Last Updated on March 2, 2025 by Saria
Best Money Saving Hacks for 2025 (That Actually Work)
You may be looking for some hacks that’ll save you money or help you to save.
So, what are some of the best money-saving hacks for 2025?
The best money-saving hacks are the ones that will help you keep more cash in your wallet without making your life boring or stressful.
A few changes in your spending habits here and there, or in the way you live, can help you save and, in some cases, real fast.
I’ve tried some of these (and still do), and I can tell you firsthand that they work.
So, let’s dive in so you can start saving right now.
What is a Money-Saving Hack?
A money-saving hack is a strategy that helps you reduce spending and save money. They are clever ways you use to cut costs on everyday items or services.
But let’s face it.
If you want to save, frugal living might not be enough if you don’t have a financial goal or aren’t earning enough.
If you don’t have a financial goal, it can be difficult to feel motivated to save, and you might not save anything.
Also, if you want to save towards a financial goal like paying off a credit card, starting an emergency fund, or starting a business, but you’re living paycheck to paycheck, or your salary isn’t enough, then this is when earning more is one of the best options. You can explore starting a side hustle to make that extra cash.
However, you don’t have to wait to start earning more.
These money-saving tips and tricks will definitely get the ball rolling towards your savings goals.
And the best part? You can start those money-saving hacks right now.
Small changes can lead to big savings, so let’s dive in.
Best Money-Saving Hacks (Clever Ways to Save Money)
Here are some ways to save money, especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck.
Simple Money-Saving Hacks
Who says saving money must be complicated?
Sometimes, the simplest changes can make the biggest difference.
But let’s be real, what might be effortless for some might feel like a challenge for others.
So, pick the hacks that work best for you and fit your life.
1. No spend day
Pick a day each week where you spend absolutely nothing. No coffee runs or online shopping. Just a simple break from spending.
2. Have “no more spend days” often
The more days you go without spending, the more you’ll soon discover you’ll be saving more without even trying. Turn it into a game to see how many no-buy days you can rack up.
3. Turn bottles upside down
Get every last drop of shampoo, condiments, and soap before buying.
4. Delete shopping apps from your phone
If the apps aren’t there, you won’t be tempted to buy what you don’t need. Out of sight, out of cart.
5. Delete food delivery apps
Those late-night cravings can hit hard, but so do the delivery fees. Cook at home, and that’ll keep you from impulse ordering.
6. Make a grocery list, then remove 3 items
If you don’t absolutely need them, then don’t buy them.
7. Clean up your email list. Unsubscribe from marketing emails
If you never see those sales emails, then you won’t feel the urge to spend. Less temptation means more savings.
8. Decrease your spending by a certain percentage every month
Challenge yourself to cut back your spending little by little. Start with as little as 1% and gradually increase it as you get more into the habit. This will add up to big savings over time.
9. Stop online window shopping
Browsing “just for fun” might turn to “Oops, I bought it.” Skip the temptation to shop and find a new hobby or start a side hustle.
10. Clean your fridge once a week, and freeze or prep any food that is going bad
A quick fridge check will mean fewer grocery runs and wasted food. Frozen fruits can be used for smoothies, and frozen vegetables are lifesaving on busy nights.
11. Stop buying trash bags and reuse grocery bags
Why buy trash bags when grocery bags work just as well? Reuse what you already have.
12. Stay active to avoid doctor visits
Do a little exercise now and save big bucks on medical bills later. A little walking, stretching, or dancing around the kitchen all count.
13. Practice preventative maintenance
If you take care of your car, home, and appliances before they break down, you’ll most likely avoid expensive repairs. Oh, that goes for your health too. A little TLC now will keep your wallet happy later.
14. Learn to DIY, but know your limits
Paying someone to fix things can add up fast. And that’s where YouTube comes in. From hemming to fixing a leaky faucet, DIY skills can save you money. But know when some things need to be done by a professional. Otherwise, you might end up spending more money.
15. Negotiate everything
Your internet bill, credit card fees, and even rent can be lowered if you ask. You won’t know if you don’t try.
16. Store your bread in the fridge
The bread will last longer, and it won’t go stale as quickly.
17. Freeze half of your fresh produce immediately
You can avoid food waste and save money by freezing what you don’t use immediately.
18. Eat more beans and lentils
These power foods are packed with protein, cheap and filling, and way cheaper than meat. Plus, they last a long time in your pantry, making meal planning a breeze.
19. Plan “Meatless Mondays”
Cutting out meat once a week or for a couple of days can stretch your grocery budget.
Extreme Money-Saving Hacks
Want to take things to the next level?
These tips are for those who are hardcore about keeping money.
Okay, some of these are not for the faint of heart (I fall into this category) or might seem a little wild, but some people swear by them.
But let’s face it, if saving money is the goal, sometimes you must think outside the box.
1. Only shower every other day
Unless you’re super active, skipping a shower every other day saves water and lowers your utility bill. Plus, it keeps your skin from drying out.
