I have recently shared a few budget posts with the start of the new year. I know many people prioritize finances during this time, and set personal goals related to money. We are personally trying to simplify things, and just be a little more minimal in general.

Today I wanted to share five easy ways to cut costs or reduce monthly spending. I feel like many times we assume we have to make big changes to see a difference, when in reality it can be simple, easy switches.

I would love to know any of your goals this year you have set for yourself or your family!

1.Really Look At Your Grocery Budget/Spending

Look at what you are spending on all grocery items on a monthly basis. This includes grocery trips as well as those “quick trip” purchases that typically include toiletries or stock up items. If you purchase any “health” items where there is a monthly cost or fee, also calculate that into your monthly spending. Notice what you are spending each month, and see where you can reduce costs. Groceries are one of the easiest ways to cut some costs and save money!

Additional Resources: Reducing Your Grocery Bill: Part One & Reducing Your Grocery Bill: Part 2

2.Calculate All Subscription Services

Write down any and all subscription services you pay for each month. This includes all tv streaming services, health/wellness (ex: on demand memberships, gym, fit4mom, etc), and any other subscriptions you may enjoy (beauty boxes, professional development, etc). Decide if you really need ALL, or if there are SOME you can pause or cut out. It is so easy to sign up for multiple things because individually they don’t seem too bad. However, when everything is accumulated into one category it can be a pretty good amount of money you are spending each month!

3. Prioritize Extras

If you are someone who enjoys extra things like nails, eyelash extensions, facials, massages, etc. look at what you are spending on a monthly basis for those things. If you are able to prioritize those “extras” or space them out it will easily cut down costs on a month to month basis and not be calculated as “bill”. If you do love having those things each month, consider adding them into part of your “bills” for budgeting purposes, since it is an ongoing cost.

4.Eating Out/Take Out

Minimizing eating out or take out food will easily cut down monthly costs. Even picking up fast food for a family can quickly add up for one meal. If you are wanting to cut costs of “pick up food” set a monthly goal or plan each week when you will eat out. Be intentional with when you spend money on food since that is an easy cost to avoid!

5.Research Alternatives

No matter what you like or enjoy, there are always cheaper options or alternatives. It may take more time and research on your end, but there are so many ways to reduce costs for items you love!

What are some easy ways you cut costs or spending?

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

I have seen people share items they no longer purchase once they reach a certain age or stage in life and thought that was a really interesting concept. I began thinking about items I used to purchase, however no longer have an interest in. Some of them definitely have saved us money, which I am all about! I thought it would be fun to share ten items I no longer buy and the reasoning behind it.

If you currently purchase any these items, continue doing what makes YOU happy! We all have different things that appeal or don’t appeal to us depending on our lifestyle.

I would love to know anything you no longer buy!

1. Alcohol

A lot of money went to alcohol in our early and mid twenties, which just isn’t the case anymore. Don’t get my wrong, that stage was so much fun, however I spent a lot of money on nights “out”, which added up fast. We really stopped purchasing alcohol after my first pregnancy and nursing journey and realized that we are definitely social/occasional drinkers. Now it is a special occasion cost instead of a regular one!

2. Fast Food

I am sure many people spend money picking up food or have been through a season of constant fast food. With college/grad school being in our early twenties, we both ate more fast food than we would like to admit. Now we really only pick up fast food if we are traveling. Even then, I try to pack as much as I can for us to access. Eating out has become another special occasion and we really enjoy cooking our meals at home/meal planning, which is another huge money saver!

3. Extra Coffee

Picking up coffee or getting coffee feels like such a treat! I was all about the extra coffee in my twenties and would go every weekend to get something special. Although I love picking up coffee, boy does it add up! We rarely pick up coffee or purchase coffee anymore and truly enjoy making it at home. We even take tumblers on road trips to fill up and bring our own coffee in the car.

4. Energy Drinks

I definitely loved a good (no sugar) energy drink in my early twenties with school. I quickly learned I did not need them and they were extremely expensive. I probably haven’t purchased or had one in at least six years and don’t have any desire to.

5. Detox/Weight Loss Supplements & Products

I am sure many of us have fallen into the “weight loss” trap many times over the years or seasons. I know I am guilty and am so glad I have reached a place where those products no longer serve me. Pregnancy was a huge realization to focus and live from a health mindset, rather than a body/physical one. I am all about a sustainable and realistic lifestyle!

6.Body Wash

Body wash is something that is used so quickly and can be an expensive item. We realized bar soap is just as good (if not better), and stopped buying body wash altogether. I don’t think we will ever go back!

7. Excessive Makeup

I used to think I needed way more makeup than I would use on a daily basis. Although I did do my makeup a lot more, there was no reason to have so many products (especially if you look at the shelf life of each item). I now only purchase what I need and the products I actually use/love.

8. Shaving Cream

Shaving cream is another hygiene item that is used quickly and can be pricey. I realized conditioner was just as good and something I now prefer over shaving cream.

9. Accessories

Just like with makeup, I used to think I needed an abundance of accessories. The older I got the more I realized I would much rather have fewer pieces that are higher quality staples in my closet. I am a naturally simple person, so there was no reason for me to purchase an abundance of those items.

10. Heels

I don’t know if I will ever purchase heels again. I have my staple heels to use for special occasions, and that is about it. I am a sneaker gal, and prefer to be comfortable throughout the day!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

Check out my most recent posts on reducing grocery costs here:

Reducing Your Grocery Bill: Part 1

Reducing Your Grocery Bill: Part 2

If you know me personally, you know I am one hundred percent a morning person. I would much rather get up early and get my day started than stay up late. I find if I stay up late, I am just wasting time or mindlessly doing something. I usually start my day around 4:30am to teach for a couple hours as well as have an hour to myself to get whatever I want/need done before “mom mode” begins (8:00am).

I thought I would share five things that have helped me become a morning person over the years! I know a lot of people are working at home and trying to utilize their time or get things done in the morning.

I would love to know what works for you! Are you an early bird or night owl?

1. Choose An Alarm Time

Decide a time you are going to wake up and make it consistent throughout the week. Be realistic with the time set depending on what you want to accomplish. For example, if you only want to get a workout in, waking up 3 hours before your day starts probably isn’t necessary. Consistency is key, so if you can strive to wake up at the same time Monday-Friday it will help with creating a natural routine.

2.Have A Purpose/Reason

Decide and understand why you are wanting to wake up early. If there is no clear reason or purpose then you probably won’t stay consistent with it. Maybe you want to exercise, work on your business, or have time to journal/pray/meditate. Know the why behind it!

3.No Snooze

If you know you are terrible at snoozing your alarm, set your phone on the other side of the room to force yourself out of bed. I personally set 3 alarms 5 minutes apart so I get bothered enough to make myself get up.

4.Prep Night Before

Prep what you need to the night before for whatever you are doing. For example, this could be classes that you are teaching, coffee/food you are eating, workout clothes or equipment you are using. The less you have to do the better!

5.Create Ritual/Routine

Create a morning ritual or routine that you genuinely get excited about. Maybe it is sitting alone and drinking a cup of hot coffee, peacefully praying, having a loved breakfast item or snack. Find something small that brings you joy and incorporate it into your mornings!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac