How to Make the Most of Your Money in 2025 (Without Feeling Like You’re Living in a Bunker)

A few small shifts can leave you feeling financially secure without feeling deprived.
How to Make the Most of Your Money in 2025 (Without Feeling Like You’re Living in a Bunker)
There's no need to pinch pennies to save money but every bit counts. Dejan Dundjerski/Shutterstock
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Let’s be honest—nobody wakes up thinking, “Today, I'd love to pinch every penny so hard Abe Lincoln winces.” But with prices climbing faster than my stress level when I realize I’ve left my phone at home and have to survive a whole day without it, smart money habits are a must. The good news? You don’t have to live off canned beans in a dimly lit basement to make the most of your money. A few small shifts can leave you feeling financially secure without feeling deprived.

Get Friendly With Automation (So You Can Forget and Still Win)

Automation is like the slow cooker of personal finance—set it and let it do the work. By automating savings, bills, and investments, you eliminate the chance of “accidentally” spending your mortgage payment on a flash sale. Here’s how:
Savings First, Always: Set up an automatic transfer to savings on payday, even if it’s just $25. If you don’t see it, you won’t miss it.
Mary Hunt
Mary Hunt
Author
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM