With inflation still lingering and uncertainty in the economy, Americans in 2025 are doubling down on smarter money habits. From rethinking subscriptions to embracing secondhand style, here are the top ways people across the U.S. are saving money this year:
Contents
- 1. Cutting Unused Subscriptions
- 2. Embracing Meal Planning & One-Pot Meals
- 3. Buying Secondhand
- 4. Using Cashback & Rewards Apps
- 5. Side Hustling
- 6. Bundling Insurance & Refinancing Loans
- 7. Buying in Bulk or During Sales
- 8. Leveraging BNPL Cautiously
- 9. DIY & Upcycling
- 10. Participating in Local Buy Nothing Groups
1. Cutting Unused Subscriptions
People are auditing streaming, fitness, and app subscriptions to eliminate what they don’t use. Tools like Rocket Money and Trim are popular for identifying recurring charges.
Related: How to cancel unused memberships and subscriptions
2. Embracing Meal Planning & One-Pot Meals
To reduce food waste and grocery bills, many are prepping meals for the week and cooking at home with fewer ingredients. One-pot meals are trending for their ease and affordability.
3. Buying Secondhand
Thrift stores, online marketplaces like Poshmark, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace are booming. Consumers are finding designer brands and quality goods for a fraction of retail.
4. Using Cashback & Rewards Apps
Apps like Rakuten, Fetch, and Upside are helping people earn rewards on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and online shopping.
5. Side Hustling
To boost savings, many Americans are turning to gig work, flipping items online, offering services on Fiverr or Upwork, or renting out extra space or gear.
6. Bundling Insurance & Refinancing Loans
People are comparing insurance rates and bundling home and auto to save. Others are refinancing mortgages or student loans to lock in better rates.
7. Buying in Bulk or During Sales
Savvy shoppers are stocking up on pantry items and household goods during sales or buying in bulk at places like Costco and Sam’s Club.
8. Leveraging BNPL Cautiously
Buy Now, Pay Later tools are still used, but more cautiously—especially for big purchases. Shoppers are using options like Klarna or Affirm without interest to spread out costs.
9. DIY & Upcycling
From home repairs to beauty routines, people are doing more themselves. YouTube and TikTok continue to serve as free learning platforms for budget-friendly hacks.
10. Participating in Local Buy Nothing Groups
Community-led “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook are helping families exchange free goods and reduce unnecessary spending.