2. Drink only water
Skip sodas, juices, fancy lattes, and alcohol. Water is free (or super cheap) and way better for your health and wallet.
3. Move into a smaller space
A smaller home means lower rent, cheaper utilities, fewer things to buy, and less clutter. Plus, it forces you to keep only what truly matters.
4. Sleep with the sun
If you go to bed earlier, you’ll use less electricity for lights and devices. Plus, sleeping longer is great for your health, which means fewer doctors’ visits too.
5. Live in a van or RV
No rent, no mortgage, no utility bills, just gas money, the open road, and freedom to travel. It might not be for everyone, but it sure is a frugal and adventurous way to live.
6. Live without a car
Ditching car payments, gas, and car insurance can save you thousands a year. Public transportation, walking, or biking is cheaper and better for the planet.
7. Only buy secondhand clothes
You can check out thrift shops, consignment shops, and online resale sites, as they often have stylish clothes for way less than retail stores.
8. Live with no furniture
Who says you need a couch? Embrace minimalism and sit on floor cushions or use crates as tables. Minimalist living saves you tons of money, plus DIY setups can be very cozy.
9. Forage for free food
Nature has a buffet waiting if you know where to look and what you’re doing. From edible greens to wild berries, foraging is a free way to supplement your grocery bill.
10. Use reusable toilet paper (family cloth)
Okay, this is for urinating only. If you’re hardcore about saving money, washable cloth wipes are an upfront investment, but never running out of toilet paper is a plus.
11. Use a bidet instead of toilet paper
A bidet is a one-time investment that’ll pay for itself fast since you’ll barely need toilet paper anymore. It can save you hundreds per year.
Other Money-Saving Tips and Tricks
Want other ways to work magic with your budget and money?
These tips and tricks will make you feel like a money magician, making your dollar stretch and your piggy bank grow.
1. Commit to buying only “needs,” not “wants”
Before you buy something, ask yourself if you really need it or just want it.
2. No spend month challenge
Challenge yourself to buy only essentials or needs for the month. No “wants.” It’ll be like a financial detox, and it’ll help you see just how much you can really save.
3. No spend week challenge
If a whole month is tough, start with a no-spend week. It will be a great way to look at your budget, reset it if necessary, and save in the process.
4. Don’t order alcoholic drinks at restaurants
Alcoholic drinks can double your bill. That fancy cocktail cost way more than making one at home. Stick to water or soda, and your wallet will thank you.
5. Leave things in your cart for 24-48 hours
That must-have item might not feel necessary after a day or two. Giving yourself time to think helps prevent regretful spending.
6. Buy meat in bulk and freeze it
Buying meat in bulk saves money per pound, and freezing it means you always have something readily available for meals. Just portion it out before freezing so that it makes life easier.
7. Start a “No new clothes” challenge
Challenge yourself to go a few months or even a year without buying new clothes. You’ll save a ton, and with a little creativity, you can whip up “new” outfits with what’s already in your closet.
8. Put your raises straight into savings
When you get a raise, pretend it never happened and send that extra money straight to your savings. Trust me when I say your future will thank you.
9. Automatic saving
Set it and forget it. That extra money you got, or the amount you want to save every month. Move it automatically to a savings account. If you don’t see it, there’s no temptation to spend it. In no time, your savings will grow effortlessly.
10. Stock up on essentials during major sales
When things like toilet paper, toothpaste, and detergent go on sale, stock up. If you buy at a discount, you won’t have to pay full price later.
11. Do a pantry challenge
Instead of grocery shopping, get creative and make meals using only what’s already in your pantry. It’ll be a fun way to save more and avoid food waste.
12. Use your freezer more
Store leftovers, freeze fresh produce before it goes bad, and buy frozen vegetables to cut down on food waste.
13. Learn basic sewing skills
A popped button or a simple tear shouldn’t mean tossing out your clothes. Learning how to sew simple fixes can make your wardrobe last way longer.
14. Cut up old towels or T-shirts into cleaning rags
Instead of buying paper towels, repurpose old towels or t-shirts into reusable cleaning rags. All you need to do is toss them in the washing machine when they’re dirty.
15. Use an envelope system for budgeting
Take out cash and divide it into envelopes for different spending purposes. And once the envelope is empty, that’s it for the month. That’s a very effective way to stay on budget.
16. Buy holiday décor after the holiday
Stores slash prices on decorations by sometimes up to 90% once the holiday is over. So, you can stock up for next year at a fraction of the cost.
17. Buy quality items
Pay more for quality items, because spending a little more upfront on well-made items can save you money in the long run. Cheap things break easily, but quality items last longer, so you buy less over time.
Conclusion
So, you see, saving money doesn’t have to be hard, and small changes can lead to big results.
These are some of the best money-saving hacks that can help you spend less, save more, and reach your financial goals faster.
So, which ones are you going to try today?
Let me know in the comments below.
And if you ever need a little extra motivation, you can always check out these money-saving quotes to keep you focused and inspired.
Related Posts
16 easy ways to save money every day