Home Economics 12 Habits Everyone’s Adopting Because of the Economy Right Now

Economics

12 Habits Everyone’s Adopting Because of the Economy Right Now

Julie Ann October 19, 2025

Recent shifts in the global economy, including high inflation and rising living costs, are prompting people to rethink their daily routines. From cutting back on discretionary spending to seeking new ways to save, individuals and families are proactively adopting new habits to secure their financial futures. These changes are reshaping how we shop, work, and interact with money.

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1. Meal Planning and Cooking at Home

With rising restaurant prices, more people are turning to home-cooked meals to stretch their budgets. Techniques like batch cooking, prepping meals in advance, and buying ingredients in bulk are becoming increasingly popular. According to recent reports, grocery store sales have outpaced restaurant spending as families focus on saving money while maintaining healthy diets. This shift is reshaping food habits across the country.

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2. Seeking Out Discounts and Coupons

Consumers are increasingly turning to discounts and coupons to combat higher prices. While traditional paper coupons remain in use, digital coupon apps and browser extensions have surged in popularity for their convenience and breadth of deals. Shoppers are actively comparing prices and stacking offers to maximize savings on everyday purchases. This renewed focus on deal-hunting reflects how technology is changing saving strategies.

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3. Cutting Non-Essential Subscriptions

As budgets tighten, many individuals are reevaluating recurring expenses like streaming platforms, subscription boxes, and digital memberships. People are prioritizing essential services and canceling or pausing those that no longer fit their needs or budgets. This trend has led to a noticeable spike in subscription cancellations across various industries, as reported in recent studies.

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4. Embracing Secondhand Shopping

To stretch their dollars, more shoppers are turning to thrift stores, online resale platforms, and buying gently used items. Unlike previous generations who often preferred new over used, today’s consumers are motivated by both affordability and sustainability. The popularity of apps and marketplaces for secondhand goods has soared, reflecting a significant change in shopping priorities.

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5. Delaying Major Purchases

Economic uncertainty and higher interest rates are causing many people to put off big-ticket purchases like cars, appliances, and even homes. Rather than taking on new debt or making large financial commitments, consumers are holding onto their existing goods longer. This shift is having a ripple effect on industries that rely on frequent consumer upgrades and major sales.

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6. Taking on Side Hustles

Many people are turning to side hustles and gig work to boost their income in response to economic pressures. From driving for ride-sharing companies to offering freelance services online, these flexible opportunities help individuals bridge the gap between expenses and earnings. The gig economy has seen notable growth as workers look for ways to diversify their income streams.

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7. Prioritizing Savings and Emergency Funds

Amid ongoing financial uncertainty, people are placing greater emphasis on saving money and creating robust emergency funds. Compared to previous years, there’s a notable shift toward regularly setting aside even small amounts to build a safety net. This heightened attention to savings is reflected in recent surveys, which show a growing percentage of households prioritizing financial preparedness.

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8. DIY Home Repairs and Maintenance

More homeowners are tackling repairs and maintenance projects themselves instead of hiring professionals, aiming to cut costs on labor. Tasks such as painting, basic electrical work, and minor plumbing fixes are increasingly handled without outside help. Online tutorials and home improvement resources make it easier for individuals to learn these skills. This hands-on approach is shifting how people manage upkeep.

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9. Using Public Transportation More

To save on rising fuel and car maintenance costs, more commuters are choosing public transportation such as buses, subways, and trains. Recent data reveals a notable uptick in ridership across major cities, reversing some of the declines seen during the pandemic. This shift not only offers savings but also helps reduce environmental impact.

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10. Buying in Bulk

Seeking to lower their overall expenses, many shoppers are joining warehouse clubs and purchasing items in larger quantities to benefit from lower per-unit costs. While buying in bulk can lead to significant savings on staples and household goods, it also requires more storage space and upfront spending. The strategy is especially popular for families and those with room to stock up.

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11. Home Gardening and Food Growing

To offset grocery bills and ensure access to fresh produce, more people are turning to home gardening. Urban residents are utilizing small balconies and community plots, while suburban households expand backyard gardens with vegetables and herbs. This hands-on approach not only helps save money but also fosters a sense of self-sufficiency. The trend is growing in response to economic pressures.

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12. Sharing and Lending Within Communities

Communities are increasingly embracing sharing and lending practices to reduce individual expenses. Initiatives like tool libraries, neighborhood carpool groups, and community swap events allow people to access what they need without purchasing new items. These collaborative efforts promote resourcefulness and foster stronger social ties. By pooling resources, neighbors can save money and reduce waste.

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Conclusion

The shift toward mindful spending, increased self-sufficiency, and community collaboration highlights how people are adapting to economic challenges with resilience and creativity. As individuals find new ways to save money and maximize resources, these habits not only address current financial pressures but may also shape long-term behavior. Many experts believe that some of these changes—like home cooking and resource sharing—could become permanent features of daily life.

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