When my husband and I decided that I would stay home, I didn’t really understand what that would look like.
I knew I’d have to give up some luxury spending, but I wasn’t sure what this life would actually look like for our family — because we were already pretty frugal.
Or at least, I thought we were.
🏡 Buying Secondhand
The first thing I got really good at was buying secondhand.
Most of the items that come into our home now come from a thrift store or Facebook Marketplace. My neighborhood has an excellent swap shop page and two big community garage sales every year.
I stop by my favorite thrift store about once a week. Occasionally I buy something I don’t need, but I typically stick to my list (which I keep on my phone).
💡 Frugal Find: My son wanted a Harry Potter board game that sells online for about $25. I found a practically new one at our thrift store for $2.50 — that’s 90% off!
👗 Keeping a Minimal Wardrobe
I keep a minimal wardrobe.
Now, I don’t call it a minimalist wardrobe — I know I still have more than I need. But I no longer browse clearance racks or buy clothes that only kind of fit just because they’re a good deal.
Each piece has to be good quality, a fair price, and look good on my “today body.”
That means it has to fit me and make me feel good today — not the future me who’s hopefully a little trimmer.
💇♀️ Skipping the Salon
I’ve also cut out expensive salon appointments. I used to get highlights, pedicures, massages — all the things. Now I skip those.
I do get my haircut every 8–12 weeks by someone who does a great job, but the nails and skincare things I’d like to do, I just do myself.
If my birthday comes around and there’s nothing I really need, I might treat myself to a facial at my dermatologist’s office.
🎂 Real talk: If I’m getting a service for my birthday, I’d rather have a housekeeper come, please!
🥪 Eating at Home
We either eat at home or pack meals and snacks when we’re out.
Now, I’m not always baking homemade granola bars or crackers, ladies. I love a Cheez-It like the next gal. But I bring a container of them (or the whole box) from home instead of grabbing an expensive snack from the gas station or drive-thru.
(Insert image: a packed lunch box, cozy kitchen counter, or favorite homemade snack)
💰 The Real Reward
None of these things feel like sacrifices to me anymore.
I’ll be honest — cutting back on clothes and “stuff” shopping was hard at first. But the peace I feel in our financial freedom is worth so much more than a new outfit or another trinket.
✝️ Faith First
The last thing I’ll leave you with is the part my faith has played in all of this.
I’ve dove headfirst into my faith in Jesus. None of this is mine — I’m simply a steward of what is His.
It’s up to me to always choose Him and let Him guide my decisions.
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14
Jesus tells me that I am beautifully and wonderfully made, and that He provides for our needs.
Because of that, I can be free of comparison, free of consumerism, and rest in the peace of knowing that He will lead us and take care of us. It’s going to be ok.
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