You don’t need a reminder that life in the UK feels more expensive than ever. Food prices, energy bills, and rents all seem to rise faster than your pay packet.
And although inflation is finally (slowly) easing, most households are still playing catch-up.
For many of us, it’s no longer about getting ahead. It’s about staying afloat without losing our sanity.
That’s why this guide exists.
Below are 25 practical, tried-and-tested ways to survive the cost of living crisis in 2025. They won’t solve every problem, but they’ll help you stretch what you have, plug money leaks and find some breathing space.
If you can walk away saving £50–£100 a month or finally feel in control of your budget, that’s a success.
1. Start with a clear budget
If you only do one thing, do this. Budgeting gives you a map. Without it, you’re flying blind.
List every income source, every expense, and split your spending into essentials, nice-to-haves, and non-essentials.
Use a simple spreadsheet or a free app like Money Dashboard or Emma.
Read next: How to create a household budget that works for you
2. Ask for a raise (with data, not desperation)
It feels awkward, but if your role has grown or pay in your sector has risen, it’s worth asking.
Research market rates using Glassdoor or Adzuna, then approach your boss with a calm, evidence-based case.
Even a modest increase can offset rising costs of essentials.
3. Heat the person, not the home
When energy prices spiked, I swapped my thermostat for a fleece throw.
Heated blankets, hot water bottles, and thermal socks all cost pennies compared to heating an entire house. Think zones, not rooms and stay warm where you spend time.
Martin Lewis says heat the person, not the home and I wholeheartedly agree!
4. Check benefits, discounts, and grants regularly
Most people miss out on help they’re entitled to. Use the EntitledTo benefits calculator or Turn2Us.
Check your local council website for crisis funds, boiler or insulation grants, and energy discounts such as the Warm Home Discount.
Read next: How to survive a rent increase
5. Boost income from home
Turn a skill or hobby into a small side income. Sell craft items on Etsy, freelance on Fiverr, or offer tutoring via Superprof.
Micro-earning apps like Qmee, InboxPounds, or AttaPoll can add small but steady trickles of extra cash.
If you’re selling online, declare it properly, but don’t underestimate how a few extra hours a week can offset bills.
Read next: How to earn extra money online without getting scammed
6. Sell unused stuff (declutter with purpose)
We all have gadgets, clothes, or furniture gathering dust. List them on eBay, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, or MusicMagpie.
Be honest in your listings and photograph well. Even a weekend declutter can net £100 or more.
Read next: How to use eBay like a pro and How to use Facebook Marketplace like a pro
7. Save your spare change automatically
If you mostly use cards, apps like Plum or Chip round up purchases and save the spare change for you.
Prefer cash? Drop coins into a jar and cash them in once full. Even £1 a day adds up to £365 a year.
8. Switch your bank account for cashback
Banks are still paying switching bonuses, often £100–£200.
Check MoneySavingExpert’s switching table, follow the steps, and ensure you meet direct debit requirements.
Read next: How to switch bank accounts (and get paid for it)
9. Review your bills and suppliers every year
As contracts renew, compare deals for broadband, mobile, insurance, and energy.
Comparison sites are useful, but don’t stop there. Call your provider’s retention team as they often have “quiet” discounts to keep loyal customers.
10. Cook from scratch
Cooking isn’t just cheaper, it’s healthier and often quicker than waiting for a delivery driver.
Batch cook and freeze, use meal plans, and base dishes around seasonal vegetables.
Apps such as Too Good To Go and Olio help cut food waste and save money.
Read next: Budget meal planning 101
11. Switch to supermarket own brands
Most supermarkets now have “better than basic” ranges that match branded quality for a fraction of the price.
Try blind taste tests at home. You might be shocked how little difference you notice, except in your till receipt.
12. Plan no-spend days
Pick one day a week to spend nothing. Walk, read, or explore free local events. It’s surprisingly satisfying and can reset your spending habits.
13. Try car sharing or smarter travel
Fuel remains expensive.
Check Liftshare, BlaBlaCar, or Karshare to split commutes or occasional trips. Even one shared journey per week can save £40–£60 a month.
