Frugal creator shares the home swaps they use to keep groceries at $300 a month

For households looking to lower monthly expenses, one TikTok creator argues that frugal living doesn't have to mean constant deprivation. In the creator's home, it looks more like reusable essentials, free furniture, shorter showers, and a garden that helps stretch the grocery budget.

Here's what to know

In a TikTok video, creator Nicole Svenson (@therealnicolesvenson) said she spends "$300 a month on groceries" to feed her family and plans to "retire very comfortably in my 40s" by living a "very frugal sustainable life."

@therealnicolesvenson Some of my favorite ways to save money in my house. #moneyhackstiktokcontest #savingmoney #frugal #retirement ♬ original sound - Nicole Svenson

Inside the house, many of the savings come from everyday items the family no longer buys over and over. Nicole pointed to cloth napkins, reusable water bottles filled from the fridge, wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets, and a reusable coffee filter in place of disposable liners.

One of the biggest money-saving tools in the home is energy production. 

Nicole said, "I have 28 solar panels on my roof." 

She added that the family purchased them outright and that "all of our overproduction is for any fees or connection to the grid." 

Users weighed in on reusable habits. 

One user said, "For me it's crazy that this isn't everyone reality because I can't literally imagine using things like paper plates, lapsed towels etc everyday." 

More background

Rather than presenting sustainability as an out-of-reach lifestyle, the creator described these "eco friendly swaps" as "money savers," saying greener products and routines are not necessarily the costlier option.

The video also addresses a common criticism of reusables. Responding to viewers who say washing dishes and cloths wastes resources, Nicole said to "look into how much water is used to create disposable products like paper plates, plastic cups and all of that."

A viewer affirmed, "Totally agree that people would be floored if they knew how much water it takes to manufacture disposable products."

What can be done?

For households trying to cut costs, the easiest place to begin may be with products that constantly need replacing. Swapping out even one category — such as paper towels, disposable plates, coffee filters, dryer sheets, bottled water, or extra decor — for a reusable option can reduce spending without requiring a full lifestyle reset.

The video also points to utility and trash habits as recurring cost drivers. The creator uses blackout curtains to keep heat or cool air from escaping, limits shower length with a timer, and reduces trash bag use by putting one piece of clean plastic inside another before throwing it away.

Users shared their own versions of the same idea. One said: "We: collect water in a bucket as the shower water warms up. (That collected water is used to water plants or flush toilets.)"

Where can I learn more?

More coverage on this topic looks at how frugal food habits and low-waste routines can stretch a grocery budget. These articles cover meal planning, smarter shopping, and simple ways to keep groceries from going to waste.

• In the U.K., a mum of two keeps food and household bills under £200 monthly.

• On Reddit, one shopper keeps a grocery bill of $35 each week with careful planning.

• Simple meal planning and storage changes can reduce your food waste and save $1,500 yearly.

• Many homeowners say food freezing habits help groceries last longer and prevent unnecessary replacement trips.

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