How do I even begin describing affordable living in 2025? I hear about how we are in the thick of inflation every year. However, the year 2025 has me thinking whether the prices of groceries will still be going up. I don't know where you live, but the prices of eggs here in SoCal reached $12 a dozen. While it depends on the store, I can't help but reminisce about egg prices a few years back. I remember when Aldi would sell eggs on sale for .79 cents a dozen. Eggs are always a part of a frugal meal plan, until it doesn't.
While the prices of groceries have not shown signs of easing down, it is still possible to live frugally. Frugal living doesn’t necessarily mean living poorly, it means living purposefully. We also live in a country where waste is prevalent. Here are practical tips to help you save money while maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle this year:
1. Audit Your Subscriptions
With everything from streaming to fitness apps charging monthly fees, it’s easy to lose track. Use free tools or your bank’s expense tracker to cancel services you rarely use. Consider family plans or free ad-supported alternatives.
2. Welcome the Secondhand Economy.
Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, and local Buy Nothing groups are thriving. Get furniture, clothes, or tech gently used for a fraction of the cost—or even free. I have used Buy Nothing Groups from FB several times, and I can assure you that it is not always junk items. Contrary to what other people may think, free does not always equate to junk items.
3. Cut Grocery Costs with AI and Planning
AI-powered
Grocery apps (like Too Good To Go or Flashfood) offer discounted food nearing expiration. Combine these with meal planning to avoid waste and reduce impulsive takeout spending. You are not only helping to stop food waste but you are also being frugal.
Speaking of AI. have you tried using ChatGPT for meal planning? Try typing "$50 grocery and menu plan from Aldi." It will generate a menu plan and a list for you! Saving you lots of time and money.
4. Ditch Brand Loyalty.
Store-brand products are often made by the same manufacturers as name brands. In 2025, many generic items are just as high-quality—especially pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and over-the-counter meds. Someone recently told me that a certain expensive brand of cheese (it starts with the letter S) is made in the same factory as Aldi's. Same cheese, just different branding.
5. Use Energy Wisely
With energy prices fluctuating, small changes add up: run appliances at off-peak times, install smart plugs, and switch to LED lighting. Some utility companies even offer rebates for energy-efficient upgrades
6. Side Hustle with What You Already Have
Whether it’s renting out your parking space, reselling clothes, or offering micro-services online, use what you have. Even old smartphones or electronics can be sold or traded for credit. You can start selling on eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, and I am sure there are a lot more apps that you can use.
7. Make DIY a Habit
From making your own coffee and lunches to fixing minor home issues with help from YouTube, DIY culture is booming again. In 2025, skills are as good as currency. My girls learned how to make handmade jewelry, and a few months later, they started joining craft fairs. They love jewelry and now they do not have to spend money on fashion jewelry because they have learned how to make it.
8. Stay Informed, Stay Frugal
Follow deal forums, finance blogs, or even TikTok frugal influencers (with caution). Just be sure the advice you take is practical and not just trendy. I love getting inspiration from YouTube videos and Facebook groups that share money-saving tips and frugal recipes.
Frugality in 2025 is about being intentional. We may not know what the future holds butt we can start doing small things and actions to afford living in our current economic situation. It can be a hard journey for sure, however, being frugal is a good learning tool. We need to choose to see the good in giving frugally.
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