I’m a Gen Zer: Here’s How I’m Living Frugally in 2025
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Heather Taylor
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Meet Jane N., a 24-year-old public relations professional who’s proving you can live your best life without draining your bank account. Between rising rent prices and that pesky inflation, she’s found creative ways to stretch her dollars.
Here’s how she’s staying financially smart while still enjoying her avocado toast — which she loves even though she says it’s “more of a millennial thing, technically.”
Library Apps Are the New Netflix
Who needs five streaming services when your library card is free? “I deleted all my subscriptions except one and started using Libby and Kanopy through my local library,” Jane said. “I’m saving $50 monthly and honestly? The documentary selection is better than Netflix.”
The ‘No New Clothes’ Challenge
Fast fashion is so 2023. “I started a closet rotation system with my three best friends,” she added. “We each have different styles and sizes, but there’s enough overlap to make it work. Every month, we swap a few pieces. It feels like shopping, but it’s free.”
Gamifying Grocery Shopping
Turns out, hunting deals can be as addictive as TikTok. “I turned grocery shopping into a game,” Jane explained. “I use cashback apps, shop at different stores based on sales and try to beat my previous grocery bills. Last month, I saved $200 compared to my usual spending.”
The ‘Fake Takeout’ Hack
This one’s genius. “Instead of ordering delivery, I buy ready-made items from grocery stores and create ‘fake takeout’ nights,” she said. “A $6 rotisserie chicken, some pre-made sides and boom — dinner for three days at a quarter of the delivery cost.”
The Side Hustle Shuffle
Side hustles aren’t just about driving or delivering. “I pet sit through Rover while working from home,” Jane said. “The dogs keep me company and I make extra money doing basically what I’d be doing anyway — sitting on my couch with my laptop.”
Social Media Spending Detox
Here’s a modern twist on saving. “I created a separate Instagram account that only follows finance creators and deal hunters,” she explained. “My main account was making me spend money I didn’t have. Now I’ve got a feed full of saving inspiration instead of shopping temptation.”
The ‘Experience Bank’ Method
This one’s all about maximizing fun while minimizing costs. “I keep a running list of free events in my city — gallery openings, festival dates, free museum days,” Jane said. “Whenever friends want to hang out, I check my ‘experience bank’ instead of defaulting to expensive brunches.”
DIY Beauty on a Budget
Beauty routines don’t have to break the bank. “I learned to do my own nails, found drugstore dupes for expensive skincare and started trimming my own bangs,” Jane added. “Sure, the first bang trim was interesting. But now I’m saving hundreds each month.”
The Remote Work Arbitrage
Here’s a clever one. “I negotiated to work remotely and moved 30 minutes outside the city,” she explained. “My rent dropped by $400 monthly and I use that savings for things that actually matter to me.”
The Anti-FOMO Fund
The fear of missing out is real — and it can be really expensive. But Jane has a solution. “I budget $100 monthly for spontaneous fun,” she explained. “When friends suggest something pricey, I check that fund and if it’s full, I’m all about it. But if it’s empty, I’m gonna suggest something from my experience bank.”
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