8 easy ways to save more, spend less, and be more thoughtful about purchases in 2024
Some people may argue that New Year's resolutions are silly and “there’s no time like the present” to start a new goal. However, for many (myself included), I enjoy this imaginary “clean slate” that the new year brings.
One of my main goals for this year is to be more thoughtful about how I spend my money. It turns out that I also share this goal with multiple friends and, with the increased cost of living all around, I’m not surprised.
I had a similar “spend less, buy better” goal last year with regards to clothing. I wanted to buy fewer items overall, and invest in quality staple items that would last me years. For the most part, I stuck to my resolution, but I know I can do more to rein in the spending, waste less, and make each purchase more intentional.
After my own brainstorming and internet browsing, I have compiled a list of eight changes I am incorporating into 2024 in order to save more, spend less, and be more thoughtful about purchases in the new year.
Leave a comment with any ideas or suggestions and let me know what your goals are for 2024!
1. Delete the Amazon app
The Amazon app is a modern-day luxury that makes it oh-so-easy to get just about anything delivered right to your door. The “buy now” button makes the shopping experience almost feel like a game and is incredibly easy to use.
Last year I realized I was starting to use the app mindlessly and decided to experiment. I deleted the app and instead, when I needed to buy something, I would wait to go to the store, or I would add the item to a list titled “Amazon” in my phone notes. Once this list had several necessary items on it, I would log on to the website to make the purchase.
I found that, when the app was no longer an option, I only bought what I really needed. Also, by placing each order in larger quantities less frequently, I would get a much more accurate view of how much I was actually spending on things like paper towels, vitamins, and so on. This is something that I will definitely carry on in 2024!
2. Use Subscriptions
Putting necessities on automated subscriptions can save you both time and money. I do this with staples such as coffee and supplements, delivering every 1-3 months and saving up to 20% on subscription items. This also means I don’t risk logging onto these websites and adding additional items to my cart, when all I really need are my staple products.
3. Don’t Follow Trends
This one goes without saying, but can be hard to remember - especially when we are bombarded with influencer campaigns and advertisements everywhere on the internet.
Don’t follow trends and stick to your own style, whether this is for fashion, furniture, or whatever else. Try to really think about your purchase before you go through with it - is this something you will really enjoy and will last a long time, or is it something that ten thousand strangers on the internet are raving about, and now you want it too?
4. Buy What You Know
The Aware House slogan “buy what you know”, means to buy from companies and creators that you want to support - understand who they are (their values, sourcing, and manufacturing practices) and what you are supporting by purchasing from them.
Click here to read more about what it means to “buy what you know”!
5. Prioritize Quality
Seeing purchases as a medium to long term investment instead of a short term gain is an important mindset shift when it comes to buying quality items. This is a big one for me when it comes to things like clothing, where you can really tell the difference in how something as simple as a t-shirt is manufactured.
If spending an extra $40 on an item means that you will get a product made with improved manufacturing and sourcing practices that will last a lot longer than a cheaper alternative, then by all means do so.
6. Make a Wish List
When you want something that is maybe not so necessary, write it down in your phone notes as a wish list. By waiting for the initial purchasing impulse to pass, you can later determine if you really want that item. It’s also useful to have a wish list for others to choose from when it comes to birthdays or holidays!
7. Gift Thoughtfully
How many times have you been given a gift that you didn’t like and never used? Hopefully those gifts ended up being donated, but it’s likely they end up in the trash.
While it’s the thought that counts, it’s a shame to see items go to waste. Instead, try to buy gifts that the person will actually enjoy. When in doubt, go for something that is practical and useful (a mug, a nice pen, some coasters, a hat) and stay away from more “personal” items and styles. Also, don’t be afraid to ask that person (or someone close to them) if they have a wish list!
8. Don’t Forget to Treat Yourself!
If you’re an impulsive shopper and find it difficult to not buy something as soon as you decide you want it, then going from being a shopping addict to cold turkey may not be very realistic.
Most of us like to have nice things and spend some of our hard-earned cash! An easy way to be more intentional about those once-in-a-while, extra purchases is to view these as “treating” yourself.
Having a wish list is also perfect for this! Waiting for a special occasion (Christmas, Birthday, or Valentine’s Day) to buy yourself that jacket will make the experience even more special. As the saying goes, all good things come to those who wait!
Let me know what your resolutions are and cheers to a great 2024!
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