How to Save More Money in 2025
Saving money as a family doesn’t have to feel like a sacrifice. You can stretch your dollars while living a fulfilling life with creativity and a commitment to better financial habits. Here are 15 tips for budgeting wisely and embracing frugality, followed by a treasure trove of 100 struggle meal ideas and 50 budget-friendly snacks for kids. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Set Clear Financial Goals
Defining your financial goals is the first and most crucial step in saving money. Think about what you want to achieve in 2025—building an emergency fund, saving for a dream vacation, paying off debt, or investing in your child’s future. Write these goals down and make them as specific as possible. For example, instead of saying, “I want to save money,” aim for something like, “I want to save $6,000 for a family vacation by the end of the year.”
Once you’ve set your goals, break them down into smaller, achievable milestones. This makes the process less overwhelming and more rewarding as you hit each target. Share your goals with your family so everyone can stay motivated and contribute to the goal.
Lastly, revisit your goals regularly. Life changes, and so might your priorities. Keeping your financial goals in mind ensures you stay focused and adapt as needed.
2. Create a Family Budget
A family budget is your financial roadmap. Start by listing all sources of income and then break down your monthly expenses into categories such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Use budgeting tools or apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget) to make this process easier.
Once you have a clear picture of where your money is going, identify areas where you can cut back. Maybe you’re spending more on takeout than you realized, or you can negotiate lower insurance or internet service rates. Every dollar saved adds up!
Involve your family in the budgeting process. Discussing finances openly can help everyone feel invested in achieving their savings goals. It also teaches kids valuable money management skills they’ll carry into adulthood.
3. Track Every Dollar
Tracking your spending might seem tedious, but it’s a game-changer. When you know exactly where your money goes, you can identify patterns and adjust your habits. Use apps like PocketGuard or good old-fashioned pen and paper to log expenses.
Set a daily or weekly time to review your spending. This keeps you accountable and prevents small expenses from snowballing into big problems. Over time, you’ll notice trends, like how often you’re stopping for coffee or grabbing snacks on the go.
Tracking your spending also helps you appreciate the value of money. It’s easier to say no to unnecessary purchases when you can see the bigger picture and how every dollar saved moves you closer to your goals.
4. Plan Your Meals
Meal planning is one of the easiest ways to save money and reduce food waste. Start by checking your pantry and fridge to see what you already have, then build your weekly meals around those items. Use grocery store flyers to find sales and plan your meals accordingly.
Make a detailed shopping list and stick to it. This minimizes impulse buys and ensures you’re only purchasing what you need. Consider cooking in bulk and freezing portions for busy days—it’s cheaper and healthier than ordering takeout.
Get your family involved in meal planning. Let kids help pick recipes or assist in the kitchen. This teaches them valuable skills and makes them more likely to eat what’s on their plates.
5. Embrace Generic Brands
Switching to generic or store-brand products can save you significant money without sacrificing quality. Many of these products are made by the same manufacturers as name-brand items, just with different packaging.
Start by trying generic versions of pantry staples like flour, sugar, and pasta. Once you realize there’s little to no difference, you’ll feel more confident swapping out items like cleaning supplies or personal care products.
If you’re hesitant, read reviews or compare ingredient lists to ensure you get a good deal. Over time, these small changes can add up to big savings.
6. Shop Secondhand
Secondhand shopping is a fantastic way to save money while reducing waste. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark offer everything from clothing to furniture at a fraction of the cost.
Before buying anything new, check if you can find it secondhand. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also an eco-conscious choice. You might even discover unique or vintage items that add character to your home.
Teach your kids the value of secondhand shopping by making it a fun adventure. Give them a budget and challenge them to find the best deals—it’s a great way to instill money-savvy habits early on.
