Any finance guru will tell you that you need to have at least $1,000 in an emergency fund. This emergency fund means that when the tire blows out, the washing machine stops working, or someone breaks an arm, you are good. No credit card is needed to cover those expenses.
When money is really tight, though, it can be hard to save any amount. Whether you want to put your $1,000 in an emergency fund or save for other things, here are 11 ways you can save $1,000 this year. Some are obvious and that’s okay—sometimes the most obvious things can make the biggest impact. Every little bit counts.
Before we dive into this, we have to remember the difference between needs and wants. If you can put it on a list and wait 30 days to ponder if you really want to buy it, it’s officially a want.
11 Ways to Save $1,000 in 2025
1. Ditch cable or extra streaming services
This can sound scary to some of you, but ditching cable doesn’t mean you won’t ever get to watch TV. There are a lot of different services you can stream online. You could try Amazon Prime which is $139 for a year, Netflix which starts at $6.99 per month, or Hulu Plus which is $7.99 per month. There are also services like Sling FreeStreamTV that allow you to watch tons of things completely free!
Even better, head to your local library. You can get TV show series and movies for FREE (as long as you return them on time).
2. Consider downgrading your phone
I know, I know. How is it possible to get along without a smartphone these days? It is possible and you can still get a non-fancy, less expensive phone. If you are no longer under contract, consider the downgrade. Another great option is to get a model that is a year or two older.
Still under contract? As long as you stay with the same provider, you should be able to downgrade your service. You’ll have to talk to your service provider to discuss the details of this.
3. Open a New Bank Account
Shop at Modcloth where they have super cute outfits marked down up to 80% off! Plus, use a coupon code to save even more!
Modcloth coupon codes:
- MITTENS15: extra 15% off your order
- BEST30: extra 30% off select styles
Deal Ideas
Shimmer and Shake Mini Skirt – $39.99 (reg. $79)
-Use code BEST30
-Use code MITTENS15
makes it $23.80!
Fabulous Fit And Flare Shirt Dress – $49.99 (reg. $119)
-Use code BEST30
-Use code MITTENS15
makes it $29.75!
Swirly Twirly Sugar Plum Fit And Flare Dress – $59.99 (reg. $99)
-Use code BEST30
-Use code MITTENS15
makes it $35.70!
Starlet Power Button-Down Top – $19.97 (reg. $59)
-Use code MITTENS15
makes it $16.97!
This offer is good through 1/7. Shipping is free on orders of $150+.
Read More→
We’ve got a great new batch of Instant Savings deals at Sam’s Club! Here’s a list of my favorite deals. Start the year off with deals to stock up on your favorite cleaning items, vitamins, and food.
Shop online or in your local club and you’ll see the discount apply automatically at checkout.
Want a Sam’s membership? Now is a great time! Get a 1 year membership for only $20 through Christmas Eve.
Electronics
- Brother INKvestment Tank All-in-One Inkjet Printer, $229, limit 5
-$70 off instant savings (*online only)
(makes it $159) - LG 75″ Class UR8000 Series LED 4K Smart TV, $649, limit 5
-$100 off instant savings
(makes it $549) - VIZIO 75″ Class Quantum Series QLED Smart TV, $699, limit 5
-$100 off instant savings
(makes it $599) - VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar with Dolby Atmos, $199
-$30 off instant savings
(makes it $169) - ASUS Chromebook CX1, 15.6″ FHD NanoEdge Display, Intel Celeron N4500 Processor, $249, limit 2
-$50 off instant savings
(makes it $199) - HP 17.3″ Windows Laptop – Full HD IPS Screen – Intel Core i7, $899, limit 2
-$300 off instant savings
(makes it $599) Read More→
Lululemon fans can snag a pair of these Women’s Blissful 2 Running Shoes in the mink berry color for just $59 (reg. $128) shipped!
No code necessary. Price is marked. This deal won’t last long, so grab your new sneakers today!
See this and a couple more Lululemon deals below!
