5 Simple Ways to Score BIG Savings in 2025
According to a recent YouGov poll, 26% of Americans want to save more money in 2025. Saving money isn’t as hard as you think. Yes, food is expensive, gas is outrageous, and our bills are astronomical. But there are actually small things you can do today to have more money in your pocket tomorrow! So, if you’re ready to get your New Year’s resolution started, here are 5 simple ways to score BIG savings in 2025!
1. Cancel your subscriptions.
Whether you signed up for Netflix to watch that show everyone’s buzzing about or wanted to try out a few months of Spotify Premium, you’ve probably got at least one or two subscriptions. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had even more, considering that the average American household spends $219 on subscriptions per month. That’s $219 that could go toward utilities, groceries, or your retirement fund! So, take a good, hard look at all your subscriptions. Then sort them into categories: must-have and cancel. It doesn’t mean you have to kick Amazon Prime to the curb forever! You can also hop between subscriptions or even downgrade to a cheaper plan. (Author’s note: I also recommend checking your Google or Apple account to make sure there aren’t subscriptions you forgot to cancel. I was paying $15 a month for a subscription service I hadn’t used since 2021 and only discovered it last month. I spent hundreds of dollars that could have gone toward my savings! So, don’t make my mistake. Be more vigilant about your subscription services!)
2. Stop buying books.
Did you know that Americans spent over 29.32 billion dollars on books in 2023? With over 3 million traditionally and self-published titles being released every year, it’s no wonder people spend so much money on books! However, reading can become an expensive hobby. Fortunately, you don’t have to ditch your Kindle Unlimited or avert your eyes as you walk past your local bookshop to cut expenses. You could always get a library card or buy used books from Thrift Books or other places. eBooks are often cheaper than their paperback cousins, so even if you miss the feel of a book in your hand, you’ll be saving some money. Plus, sites like NetGalley, Book Sirens, and Hidden Gems can get great new reads into your hands without any cost to you. All you need to do is agree to review the books you read, and you’ll have access to an entire library of fantastic FREE stories!
3. Turn your clutter into cash!
The average American household contains over 300,000 items. Yes, you read that correctly! Of course, not all 300,000 items in our homes are necessary. Whether it’s a set of dishes that never get used or a DVD collection that never gets watched, we all have something in our homes we could discard…or sell! You could always sell your old stuff on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Or you could wait for the weather to warm up a little and hold a garage (or yard) sale! Some consignment/thrift stores will also sell your things on your behalf, usually with a small commission. You’d be surprised at what people are willing to pay for what you might consider junk!
4. Cut back on groceries.
These days, we could all stand to save a dollar or two at the grocery store. On average, American households spend about $270 per week on groceries. That’s $1,800 a month! While slashing grocery costs may seem like an impossible dream, it can be your reality! You can always plan your meals in advance or clip some coupons. If a store near you offers a loyalty program, consider joining it! Also, buy things that you know you can repurpose into a brand-new meal. Veggies and meat can be alchemized into a nice, hearty stew, while you can always use those squishy, brown bananas to make some banana bread!
5. Drink more water.
Water is something we need for our health. Not only does it help us maintain our body temperature, but it also gets rid of waste and protects our joints (according to UC David Health). Of course, drinking water doesn’t just benefit your body. It can also benefit your bank account! So, ditch water bottles and buy a water filtration system. Also, order water instead of soda or tea at restaurants. In most places, tap water is FREE. Instead of buying soda or other flavored drinks, buy water flavor packets! Not only are they cheaper, but they’re typically better for your health, too. This is truly one of the easiest (and healthiest) ways to score a deluge of savings!
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Originally published December 27, 2024
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