The new year is all about fresh starts, setting goals, and making the most of what lies ahead. But let’s face it: tackling new resolutions, making life changes, or pursuing new goals and experiences can put a serious strain on your wallet. But don’t worry—with a few savvy moves and a little planning, you can make the most of 2025 without sacrificing your financial sanity. Here are 10 fun and practical ways to rock the new year without sweating your budget.
1. Set budget-friendly goals
Sure, we all love ambitious resolutions, but goals that drain your bank account are a surefire way to stress yourself out. Instead, set achievable, budget-friendly goals that align with your financial situation. Want to work out more? Skip the expensive gym membership and explore free workout apps or local trails. Dreaming of travel? Start small by checking out nearby towns or planning day trips instead of big luxury getaways. Then, you can set longer-term goals with plenty of time to save up for them.
The main thing right now is to focus on goals that make your life better without draining your bank account, so that you’re well-positioned to reach your bigger, longer-term goals.
2. Master the art of meal planning
Food costs can be one of the fastest ways to derail your budget, especially if you’re winging it every week. Meal planning can help you save money and eat healthier in the process. Sit down once a week and plan your meals, then make a grocery budget and list and stick to it. Try cooking meals in bulk and freezing leftovers to make busy nights easier (and cheaper!). Meal prepping is also a great way to save money and make your meal game easier.
Brigit tip: Make a habit of using up what’s already in your pantry before buying more groceries. You’d be surprised how many meals you can whip up using what you already have! Likewise, try to plan meals that use the same fresh ingredients for less waste and more cost-effective grocery spending.
3. Join (or start) a no-spend challenge
Kick off the new year by challenging yourself to a no-spend month. The idea is simple: aside from essentials like groceries, rent, and bills, you don’t spend a dime. Instead, get creative and find free activities, cook meals at home, and make use of what you already have. It’s a fun and eye-opening way to save money, and it’ll also help you reset your spending habits.
If that seems like too much, start off a little slower with a no-spend weekend. (You’ve got this—you’ll be surprised how much discipline you can have when you make a plan!)
4. DIY your entertainment
Who says you have to drop a fortune to have fun? Take advantage of free (or cheap) activities like hosting a game night with friends, having a movie marathon at home, or exploring local museums on free admission days. Check out community events, outdoor festivals, or farmer’s markets. You can also get crafty and learn a new skill—YouTube is a treasure trove of free tutorials! Here are some entertainment hacks to do fun and interesting things with minimal or no spending!
5. Shop smart during sales
The new year often comes with end-of-season sales, so if you need to stock up on essentials, wait for the discounts. Keep a list of things you truly need and stick to it—don’t get sucked into buying just because something is on sale. Also, think about using coupon apps or browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten to find additional savings.
Remember, being smart about shopping doesn’t mean being stingy; it means spending your money in ways that bring the most value.
6. Revamp your wardrobe without spending a fortune
Instead of splurging on an entirely new wardrobe, try mixing and matching the clothes you already own in creative ways. Organize a clothing swap with friends, where everyone brings gently used items they no longer wear. You’ll walk away with “new” pieces without spending a penny. Thrift stores are also a great way to find stylish, budget-friendly fashion finds.
You can even make some extra money by selling some of the things you don’t wear anymore—try listing them on sites like Poshmark, where you can also find great deals on slightly used clothes to make your clothing budget go further!
7. Create a home spa experience
Self-care doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Instead of paying for pricey spa days, create a DIY spa experience at home. Light some candles, play calming music, and treat yourself to a luxurious bubble bath. Whip up a homemade face mask using ingredients from your kitchen, like honey and avocado. Relaxation on a budget? Yes, please!
8. Make small changes that add up
Sometimes, the smallest tweaks can make the biggest difference. Consider swapping your daily coffee shop run for a DIY version of your favorite caffeinated beverage, packing lunch instead of eating out, or walking or biking instead of driving when you can. These changes may seem minor, but over the course of a whole year, they can add up to major savings.
Another tip? Use a budgeting app to help you track your progress and stay motivated. Watching your savings grow is the ultimate reward!
Brigit, for example, is an app that helps you track your spending by category. It’s a great tool for creating your budget and staying on track to meet your financial goals.
9. Invest in experiences, not things
It’s easy to get caught up in the “new year, new stuff” mentality, but studies show that experiences bring more happiness than material things. Instead of buying new gadgets or clothes, spend your money on experiences that bring you joy, like a weekend camping trip, a cooking class, or a day exploring a nearby city.
Even better, many experiences can be done on the cheap, or even for free if you know where to look. So, focus on creating memories, not accumulating things.
10. Embrace the “Use It Up” challenge
One of the best ways to save money is to use what you already have. This goes for everything from food to beauty products to home supplies. If you look around, you might be surprised how many things you have taking up space in your cabinets and closets that you aren’t using. Make it a challenge to “use it up” before buying anything new. It’s a great way to be more mindful of your spending, reduce waste, and rediscover items you may have forgotten you even have.
Need motivation? Turn it into a game with friends to see who can go the longest without buying new stuff!
Yes, you can rock the new year without going broke.
The start of a new year doesn’t have to mean stress about money or overspending. It also doesn’t mean you have to give up on the things you enjoy to save money. With a little creativity and a strategic mindset, you can live your best life without blowing up your budget. Remember, it’s all about focusing on what really makes you happy, being resourceful, and spending wisely and intentionally. Here’s to a year full of new adventures, fun experiences, and plenty of savings. You’ve got this!
Happy budgeting—and happy new year!
