How to Make the Most of Your Money in 2025 (Without Feeling Like You’re Living in a Bunker)

Let’s be honest — nobody wakes up thinking, “Today, I’d love to pinch every penny so hard Abe Lincoln winces.” But with prices climbing faster than my stress level when I realize I’ve left my phone at home and have to survive a whole day without it, smart money habits are a must. The good news? You don’t have to live off canned beans in a dimly lit basement to make the most of your money. A few small shifts can leave you feeling financially secure without feeling deprived.

1. GET FRIENDLY WITH AUTOMATION (SO YOU CAN FORGET AND STILL WIN)

Automation is like the slow cooker of personal finance — set it and let it do the work. By automating savings, bills and investments, you eliminate the chance of “accidentally” spending your mortgage payment on a flash sale. Here’s how:

Savings First, Always: Set up an automatic transfer to savings on payday, even if it’s just $25. If you don’t see it, you won’t miss it.

Roundup Apps: Apps like Acorns or Chime round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invest the spare change. It’s like a digital swear jar, but instead of losing money to bad habits, you gain a cushion.

Autopay Your Bills: Late fees are the finance equivalent of getting a parking ticket five seconds after the meter expires. Avoid them by setting up autopay and scheduling payments ahead of time.

2. GROCERY SHOP LIKE A STRATEGIST, NOT A STARVING TOURIST

Grocery prices have been playing a game of “How high can we go?” lately, and if you’re not careful, your cart will hit triple digits faster than you can say “organic kale.” Here’s how to shop smart:

Make a List, Check It Twice: Impulse buys (looking at you, fancy cheese section) are a budget’s worst enemy.

Buy in Bulk — But Only If It Makes Sense: Yes, 48 rolls of toilet paper will save money in the long run, but if you live in an apartment the size of a shoebox, where are you putting it?

Use Cashback Apps: Apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards give you money back just for snapping a picture of your receipt. It’s as close to free money as it gets.

3. REFRAME ‘FRUGAL’ SO IT FEELS FUN, NOT PUNISHING

Frugality gets a bad rap — probably because it sounds like something your grandmother preached right before giving you a sweater she knitted from repurposed shoelaces. But being frugal just means being intentional with your money.

The 30-Day Rule: Want something? Wait 30 days. If you still want it, budget for it. If not, you just saved money.

Try “Free” First: Before buying, check if you can borrow, trade or use a free version. Libraries aren’t just for books anymore — they have movies, courses and even tools (yes, actual tools).

Create a “Fun Budget”: Instead of cutting out all treats, set aside guilt-free money for things that bring joy. Otherwise, one day you’ll snap and buy a pet llama out of sheer frustration.

4. HACK YOUR UTILITY BILLS (BECAUSE ENERGY COSTS ARE SO RUDE)

Electric bills have a way of making you question if you accidentally opened a small theme park in your backyard. Here’s how to keep costs down:

Unplug the Energy Vampires: Electronics suck power even when turned off. Use smart power strips or unplug rarely used devices.

Program Your Thermostat: If your heating or cooling is running while you’re out, congratulations — you’re paying to keep your furniture comfortable.

Check for Rebates: Many utility companies offer rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or installing a smart thermostat.

5. SIDE HUSTLES THAT DON’T REQUIRE SELLING YOUR SOUL (OR ESSENTIAL ORGANS)

Extra income never hurts, but not everyone has the time or energy to start a full-fledged business. Here are low-effort ways to earn:

Market Research Apps: Apps like Nielsen Computer Mobile Panel pay you just for using your phone as you normally do.

Declutter for Cash: Selling unused items on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark or OfferUp can turn clutter into cash.

Paid Online Surveys: Sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie won’t make you rich, but they can fund your coffee habit.

6. GET REAL ABOUT DEBT (IT’S TIME TO BREAK UP)

Debt isn’t a life sentence, but ignoring it won’t make it go away. Here’s how to tackle it head-on:

Negotiate Your Interest Rates: Call your lenders and ask for a lower interest rate. You’d be surprised how often they’ll say yes.

Consider Balance Transfers — With Caution: Transferring high-interest debt to a 0% APR card can save money, but only if you pay it off before the promotional period ends.

Shameless Plug Alert: I wrote a book about this — “Debt-Proof Living: How to Get Out of Debt and Stay Out!” You’ll discover the step-by-step DIY method/plan I concocted to pay off more than $100,000 in credit card and other unsecured debt. It worked! More details: EverydayCheapskate.com/books.

FINAL THOUGHT: SMALL WINS ADD UP

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight to see results. A few small changes — automating savings, shopping smarter and cutting unnecessary costs — can make 2025 the year your money works for you instead of the other way around. And who knows? With a little discipline (and maybe a few less fancy cheese), you might just have enough left over to plan that dream trip — or at least avoid the panic of checking your bank balance after a weekend of “treating yourself.”