11 quirky things to try in 2025 to save cash without giving up the good life - from bartering to handmade soap

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Unusual (but fun) tips to keep your wallet full in 2025 💸
  • It's possible to cut costs while still enjoying life by thinking outside the box
  • From quirky challenges to sustainable swaps, this year offers plenty of opportunities to save.
  • Embrace unconventional money-saving ideas that could make a big impact on your wallet

As we settle into 2025, many of us are looking for ways to save money in the new year without sacrificing too much of the good life.

While some might turn to the typical advice - cutting back on coffee runs or ditching the gym membership - there are more creative and quirky ways to keep your wallet full.

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Saving money doesn’t always mean sacrificing the things you love. By thinking outside the box and trying some of these quirky, creative ideas, you can enjoy a fulfilling year while keeping your finances in check.

Here are some fun and unconventional ideas that could help you save money this year. Give these ideas a go, and see how much you can save without feeling deprived!

(Photo: STEFAN WERMUTH/AFP via Getty Images)(Photo: STEFAN WERMUTH/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo: STEFAN WERMUTH/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Freecycle and swap groups

This year, why not consider getting your hands on things you need by swapping or getting them for free?

Freecycle, a global network for giving away used goods, is a great place to find secondhand furniture, gadgets, and even clothes - all without spending a penny.

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Swap groups, where people exchange goods instead of cash, are also popping up online. Whether you’re looking for home items, books, or baby clothes, swapping items can save you a fortune.

Start bartering

Bartering might sound old-school, but it's making a comeback. Instead of paying for services, consider trading your skills with someone in your community.

Need your garden landscaped? Maybe you can offer some tech support in exchange. Have a friend who’s great at baking? Barter for some homemade treats!

Bartering helps build community connections and can save you money while giving you an opportunity to share your talents.

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Try the ‘Anti-Shopping’ Challenge

Taking a break from buying new things can be liberating - and incredibly effective at saving money.

The ‘Anti-Shopping’ challenge involves avoiding any unnecessary purchases for a set period, whether it’s a month or even just a week. This can help you reevaluate your spending habits and curb impulse buys.

You’d be surprised at how many things you don’t actually need once you break free from the pressure to constantly buy.

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Make your own cleaning products

If you’re still buying expensive commercial cleaners, it’s time to try making your own. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can clean nearly every surface in your home, from countertops to toilets.

Not only will this save you money, but it’s also better for the environment and your health. You’ll need to experiment with recipes to find the right combinations, but the savings will add up quickly.

Cut your subscription services (or share them)

Subscription services can eat up a surprising portion of your monthly budget. This year, consider cutting the ones you rarely use.

For those you can’t live without - like streaming services or digital magazines - see if you can share an account with a friend or family member.

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Many services, including Netflix, Spotify, and Audible, offer shared plans. You’ll still get the same benefits but at a fraction of the cost.

Host DIY potlucks

Instead of going out for dinner with friends or ordering in, why not host a potluck? Everyone can pitch in with a dish, and it’s a fun, low-cost way to enjoy socialising.

To make it even more interesting, try a theme like “meals on a budget” or “international cuisine,” and challenge everyone to use only pantry staples.

The key here is that cooking at home and sharing the costs makes dining out look much less appealing.

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Upcycle old clothes

Instead of tossing clothes that no longer fit or are out of style, try your hand at upcycling.

Transform old t-shirts into bags, turn a worn-out pair of jeans into trendy shorts, or give a dated jacket a new lease on life with some creative embroidery or patches. There are plenty of tutorials online that can guide you through the process.

This not only saves you money on buying new clothes but also adds a personal touch to your wardrobe.

Use a refill station for household items

Refill stations - where you can bring your own containers to refill products like shampoo, soap, cleaning supplies, and even food staples like grains and spices - are becoming increasingly popular as part of the move toward reducing plastic waste.

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Instead of purchasing new plastic bottles or cans, refill your existing containers. This cuts down on waste and can save you a significant amount over time - especially if you’re an avid consumer of items like laundry detergent and hand soap.

Some larger supermarket chains have introduced refill stations within their stores, and more independent shops are embracing the zero-waste movement too. Some businesses - like Fill Refills - operate exclusively as refill stations.

You can search for your nearest refill station on Refill.org.uk, which provides an interactive map to help you find locations.

Rent, don’t buy

Consider renting items instead of purchasing them. If you’re a homeowner or love DIY projects, renting tools and equipment for one-off tasks can be far cheaper than buying them outright.

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Platforms like RentMy, Fat Llama, or even local tool libraries let you rent everything from power tools to camping gear.

This strategy works wonders if you don’t need the item often but want access to quality equipment for special occasions.

Plan your meals using leftovers

Meal planning and reducing food waste is a fantastic way to save money in 2025. But instead of just sticking to traditional meal planning, try to be extra creative with leftovers.

Mix last night’s roast veggies into today’s lunch salad, or repurpose the remains of a pasta dish into a casserole. Not only does this prevent food waste, but it also eliminates the need to buy extra ingredients for a new meal.

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Get into DIY repairs

Learn some basic repair skills to save money on maintenance. Whether it’s fixing a broken chair, sewing up a ripped shirt, or patching up a small leak in your roof, being able to tackle simple fixes yourself can save you a ton in professional repair costs.

Online tutorials can help you learn these skills, and you might find you enjoy the challenge. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce your reliance on costly services.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried any of these creative money-saving ideas, or do you have your own quirky tips to share? Drop a comment.

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