12 Items Frugal People Always Buy (And No, They Aren’t All “Cheap”)

We all know somebody who pinches pennies and gives themselves lopsided haircuts. But being frugal doesn't have to be about self-denial — or depriving yourself of non-crooked haircuts.

Smart frugality is about making wise, intentional purchases that offer genuine long-term value, investing in products that will save money in the long run and enhance everyday living.

Here are 12 buying habits that can help you save money on essentials and build a more sustainable lifestyle.

Frugal people don't waste money replacing flimsy kitchen gadgets every few years. They invest in high-quality knives, skillets, and durable cookware that can last a lifetime with proper care.

While these items may cost more upfront, they more than pay for themselves in the long run.

Single-use items are the enemy of frugality. Instead of constantly buying paper towels, plastic bags, and disposable coffee cups, frugal shoppers often opt for stainless-steel water bottles, cloth napkins and towels, and reusable coffee filters.

With fast fashion, you can have a closet full of cute, influencer-worthy apparel, but much of it looks cheaply made because it's not meant to last more than a season.

Frugal shoppers favor simple, well-made clothing in versatile shapes and colors, selecting items that can be worn year over year across multiple settings.

Frugal shoppers buy second hand. They know that designer brands don't have to come with luxury price tags, and they know they can find armloads of well-priced treasures at thrift stores.

Purchasing pantry staples like rice, beans, pasta, and other shelf-stable goods can offer bulk savings and reduce your grocery trips.

Many overbuyers love bulk buying too, however, frugal shoppers are strategic. They know what they will use, and whether that bulk price is a good deal. You won't catch them giving up hallway closets and crawl spaces for 50-pack Kraft Mac & Cheese cases.

Like new cars, new electronics come at a hefty price tag. But frugal consumers don't pay full price for the latest model.

Instead, they'll buy a slightly older version, often opting for refurbished laptops, tablets, and phones that have been professionally inspected and certified. This approach offers substantial savings without sacrificing performance.

Frozen food is controversial, but it's practical and realistic for busy nights when you don't have time to cook from scratch. Instead of paying $80 for DoorDash, a frugal person might pop a $13 lasagna in the oven.

Having a cache of frozen meals is a great way to stock up on plan B dinners that won't spoil. It's also smart for loading up on fruits and vegetables, as the fresh variety often goes bad.

Frugal people do not consider the sticker price when buying a car; they consider longevity, maintenance, and fuel costs.

While a used Honda may cost $8,000 more upfront, if it has a strong reliability record and solid gas mileage, it can easily save you more than $8,000 in repairs and gas over the vehicle's lifetime.

A rotisserie chicken is the ultimate frugal-person buy — and not just from Costco. Sam's, Walmart, Target, and many other supermarkets offer pre-roasted birds at a budget price.

Pair it with a bag or two of frozen vegetables, and you have a quick, affordable dinner. Leftovers can be repurposed into salads, soups, sandwiches, or even chicken pot pie.

Frugal people use dry cleaning and shoe repair services. Instead of tossing out a pair of boots the dog chewed up, they know they can spend $28 at the cobbler (yes, they still exist!) and get them looking good as new.

Dry cleaning is another strategic buy. Frugal people buy high-quality clothing for the long haul and maintain it properly.

When it comes to scoring the best deals, it's all in the timing. Frugal shoppers will buy winter coats in the spring and swimsuits in the fall, taking advantage of off-season discounts.

This same strategy applies to other major purchases, like appliances, electronics, and mattresses, which offer the best savings at predictable intervals throughout the year.

Good sleep is non-negotiable. Instead of skimping on cheap, less-than-comfortable mattresses, frugal people invest in high-quality beds and supportive pillows that last longer and provide better rest.

Considering how much time we spend sleeping, the investment is priceless.

Frugal living isn't about scrimping and sacrificing; it's about making strategic, intentional purchases that will improve our lives and save us money in the long run. Whether it's a quality mattress or better pots and pans, frugal buying can make your life much easier.

And if you're itching to stock your freezer with frozen, fallback meals, but don't have a giant meat locker, you may want to consider Trader Joe's. The tiki-themed grocer has a vast line-up of ready-made frozen dinners, appetizers, and sides.