How to Save Money in 2025: The Tools I Use to Keep My Budget in Check

We all know that every dollar counts, and while it might seem like small savings here and there don't make a big difference, over time they really do add up. In 2025, there are a variety of services and websites that can help you save a few extra bucks without a lot of effort. I’ve been using a few tried-and-true platforms to get discounts, earn cash back, and find the best deals, and I wanted to share them with you. Here’s how I make sure I’m getting the most out of my purchases!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue creating content for you!

1. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

Rakuten is one of my favorite ways to save money because it helps me earn cash back on purchases I was already planning to make. All you need to do is sign up, search for the store you want to shop at on the Rakuten website or app, and click through to make your purchase. Rakuten partners with thousands of online retailers, from Amazon to Macy's, and offers anywhere from 1% to 10% (or more) in cash back. It might not sound like much at first, but over the course of a year, those cash back rewards really add up.

Pro Tip: If you're making a big purchase, check Rakuten first to see if the store offers a higher cash-back percentage or seasonal bonuses.

Referral Link: If you’re new to Rakuten, you can get an additional bonus when you sign up through my link: www.rakuten.com/r/BETHCT5?eeid=28187. (This helps support the blog at no extra cost to you!)

2. Capital One Shopping

If you haven’t tried Capital One Shopping yet, you’re missing out. This browser extension automatically finds and applies the best coupon codes for you when you're shopping online. I love how simple it is to use—just add it to your browser, and when you’re at the checkout page, it pops up with relevant codes to save you money. It's like having a personal coupon assistant without doing any extra work.

And, if you’re making purchases through Capital One Shopping, they also reward you with "Shopping Credits" that can be redeemed for gift cards from major retailers. You get paid to shop—what’s not to love?

Pro Tip: Even if you're not sure what store you're shopping at, Capital One Shopping has a large database of coupons that might apply to any purchase, making it a valuable tool for almost any shopping experience.

3. Honey

Honey is another browser extension that helps you find the best coupons. Once you’ve installed it, Honey automatically scans the web for available coupon codes when you're checking out at supported online stores. It's an easy way to make sure you never miss out on a discount.

In addition to coupon codes, Honey has a "Honey Gold" program, which allows you to earn points that you can redeem for gift cards to popular stores like Amazon, Target, and more. If you shop online a lot, Honey can be a game-changer, and it works with thousands of sites across various categories.

Pro Tip: Even if you’re unsure of whether there’s a coupon code available, Honey does all the hard work for you. Just install it once, and let it run in the background for the best savings.

Referral Link: If you haven’t yet signed up for Honey, use my link to get started and potentially earn some extra Honey Gold: joinhoney.com/ref/si1j4es. (Thanks for supporting the blog!)

4. UpSide

For all my fuel-guzzling friends, UpSide is a must-have app. It lets you earn cash back on gas purchases at participating stations, and all you have to do is upload your receipt or connect your credit card. This is especially handy for people who drive a lot or need to fill up regularly. Plus, it can sometimes offer better cash-back rates than your typical credit card rewards program. You can redeem your earnings for gift cards, PayPal cash, or even direct deposits into your bank account.

Pro Tip: Check UpSide before you hit the gas station to find out which stations are offering the best rates in your area.

Referral Link: Want to start saving on gas with UpSide? Use my referral link to sign up and earn extra cash back on your first fill-up: https://upside.app.link/BETH372382 (Your support means the world!)

5. One Key

One Key is a membership program from the folks behind Rakuten. By signing up for a One Key account, you gain access to even more cash-back opportunities on purchases from a wide range of stores. It also gives you early access to special offers and exclusive discounts, helping you save even more money. It's a great option if you’re already using Rakuten and want to level up your savings.

Plus, the One Key extension works seamlessly with Rakuten, so you’re not only getting access to higher cashback offers but also to more personalized deal recommendations.

Pro Tip: Use the One Key extension in tandem with Rakuten to stack cashback deals and maximize your savings!

6. Ally Bank: High-Interest Savings & Automated Transfers

When it comes to saving money, one of the simplest but most effective strategies is setting up a high-interest savings account. Ally Bank is my go-to option for this. With competitive interest rates (often much higher than traditional banks), your savings can grow faster without you having to do much. I love how Ally offers a variety of tools to help you save more, like their Automatic Transfers feature, which lets you set up monthly transfers from your checking account to your savings account. This way, you’re always putting money away for the future—without even thinking about it!

Why I Love Ally:

• High Interest Rates: Ally offers some of the best interest rates on savings accounts, meaning your money works harder for you.

• No Monthly Fees: They don’t charge fees for basic accounts, making it easy to grow your savings without worrying about losing money to maintenance costs.

• Automatic Transfers: You can easily set up automatic transfers, ensuring you save consistently each month. Even small amounts add up over time.

Referral Link: If you’re ready to start saving smarter with Ally, use my referral link to get started and earn a bonus when you open an account: https://ally.com/referral?code=8K4T9W5P9R. (Thank you for supporting the blog!)

Final Thoughts: Small Savings, Big Impact

It’s easy to overlook small savings, but the truth is that if you consistently use these tools, the dollars add up fast. Whether you’re shopping for essentials, treating yourself to something special, or even filling up your gas tank, there’s always a way to save a little extra money. Rakuten, Capital One Shopping, Honey, UpSide, and One Key are just a few examples of services that can help you stretch your budget further.

By integrating these tools into your shopping routine, you’ll be amazed at how much you can save without even trying. And as we all know, the little things eventually lead to big things—so don’t underestimate the power of a few bucks here and there.

What are your favorite ways to save money? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how you keep your wallet full in 2025!