The CQ Blog introduces The Fantastically Frugal Series: Tips to Help You Start Saving Immediately

As mentioned in our book, “Consciously Quitting: A Guide for Navigating Your Career Transition”, when you're in between jobs, you enter what we normally refer to as ‘Survivor Mode’. This isn’t the time to jet off to your friend’s yacht in Ibiza or plan your next Carnival run in Trinidad. This is a season for practicality, sensibility, and — our favourite word at CQ— frugality.

If you’re as bad at saving as I once was, you might not even know where to begin. So here are a few down-to-earth, field-tested tips to help you start saving immediately — without sacrificing your sanity (or your favourite toilet paper, God forbid).

1. Start Where You Are — With Confidence

The great Warren Buffett didn’t become wealthy overnight. In fact, most of his fortune came later in life, thanks to the magic of compound interest. The lesson for the rest of us hard working folk? Start small and start now! Even modest savings can snowball into something significant once you build momentum and lock in strong saving (and spending) habits.

2. Understand Your Expenses

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Ask yourself:

• How much does it actually cost to be me?

• What’s my real-time cost of living?

Until you understand your monthly (and daily) expenses, saving will forever be a game of ‘guesstimation’. Map out what you're spending and where — the clarity might surprise you.

3. Know Your Weak Spots — And Own Them

Saving doesn’t mean scarcity. It means making conscious choices towards a long-term goal of financial stability. So ask yourself:

• What lifestyle goods or services am I willing to discontinue?

• What can I do for myself instead of outsourcing or overspending on it?

• Can I scale back my social calendar without feeling disconnected from family, friends, and activities I like?

For example, I appreciate having regular hair appointments. I refuse to compromise on good coffee, and yes, soft toilet tissue and quality paper towels are my guilty pleasures. Once you identify your absolute non-negotiables, it becomes much easier to cut back on everything else without feeling like you are sacrificing your joy.

4. Find the Cheaper Alternative. Buy It in Bulk Whenever Possible

I have an appreciation for certain brands of dish washing liquid and laundry detergent, especially the environmentally friendly ones. However, the price tag doesn’t always align with my savings goals. Opting for a generic brand that’s just as effective can make a difference, and buying in bulk stretches your dollar even further. A wholesale-sized bottle might cost more up front but will last longer, saving you multiple trips (and purchases) in the long run. The same logic applies to pantry staples, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.

To Conclude…

Frugality isn’t about punishment — it’s about prioritization. It’s the art of knowing what truly matters, what you can release, and how to stretch what you have with clarity and intention.

Your ability to save depends not just on what you’re willing to give up, but on how committed you are to moving forward with purpose. It’s about creating room to breathe, to grow, and — of course — to save.

A frugal lifestyle isn’t restrictive — it’s strategic. The most powerful part is it puts you back in financial control.

Need more career insights? Purchase our guide! It's a great book on navigating your next career move!

V.J. Gomes is the co-founder of Consciously Quitting, a career-transition platform. Book her for a strategy session or keynote address.

Grab your copy of Consciously Quitting: A Guide for Navigating Your Career Transition

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