Are You 'Broke Planning'? 10 Frugal Habits People Are Using to Save in 2026
From California to New York, a new survey reveals where Americans are cutting costs. Here's how to pivot those "broke behaviors" into strategic tax advantages.
In 2026, frugality might feel to some more like a survival strategy than a lifestyle choice. A recent survey by price comparison site, Lenspricer, found that people across the country are adopting "broke behaviors," from skipping delivery fees to delaying purchases, to cope with the rising cost of living.
The online survey of just over 3,000 adult U.S. respondents highlights an interesting trend. People across the country are making strategic (though often small) adjustments to fine-tune their spending and hopefully save money in the long run.
Yet the real "win" may not be just saving $5 on a pickup order; it's leveraging those good (or bad) frugal habits to create a tax-advantaged strategy.
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For instance, you can reinvest your savings from a delivery into a health savings account (HSA) or maximize your contributions to a 529 plan for your kid's education. Lowering your tax bill can also help cover increased expenses and grow wealth in other areas, like retirement.
So here's how to turn "broke planning" habits into legitimate wealth-building in 2026.
1. Obsessively turning off lights
California, New York, and North Carolina are just a few states that lead the nation in saving on electricity by "obsessively" turning off lights, according to the Lenspricer survey.
Although switching off lights might save the annual household $25 to $172 per year (depending on bulb wattage, hours of operation, and utility rates), the "tax advantage" may be in your home's infrastructure.
How to turn "energy efficient" habits into potential tax savings:
- Electric vehicle (EV) charger installation. Installing a home charging station before June 30, 2026, could net you a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost (capped at $1,000), provided your addition is eligible.
- Adding insulation to walls and ceilings to improve energy efficiency. You may obtain cost savings by reducing "leakage" of hot air inside a cool house, or vice versa.
For the second bullet, if your home upgrades follow the IRS rules for "medically necessary," they may be deductible on next year's federal return. However, be sure the renovations meet the federal tax agency's strict eligibility requirements.
Related: What to Know About Medical Expenses and Your Tax Deductions.
2. Reusing something you probably shouldn't have
Residents in high-tax state Massachusetts reportedly admitted to reusing items they probably shouldn't.
While this may include innocuous items like washing and reusing plastic containers or cutlery, it can also extend to potentially dangerous behaviors, like wearing prescription contacts past expiration.
But in the tax world, "recycling" can be a high-pay-off plan.
How to "reuse, recycle" in a tax strategy:
- Roth conversions. Early retirement years (between retirement and age 73) are typically lower-income, making them perhaps ideal to "reuse" lower federal tax brackets to convert traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA.
- Tax-loss harvesting. "Recycle" your investment losses by netting them against capital gains to lower your taxable income. However, you'll want to watch the wash sale rule if you plan on repurchasing any securities.
3. Waiting weeks for a sale
Maryland and Iowa residents are more likely to practice the "wait-and-see" purchase method, according to the Lenspricer survey. This means they're waiting days, even weeks, to see if an item will go on sale before making a purchase. You can use a similar practice for deductions on federal income taxes.
How to turn "waiting for the sale" habits into a tax strategy:
- Bunching deductions. Between new rules for 2026 charitable deductions and a higher standard deduction, next year's return might be harder to itemize compared to years past.
- You can potentially navigate around this obstacle by "waiting" and stacking two years' worth of charitable donations or medical expenses into a single tax year, thus perhaps surpassing the thresholds.
4. 'Doomscrolling' your bank app
New Jersey, Florida, and Tennessee residents — to name a few — may check their banking apps like they're social media, according to the Lenspricer survey.
Even though staying on top of your finances is prudent, "financial doomscrolling" to the point of obsession can increase feelings of anxiety and stress and even impair decision-making.
Fortunately, in 2026, you can hand over that anxiety to a well-planned tax strategy.
How to help minimize the "doomscrolling" habit for your taxes:
- Use the IRS tax withholding estimator. If you faced an underpayment penalty (or abnormally high tax refund) during the 2026 tax season, you can use the withholding estimator to maximize your tax home pay this year. That can give you more funds in your pocket (or save you from a large surprise tax bill later), without anxiously wondering whether you're paying the "right" amount of tax throughout the year.
- Leverage automated investment platforms to handle decisions like tax-loss harvesting for you. Look for platforms that offer investment oversight and tax planning, which could free you from manual daily tracking of tax-oriented goals.
5. Skipping delivery fees
With the rise in popularity of apps like DoorDash and grocery delivery services, it may come as a surprise that residents in states like Washington and Colorado skip the delivery fees.
