Are you looking for proven ways to save money? With 2025 just starting, we all have made our resolutions. Some want to lose weight, reach a million Instagram followers, and start saving money to improve their financial status or buy a new guitar. Surprisingly, according to a survey by the CFB Board, 45% of people identified “saving more” as their top New Year’s resolution, surpassing “exercising more” by eight percentage points. Unfortunately, most of these resolutions are abandoned as soon as the year starts. More than 3/4 percent of people forget about their yearly savings goal. But why?
Well, for starters, most people set their goals so high that they seem impossible to achieve from their current standpoint. Put simply, you won’t be able to save a million dollars on a yearly salary of $85,000—the average salary in the United States. Secondly, many individuals focus solely on the outcome and avoid engaging with the process. Budgeting or cutting costs is often viewed as difficult and time-consuming, which leads people to procrastinate or give up altogether. Lastly, unexpected expenses or setbacks tend to derail people from their plans, and they eventually forget about their savings goal entirely. So, how can you set yourself apart from the crowd?
Fortunately for you, I’ve curated this blog to help you achieve your goal and stay consistent with saving money. I’ll explain each point clearly so that by the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to manage your finances effectively. To make it even easier, I’ve attached a file at the end of this blog with a monthly savings goal tracker and budget planner. Make sure to download it—it’s designed to help you stay on track and achieve your financial goals.

1. Automate Your Saving:
Set up a rule with your bank to transfer any extra income to your savings account. As soon as you receive your paycheck or get any extra income (refunds, gifts, bonuses), make sure to secure your savings. Automate your savings and have the funds transferred directly to a high-yield savings account. These accounts can offer competitive APYs, sometimes up to 3% to 5% but this percentage can vary depending on the bank’s policies. Make sure to research the bank’s terms and offerings and save accordingly.
2. No-Upgrade Rule:
Resist the urge to upgrade your tech or any other belongings until they are completely unfunctional. In an interview with David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction (Netflix), Jeff Bezos proudly mentioned still driving his 1996 Honda Accord, even after becoming a billionaire. You might feel tempted to buy the latest iPhone or replace your room poster with the newest trend just to fit in. Be mindful of your decisions, and only upgrade when it’s absolutely necessary.
3. Expense Swap Days:
We often want to visit exotic places, dine at fancy restaurants, attend concerts, or hang out with friends. While those things are fun, try swapping them for better habits. Once a week, intentionally swap expensive habits for zero-cost activities like cooking from scratch instead of ordering out, streaming free documentaries instead of going to the cinema, and walking to your destination instead of driving. You might notice that these zero-cost activities are not only healthier, but they certainly save you a lot of money.
4. Be a “Promo Coder”:
If your online shopping routine is simply opening the site, adding items to your cart, and checking out, you are missing out. Always look out for brand deals and promo codes. Most websites offer various promo codes on their items. Before checking out, search for promo codes online or email the website’s customer support to ask about current deals. While the savings may seem small at first, over time, they really add up. Common promo codes that often work include WELCOME10 or SAVE10.
5. Hobby Monetization:
During these times of inflation, most people are living paycheck to paycheck, making saving a difficult task. That is where social media plays a crucial role. Build a solid presence on social media and monetize your hobbies. Interested in graphic design? Offer your services. Passionate about writing? Start a blog. Love gardening? Sell extra plants locally. You can literally sell anything online if you are consistent. Start earning extra income to build your savings and achieve financial freedom.
6. Time Cost Metric:
This psychological hack often makes non-essential purchases lose their appeal. If your hourly wage is $15, that square quartz watch isn’t $45 — it’s 3 hours of your time. Those new Yeezy Boost 350s aren’t $150 — they’re 10 hours of your time. Seeing purchases in terms of time rather than dollars shifts your perspective. Try this hack on something you want but don’t really need to understand its true value. If a purchase isn’t worth your time, don’t buy it. Save that money instead and remember, time is money.
7. Ban Hidden Charges:
Did you know that Americans waste an average of $219 per year on unused subscriptions? Companies like Netflix and Prime Video rely on “subscription fatigue,” hoping you’ll forget to cancel. Subscription fatigue happens when people forget or feel too overwhelmed to manage their numerous paid subscriptions. Apps like Rocket Money or Mint can track and cancel unwanted charges automatically. Save yourself the hassle—and some serious cash—by doing a quick subscription audit today.
8. Waitlist Shopping Hack:
Next time you’re tempted to make an impulse purchase, add the item to a wish list and wait 30 days. Most of the time, you’ll either forget about it or realize it wasn’t as essential as you thought. This simple trick curbs unnecessary spending by giving you time to think it over. By giving yourself that extra time, you’re less likely to make a rushed decision driven by temporary excitement. Plus, you’ll feel more confident knowing you truly want or need the item.
9. Temp Control:
Adjust your thermostat by just 1-2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer. It has little impact on comfort but can save you up to 10% on your annual energy bill. Over time, this small change adds up, cutting costs without significant lifestyle adjustments. Plus, you’re being more energy-efficient, which is good for your wallet, your home, and the environment. Someone in your neighborhood might already be saving $500 to $650 a year with this simple change.
Bottom Line
Saving is a great habit if your true goal is financial freedom and liberation. Never view saving as a sacrifice; instead, see it as saving yourself time in the future. By following these strategies, you’ll be able to save money and reach your financial goals. If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Download our saving and budget tracker here.