I’m always looking for ways to save money. When you’re on a budget and have financial goals, cutting unnecessary expenses is important.
Many things we pay for are just for convenience. But if you can set aside a little time, these simple ideas will help you save money.
My husband always says, “We have more time than money.” I love seeing how much we can save!
This list includes things to stop buying from food to kids’ items that will save your family money with little effort. In our home, we’ve found that many convenience foods just aren’t worth the cost.
While writing this, I also realized that being frugal helps the environment. Making things yourself reduces waste, like plastic and harmful chemicals.
Another bonus? Saving money can also improve your health! When you make your own food and products, you avoid preservatives and artificial dyes. It’s a win-win saving money and staying healthy.
Managing Money
Before sharing my money-saving tips, I want to talk about long-term financial freedom.
These tips will help you pay off student loans, build an emergency fund, or get rid of credit card debt (which many people have).
But having a clear vision of your future will keep you motivated to stick with these habits.
Your spending and saving choices shape the life you want. Paying off debt should be a top priority.
And don’t forget—side hustles can help too!
Ways to Save Money in the Kitchen
1. Bottled Water
Skip buying bottled water. Use a reusable bottle and, if needed, get a water filter pitcher.
2. Paper Towels
We still buy them, but I rarely use them. Instead, I dry my hands with a towel and clean with reusable cloths.
3. Napkins
I made fabric napkins from old or clearance fabric. They’ve lasted for years and saved us money!
4. Plastic Wrap
Use glass containers with lids instead. They last longer, save money, and are better for the environment.
How to Save Money on Food
5. Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese costs more because it’s convenient. If the price is the same, go for it. If not, grab a grater—it only takes a few minutes!
6. Deli Meat
Deli turkey can cost around $9 per pound, but you can buy a whole turkey for much less. Cooking and slicing your own meat saves a lot over time.
7. K-Cups
K-Cups are expensive and create a lot of waste. Try a drip coffee maker with a timer, a percolator, or a reusable K-Cup instead.
8. Condiments
Making your own ketchup and mayo is easy, cheaper, and often tastes better. Look up simple recipes online!
9. Cookies & Baked Goods
Baking at home saves money and is healthier. Use silicone baking liners for perfect cookies every time!
10. Pizza Delivery
Ordering pizza is tempting, but it adds up. Try making and freezing pizza crusts so you can quickly bake your own. A good pizza pan makes all the difference!
11. Bread
Homemade bread is simple and costs much less than store-bought. A bread maker can make it even easier, but a regular oven works too.
Meal Planning = Big Savings
Planning your meals helps cut unnecessary grocery spending. When you know what you need for the week, you won’t buy extra.
12. Brand-Name Products
Don’t stick to one brand—try cheaper options. You might find some you like even better!
13. Jarred Pasta & Pizza Sauce
Making your own sauce is easy and much cheaper. Cook a big batch in a slow cooker and freeze it for later.
14. Canned Soup
Homemade soup is healthier, tastier, and easy to freeze. Make a big pot and store portions for quick meals.
15. Canned Pasta
Homemade pasta dishes are simple and cost less. I prepare meals for my son in small freezer containers, so lunch is always ready.
16. Pie Crust
I struggle with making pie crust, but many say it’s easy and saves money. If you’re good at it, give it a try!
17. Yogurt
You can make yogurt in a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or on the counter. I use the Instant Pot method—it’s cheap, and I control the sugar.
18. Bread Crumbs
Save leftover bread like bagels and rolls in the freezer. Then blend them into bread crumbs when needed.
19. Salad Dressing
Homemade dressings are tastier and cheaper. Try simple recipes and store them in a nice bottle for later.
20. Frosting
Frosting is super easy to make. There are tons of simple recipes online that cost way less than store-bought.
21. Pasta & Rice Side Dishes
Skip boxed mixes. Add your own seasonings—like garlic parmesan noodles or chili lime rice—for much less.
22. Pickles
You don’t need to can pickles—just soak cucumbers (or even asparagus and green beans) in vinegar and refrigerate.
23. Granola
Store-bought granola is expensive. Making your own lets you add what you love, like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
24. Bagged Salad
Pre-made salad kits are overpriced. It takes just as long to chop lettuce as it does to open all those packets.
25. Taco Seasoning
Mix your own taco seasoning in a jar. It’s easy, lasts for months, and works for more than just tacos.
26. Spice Packets
Instead of buying expensive pre-mixed seasonings like chili or gravy packets, make your own with pantry spices.
27. Frozen Convenience Foods
I made a huge batch of mac and cheese, froze portions, and now we have servings for $1 instead of $4.
28. Individually Packaged Snacks
Buying single-serve chips or cookies is pricey. Buy in bulk and portion them out yourself—it’s much cheaper!
