As if life isn’t already expensive enough, your post-holiday spending hangover may have you looking for more ways to cut back. That’s where the Frugal subreddit can really help. Someone there recently asked, “What frugal practice has saved you the most money in 2025?” More than 600 responses have come in and these are some of the most genuinely helpful.
- “Stocking up on meat on sale and checking my fridge every couple of days to use up leftovers or freeze them."
- “Finding new and innovative ways to repair household items and clothing. Gluing and sewing to mend things has helped a lot."
- "I discovered that buying food for only three days at a time saves me money. If I buy a week's worth of FRESH food, I end up tossing at least half of it."
- "Last year, I didn't buy any health or beauty products until I was 100% sure I was completely out of it. I went from January to mid-November before I had to buy deodorant because I had so many partially used sticks stashed in my cabinets. I still haven't had to buy shampoo, conditioner, or makeup because of the sheer quantity I had that I would then decide to try the newest product out there. It's been a game-changer!"
- "I quit vaping. That saved $30-$60 per week."
- "Only drinking water and making my own tea/coffee at home."
- "I quit drinking alcohol. Since I bought most of it at gas stations, I didn't realize how much I would save on the other stuff I would grab while I was in there for beer. The chips, jerky, and other nonsense."
- "I read 60+ books last year and borrowed most of them from the library — it saved me hundreds of dollars. Because I was reading, I didn't have much time to watch streaming services, so I saved a bit of money there as well. I only ever had one subscription at a time."
- "Riding my bike instead of driving. I biked 144 times last year. Worked out to around $2,300 saved on cab fares."
- "Beans. I replaced meat as the main protein source in meal planning with beans."
- "I eat before going out."
- "Cold turkey stopped using Amazon."
Source: BuzzFeed
Scott's Thoughts:
- I could probably go a year before buying shaving and other toiletries with the stash in my cabinet!
- I only buy brand names if it's my only choice. Kroger brand for me!
- I need to reevaluate the streaming I am paying for in addition to cable.