Four Money-Saving Habits to Form in 2025

Staying on top of finances can feel really fraught – especially as the cost of living rises year on year, with real wages falling. Putting away some savings at the end of every month often goes out the window as people struggle just to stay on top of basic expenses.

Building money-saving habits involves creating consistent behaviors over time – and can make the otherwise overwhelming task of getting more financially secure more manageable and achievable.

We have some suggestions of behaviours you can implement to help you navigate the financial landscape of 2025 with confidence and ease. Start today to beat feelings of financial precariousness and build a more secure and prosperous future!

Cut unused subscriptions

Subscription marketing has had its boom – from meal kits to movies. But now the fatigue is starting to hit.

To start 2025 right sit down and review your monthly services and cancel contracts you no longer want or memberships you don’t use.

If you get into the habit of regularly reviewing and managing your subscription services you will absolutely save on monthly expenses – and avoid paying for products or services that you don’t actually use.

If it feels like an overwhelming task, there are all kinds of apps that are designed specifically to help you figure out what subscriptions you have and if you’re wasting money.

And if you have any issues cancelling your contracts and subscriptions, see our recent article on subscription traps, for advice on what to do.

Optimise your energy usage

Utilities tariffs are still rising – with more hikes on gas and water bills to come in 2025.

It is possible to lower your energy usage while still maintaining a comfortable home. However, it takes some careful thought as well as some consistent habits.

First, to ensure you are optimising your home for the lowest possible spend on energy, invest in things like draft excluders, “smart” or programmable thermostats, LED lighting, air fryers and other energy-efficient appliances. These do not only reduce your carbon footprint but also lower utility bills over time.

Second, try to alter your behaviours to align with energy-saving tactics: get into the habit of turning off lights and plug sockets when you leave a room or the house; when doing the washing up, use a washing up bowl rather than leaving the hot tap running; wear extra layers rather than turning up the heating; turn off the shower while you shampoo; do fewer loads of laundry by spot cleaning clothes first; run washes on a lower temperature by using detergent that works well at 30 degrees.

These may seem like small changes, but together they really add up over time.

Maximise your money with the best bank account

Whether it’s a current or savings, getting the best bank account for you means doing some research and being prepared to switch banks in order to take advantage of what’s on offer.

There are many current accounts which will give you one-off payment of over £100 just for switching – as well as offering perks like cashback on spending or bills and high interest rates. And when it comes to savings, things like ISAs and regular savers accounts will get you much higher interest rates for limited periods of time.

While switching may seem like a lot of faff, once you’ve done the process once, it will be easier the next time. Getting into the habit of comparing what’s on offer every six months or so, means that you can keep moving your money to wherever you will get the best returns.

Money Saving Expert has extensive comparisons on the best current accounts, interest rates, credit cards and more – so take a look at their banking guides to see how you could maximise your money.

Buy secondhand and sell unused items

Selling platforms like Vinted, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are thriving as people look to save on big-ticket items by buying pre-loved goods. In 2025, try to make sites like these your first port of call when you see something you want – whether it’s a home appliance or a new pair of shoes.

You can also optimise your finances by doing regular decluttering and selling things you no longer need: you will not just have some extra cash but a tidier home.

For tips on choosing the right platform and making the perfect listing, see our recent guide to second-hand selling.

If you have any thoughts on this topic, or any other consumer issues you would like us to cover, feel free to get in touch with us at support@resolver.co.uk.