In 2025, people are finding creative ways to save money and live more frugally. Many have stopped buying items they once considered essential and don’t miss them. Streaming services are one example.
Instead of paying for multiple subscriptions, people subscribe to one at a time. They watch everything they want before moving on to the next service. Processed snack foods are another item people have cut out.
Families are opting for healthier, cheaper alternatives like fruit and vegetables. Dryer sheets are also on the chopping block, and many find them unnecessary. Books are still popular, but people borrow from public and digital libraries instead of buying.
DIY nail care has replaced regular salon trips for manicures, often with better results. Homemade salad dressings are cheaper and tastier than store-bought. High-quality handkerchiefs are becoming a preferred reusable option over paper tissues.
Some have even mastered self-haircuts, saving significant costs. Reusable menstrual cups and pads are becoming the norm, offering long-term savings over tampons. Reusable fabric cloths are replacing single-use makeup wipes.
Many have cut sugary drinks like soda for health and cost reasons. Biking or using public transport has become a more cost-effective and greener choice than driving.
Frugality trends in daily living
Families create special dining experiences at home instead of going out to restaurants. People are buying fewer, higher-quality candles and using cloth napkins instead of disposable ones. Thrift shopping for clothes is saving money and supporting local communities.
Bidets have drastically reduced the need for toilet paper. Reusable alternatives to cotton balls and pads are on the rise. Cooking at home is seen as healthier and more economical than fast food.
Many are simplifying their makeup routines, using fewer products. Reusable storage bags are reducing plastic waste from Ziploc bags. Baking desserts at home instead of buying sweets is a popular frugal move.
Generic brands are often just as good as name brands and much cheaper. Old-school metal razors with bulk blades offer long-term savings over disposable razors. Glasses are preferred for everyday use, with contact lenses reserved for special occasions.
Older, unplayed video games provide plenty of entertainment at a fraction of the cost of new games. Many find that restaurant takeout is not worth the extra cost compared to home-cooked meals. Some stopped coloring their hair during COVID-19 and found it to be an unnecessary expense.
Reusable alternatives, with occasional exceptions for convenience, have almost completely replaced paper towels. These changes are not only saving people money but also leading to healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. It shows that reassessing our “essential” purchases can have multiple benefits beyond just cost savings.
Image Credits: Photo by Alicia Christin Gerald on Unsplash
