True Ways to Save in the New Year
When you make a New Years' resolution to save money, it can feel daunting to get started. We asked our team members to share their personal and practical hacks to help you keep more of your hard-earned cash in 2025.
Break out of the "don't buy that latte" mindset and let's explore other ways to save that don't kill the joy of your daily caffeine fix.
Sam in Marketing says...
Join your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook. The Buy Nothing Project is a national organization that taps into the power of the local community. People ask for items they need and give items they don't need anymore, at no cost.The groups are hyper-localized to make exchanging goods easy and fast. I found my local group on Facebook or there is a search function on the Buy Nothing Project website.
I needed an electric mixer during the holidays and posted an "ask" before going to buy a new one. My neighbor one street over replied and gave me one she didn't use. It was still in the box! I've also used the page to give items away, so it's saving me money and helping me declutter my home.
Steve in Operations says...
Do a 6-month financial review. About a month before my auto insurance is set to renew, I set aside time to review recurring charges like auto insurance, home insurance, cable, streaming services, roadside assistance, etc.
Many providers offer discounts or promotional rates to new customers or customers who negotiate. So, I hop on an online chat or call my providers and ask for current promotions or discounts. I also shop around to other companies to see what promotions are available. By shopping around for better rates, I have significantly lowered my monthly expenses.
Over time, existing contracts and policies can become outdated, and I don't want to pay more for services than necessary. Reviewing finances at regular intervals helps ensure I'm getting the most value for my money.
Emily in Member Service says...
Shop your closet first. Last year, I made a resolution to see if I had workable items in my home already before making new purchases. Originally, I thought it would help me spend less on clothing, but the biggest impact was actually with beauty products and toiletries.
I had shampoos, makeup, body scrubs, and beauty masks sitting in my hall closet and bathroom cabinets. Instead of impulse buying a $5 aloe mask at Target for a bit of self care, I found a beauty mask in my bathroom cabinet.
I shared the idea with my friends, and we all started swapping items to save money. I have sensitive skin, and some makeup items wouldn't work for me, so I passed those along to a friend who gave me a gentle lotion she didn't use. I've not only saved money but also developed a new habit of shopping my closet first before spending. Those "little spends" add up to big savings.
