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GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years Trusted by YouGov data<\/a> showed that 75% of U.S. adults were using money more cautiously in 2025. Rethinking your lifestyle, including being more frugal, can help improve your financial security as costs rise. <\/p>\n In a TikTok post<\/a>, Ramsey Solutions money<\/a> expert George Kamel outlined 12 key rules for living frugally without sacrificing all the joys<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1. Avoid Trends<\/p>\n Kamel described trendy financing options \u2014 such as credit cards; buy now, pay later (BNPL) plans; and home equity lines of credit \u2014 as \u201ctraps\u201d to avoid. Besides risking interest charges and unmanageable payments, using debt increases your chance of making unwise purchases and overspending<\/a>.<\/p>\n 2. Pay for Quality<\/p>\n Don\u2019t assume that buying the shirt, mattress or luggage with the lowest price tag is smart for your finances, as you might end up replacing it sooner than expected. Kamel recommended splurging on higher-quality items for lower long-term costs, even if it means waiting.<\/p>\n 3. Make Sacrifices<\/p>\n You might need to sell items or hustle to get through a difficult time. Given that housing and transportation are Americans\u2019 top two expenses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, it\u2019s not surprising that Kamel listed unaffordable cars and homes as what to give up.<\/p>\n 4. Earn Interest, Don\u2019t Pay It<\/p>\n Paying someone interest on debt keeps you broke and steals money you could invest. Instead, put your money to work so it earns compound interest and grows your wealth.<\/p>\n 5. Budget Your Money<\/p>\n Rather than spending money without a plan, take Kamel\u2019s advice to budget and spend each dollar purposefully. He also reframed budgeting<\/a> as a \u201cpermission\u201d to spend rather than a \u201crestriction.\u201d<\/p>\n 6. Research Purchases<\/p>\n Thoroughly research purchase options online, including prices at multiple retailers, promo codes and customer reviews. Kamel noted this simple practice can lead to substantial savings.<\/p>\n 7. Use Cash, Not Credit<\/p>\n EMarketer<\/a> estimated that Americans will spend more than $4 trillion on credit cards in 2026. While costly debt is the norm, Kamel recommended using only cash and holding off on purchases you can\u2019t afford. Consider sinking funds for major purchases.<\/p>\n 8. Don\u2019t Spend To Save<\/p>\n While it\u2019s smart to take advantage of sales and coupons on necessary purchases, it can also lead to unnecessary spending due to FOMO, or fear of missing out. Kamel advised sticking to planned purchases and not buying something just because it\u2019s cheap.<\/p>\n 9. Be Realistically Frugal<\/p>\n Excessive frugality can make you miserable and lead you to give up on your plan. You should still incorporate fun and enjoyment into your life and make intense frugality only temporary.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cLive like no one else for a few years, so later, you can live and give like no one else,\u201d Kamel said.<\/p>\n 10. Know Saving\u2019s Limits<\/p>\n While cutting expenses is great, you\u2019ll eventually run out of new ways to save. Kamel advised also making more money, such as through a raise or side gig, and investing to become wealthy<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n 11. Practice Minimalism<\/p>\n Rather than giving you peace, having more stuff can hurt your finances and clutter your space. So think wisely before making your next purchase.<\/p>\n 12. Focus on Freedom<\/p>\n Kamel recommended making decisions that give you freedom, whether that means less stress or more flexibility to achieve your financial goals. His version of freedom is being debt-free.<\/p>\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
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