3 Things To Start Doing To Be More Frugal in 2025
Written by
Cindy Lamothe
Edited by
Amen Oyiboke
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The New Year is nearing and you’ve realized you’re broke from the holidays and NEED to become more frugal in 2025. Fret not — experts say it’s more than possible to turn things around and start living a more frugal lifestyle with the right strategies.
“As we approach 2025, it’s the perfect time to adopt habits that encourage frugality without sacrificing quality of life,” said Rose Jimenez, financial specialist and chief financial officer at Culture.org. “Small, intentional changes early in the year can lead to significant savings over time.”
Here are experts who share top recommended ways to help you get started in your 2025 journey to frugalness.
Audit Your Expenses
“One of the first steps I recommend to clients looking to adopt a more frugal mindset is to start the year by auditing their expenses from the past 12 months,” said Shirley Mueller, finance expert and founder of VA Loans Texas.
She suggested taking a close look at recurring subscriptions, discretionary spending, and how much went toward necessities versus wants.
“In my experience, people are often surprised by how much ‘small’ purchases like dining out or streaming services add up.”
Jimenez noted the same. One impactful change she recommended is to evaluate subscriptions and recurring expenses.
“Cancel services you rarely use or downgrade plans to save on monthly costs,” she said.
“Grocery shopping is another area where frugality shines. Planning meals, shopping with a list, and using store loyalty programs or apps like Ibotta can reduce unnecessary spending.”
Jimenez noted that creating a detailed budget is essential. “You should create one that tracks both fixed and variable expenses,” she said. “Tools like Mint or YNAB make this process simple and ensure you’re aware of where your money is going.”
Set Frugal Goals
Once you’ve identified areas of overspending, Mueller advised setting clear, measurable goals to cut back.
“For example, aim to cook at home three more nights per week or limit impulse purchases by following a 24-hour rule before buying non-essentials,” she said.
“By setting these habits in January, you can create a foundation for smarter spending throughout the year.”
Maximize Savings on Essentials and Plan Ahead
“Another tip I always stress is to find ways to save on essentials early in the year,” said Mueller.
“Stock up on household staples during post-holiday sales, negotiate better rates on services like insurance or utilities, and consider switching to store brands for groceries or everyday items.”
She said planning ahead is also key to frugality, whether it’s mapping out your meals for the week or starting a sinking fund for big expenses like vacations or holiday gifts.
“I’ve seen clients save significantly by using this proactive approach, as it helps them avoid last-minute splurges or high-interest debt.”
The goal, she explained, isn’t to deprive yourself but to be intentional with your money, ensuring it aligns with your long-term priorities.
Jimenez shared the same approach. “Set clear savings goals at the beginning of the year, whether it’s for an emergency fund, a big purchase, or investments.”
She also recommended automating contributions to savings accounts to make the process effortless.
“By adopting these habits, you’ll set yourself up for a financially mindful and productive year.”
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