However, you may be able to save at least $654 per year by picking up your favorite pizza instead of paying a delivery premium. So, how do you reinvest those savings for a tax-optimal strategy?
How to reinvest your savings from a "skip the delivery" habit into a tax strategy:
- Maximize your retirement contributions (401(k) or IRA). For 2026, the 401(k) contribution limit has risen to $24,500. Investing that "delivery money" could lead to a six-figure difference by retirement.
- Or, put the $650 saved into your HSA. If you have a big medical exam coming up, it can lower your adjusted gross income (AGI) and grow tax-free for when you must go to the doctor.
6. Taking extra sauce packets
We've all been there: Taking a few extra ketchup packets for home, napkins for the car, or maybe salt and pepper "just in case." That's what residents of Vermont, Montana, and Minnesota admitted to doing in the Lenspricer survey.
Savings-wise, this practice is probably nominal, but you can adapt the "putting away for later" mentality when it comes to your taxes.
How to turn "a little extra" habits into a tax strategy:
- Put a little extra toward your mortgage. By paying off your mortgage sooner, you can save on interest without worrying whether you're missing the itemized mortgage interest deduction, since 90% of people use the standard deduction anyway, according to the IRS.
- Just as those sauce packets add up, small, automated contributions to a 529 college savings plan grow tax-free. You can put a little extra toward your child's or grandchild's education and save for their future. Plus, many states also offer a tax deduction or credit for these contributions. (See also: Coverdell vs. 529 plan: What's the Difference?)
7. Ordering water at restaurants (and cheap items for entrees)
Alaska and Nebraska residents are no strangers to dining out, yet what's interesting is what they order: the cheapest item on the menu and just water for the thirst quencher.
The tax equivalent may be a high-savings rate, tax-advantaged investing strategy that prioritizes long-term growth over immediate comfort.
How to turn "bare minimum buyer" habits into a tax plan:
- Investing in low-cost index funds. Instead of buying "premium" managed funds, you might buy low-fee index funds or ETFs, which could provide better net returns over time.
- Investing in municipal bonds. Avoiding the "extra tax" on investments may give you a steady, consistent stream of returns over time compared to taxable bonds.
- Using the standard deduction. Just as you only eat what is necessary, claiming the standard deduction may be the simplest, lowest-effort, and most standard path for your income taxes, rather than overcomplicating your return with maybe inefficient deductions.
8. Calculating 'cost-per-use' on items
Nevada residents are calculating the return on investment (ROI) of small purchases, according to the Lenspricer survey. Socks, laundry packs, and video games are all examples of "smaller priced" items that could have a big payoff if you use them multiple times.
Here's how you can adapt that strategy for your taxes.
How to turn "ROI" habits into a tax strategy:
- Before selling an asset, calculate your "hold time." Selling at 366 days instead of 364 can drop your tax rate from your ordinary federal income bracket (up to 37%) to the long-term capital gains rate (0%, 15%, or 20%).
- Include tax in your cost-per-use analysis. Be sure to multiply the item price (1 + tax rate) to get the true price before dividing by usage; this is particularly useful for larger purchases, like home renovations, cars, boats, etc.
9. Bringing snacks into movies
Residents in states like North Dakota and South Dakota admit to bringing their own snacks to a movie theater. However, this technique is usually disallowed at most movie theaters nationwide. So what should you do instead?
How to turn "do it yourself (DIY)" habits into a tax strategy:
- Save on your taxes through DIY. Adopting the do-it-yourself mentality for things that you might ordinarily hire a professional for (like taxes) could save you money.
- Gift your wealth tax-free to heirs through the annual gift tax exclusion ($19,000 per recipient in 2026). This may help you avoid the federal estate tax rates.
10. Taking office supplies
Residents of Texas and Missouri have admitted to taking pens and paper, which is technically theft if used for personal reasons. Similarly, certain tax evasion techniques are cleverly disguised as "tax hacks" that can trick you into doing something wrong.
How to avoid "tax abuse" habits in your tax strategy:
- Review the IRS's 2026 "Dirty Dozen" list, which warns against "tax hacks" like abusive undistributed long-term capital gains claims and AI-driven phone scams. Stick to more legitimate "broke planning" techniques (like doing your own taxes) and avoid the ghost preparers who won't sign your return.
- If you fall for a tax scam — whether by following bad advice from a "ghost' preparer or using fraudulent "tax hacks" — know that you can open yourself up to an IRS tax audit as well as various fees and fines.
The 2026 tax landscape is especially complex due to the recently enacted 2025 Trump tax bill. So when necessary, consult with a qualified tax professional to see how these "frugal flips" apply to your specific tax situation.
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