2025 is here, and in case you haven’t noticed, prices are still high and show no signs of going down anytime soon. Now more than ever, frugal people are being careful to spend less and make their paychecks go further. Take a look at 13 things frugal people won’t be spending their money on in 2025.
Extended Warranties
Every once in a while, these work out, but mostly, companies make pure profits on services people almost never use. Plus, you usually know if you have a clunker before the regular warranty runs out.
Bottled Water
More and more, we’re learning about how plastic waste is clogging waterways, ending up in our oceans, causing pollution, and harming wildlife. America has safe drinking water. Take advantage of it with reusable bottles and containers.
New Cars
Inflation didn’t spare cars, and while it affected both used and new cars, the sticker prices on most new cars are eye-popping. You get much better value with a later-model used car in good condition, and you avoid the huge loss in value that comes the second you drive a new car off the lot.
Brand-Name Foods and Items
In the grocery store, you can often buy generic brands that cost less and have the same quality as name brands. The same often applies to clothing, where even if the store doesn’t have its own line, you can still get better value by avoiding the biggest names.
Cable
Cable has been in decline for some time now, and for good reasons. It’s expensive, customer service is notoriously awful, and there’s so much junk. With streaming and other media content services widely available now, frugal people are cutting the cord, so to speak.
Store-Made Coffee
Coffee at places like Starbucks is expensive, and it usually isn’t any better than products you can brew yourself. It’s okay to treat yourself once in a while, but frugal people don’t make a habit of sipping away their paychecks with frequent trips to the barista.
Fast Fashion
Hot fashion trends sweep the nation and then flame out all the time. Don’t chase after these trends. But functional, reasonably priced, good-quality clothing that’s comfortable, looks good, and will last.
Impulsive Purchases
Buying on impulse is a classic budget-killer, as these purchases tend to be on things that catch our eye but which we don’t actually need. Frugal people avoid this by making lists and sticking to them.
The Newest Phone Model
Phone manufacturers are infamous for launching the latest, greatest version of a smartphone just a year or two after releasing the last latest, greatest version. Don’t fall for this; use your current phone until it’s obsolete or doesn’t work well anymore.
Books
No, this is not an attempt to discourage reading! It’s a reminder that your local library has books you can borrow for free. If you like e-books, find online libraries or services that allow you to borrow or get books for free instead of buying them.
Paper Towels
Do you know what works better than paper towels? They can be reused and save a lot of money in the long run. Rags. Paper towels can be pricey, and they’re a one-time use product that wastes natural resources.
Lottery Tickets
Winning the jackpot might justify spending money on lottery tickets, but the chances of actually winning it are minuscule. Considering the costs and the odds, buying lottery tickets is like throwing away money.
Pre-Made Meals
Pre-made meals are really convenient, especially on a busy night, but you pay a steep price for that convenience. Plus, if you use a delivery service, you’re probably paying for shipping, too. You can save a ton of money by buying and preparing your own meals.
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