Saving Money When You’re Tired
I know saving money can get tiring. Always thinking of what you can spend your money on and what you can’t. It feels exhausting and thankless, especially these days. Talk of tariffs, mortgage rates, housing prices, and increased grocery prices makes it seem pointless. Discipline is tiring, especially when progress feels so slow.
How can you make saving money not so exhausting? I have four tips to keep in mind while you are trying to put money away for a better future.
Tip #1: Track the Wins You Can’t See
Write down every small amount you saved this week - every skipped coffee, every mended piece of clothing instead of buying new, every meal you cooked at home instead of ordering out.
Track Your Wins
Write down all the small amounts you saved this week. This makes you more aware of how well you are doing.
Tip #2: Give Yourself a Guilt-Free Break
Budgeting burnout is real. Taking a break isn’t failure - sometimes, it’s necessary. Just like if you’re dieting, like me, maybe you make Saturday a guilt-free day. You might indulge in a dessert, but come Sunday, you are back to it. The same with budgeting. Take a break but come back and get on track.
Tip #3: Use the ‘Reverse Shopping List’ Trick
List what you already have instead of what to buy. This cuts down on trips to the grocery store and waste if you end up buying double or triple items. You can get a free Reverse Grocery List in my last post, An Uncommon Way To Save Money.
Tip #4: Remember Why You’re Doing It
Reconnect with your original motivation - freedom, security, or providing for family. Sometimes, we all need a reminder of why we’re creating a habit and why we need to stick to it.
Take a break
Come back to the habit of saving money after you take a break.
You’re not doing it wrong. It’s just hard. Take a breath, reset, and try one small step at a time. Remember, this blog and my YouTube channel, Anne’s House of Six, is about saving money in little bits that add up to bigger savings over time.