This isn’t a trend. It’s a mindset shift. And it’s long overdue.

Deep-Dive: Where Frugal Living Shows Up in Real Life

You don’t need to change everything overnight to live frugally. It’s often in the small, consistent decisions that the savings add up.

In Beauty

• Swap micellar water for aloe or rosewater

• Replace $50 serums with jojoba oil

• Buy multi-use items like tinted balms that work for lips and cheeks (but make sure they're designed to be used on both)

• Don’t fall for the “clean” label alone. Check ingredients, compare prices

In Groceries

• Know which items are worth buying organic (see Dirty Dozen)

• Freeze leftovers or batch cook to cut down on waste

• Shop end-of-day at farmers markets for steep markdowns

• Compare unit prices, not package prices

In Home Essentials

• Make your own cleaning spray with vinegar, lemon, and water

• Buy reusable cloths instead of disposable wipes

• Skip the fancy diffusers and boil cinnamon sticks or orange peels on the stove for natural fragrance

• Reuse glass jars for pantry storage instead of buying new containers

Frugal doesn’t mean sacrificing health or happiness. It means finding creative ways to get more value from what you already use or love.

For Moms Especially, Frugal Living Is Powerful

If you’re raising a family, the pressure to provide “the best” is intense. And expensive. But many moms in our community are proving that “best” doesn’t have to mean “most costly.”

Being frugal as a parent often looks like:

• Swapping expensive baby brands for safer, simpler options

• Saying no to excess and yes to simplicity

• Teaching your kids that value is not just about price

• Modeling resourcefulness instead of consumerism

And most importantly, it gives you peace of mind. You’re not just feeding your kids. You’re feeding them well and saving for their future at the same time.

Quick Myth-Busting: Frugal Living Edition

Let’s break down a few misconceptions we hear often.

“Frugal people are cheap.”
False. Frugal people spend where it matters. They just don’t buy into the hype.

“You can’t live healthy on a budget.”
False. Your Healthy Deals exists to prove otherwise.

“Frugality means missing out.”
False. Frugality means saying no to what doesn’t serve you so you can say yes to what does.

“It’s too time-consuming to live frugally.”
Not true. With a few systems in place like price alerts, meal plans, and go-to recipes, it becomes second nature.

Encouragement if You're Just Starting Out

If all of this feels new to you, here’s something to hold on to.

You don’t have to overhaul your life to live frugally. Start small. Choose one area, maybe clean snacks or switching to a reusable household item, and build from there.

Frugality is a habit. And like any habit, it gets easier with practice.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be thoughtful.

Real Tips From Real Frugal Fans

We’re not just preaching frugality. We live it. We’ve heard from hundreds of people in the YHD community who have mastered the balance of health and budgeting. Some of our favorite money-saving strategies:

• Use price trackers (like ours) to watch clean brands and grab them when they dip

• Stock up during sales for pantry goods, supplements, or skincare basics you use daily

• Make swaps that make sense, like coconut sugar instead of maple syrup or vinegar for all-purpose cleaner

• Stop chasing the shiny stuff because if it’s viral and $65, there is probably a dupe for half the price

• Know your “worth it” list because for some it’s non-toxic baby wipes, for others it’s wild-caught salmon

It’s about finding what you value and building your budget around it. There’s no one right way.

You Don’t Need to Be Ashamed of Wanting a Deal

Repeat that again. Out loud if you have to.

We live in a culture that loves convenience and instant gratification, but being thoughtful about where your money goes doesn’t make you less successful, less generous, or less health-focused. It makes you intentional.

And if anyone gives you a hard time for comparing prices or skipping an overpriced outing, remember this. You’re not the one overdrafting for aesthetics.

The Bottom Line

Frugal living isn’t about lack. It’s about control. It’s about knowing what’s worth your dollars and what isn’t. In our world of clean, conscious consumerism, it’s not only valid. It’s powerful.

So yes, we’ll take the label. Call us the “cheap friend.” We’re good with it. Because we know something most people don’t.

Saving money and living well aren’t opposites. They’re a package deal.