4 Ways to Save an Extra $1,000 in 2025

Published on Dec. 7, 2024

Natasha Etzel

By: Natasha Etzel

Writer

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APYs are subject to change at any time without notice.

KEY POINTS

  • Many people are starting to outline their financial goals for 2025, and saving $1,000 is a good one for your financial future.
  • Try trimming your spending and paying yourself first.
  • Consider using automation to stay on track and boosting your income if possible.

If you want to save money in 2025, you're in the right place. Setting aside an extra $1,000 throughout the year can make a big difference in helping you prepare financially. Knowing you have additional cash for emergencies can give you greater peace of mind.

While $1,000 is a good chunk of money, saving this sum may be easier than you realize. I'll share some strategies to help you reach your $1,000 savings goal in 2025.

1. Reduce your spending

Adjusting your spending habits can free up money to save. Don't know how much money you're spending each month? You're not alone. Many of us spend more money than we realize.

You can use one of the best budgeting apps to review your spending and determine if there are unnecessary purchases that you can eliminate to save more.

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You may be overspending on takeout or online shopping, or perhaps you're paying for subscriptions you no longer use. Every extra dollar you spend adds up. Making a few small changes can make a big difference in improving your finances and helping you reach your savings goals.

2. Pay yourself first

One way to ensure you reach your $1,000 savings goal by the end of 2025 is to pay yourself first. Decide how much you want to save each week or month and treat your savings contributions like a must-pay expense, like your electric or gas bill.

By including your savings contributions in your monthly budget, you will always have enough money to contribute to your savings fund. If you fail to pay yourself first, you may spend your extra money before it lands in your savings account.

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3. Use automation to stay on track

You may forget to contribute to your savings account when life gets busy, but you can use automation to stay on track. If you want to reach your savings goal by the end of 2025, I recommend setting up automatic transfers so money is transferred from your checking account to your savings account regularly.

I suggest breaking your bigger goal into more manageable goals. For example, if your yearly savings goal is $1,000, you might decide to set aside money weekly. You'd need to set aside $19.24 every week to hit your milestone. If you want to round up to make life easier, set your weekly automatic transfers to $20. You'll have $1,040 saved by the end of 2025.

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4. Increase your income

While this isn't feasible for everyone, it may be an option for some. It's hard to prioritize saving when you only make enough money to cover your bills and expenses. If you're already stretched thin after reducing unnecessary spending, an income boost can give you greater flexibility to save.

Here are some ways to increase your income:

  • Get a part-time job
  • Start a side hustle
  • Ask for a raise
  • Apply for better-paying jobs

Now is the time to make a plan

It's amazing that you're making saving a priority, but don't wait until January to plan. Now is the perfect time to outline your financial goals for the year ahead so you can strategize and take action to set yourself up for success. Remember: It's never too late to make positive changes to improve your financial health.

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Natasha Etzel
Natasha Etzel

Natasha is a freelance writer who specializes in personal finance, credit card, credit card rewards, and travel hacking content.