Cutting Back In 2026

 

It feels prudent to cut back and be really intentional about my spending as I make my way through 2026.  Our economy is in the toilet, people are losing their jobs, prices are steadily rising and it doesn’t seem like any of this is going to improve anytime soon.  Fortunately, my monthly expenses are fairly minimal and I don’t feel constantly pulled to consume and spend.  A lifetime of living a thrifty lifestyle has taught me how to be resourceful.  Years of downsizing, decluttering and simplifying my needs and wants has helped me to feel content and happy with what I have.

 

I've got a replacement plan mapped out

My focus this year is to maintain my current inventory with regard to good quality food as well as the nonfood items I need to keep my house clean and take care of myself.  Everything else feels negligible so I can pretty much take it or leave it.  This year I think I will leave it.  What I already have is good enough.

 

I'm sticking to the basics when it comes to groceries - REAL food for the win!

In order to better afford my lifestyle, even when prices are rising, I need to be resourceful.  I try to only buy food and nonfood items when they are on sale or come from a store that offers them at the best prices.  I also utilize paper coupons, digital coupons, special offers and gift cards to shave even more off the overall cost.  I will definitely continue to do that.

 

Fuel prices are skyrocketing so I plan to purchase less of it now

 

With gas prices leaping, I am choosing to park the car and ride the bus to and from work again.  My city ID allows me FREE access to the bus.  I am going to be walking from work to the grocery stores nearby and stopping in along my bus route to get my groceries.  Once a week I will use my car to run errands and when I do I will map out my route for maximum efficiency to save money, mileage, fuel consumption and my time.  I think that if I am efficient enough I won’t even need to do this every week.  I am looking forward to getting back to using public transportation because I’ve actually missed it.  I want the exercise and fresh air that I’ve been missing out on too.

 

I am blessed to be in good physical shape so I will be walking more
and using public transportation as well

I have plans for some fun outings and travel this spring and summer.  I think that by reining in my expenses I’ll be better able to afford to do these things despite the rise in prices without busting my budget or having to give it up altogether.  I am also working on resourceful planning to keep costs down when I go about my travels.  I can hardly wait to get going.

 

I plan to fully plant my garden beds this year

As many of you know I am, in no way, a good gardener.  Even still, I am going to do my best this year and give it another try.  I took last year off to give the garden beds a rest and add in more amendments and it was good timing too as I was getting frustrated.  I am hopeful, once again, that I can make it happen.  We shall see.  Plus, it is a good outdoor activity.

 

There are loads of FREE things to go and do in my city
I'll be packing my own drinks, snacks and picnic lunches to enjoy on my outings

Are you feeling the need to cut back and economize this year?  What are some of the things you do to save money?  Does it feel like the rise in prices are giving you more of a pinch?