What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Are you thinking about building up your savings for a rainy day, or working toward a specific goal? Maybe you’re planning a big move, like relocating to Australia, or aiming to become a landlord. Whatever your financial aspirations, the start of a new year is a great time to reassess your spending habits and adopt healthier financial practices.
Last year, I was an eager student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), hoping to use the course materials for my health and wellbeing blog. Although that blog will be shut down by September 2025, I’m still sharing a few valuable lessons before it goes offline. (You can read about it here and see my honest review of the IIN if you’re considering taking the course.). One of IIN’s teachings is the importance of holistic health—including financial health. Financial stress can take a toll on your wellbeing, so setting your finances in order is an essential step to improving your overall quality of life.
If saving money is one of your goals for 2025, these money-saving tips might help you reach your target. Whether it’s building an emergency fund or saving for a dream project, it all begins with a plan.
Steps to Start Saving
- Create a Budget
Track your income and expenses to see exactly where your money is going. I’ve developed an annual expense tracking tool, available on Etsy, to help you get started. For a limited time, you can grab it at 50% off. - Live Within Your Means
Start with your income, then subtract your fixed expenses (like rent, utilities, and insurance). Decide how much you want to save monthly and treat it as a non-negotiable expense—pay yourself first. What’s left is your disposable income. - Track Variable Expenses
Monitor discretionary spending, like subscriptions, dining out, or entertainment. Understanding these costs will help you adjust where needed.
Money-Saving Tips
- Skip the Latest Gadgets
You don’t need the newest phone or gadget. If your current phone works fine, hold onto it. I’ve used my phone for seven years—it’s a good habit that saves me hundreds. When it’s time to upgrade, pay in full if possible, or shop refurbished and look for trade-in deals. - Shop Around for Mobile Plans
Compare providers to find a better deal. For example, I switched from a £27/month Vodafone plan to Lebara, which uses the same network but costs just £5/month. - Negotiate Internet and Utility Bills
Don’t settle for the default rate once your promotional deal ends. Negotiate with your provider or switch to a new one. When I left Virgin Media, I found a better plan with a new company—saving me significant money and stress. - Cook at Home
Dining out is fun but expensive. Prepare meals at home to save money and still enjoy quality food. For instance, a brunch for two at a café might cost £50, but cooking the same meal at home could be less than £10. - Buy Pre-Owned
Use platforms like Vinted, Gumtree, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace to find quality second-hand items. For baby items especially, pre-loved goods can save you a fortune. Just be patient—some sellers are less responsive than others. - Declutter and Sell Unused Items
Turn unused possessions into cash by selling them online. Alternatively, donate them to reduce waste and help the environment. - Compare Prices and Avoid Impulse Buys
Amazon Prime is convenient, but it’s not always the cheapest option. Research before making purchases and wait for sales when possible. - Use Cashback Offers
Sign up for cashback sites like TopCashback—I’ve earned over £927 in eight years. Combine these offers with credit card cashback programs for additional savings. - Always Shop Sales
Don’t pay full price unless absolutely necessary. Planning your purchases around sales can save you a significant amount over time.
Saving as a Team
My husband and I are preparing for the arrival of our first child in 2025. We have different financial mindsets, but we both recognize the importance of saving for this new chapter. While he might splurge on things I find unnecessary (like beer glasses), we’re aligning our finances to ensure we’re ready for the costs of raising a family.
Final Thoughts
Saving money doesn’t have to mean giving up on the things you enjoy. It’s about striking a balance—cutting costs where possible, prioritizing your financial goals, and still treating yourself occasionally.
Let 2025 be the year you take control of your finances. Whether you’re saving for a specific goal or just aiming to build a safety net, the earlier you start, the better off you’ll be.