The start of 2026 has brought a familiar wave to TikTok, and it is all about tightening spending. Creators are swapping flashy hauls for practical checklists, sharing what they cut, what they keep, and how they stay motivated when saving stops feeling fun. Some viewers swear these habits helped them build real breathing room, while others argue that skipping small treats will never fix a bigger income problem. Either way, the conversations are everywhere, and they are surprisingly relatable.
One of the most talked about voices is a TikToker named Rach, who posts about living extremely frugally. In a viral video, she says that if you truly want to save this year, you have to live far below your means. She frames it as a kind of survival mode, where comfort spending becomes the first thing to go. Her list includes cutting food delivery, skipping salon appointments like acrylic nails, and saying no to event tickets.
Rach also points out that not everyone will go all in, so she suggests smaller swaps that still lower the bill. If you are out for dinner, she recommends skipping dessert, and choosing water instead of juice or another drink. It is the kind of advice that sounds minor until you imagine it repeated week after week. Her core message is that consistency matters more than one dramatic change.
Not everyone is buying it. Some commenters pushed back hard, saying these tips will not lift anyone out of poverty. A few argued that the real solution is increasing income, not squeezing every ounce of joy out of daily life. Others agreed that saving is important, but they do not want a lifestyle that feels like barely getting by.
@itsrachey Cut back realistically!! #FrugalLiving #frugallifehacks #FinancialReset #PersonalFinance #MoneyTok ♬ original sound – Rach✨
Still, plenty of people jumped in to say the small cuts added up more than they expected. One viewer shared that they felt close to going broke until they stopped buying things they did not actually need. Another said they spent about $30,000 less in 2025 than in 2024 simply by eliminating unnecessary costs, which they estimated at roughly €25,500. The tone from this side of the comments is blunt, and it is all about security.
Another creator, 26 year old Zofi, went viral with her own list of what she will not spend money on in 2026. She mentioned skipping cafe coffee that can cost up to $8, shopping for groceries only once a week, and switching to a cheaper gym membership. Even viewers who did not want to copy everything said her video made them notice their habits. Some found a middle ground, like making coffee at home most days and buying one as a Friday reward.
Where you land on these tips probably depends on your budget, your stress level, and how much room you actually have to cut back. The most useful takeaway might be choosing a few changes that feel sustainable instead of trying to punish yourself into saving. What money habit are you trying to change in 2026, and which tip would you actually stick with? Share your thoughts in the comments.
