Small habits can make the biggest difference. As prices stay unpredictable, many people have leaned into everyday frugal practices that stretch what they already have and keep extra money from slipping through the cracks. In 2026, it's possible to make practical choices that add up to real savings.
The question
The question, "What frugal practice has saved you the most money in 2025?" was recently asked on Reddit. Over 600 comments were added to the thread with the best money-saving tips for the new year.
The answers
These money-saving tips are timeless and can be done by anyone, starting as soon as possible.
One person said, "I read 60+ books last year and borrowed most of them from the library - saved me hundreds of dollars."
The library is such a magical place. The books can be checked out for free, and some libraries don't even charge for late fees. It's always fun to see the total number of books that you've checked out for the year to give you an idea of how much money was saved. For some, it's thousands of dollars.
Another comment said, "I discovered that buying food for only three days at a time saves me money. If I buy a week's worth of FRESH food, I end up tossing at least half of it."
This is such a relatable tip. Meal planning for the week is great, but fresh food rarely lasts long. Breaking meal planning into shorter time frames means less waste and saves money.
This tip is a good one. "Beans, I replaced meat as the main protein source in meal planning with beans."
Meat and grocery costs continue to surge, so substituting more affordable protein sources is a great way to save money. Beans are a great source of protein and fiber and can easily be added to soups or salads. They're the perfect grocery swap.
This comment shows how it's done. "I cut and color my own hair at home. I estimate I save myself about $4,000 a year by not having these services done professionally."
If you can cut and color your hair and are happy with the results, it's a game-changer and a huge money saver.
The savings add up fast. "I quit drinking alcohol."
Cutting out alcohol cuts down on expenses, especially if you're drinking a few nights a week.
This is a good idea. "Hang drying my clothing. It has cut my electric bill by 60%."
If you have the space, it's worth a try. Just know that hang-drying clothes typically gives them a different texture, so they won't be as soft.
One comment said, "Making sure I eat everything I buy."
This is something that most people struggle with. Filling the fridge and pantry to the brim and then not eating it is just food going to waste. Before going out to eat or back to the grocery store, focus on eating the food you have at home.
This sounds fun. "We do a neighbor potluck in winter. Each week someone makes pot roast, soup and such and shares. Then we rotate. Great to stay in touch and share."
While it may not be a huge money-saver, it sounds like a great way to avoid cooking, save a little bit of money, and have some social time.
This shows there are so many ways to save. "My main hobby is video gaming and I did not buy a new game all of last year. I played through my backlog of games I already owned and then I signed up for Gamefly and rent 1-2 games a month for roughly $14 per/mo."
Renting games for short periods at a lower cost than purchasing is a good idea. It means the upfront cost is lower, and new games can be played sooner without having to purchase expensive options. Going frugal doesn't always mean cutting things out completely. It can mean altering what you love doing just a bit so that you still get to enjoy it.
This answer was popular. "I quit browsing and buying things from Amazon when I am bored."
Bored shopping is such a waste of money. Scrolling and being influenced to make a purchase are traps that everyone seems to fall into. If you can find a way to stop, your bank account will thank you.
How small decisions add up to real savings
The most striking pattern across these responses is how ordinary the money-saving choices actually are. None of them relies on extreme budgeting tactics or strict rules. Instead, they reflect a mindset shift toward paying attention to everyday habits and questioning whether spending is necessary in the moment.
These decisions may feel insignificant on their own, but they prevent repeated purchases that drain a budget. Avoiding waste often saves more money than chasing deals. People who saved the most are not rigid; they've adapted. Every comment above reflected a willingness to adjust routines rather than to stick to habits that no longer make financial sense. Small course corrections often outperform big plans that are hard to maintain.
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