Do You Have A Strategy For 2026?

 

When I planned and prepared for my retirement I did all the right things.  I took full advantage of my employer’s 401(k), I invested, I prepared my emergency fund, I prepared my health savings account, I added a lot to my savings and most importantly I lived debt free.  In my planning I even took into account the inevitable rise of inflation.  Unfortunately, that is where I fell short, but then no one could have predicted this rapid rise in inflation that has occurred in such a short amount of time.

 

This year I made a few changes.  I expanded the LTFS, which was a goal of mine for 2025, by making sure I have at least one item of everything on my pantry list.  As long as I have that I know I have a fully stocked pantry and can make pretty much anything I choose.  I also added a donations shelf to keep items I find on sale and give to those in need.  That shelf has seen some serious activity in recent months.  I filled up my deep freezer in the garage and last month, in an effort to combine forces, the BFF purchased and added another small freezer so we could expand our frozen foods.  The garage freezer is now the meat freezer and the new one holds frozen produce, whole wheat and all purpose flours, yeast and some homemade breads.

 

We canned meat (chicken and beef) for the LTFS shelves as well as jam, preserves and a batch of cranberry sauce.  I have plans to do more canning next year.  We made some trips to Costco and picked up sales items at the grocery stores to stockpile.  It feels really good to be “ahead of the game” a bit as we head into a new year.  Moving forward I plan to be much more intentional about the food I purchase and how.  I will also be much more intentional and strategic about my meal planning and preparations to boost nutrition while minimizing any potential for food waste.  Kitchen scraps will be given to the bunny, the chickens or composted.

 

I’m going to try some new things to be a better and more successful urban homesteader in 2026.  One of those things is to try an indoor winter greenhouse.  I’m not sure if it will work, but I am willing to try.  I am going to be more intentional about this as well by not neglecting or giving up because I find it is difficult or I’m not seeing the results I was expecting.  I will continue to make and use my own compost to amend the soil while using items, including seeds, I already have on hand to keep my gardening costs as low as possible.  Essentially, I won’t give up.  I will try harder and I will do a better job.

 

I will be working on my health and nutrition journey with a focus on strength and movement.  I will take my time and pay more attention to what I am doing so I don’t fall or injure myself.  I will continue to do things, expand my horizons, volunteer more and work at my part time job to keep my mind alert and healthy while I increase my activity and expose myself to new people and new situations.  I will continue to be kind, helpful and gracious to my fellow man because it is very much needed.

 

Beginning January 1^st our electric rates are set to increase by quite a bit.  My other utilities, insurance and property taxes already have.  In 2026, after much thought, I am declaring it to be a low spend year.  Instead of a costly vacation I’ll be doing more low cost or FREE activities next year - camping more, hiking more, riding my bicycle more and whatever else I can find to do without spending much money.  I am excited about this and the challenge of having fun on a micro budget.  I will be doing all I can to rein in my expenses so my lifestyle is more affordable.

 

I will continue to use what I already have on hand before I carefully consider whether or not to purchase something else.  Most importantly, I will continue to live debt free.  With the rise in prices and overall costs I have to make up for it somehow so this is what I plan to do right now.  God willing I will be able to file for Social Security and start receiving my benefits next Fall.  In the meantime it will still be a great 2026.  How are you feeling about the upcoming year?  What else do you think I should do in 2026 to save money?