10 Simple Ways to Save Money on a Low Income in 2025

In early 2025, I was broke.

Not just “can’t afford a coffee” broke. I was counting coins, skipping meals, and avoiding phone calls because I couldn’t pay my bills. I worked full-time at a job that paid just enough to survive, but not enough to live.

I used to believe that saving money was only for rich people. But the truth is, saving is even more important when you have a low income.

One cold January night, I made a promise to myself: This year, I will take control of my money—even if I earn very little.

That promise changed my life.

Here are the 10 simple ways I used to save money on a low income in 2025. These small steps didn’t just help me survive—they helped me finally start living.

1. I Started Tracking Every Penny

The first step I took was brutally simple. I wrote down everything I spent—yes, even $1 on tea or $3 on mobile data. It opened my eyes. I was wasting money without realizing it.

Using a free budgeting app helped, but honestly, a notebook worked just fine too. The point is: when you see where your money goes, you can start telling it where to go.

2. I Created a “Survival Budget”

My old budget was just a mess in my head. I sat down and listed my income, rent, bills, food, and transport costs. Then I cut the “wants” and focused only on “needs.”

I called it my “survival budget.” It wasn’t fun, but it gave me peace. I knew exactly what I had and what I could spend.

3. I Learned to Cook Simple Meals at Home

Fast food used to be my escape—until I saw I was spending over $150 a month on it.

I taught myself to cook basic meals like rice and vegetables, homemade soups, and pasta. I started meal prepping for the week.

In the first month, I saved over $100 just by avoiding takeout.

4. I Cancelled Subscriptions I Didn’t Need

Netflix, Spotify, a fitness app I never used... gone.

I realized I was paying monthly for things I wasn’t even using. Cutting them gave me an extra $35 a month to save or spend on food.

5. I Bought Used, Not New

Instead of buying new clothes, I started shopping at second-hand stores. When my phone charger broke, I found a used one for half the price online.

It may sound small—but buying used instead of new saved me hundreds over time.

6. I Walked or Carpooled Whenever I Could

I sold my car because I couldn’t afford the gas and insurance. I walked to work when I could and shared rides with friends or coworkers.

It wasn’t always comfortable—but I saved over $1,200 in just 6 months by not owning a vehicle.

7. I Set Up a “Hidden” Savings Account

I opened a separate savings account at a different bank and set it to auto-transfer just $1 per day. It didn’t seem like much—but by the end of the year, I had over $400 saved without even thinking about it.

It became my emergency fund—and my safety net.

8. I Used Coupons and Cashback Apps

I started using digital coupons for groceries and cashback apps like Rakuten for online shopping. Sometimes I saved $10, sometimes just $1—but every bit mattered.

Shopping smart became a fun little game I played with myself: “How much can I save today?”

9. I Stopped Borrowing Money

I used to rely on credit cards to get through the month—but the interest was killing me. In 2025, I made a rule: no borrowing unless it was a life-or-death emergency.

That one change forced me to live within my means and avoid the debt trap.

10. I Focused on My Needs, Not My Pride

This was the hardest part. I stopped trying to impress others. I didn’t upgrade my phone. I didn’t go out unless it was free.

It hurt my pride at first—but it helped my peace of mind.

Eventually, I learned that freedom is better than flexing.

💬 Final Thoughts

Living on a low income is hard. There’s no sugar-coating it. But I promise you this: it’s not impossible.

You don’t need a high salary to start saving. You just need to be honest with yourself, get creative, and take small steps.

These 10 strategies helped me go from broke and stressed to stable and hopeful. They won’t make you rich overnight—but they will help you build a better future.

If you’re struggling like I was, just start with one small change today. Then another tomorrow. Soon, you’ll look back and realize you’ve come a long way.