5 Really Easy Budget Tricks We Learned This Year (They’ll Save You Hundreds!)
With the frenzy of holiday spending in the rearview mirror, January is a natural time to take a closer look at your bank account — and learn some new tips on how to manage your finances. Whether you’re looking to adjust your grocery budget, create a new shopping strategy, increase your savings, or simply rethink your approach to budgeting, now is the perfect time to take stock and set money goals for the new year.
To help, I rounded up five of the best budgeting tips I read on Apartment Therapy in 2024 to get you on the right track for 2025.
Use a Budgeting App
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to start when it comes to finances, user-friendly budgeting apps can do some of the heavy lifting for you. These apps allow you to input all your financial details and generate a personalized plan.
Some popular options include Honey Due (ideal for couples), Empower, and Goodbudget. It’s worth trying out a few different apps to find one that best suits your needs, so you can let the app — and your money — work harder for you in the new year.
Read more: 7 Best Budgeting Apps for Every Kind of Budgeter
Try the 100 Envelope Method
The 100 envelope challenge is a savings system where you label 100 envelopes from 1 to 100 and save the corresponding amount each day for 100 days. By the end, you’ll have saved $5,050. This challenge could be a great way to kick-start the first quarter of the year with some financial discipline.
Apartment Therapy contributor Holly Carter tried this challenge, and while she didn’t make it to the full 100 envelopes, she says, “After 42 days of actual saving, I did squirrel away $1,627 without really feeling the burn.” Sounds like a savings win to me.
Read more: I Tried the “100 Envelope” Method for Budgeting and Here’s How I Saved $1,600
Try Loud Budgeting
While many people keep their financial goals private, “loud budgeting” is all about being open and transparent with those around you. Telling friends that you’re saving money for the future could inspire them to do the same. So, what does that look like? It can simply mean telling your friends you’re unable to meet up for your weekly dinner because you’d like to hit your financial goals for the month.
After being open about your goals, you might even find that you all choose more budget-friendly activities, like meeting at home instead of dining out, while still enjoying time together. It’s a powerful way to create healthier money habits in a supportive environment.
Read more: “Loud Budgeting” Is My Money Resolution for 2024 — Here’s Why
Adapt the 70-20-10 Rule
The 70-20-10 budgeting rule divides your budget into three categories: 70% on needs, 20% on savings, and 10% on wants. In light of inflation, this rule can be an especially helpful way to make sure you’re spending within your means.
When she tried this budgeting method, Apartment Therapy contributor Heather Bien says she realized that there’s a lot of flexibility in how you interpret the categories. “Figure out what your nonnegotiables are and then work from there. Do you need to pay for utilities, medical expenses, or transportation for work? If so, then that would fit in the 70% category,” she writes.
The great thing about this rule is that it’s all situational. While it may not work for everyone, it sure is a great start to actually looking at where your money is going. After reviewing, you might realize you probably didn’t need to purchase coffee three times last week. It’s the perfect way to sit and reflect on your money habits.
Read more: I Tried the 70-20-10 Rule, and Now I’ll Never Look at My Budget the Same Way
Buy Reusable Items
When shopping for home essentials like Tupperware or storage bags, consider opting for reusable products instead of single-use options. Items like Trader Joe’s silicone bags may cost a bit more up front, but they’ll save you money in the long run; plus, they’re better for the environment. Consider it an investment that pays off over time.
Read more: The $10 Trader Joe’s Staple You’ll Buy Once and Use Forever
Whether you pick one of these budgeting tips or try them all, until you find something that meshes well with your lifestyle, they’re a great starting point to building sustainable money habits. Just remember, your financial journey is personal, and it’s important that you don’t compare your progress to anyone you see online or know personally.
You may even want to share what works for you with your friends — after all, having an accountability buddy is a wonderful way to stick to your goals together. Maybe by the end of the year you’ll be planning a vacation with all that smart saving you did!
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It’s a Game-Changer!)
See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room
