More Americans are hitting racks and vintage shops not only for the “cute vibes,” but also to stretch their dollars. Nearly two-thirds now say they regularly shop secondhand to save money, according to a Talker Research survey commissioned by Mercari, a secondhand marketplace.
What’s fueling the surge? A mix of financial pressure, the thrill of one-of-a-kind finds and a rising awareness of sustainability. But too much thrifting can lead to overspending, which is where a budgeting app can come in handy.
Why Thrifting Is More Than Just Cheap Finds
Thrifting isn’t just about pinching pennies. Sure, it helps people stick to a budget, but it’s also about the thrill of finding something unexpected—a vintage jacket, quirky home décor, or a classic book you didn’t even know you wanted.
For Generation-Z, thrifting has become almost a weekly habit. Nearly 3 in 10 (28%) say they stop by thrift stores regularly, mixing smart spending with their own personal style, the survey found. (Gen-Zers are ages 13 to 28, according to Pew Research Center.)
There’s a bonus, too: buying used goods is good for the planet. Every purchase keeps clothing and other goods out of landfills, giving thrift shoppers a practical way to be eco-conscious, according to Goodwill. And for many, it’s also a little win for themselves,: a chance to browse, discover and walk away with something special.
Where Budgeting Apps Come In
Thrifting is fun, but going overboard is easy in the face of cute, affordable products That’s where budgeting apps come in. They help you set spending limits, track your purchases and make smarter money choices.
Pairing thrifting with a budgeting app lets you set aside a monthly allowance for secondhand treasures and avoid a shocking credit card bill at the end of the month. Logging each purchase also gives you a clear picture of how thrifting fits into your overall budget, so you can stay on track without losing the thrill of the hunt.
If you’re in the hunt for some help to keep your spending under control, here are some of the best budgeting apps.
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| COMPANY | FORBES ADVISOR RATING | BEST FOR | COST | ANDROID RATING | iOS RATING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Zero-Based Budgeting | $17.99/month or $79.99/year (after 14-day free trial) | 4.4/5 (based on 13,000+ ratings) | 4.7/5 (based on 70,000+ ratings) | Read Our Review | |
| | Cash Flow Monitoring | Free version or $5.99 a month, $21.99 a month or $49.99 for lifetime subscription (prices may vary) | 4.7/5 (based on 340,000+ ratings) | 4.6/5 (based on 5,000+ ratings) | ||
| | Desktop Budgeting | $50-$150/year or $10/month (after 30-day free trial) | 4.5/5 (based on just 19 ratings) | 5/5 (based on just six ratings) | ||
| | Managing Subscriptions | Free version or between $6-$12/month (after 7-day free trial) | 4.7/5 (based on 99,000+ ratings) | 4.5/5 (based on 230,000 ratings) | On Rocket Money’s website | |
| | Replacing Mint | $99.99/year or $14.99/month after 7-day free trial | 4.7/5 (based on 11,000+ ratings) | 4.9/5 (based on 47,000+ ratings) | On Monarch’s website For a limited time get 50% off your first year with code MONARCHVIP | |
| | Automatic Savings | $14.99/month, $19.99/month or $39.99/month based on plan (after 30-day free trial) | 4.5/5 (based on 120,000+ ratings) | 4.6/5 (based on 240,000+ ratings) | ||
 | Beginner Budgeteers | Free version, $1.99/month or $14.99/year for Plus; $5.99/month or $35.99/year for Premium (after 7-day free trial) | 4.5/5 (based on 55,000+ ratings) | 4.6/5 (based on 5,000+ ratings) | ||
| | Managing Household Expenses | $2.99/month (with 50% off discount) | 4.2/5 (based on 3,000+ ratings) | 4.4/5 (based on 5,000+ ratings) | On Quicken’s Website | |
| | Tracking Spending | $74.99/year or $12.99/month (after 7-day free trial) | 4.7/5 (based on 2,000+ ratings) | 4.1/5 (based on 500+ ratings) | Read Our Review | |
| | Goal-Setting | $109/year or $14.99 month (after 34-day free trial) | 4.7/5 (based on 21,000+ ratings) | 4.8/5 (based on 55,000+ ratings) | On YNAB’s Website |
Smart Ways To Shop and Save
Beyond using budgeting apps, these simple tips can help you stay savvy with your spending in today’s economy:
- Set a thrift budget. Try to pick and stick to a monthly spending limit. Many apps can even send alerts if you’re close.
- Track every purchase. Even the small finds add up. Logging them keeps you on top of your spending and shows where your money goes.
- Plan for bigger items. If you’re eyeing a pricier item, save gradually in your app so you can snag it without any guilt.
- Find savings elsewhere. You can also try to cut back on dining out or unused subscription fees to free up more money for thrifting without touching essentials.
Bottom Line
With inflation and rising living costs, thrifting isn’t just a fad. It’s a smart way to stretch your dollars. And when you add in a desire to live more sustainably, it makes perfect sense. Budgeting apps make it even easier for Americans to shop second-hand without worrying about overspending.
Pairing thrifting with smart financial tools is a win-win. You save money, cut down on waste and still get the thrill of finding something unique—all while keeping your budget in check. In 2025, shopping smart isn’t just about money: it’s about making choices that match your lifestyle, wallet and values.
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