100 Struggle Meals for Families
Breakfast Ideas
- Oatmeal with Honey
- Pancakes from Scratch
- Scrambled Eggs and Toast
- Rice Porridge
- Cinnamon Toast
- Banana Pancakes
- Hard-Boiled Eggs
- French Toast
- Yogurt with Granola
- Egg and Cheese Wraps
Lunch Ideas
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Tuna Salad on Crackers
- Pasta Salad
- Rice and Beans
- Quesadillas
- Ramen with Veggies
- Baked Potatoes
- Egg Salad Sandwiches
- Lentil Soup
Dinner Ideas
- Spaghetti and Marinara Sauce
- Baked Ziti
- Homemade Pizza
- Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Sloppy Joes
- Chili with Cornbread
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Stir-Fried Rice
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Vegetable Soup
Snack Ideas
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
- Cheese and Crackers
- Fruit Smoothies
- Trail Mix
- Rice Cakes
- Muffins
- Yogurt Parfaits
- Celery Sticks with Ranch
Quick Dinners
- Tacos with Leftover Meat
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Veggie Stir-Fry
- Hamburger Helper
- Breakfast for Dinner (Pancakes and Eggs)
- Shakshuka
- Homemade Sliders
- Fish Sticks with Veggies
- Meatloaf
- Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Dessert Ideas
- Cake Mix Cookies
- Rice Krispy Treats
- Banana Bread
- Pudding Cups
- Jello Cups
- Puppy Chow
- Marshmallow Treats
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Fruit Bars
- Popsicles
Additional Struggle Meals
- Cabbage Stir-Fry with Rice
- Bean and Cheese Burritos
- Potato Soup
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Fried Rice with Egg
- Homemade Ramen Bowls
- Grilled Veggie Sandwiches
- Cheese Omelet
- Canned Soup with Grilled Bread
- Zucchini Fritters
- Veggie and Hummus Wraps
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
- Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Sloppy Joe Sliders
- Spaghetti Squash with Sauce
- Black Bean Tacos
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Meatless Chili
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Homemade Flatbread Pizzas
- Sausage and Potato Hash
- Pasta Primavera
- Gnocchi with Marinara
- Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Baked Beans on Toast
- Stir-fried cabbage and Carrots
- Breakfast Burritos
- Shredded Chicken Tacos
- Hashbrown Casserole
- Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
- Curry Lentils with Rice
- Cheese Quesadillas with Salsa
- Peanut Butter Pasta
- Veggie Stir-Fry Noodles
- Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Tortillas
- Leftover Stir-Fry Wraps
- Fried Eggs and Rice
- Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
50 Budget-Friendly Snack Ideas for Kids
- Cucumbers with Ranch Dip
- Jello Cups
- Pudding Cups
- Frozen Fruit Bars
- Mini Pancakes
- Pasta Salad
- Apple Slices
- Yogurt Cups
- Cheese and Turkey Wraps
- Goldfish Crackers
- Go-Gurts
- Cheerios
- Banana Halves
- PB&J Sandwich Squares
- Popcorn
- Homemade Trail Mix
- Pretzel Sticks
- Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
- Raisins
- Cheese and Crackers
- Fruit Smoothies
- Applesauce Cups
- Cinnamon Toast Squares
- Cake Mix Cookies
- Mini Muffins
- String Cheese
- Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter
- Cheesy Dog in a Blanket
- Fruit Snacks
- Rice Krispy Treats
- Bell Pepper Strips
- Grapes
- Yogurt Parfaits
- Ants on a Log (Celery with Peanut Butter and Raisins)
- Orange Slices
- Puppy Chow
- Quesadillas
- Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Hard Cheese Cubes
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Marshmallows
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Soft Pretzel Bites
- Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter
- Baby Carrots
- Banana Bread Slices
- Butter Toast
- Peanut Butter Apple Slices
- Snack Mix with Cereal
How to Snack on a Budget
Snacking doesn’t have to derail your budget. With some ingenuity, you can keep your snack stash full without spending a fortune. Here are 10 practical and doable tips for snacking more frugally while saving money:
- DIY Your Snacks – Skip the pre-packaged options and make your trail mix, granola bars, or popcorn. It’s cheaper, fresher, and customizable to your taste.
- Shop Seasonal Produce – Fruits and veggies that are in season are not only more affordable but also taste better. Stock up on apples in the fall or cucumbers in the summer.
- Buy in Bulk – Buying in bulk can save you a ton for snacks like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Just make sure to store them properly.
- Use Leftovers Creatively – Turn last night’s dinner into today’s snack. Leftover chicken can become quesadillas, and extra pasta can become a cold salad.
- Embrace Simplicity – The best snacks are sometimes the simplest: a banana, a slice of buttered toast, or some crackers with cheese. No frills, just yum.
- Batch Prep Snacks – Spend a Sunday afternoon prepping snacks for the week. Slice veggies, portion out hummus, or bake muffins to grab and go.
- Make Friends with Your Freezer – Freeze yogurt, grapes, or even homemade popsicles for refreshing and budget-friendly snacks.
- Stick to Basics – Peanut butter, hard-boiled eggs, and rice cakes are inexpensive staples that can be dressed up or enjoyed.
- Avoid Impulse Buys – Those fancy snacks at the checkout line may look tempting, but they’re usually overpriced. Stick to your list!
- Turn Snacking into a Game – Challenge your family to create creative snacks using only what you already have at home. It’s a fun way to save and think outside the (snack) box.
Snacking on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or fun. It’s about being resourceful, embracing simplicity, and enjoying the little things. With these tips, your snacks will be as satisfying as your savings—a win-win!