11 "Poor People Habits" That Are Actually Smart Ways To Build Wealth

Ever been called "cheap" for skipping takeout or buying generic? You're not alone, and that mindset might be costing others more than they realize. Many so-called "poor people habits" are actually smart ways to build wealth over time. From packing your lunch to hitting up the library, these small, intentional choices can free up cash for savings or paying down debt.

Here are 11 frugal habits that deserve a second look.

Do you enjoy reading, watching movies, listening to audiobooks, or accessing digital streaming services like music or TV? It's too easy to drop hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year on books, movies, and subscriptions.

Your library offers most of these resources for free. It may also provide free classes, computer access, and quiet spaces for relaxation.

A $7 lunch isn't much to spend, right? Well, it adds up. Even if you spend only $7 on lunch every weekday, you're still paying over $1,800 a year.

Homemade lunches are often healthier, and you don't have to wait in line to get your food. You can pack dinner leftovers or keep bread, meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables handy in your office fridge.

When grocery staples are marked down, buy extra and cook in bulk. A pot of stew, a casserole like shepherd's pie or vegetable curry, or a slow cooker of pulled pork can feed you for a week or more.

Avoid repetition fatigue by freezing individual portions. You've just created a frozen meal for a fraction of the cost of a store-bought meal.

Plus, you'll always have something to eat without the temptation of expensive takeout.

Are generic products as good as their name-brand versions? Often, they're close to identical for 25-30% less.

Buying generic items like paper towels, basic pain relievers, aluminum foil, or bleach is a no-brainer. It's especially true when you realize that many generic products are made in the same facilities as name brands. Not paying for fancy packaging can save hundreds of dollars a year on household essentials.

One of the best ways to save money is to make the most of what you already have. Simple habits like washing your clothes in cold water and keeping your phone in a case add years to the useful life of your belongings.

Take time to read care instructions and follow them. This mindset saves you money while reducing waste.

Do you like your house lit up like a stadium at kickoff? You might be the power company's favorite customer.

How much you can save depends on the type of bulbs you use. LEDs are most efficient, while Incandescent or halogen bulbs are not. Compact fluorescent lighting won't last as long if you turn it on and off too often. Hit the switch if you're leaving for at least 15 minutes.

Do you like paying more than you have to? If a brand is offering a discount, take it.

Check store flyers for coupons. Sign up for digital coupons at stores you shop regularly. If you're buying something online, remember to compare prices, and don't check out until you've done a quick search for a valid coupon code. Saving a few dollars every time you shop can mean hundreds more in your pocket each year.

When people want to declutter or move, they often give items away for free on websites like Trash Nothing, Freecycle.org, or Facebook Marketplace. You can get furniture, tools, books, bikes, small appliances, clothing, and more for free while helping to keep usable items out of landfills.

If you're handy with repairs, even better. Be prepared to pick up quickly, as popular items go fast.

If Trash Nothing doesn't have what you need, check thrift stores like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and local consignment shops. You'll find clothes, furniture, books, household items, and more for a fraction of retail prices.

Shop regularly since inventory changes constantly. Don't be afraid to check multiple locations. The best finds often come when you're not looking for anything specific.

When your paycheck, Social Security check, or other income hits your account, pay your rent, utilities, and other bills immediately.

Late fees can devastate your budget. A $35 overdraft fee or $25 late payment is wasted money you'll never get back.

If possible, set up automatic payments. This habit helps you stay on budget and eliminates the stress of juggling due dates.

Even if you don't consider yourself handy, YouTube is the world's largest repair manual. You can find step-by-step videos to fix almost anything you can imagine.

Even fairly complex repairs, such as replacing a garbage disposal or fixing a running toilet, often require just basic tools and an hour of your time.

You can save hundreds of dollars from a single DIY repair.

These smart "poor people habits" prove that saving money doesn't have to mean missing out. In fact, many of these strategies help you cut back on the everyday expenses that quietly drain your budget. Overlooking these expenses is a common way smart people waste money without realizing it.

Packing your lunch and going out of your way for coupon codes might seem silly to others, but they're powerful tools for building long-term financial stability. Remember that a few simple, intentional habits can add up to significant savings.