The Best 21 Thrifty Habits for the New Year

Starting a new year is the perfect time to rethink how you spend and save money. Small changes in daily habits can lead to big financial wins over time. Whether you’re looking to save for a specific goal, pay off debt, or simply stretch your dollars further, adopting thrifty habits can make a real difference.

These practical tips can help you cut unnecessary expenses, maximize your budget, and build a stronger financial foundation for the year ahead. Ready to take control of your finances? Here are 21 thrifty habits to help you start the new year on the right foot.

Create and stick to a monthly budget

The photo shows a calculator, a pen, and papers with notes referring to creating and sticking to a monthly budget, the best ways to take control of your finances. — Image Credit: Everydayplus from Getty Images.

A monthly budget keeps your spending in check and helps you prioritize savings. It’s one of the best ways to take control of your finances.

To learn more: How Many Months for your Budget to Start Working?

Cook meals at home instead of eating out

The picture shows vegetables, a kettle, and a man's hand cooking which means cooking meals at home instead of eating out which saves you money on expensive takeout while giving you full control over what you eat. — Image Credit: RazoomGames from Getty Images Pro.

Cooking at home is cheaper and healthier. It saves you money on expensive takeout while giving you full control over what you eat.

To learn more: 100+ Frugal Meals for When You’re Broke or on a Budget

Use coupons and cashback apps

The photo shows a girl holding a shopping bag, coupons, and dollar bills which refers to using coupons and cashback apps, an easy way to cut costs without changing your shopping habits too much. — Image Credit: Jupiterimages from Photo Images.

Coupons and cashback apps make everyday purchases cheaper. They’re an easy way to cut costs without changing your shopping habits too much.

To learn more: Best Cash Back Apps: How to Earn Money and Save Money

Buy in bulk for non-perishable items

The photo shows canned goods, oils, pasta, and more essentials referring to buying in bulk for non-perishable items, a smart strategy for reducing your grocery bill over time. — Image Credit: Panida Wijitpanya from Getty Images.

Buying in bulk saves money on essentials like rice, pasta, or paper goods. It’s a smart strategy for reducing your grocery bill over time.

To learn more: What is the Best Cheap Food to Buy When Broke?

Cancel unused subscriptions and memberships

The photo tells about a man checking his laptop to cancel an unused subscription and membership to put money back in your pocket for things that matter. — Image Credit: Archigram from Getty Images Signature.

Check your bank statements for unused subscriptions. Canceling them puts money back in your pocket for things that really matter.

To learn more: 10 Ways on How to Drastically Cut Expenses Now

Set up automatic savings transfers

Automating savings makes it effortless to put money aside. This habit grows your savings without you needing to think about it every month.

Shop secondhand for clothes and furniture

The picture of clothes displays behind and a girl picking up one which refers to shopping secondhand for clothes to save money while finding unique pieces. — Image Credit: Lechatnoir from Getty Images Signature.

Thrift stores and online resale sites offer quality clothes and furniture for less. It’s a simple way to save money while finding unique pieces.

Track spending to identify unnecessary expenses

The picture shows coin stocks, a laptop, a notebook, a pen, and a girl's hand using a calculator while holding a paper indicating to track spending to identify unnecessary expenses and free up funds for saving or paying the debt. — Image Credit: Photobyphotoboy

Tracking your expenses helps you see where your money is going. Cutting out wasteful spending can free up funds for saving or paying off debt.

To learn more: 5 Effective Bill Calendar Strategies That Boost Your Finances

Pay bills on time to avoid late fees

The image shows papers with notes and pins referring to paying bills on time to avoid late fees and protect your credit score. — Image Credit: JannHuizenga from Getty Images Signature.

Paying bills on time keeps late fees away and protects your credit score. It’s a small habit with big financial benefits.

Use public transportation or carpool when possible

The picture tells about the hands of passengers preferring to use public transportation to cut down on gas costs and save on daily travel expenses. — Image Credit: NicolasMcComber from Getty Images Signature.

Public transportation or carpooling cuts down on gas costs. It’s a budget-friendly way to save on daily travel expenses.

To learn more: Is a Car an Asset or Liability?

