Frugal creator makes her own detergent and gives thrifted gifts, but spends big on travel

A content creator shared how she keeps everyday spending low while making room for a big-time travel budget.

From making her own laundry detergent to giving secondhand gifts, her approach to saving money centers on choosing where to spend without cutting out everything she enjoys.

Here's what to know

In a TikTok video, creator Cara (@carrr_uhhh) outlined the money-saving habits she is proud to admit, including buying secondhand and making things at home. She attributed her savings to keeping purchases in check.

That isn't to say she has discipline in every single category of spending.

"But if I told you the grand total for travel we spend in a year, your mouth would drop," she admitted.

She said she has little interest in browsing through stores, though the items she does purchase tend to be expensive and high-quality.

More background

For one example, Cara said she grabbed her neighbors' discarded rocking chairs before the trash truck did. The chairs only needed a coat of paint.

About half the Christmas and birthday gifts she gives are secondhand, along with everything she owns.

While many supported Cara's choices, one commenter said an outfit's thrift-store origins earned them disapproving looks from someone who had just complimented it.

"They look at me with disgust in their eyes," they wrote.

Cara reacted: "Say it louder then … people are wild"

What can be done?

Deep discounts occasionally persuade Cara to buy laundry products, but she typically makes her own detergent and fabric softener. She also limits and conserves paper towel use to make the household supply last.

She added that she keeps cooking simple while making as much as she can herself or from scratch, with her meals usually consisting of meat, a carbohydrate, and a vegetable.

Commenters shared their own experiences making and repairing things, and many were very intrigued by the homemade cleaning products. 

"I made my laundry soap," someone wrote. "I made applesauce today and I'm cooking apple butter now." 

One commenter expressed her appreciation for the discarded rocking chairs.

"Like they say another man's trash is another man's treasure." they wrote. "I'm the same way."

Another commenter said there isn't just one way to be frugal.

"Everyone's priorities are different," they wrote. "I would rather enjoy things in my house everyday rather than travel."

Cara commented in agreement.

"I wanna be in Europe or Hawaiʻi so having a new couch doesn't do it for me," she explained.

Where can I learn more?

Other budget-conscious shoppers also save by rethinking household purchases and gifts. 

• A frugal creator has reusable swaps for paper towels, pads, and even toilet paper.

• A creator aiming to retire in her 40s used home swaps to keep groceries at $300.

• A budget creator recommended skipping pumpkin lattes, new decor, and excessive pumpkin purchases this fall.

• A parent turned two thrifted earring sets into 24 surprises for a 7-year-old child.

• A frugal creator urged shoppers to skip $1,000 Christmas trees on sale at Hobby Lobby.

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