18 Practical Ways to Save Money in 2025
- Soraima
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Posted on April 02, 2025, by Soraima
Saving money doesn’t have to feel like a struggle.
With a mix of smart habits, modern tools, and a little creativity, you can keep more cash in your pocket without making drastic lifestyle changes.
Here are 18 actionable strategies to help you save, complete with examples, AI-powered tools, and useful resources.
1. Track Your Spending with Budgeting Apps
The first step to saving is knowing where your money goes. Use apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget) or Mint to monitor your expenses in real-time.
2. Automate Your Savings
Make saving effortless by setting up automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account. Many banks offer this feature.
Example: Transfer $25 from each paycheck to a high-yield savings account like Ally Bank.
Resource: Ally Bank
3. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps
Earn money back on everyday purchases with apps like Rakuten and Ibotta.
4. Shop Secondhand
Find great deals on clothes, furniture, and electronics through thrift stores or platforms like ThredUp and eBay.
5. Cook More Meals at Home
Reduce dining expenses by meal prepping with recipe apps like Mealime.
Example: Make a $3 homemade chicken stir-fry instead of spending $15 on takeout.
Tool: Mealime
6. Negotiate Bills with AI Tools
AI-powered services like Trim or Rocket Money can negotiate lower rates on your cable, phone, or internet bills.
Example: Trim reduces your $80/month internet bill to $60.
Tool: Trim | Rocket Money
7. Switch to a More Affordable Phone Plan
Budget carriers like Mint Mobile or Visible offer lower rates without sacrificing quality.
Example: Pay $15/month with Mint Mobile instead of $60 with Verizon.
Resource: Mint Mobile
8. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Audit your recurring subscriptions using tools like Subadub or by manually reviewing your bank statements.
Example: Cancel a $12/month streaming service you rarely use.
Tool: Subadub
9. Use Price Comparison Tools
Before making a purchase, check for lower prices with Honey or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon deals).
Example: Honey finds a $20 discount on a $100 blender.
Tool: Honey | CamelCamelCamel
10. Buy Generic Brands
Store-brand products often have the same quality as name brands at a lower price.
Example: Choose a $2 generic cereal instead of a $5 branded one—same taste, less cost.
11. Leverage Free Entertainment
Save on books and media by using Libby for free eBooks and audiobooks or YouTube for educational content.
Example: Borrow a bestseller on Libby instead of buying it for $15.
Tool: Libby
12. Reduce Energy Costs
Cut down on utility bills by unplugging electronics, switching to LED bulbs, and tracking energy use with Sense.
Example: Save $10/month by unplugging idle devices.
Tool: Sense
13. Time Your Purchases Around Sales
Wait for major sales like Black Friday or use Slickdeals to find discounts year-round.
Example: Purchase a $300 TV for $200 during a holiday sale.
Resource: Slickdeals
14. Use AI to Find Coupons
Browser extensions like Cently (by CouponFollow) automatically apply coupons at checkout.
Example: Save $5 on a $30 online order with a discount code found by Cently.
Tool: Cently
15. Refinance Loans
Lower your interest rates by refinancing loans or credit cards through providers like SoFi.
Example: Refinancing a $10,000 loan from 10% to 6% interest saves $400/year.
Resource: SoFi
16. Grow Your Own Food
Start a small herb or vegetable garden to cut down on grocery costs.
Example: Grow basil for $2 (seeds) instead of buying it for $3/week.
Resource: Gardening Know How
17. Sell Unused Items
Declutter your home and make extra cash by selling items on platforms like Poshmark or Facebook Marketplace.
Example: Sell an old phone for $50 instead of letting it collect dust.
Resource: Poshmark | Facebook Marketplace
18. Invest Spare Change
Apps like Acorns round up your purchases and invest the difference, helping you grow your savings effortlessly.
Example: Spend $4.75 on coffee, and Acorns invests the $0.25 change. Over time, small investments add up.
Tool: Acorns
Saving money isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making smarter choices.
By automating savings, leveraging AI-driven tools, and adopting cost-effective habits, you can steadily build a more secure financial future.
Start with one or two strategies that resonate with you and watch your savings grow!
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