Limit impulse buying with a 24-hour rule

The picture tells about product displays and a girl's hand holding shopping bags indicating that limiting impulse buying helps you make smarter spending choices. — Image Credit: Syda Productions.

Avoid impulse buys by waiting 24 hours before making a purchase. This habit helps you make smarter spending choices.

To learn more: No Spend Challenge: The #1 Fastest Way To Save Money

Make coffee and drinks at home

The photo shows fruits, a blender, and a girl holding a glass of drink which means making coffee and drinks at home which is a budget-friendly habit. — Image Credit: Rido.

Skipping expensive coffee shops can save hundreds each year. Making your own drinks is a simple, budget-friendly habit. The same holds true for smoothies!

Plan and prep meals to reduce food waste

The picture tells about a tape measure, an orange, and a notebook with notes referring to planning and prep meals that cut food waste and save money. — Image Credit: Designer491 from Getty Images.

Meal prepping cuts food waste and saves money. A little planning keeps your grocery bill low and your kitchen stocked with what you need.

To learn more: 20 Simple Ways on How to Save Money on Groceries

Take advantage of free entertainment and activities

Parks, libraries, and community events offer free fun. Enjoying these activities keeps your entertainment budget in check.

To learn more: 105 Fun Things To Do With No Money

Sell unused items for extra cash

Selling things you don’t need, like clothes or electronics, brings in extra money. It’s an easy way to boost your savings or pay off debts.

To learn more: How to Flip Money: 14 Best Ways to Make Money

Avoid credit card interest by paying balances in full

The photo tells about a coffee, a credit card, and a girl's hand holding a phone while using a laptop indicating to avoid credit card interest by paying balances in full to stay out of debt and save money. — Image Credit: Freedomz.

Paying off your credit card every month avoids costly interest charges. It’s a great way to stay out of debt and save money. This is a simple debt free habit to do.

To learn more: How to Get Out of Debt in 5 Easy Steps

Negotiate bills and services for better rates

The picture shows a calculator and papers with notes referring to negotiating bills and services for better rates to save money every month. — Image Credit: Tommaso79 from Getty Images.

Negotiating with providers can lower your bills for cable, internet, or insurance. It’s a smart move to save money every month. A simple phone call can save you hundreds of dollars.

Use energy-efficient appliances to reduce utility costs

The picture shows a man's hand drawing graphs of different labels with appliances behind referring to the use of energy-efficient appliances to reduce utility costs and cut utility bills. — Image Credit: Gerenme from Getty Images Signature.

Energy-efficient appliances use less power and cut utility bills. They’re a money-saving upgrade for your home.

To learn more: How to Be Frugal Green: 91+ Tips to Save Money and Environment

Start a sinking fund for large purchases or emergencies

The photo shows dollar bills, papers, a calculator, a pen, and a black notebook with a white marker which refers to starting a sinking fund for large purchases that prevents you from needing credit or dipping into other savings. — Image Credit: Designer491 from Getty Images.

A sinking fund helps you save for big purchases or unexpected costs. It prevents you from needing credit or dipping into other savings.

To learn more: Complete Guide to Sinking Funds Categories To Improve your Budget

DIY home repairs and projects when possible

The photo shows a man's hand repairing the plumber drain which refers to DIY home repairs to save money on home improvements and keep repair costs low. — Image Credit: AleksandarNakic from Getty Images Signature.

Simple DIY projects save money on home improvements. It’s a thrifty habit that keeps repair costs low. Thankfully, there are so many DIY videos available on YouTube to help you out.

Buy generic or store-brand products

The photo shows product displays at the store and a girl picking up items to choose referring to buy generic products to save money on groceries and essentials. — Image Credit: Obradovic from Getty Images Signature.

Generic brands offer the same quality as name brands but cost less. Choosing them is a smart way to save money on groceries and essentials.

Find more thrifty habits to explore

Building thrifty habits isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating a lifestyle that aligns with your financial goals. Small changes can add up over time, helping you save more, spend smarter, and feel more in control of your finances.

Start with one or two ideas that fit your life, and keep building from there. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. Stay consistent, and you’ll be amazed at the difference thrifty habits can make. Don’t forget to check back for more tips to help you on your journey to financial freedom.

To learn more: 76 Easy Thrifty Tips & Tricks to Live a More Frugal Lifestyle

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