Deal Ideas
Women’s Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe, Mink Berry – $59 (reg. $128)
Everywhere Belt Bag Plush Fleece, Bone/Silver – $19 (reg. $68)
Scuba Oversized Pullover Wordmark, Multiple Colors – $69 (reg. $118)
These offers are good for a limited time only while supplies last. Shipping is free.
Read More→
Right now Walmart has a Carote sale! Enjoy these deep discounts on induction and non stick cookware and knife sets!
Most of these pots and pans sets come with a detachable handle (Carote’s trademark) to help you save space in your kitchen cabinets.
Shipping is free on orders $35+ (most items in the sale!) or always with Walmart+.
Deal Ideas
Carote 18 pcs Induction Cookware Pots and Pan Set with Detachable Handle – $69.98 (reg $199.99)
*more colors available!
Carite 15 pc Granite Non Stick Pots and Pans Set with Removable Handle – $49.98 (reg $199.99)
Carote 22 pcs Non Stick Induction Pots and Pans Set with Detachable Handle – $99.98 (reg $299.99)
Carote 12 pcs Stainless Steel Ceramic Coated Kitchen Knife Set with Pairing Knife – $17.99 (reg $99.99)
*more colors available!
Carote 15 pcs Ceramic Coated Premium Kitchen Knife Set – $39.99 (reg $199.99)
Orders $35+ ship free!
Find your new favorite purse, backpack or tote at the Vera Bradley Outlet clearance. Prices marked are up to 70% off + get an extra 20% off at checkout!
This sale makes for some fantastic finds at fantastic prices! Go ahead and see for yourself!
Deal Ideas:
Outlet Essential Rucksack Backpack – $38.16 (reg. $159)
Outlet Ultralight Hobo Shoulder Bag – $24.77 (reg. $129)
Outlet Small Flap Hipster – $26.16 (reg. $109)
This deal is good for a limited time. Shipping is free on orders $50 and up.
See more online shopping deals!
I love making stir fry for dinner because it’s healthy and super versatile! This recipe for quick chicken and Brussels stir fry is flavorful, fast, and is packed with veggies.
Note: I used meat from a rotisserie chicken, but if you don’t have that, you can roast some chicken breasts in the oven.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
- 1 cup cooked and chopped chicken (I used meat from a rotisserie chicken)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat, add the butter.
- Add the onion and carrot and allow to cook until the onions are soft, about 6 minutes. Add in the peas, corn, and Brussels sprouts and cook until the Brussels sprouts are wilted, about 3 minutes.
- Add the chicken.
- While the veggies are cooking, make the sauce. Mix together the soy sauce, water, garlic, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggie mixture and allow to cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
See more frugal recipes!
Pasta sauce is a pantry staple you always want to have on hand! Grab up to (5) jars of Prego at Kroger for just $1.49 each at the Mega Event, no extra coupons needed.
This item is part of a mega event. The price listed is after a $1 instant savings when you purchase 5+ items. You can mix and match items and are welcome to buy more than 5.
Kroger Prego Mega Deal (ends 1/14):
- Prego Pasta Sauce, 14.5-24 oz, $2.49
(makes it $1.49)
Check out the full Kroger ad for more great deals.
No time or money for the gym? Did you know you can learn how to do just about anything on YouTube? Starting or changing your fitness routine is no exception and there are tons of channels out there to help you get into shape.
Plus, workouts are great for you physically, but my absolutely favorite benefit of exercise is the mood boost. An at-home workout can ease your burdens and have your endorphins buzzing all day.
Hint: These YouTube workouts are fantastic for when you’re on vacation and only have access to limited equipment.
(If you’re looking for some apps to track other aspects of health like food, check out my post on 11 free apps to help you lose weight and stay motivated or my post on the 12 best free fitness apps.)
YouTube Fitness Channels
Yoga
–>Yoga With Adriene
–>Breathe and Flow
You don’t need a mat to do yoga, just find a place on the floor where you won’t slip. However, you can grab one for usually less than $30!
For Runners
Are you a runner stuck inside on a rainy day? You can still up your run game with an at-home workout!
–>David Roche Running Coach
–>IBX Running Treadmill Workouts and More
–>Jay Johnson Running Coach