14. Use 0 % balance transfer credit cards carefully
If you’re repaying high-interest credit card debt, switch to a 0 % balance transfer card, but pay it off before the offer expires.
Avoid spending on that card afterwards and check transfer fees.
Read next: How to pay off credit card debt faster (even if rates go up)
15. Go SIM-only
A new iPhone may look tempting, but you’re often paying £20–£30 monthly just to finance it.
Keep your phone longer and switch to SIM-only. Providers like Smarty, Lebara, and Giffgaff offer unlimited plans under £12.
16. Cancel unused subscriptions
From streaming to gym memberships, forgotten subscriptions quietly drain accounts.
Use your banking app’s “subscriptions” view or services like Emma to see what’s recurring, then cancel what you no longer use.
17. Shop second-hand first
Before buying new, check Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, or local charity shops.
Many items, especially furniture and children’s gear, are nearly new and cost a fraction of retail.
18. Join a food or community pantry
Across the UK, community food hubs offer groceries for £3–£5 a week. They’re not food banks, they’re open to anyone looking to stretch a budget.
Find one via Your Local Pantry or Community Food Initiatives.
19. Maximise energy efficiency
Small tweaks save money fast. Lower your thermostat by one degree to cut bills by up to 10 %.
Bleed radiators, fit reflective panels, seal draughts, and use thermal curtains.
Smart plugs and usage-tracking apps can help pinpoint where energy is wasted.
Read next: How to reduce your energy bills without sacrificing comfort
20. Build an emergency fund, even a small one
Start small. £10 a week adds up to over £500 a year. Keep it in a separate easy-access account, not your day-to-day one.
This buffer can prevent future debt spirals.
Read next: How to build an emergency fund
21. Use cashback and loyalty apps
Combine savings from TopCashback, Quidco, Shopmium, and supermarket cards such as Tesco Clubcard or Nectar.
Used properly, they can shave 5–10 % off regular purchases.
Read next: Everything you need to know about supermarket loyalty cards
22. Consolidate or seek help with debt
If you’re juggling multiple payments, a free debt charity such as StepChange, Citizens Advice, or National Debtline can help consolidate or freeze interest.
Never pay for “debt advice” from firms cold-calling you.
23. Claim what’s yours: refunds, compensation, and vouchers
Delayed trains, faulty goods, missed deliveries, these all entitle you to refunds.
Use Resolver or contact the company directly. You’re not being difficult, you’re reclaiming money you’re owed.
24. Rethink your insurance
Shop around for home, car, and pet insurance.
Bundling policies or paying annually (if you can) often saves 10–15 %. Always compare cover, not just price.
25. Build long-term resilience
Once you stabilise your finances, focus on resilience.
Upskill for better job prospects, track credit score improvements, and learn to invest small amounts safely in low-risk products such as Lifetime ISAs or index funds.
Review finances quarterly to spot leaks early.
Read next: How to build financial resilience
Final thoughts
No single hack fixes the cost of living crisis, but a combination of small wins makes a real difference.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s momentum. Every £5 saved or earned helps you take back control, one step at a time.
Do you have clever ways to cut costs or earn extra income? Share them in the comments, your idea might help someone else make it through the year.
Cost of living FAQs
1. What government help is available in 2025?
The Energy Price Cap remains in place, and eligible households can still apply for the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Council Tax Reduction. Check Gov.uk for updates and your council’s hardship fund page for local support.
2. Should I fix or stay on a variable energy tariff in 2025?
If wholesale prices are stable, a fixed deal can provide peace of mind. But compare projected rates first, as fixed tariffs sometimes cost more over a year. Sites such as Uswitch and MoneySuperMarket offer current comparisons.
3. How much should I keep in an emergency fund?
Aim for three months of essentials, but start with any amount you can manage. Even £100 acts as a cushion for sudden expenses such as car repairs or bills.
4. How can I stay motivated to save when money’s tight?
Track every win, no matter how small. Use progress bars or savings challenges. Visual motivation keeps momentum going, especially when the reward is financial breathing room, not deprivation.
5. Where can I find free debt or budgeting help?
Try StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice, or MoneyHelper. They provide confidential, impartial advice free of charge.