Save Money Fast on Personal Care
30. Glasses from the Eye Doctor
Without insurance, glasses can cost $1,000—and even with it, they can still be $300! Instead, take your prescription and order online from sites like Googles4You or Coastal Contacts for under $50.
31. Shaving Cream
I use a rechargeable dry razor, which works great. Hair conditioner is also a good alternative. Plus, watch out for the “Pink Tax”—women’s products often cost more than men’s. Buy men’s shaving cream to save money.
32. Lip Balm
No need to buy expensive lip balms—any oil works! I love using coconut oil for my lips, feet, and elbows.
33. Makeup Remover
Reusable makeup remover cloths work amazingly with just water. Brands like Norwex make great ones, but you can find similar options in stores now. No more buying makeup remover!
34. Feminine Hygiene Products
Reusable options are now available, so you don’t have to buy new products every month. One-time purchases can save you a lot over time.
35. Manicures & Pedicures
Do them yourself! Invest in a nail kit and polish. If you need help with technique, YouTube has plenty of tutorials.
Frugal Living Tips for Kids
36. Juice Boxes
A pack of 8 juice boxes (54 oz) costs $2.50, while a 64 oz bottle costs only $1.89. Instead, buy a big bottle and use refillable bottles for single servings.
37. Single-Serving Snacks
A 6-pack of small animal cracker bags (9 oz) costs $2.99, but you can get 16 oz for $2.39. Buy in bulk and portion them into reusable snack bags to save money.
38. Sandwich Bags
Skip disposable sandwich bags. Use containers, reusable snack bags, or even make your own cloth wraps.
39. New Clothes
Kids grow fast, and thrift stores have great clothes for a fraction of the price. Many barely worn items get donated, so you can find high-quality clothes without paying full price.
40. Baby Wipes
Make your own wipes using baby-friendly soap and water. Store them in a container and wash them for reuse—it’s cheaper and better for the environment.
41. Disposable Diapers
Cloth diapers are making a comeback! They cost more upfront, but in the long run, you’ll save a lot. Today’s cloth diapers are way easier to use than the old safety-pin versions.
Things I Stopped Buying – Cleaning & Laundry
42. Fabric Softener
I don’t use it, and I don’t miss it.
43. Dryer Sheets
I switched to wool dryer balls. They reduce drying time and static. If you like scented laundry, just add a few drops of essential oil.
44. Cleaning Wipes
Disinfecting wipes don’t always work as advertised—surfaces need to stay wet for a while to kill germs, which rarely happens. A microfiber cloth does the job just as well.
45. Laundry Detergent
I used to make my own laundry soap, and it saved me money. A quick online search will give you easy recipes for both liquid and powder versions.
46. Cleaning Products
Most cleaners can be replaced with DIY versions. Vinegar works for glass and surfaces, and there are plenty of natural alternatives for leather and other materials.
47. Swiffer Cleaning Pads
Instead of buying disposable pads, I got a mop with a sprayer and reusable fabric pads. I fill the bottle with Murphy’s Oil Soap and water—works just as well and saves money!
More Ways to Save Money
48. Cancel Cable
Cable is way too expensive! Switch to streaming services like Netflix, Sling, or YouTube. You can also use an antenna or watch shows for free on network websites.
49. Skip the Gym Membership
Exercise for free! Go for a walk, do bodyweight workouts at home, or even lift your kids for some extra strength training.
50. Stop Buying New Books
Check out used bookstores, garage sales, or your local library for cheap or free books. No need to pay full price!
51. Ditch Expensive Greeting Cards
Greeting cards are pricey! Make your own for a personal touch or buy them at the dollar store (they sell them 2 for $1).
52. Try a No-Spend Weekend
Challenge yourself to avoid unnecessary shopping for a whole weekend. It’s a great way to reset your spending habits.
53. Ask for Gift Cards
Instead of gifts you don’t need, ask for gift cards for birthdays or holidays. Use them for takeout, coffee, clothes, or books—without spending your own money.
54. Check Your Bank Fees
Look at your checking and savings accounts. If you’re paying high fees, switch to a better bank or credit union. Also, consider a high-yield savings account to earn a little extra on your emergency fund. Every bit helps!
Final Thoughts on Saving Money in 2025
These are just some of the things you can stop buying to save money. Whether you try a few or all of them, you’ll free up cash for other important things.
However, saving money often means spending a little extra time. Many of these tips require effort, like making your own food or using reusable products instead of disposable ones.
Some changes also need a small upfront investment, like buying a reusable water bottle or cleaning cloths. But in the long run, you’ll spend far less on bottled water and paper towels.
Plus, cutting back on disposable products helps reduce waste, making a positive impact on both your wallet and the environment. A win-win!
