How I’m Saving Money this Year

Hello darlings! I don’t know about you, but last month was rough. To start, my car was declared a total loss halfway through (more on that later), and dealing with my insurance company—after having just paid for the next six months in full—has consumed most of my mental energy. Between that and work, it’s been tough to focus on much else.

So, I thought I’d share How I’m Saving Money This Month because, given the state of the economy (and where it could be going), it feels smart to save as much as possible and start the new year on a responsible note. If I’m being honest, I don’t necessarily want to contribute to the economy this year—like, at all. But I also know that small businesses, especially mom-and-pop shops, rely on community support. So while I’ll be saving wherever I can, I’m making a conscious effort to spend where it matters most.

Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

How I’m Saving Money this Month

1. Social Media Hiatus

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m on a social media break, and honestly? Best money-saving hack of the year.

I’m no longer swayed by every little ad, pressured to chase an unrealistic aesthetic, or bombarded with targeted promotions. My Instagram feed isn’t convincing me I need a new wardrobe or a trendy kitchen gadget I’ll use once. My sponsored ads are down 900%, and I’m living for it.

2. Shopping Cart Method

This one’s simple: if I want something, I add it to my cart—then I walk away.

If I can’t stop thinking about it and genuinely see myself using it, then I’ll consider buying it.This works both online and in-person. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked something up at HomeGoods, only to put it back before checkout because I really didn’t need it. But every so often, I do—like the small wooden tray I bought to keep my soap from falling into the sink. That was worth the $6.

3. Checking Mail Inserts

A little old-school, but something I learned from my mom, a coupon queen back in the ’90s. Grocery store mail inserts often have weekly deals and coupons from household essentials to drugstore makeup. Even fast food.

This week, I found a Subway coupon—normally, I don’t eat Subway, but my dad always stops on the way to and from Spokane. Now, I’ve got a deal for our next trip!

4. AARP Points & Membership

I will die on this hill. AARP has been one of the best memberships I’ve ever purchased. And before you ask—yes, you can sign up at any age! They offer amazing local deals, like BOGO half-off at the Woodland Park Zoo and free pastries at select coffee shops. They also have nationwide discounts, including a killer movie theater deal right now. Example: 2 AMC Black Tickets + 1 Regular Popcorn + 2 Regular Drinks for $32.95—that’s an $18 savings. The perfect date night, IMO.

5. Canceling Unused Subscriptions

I did it. I canceled Netflix. I know. It was the hardest one to let go of, but I never watched it. When I did, it was just reruns of comfort shows. Instead, I’m getting creative with free content—my Samsung Smart TV has free channels, YouTube is a goldmine, and my sister shares her Prime account. I also didn’t resubscribe to Skillshare, even though I love it, because spending $100 on something I can learn for free on YouTube or blogs doesn’t make sense right now.

6. Using the Library

Did you know that the more a book is checked out, the more likely the library is to purchase additional copies and invest in that author? Libraries don’t just stock books—they also lend out movies, TV series, sewing patterns, knitting kits, and even sewing machines. Plus, they offer free workshops on everything from starting a small business to basic computer skills. Libraries are magical places, and with potential funding cuts in some areas of the U.S., it’s more important than ever to support them.

I just put The West Wing Season 1 on hold and can’t wait for a binge-fest!

7. Treats Are Earned

Hot take: I don’t need an iced coffee every time I leave my house. Period. Same goes for a pumpkin loaf or a box of Belgian chocolates from Trader Joe’s. I want to re-train myself to see treats as something earned, not just a given. For example, when I work from a coffee shop, I allow myself to buy a coffee because I know I’ll be heads-down, working hard for hours. That makes it feel worth it.

Of course, this is personal! I have a friend who budgets for daily coffee because it brings her joy. But for me? I’m a tea drinker, and I buy loose-leaf tea in bulk, which costs me about $0.08 per cup—so an expensive latte is truly a treat.

8. Finishing Projects Instead of Shopping

Instead of buying new clothes, I’m committing to finishing all my knitting and sewing projects this year—no excuses. Handmade pieces are often better quality than store-bought ones anyway, and they last forever. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about wearing something you made.

9. Using an Ad Blocker

Best-kept secret. Fun fact: I work in advertising and marketing. I push ads to your face every second of every day—customized, optimized, personalized ads. Want to save money? Get an ad blocker. No more shopping temptations, no more slow-loading pages, no more video pop-ups. I use AdBlock for Chrome, and it has blocked over 600,000 ads for me. I repeat – Get an ad blocker.

10. Buying Thrifted First

If I need something, I check the thrift store first. Recently, I wanted to organize under my kitchen sink. I used containers I already had, then went thrifting for a large basket for my cleaning supplies. Cost? $5.50. A similar basket would have been $15 at Target, plus I helped the environment. Once you get into the habit of thrifting first, it becomes second nature—and you’ll wonder why you ever paid full price.

11. Repairing what I have

We live in such a consumer-driven society that the default reaction to something breaking is often just replace it. But not anymore—not for me.

This year, I’m committing to repairing what I already own instead of mindlessly buying new. My boots? They’re going to the cobbler. My Philips alarm clock? Getting fixed instead of spending another $100 on a new one. My winter coat? A quick dry-clean and a little DIY repair, and it’ll be good as new.

12. Making My Own Meals

This one feels like a given, but eat out less this year. Not that I was eating out all the time before.

I’m learning to make my own bread, and I’ve even built a notions section to keep track of my favorite recipes—so I always have something delicious and easy to make on hand. I’m also going back to homemade granola, granola bars, and desserts—not just to save money, but to make them healthier and free from preservatives. Small changes, big impact!

There you go, darlings—just a few ways I’m saving my coins this month. Let me know your favorite money-saving hacks in the comments!