Happy New Year. I’m starting the year with a review of things I have successfully changed over the past few years that have grown into consistent habits. I really do not even think about these things as conscious daily decisions because I am just used to not doing them. I love these habits because it makes me a more mindful consumer, helps me cut down on waste and of course saves me money. I am able to spend on things I really care about or experiences I can cherish. I will definitely be carrying these habits into 2024.
Sales
There are annual sales, repeating beauty events, holiday sales, and then of course the emails, texts and banner ads that are constantly pushed at us as an opportunity to save money. Take advantage of this last chance to get a discount! But I realized a few years ago buying items on sale that I was not needing or planning on purchasing, is not saving me any money. Spending money on anything not on your list is still spending money, regardless of how good the deal is. I also noticed I was comprising on the style, or possibly color, of the garment because it was on sale. I thought I would find a way to make it work or would like it more as I styled it. But I also realized you will probably not like anything more than the first time you buy it. You will have the highest level of excitement and love in the store, with the idea of the garment (usually). I no longer let the sale department dictate my style, or pressure me into shopping for something I do not need. This really helps me save for an item I really want and sometimes an item of higher quality. I slowly evolved away from the big blowout events and it got easier with time. I am no longer triggered or excited by Black Friday, or a 15% coupon that comes once a year.
Target
I do not want to call out Target specifically, you can probably insert your favorite store to go walk around. It gets you out of the house, and walking, which feels productive, but it also gets you to shop. You let the store randomly tell you what you need. I now go walk around a park, or a lake. Or I go to a café where I can feel I am out but not mindlessly shopping. I really do not buy anything unnecessary at Target, Amazon (this is another story, but I really try not to shop here at all), Costco, ect. You probably don’t need that “must have” item Instagram is selling you.
Coffee Out
I have my favorite cafes, making me the perfect whipped and foamy latte, with special house made syrups. And I relish a trip in to enjoy a fresh made pastry and specialty Americano at King Arthur Bakery. But it is just that, a special outing. I really stopped buying coffee daily, especially from places that do not even make exactly what I am looking to enjoy. This one is interesting because you also tend to buy more once at the coffee shop; well I am here let me get something special, or let me also get this pastry. Long lines and excess sugar is out, homemade coffee with freshly ground beans is in. I have, again slowly over the years, really shifted to making my coffee at home. I have tried all different beans over the years. I was part of Trade for a few years, and lately have been locally roasted coffee from the coffee shop or grocery store. My pour over is super delicious, easy and convenient. And I keep my routine a bit healthier in the week.
Take Out
Eating out is an experience, I am there for the ambience, taste and also convenience. But take out only gives me convenience. I lose so much of the experience, and usually some of the taste too. While we used to eat out a lot, we have really learned to whip up some meals at home and avoid the cost and subpar experience of take out. We got to this point by making a lot of changes, so this one is probably the most involved in making sure you aren’t temped by the convenience of ordering in. Focusing on your health is a great motivator, as eating at home can often be healthier, but not always.
Some tips that make this doable is having 3 go to recipes, that are really easy to make and we know how to do easily. This ensures we can prepare a meal in 30 minutes, the same amount of time as ordering food. The second part of this is always having pantry staples, such as beans, couscous, tofu and veggie stock. We can pretty much make anything with those few items. It helps if you are a good cook – but this can be done at any level as long as you have the basics for your chosen recipes. The other tip is to limit the take out options, so maybe no fast food, or only one sandwich shop, ect as this will start to change your perspective on the convenience/health.
Large cart of groceries
This last one is going to seem counterintuitive due to the last point about take out. But I don’t think eating at home is about spending a fortune at the grocery store, or going crazy buying an excess of food weekly. Keep it simple. Focus on your staples. Stick to items you know how to cook and that you know you love. Trying to make super complicated and new recipes daily can set you up for failure. You run out of time, or realize you don’t want to eat what you bought. Don’t shop for what would be “fun” to try or what you “hope” you will eat this week. Stick to the staples, easy and quick meals to put together, throughout the week. And on the weekend or a night you have more time, try out that complicated recipe. But pairing down the daily grocery list is likely to keep you on track, get you to enjoy the food you make, have less waste and probably save you money.
For 2024, I will add a few more changes and see what sticks. The biggest change I hope to try out is avoiding any spending on “wants” for the first two weeks. This will give me a chance to compile my wants each month as usually my day to day brings up items I think I need. And also give me a chance to see what comes up throughout the first two weeks in terms of gifts/events. Then, at the end of the month, whatever I still think I need I can purchase more aware of all that months expenses. I am very mindful with my purchasing, but I do think I can be better if everything is bought at the same time – perhaps I will be a bit more judicious.
What habits have you changed over the years? What do you plan to incorporate in 2024?
