Today’s Financial Message Just for you, {{ first name | friend}}
Remember when being frugal wasn't called a "hack" - it was just called not being thoughtless with your money?
We grew up recording songs off the radio and sharing everything. Somewhere along the way, we forgot that spending less is actually a skill.
Every dollar you don't spend on stuff you don't need is a dollar that could actually grow into something. Frugal isn't cheap - it's strategic… Continue Reading
Gen X is known for being savvy, cynical and for doing their research before buying.
We may be the Forgotten Generation, but Gen X has taken the wheel on consumer spending across the United States. We now account for 31% of all retail spending, despite representing only 19% of the total population. (Forbes)
At the same time, our average credit card debt rose to $9,600 in 2025, up 3.7% from 2024 and up 38% from 2021. (Experian)
So are we just crazy over spenders, throwing down our credit cards to fill the gaps in our earnings? Do we want more than we can afford?
Or is it just getting harder to pay for everything we’re responsible for, while likely supporting kids living at home and parents who are getting older?
I lean more to the second one - after all, we are known for:
Being motivated by value (Where’s the beef?)
Researching before buying
Being independent and pragmatic (Hello latchkey kids)
So, whether or not your financial game is in total order, you can probably still appreciate a few tips to stretch your dollars further, right?
Tip 1. Keep a record of your monthly spending.
"Make a budget - ya, ya, ya." But listen. There's a reason every financial advisor, blog and book will tell you to start here.
How do you know where your money goes if you're not tracking it?
Many of us really resent being reminded of where our funds go every month. But keeping track of them can uncover money-saving methods you can use for a more worthwhile cause. (Goals anyone?)
Side Challenge: If you don't think you need a budget, make a bet with yourself for how much you think you're spending (Not on bills) in a two week period. Then, for the next two weeks, go about your business normally. After the two weeks, go back and look at what you spent. How close or far off were you?
Tip 2. Don't be afraid to buy used.
Look for second hand or thrift stores in your neighborhood; check Facebook Marketplace, go to garage sales.
Guaranteed - you’ll find less expensive options, especially things like tools, gardening stuff, furniture, office equipment, pet supplies.
Take the time to research how much things cost new and you'll be prepared for knowing what a real deal looks like. Getting into this habit can really add up in the long run.
Tip 3. Avoid using your credit card - make as many purchases in cash as possible.
Another key way to maximize your money is to stick to cash or debit! Then it's fully paid off already. (Yes, we know some places no longer accept cash, but drive thrus, grocery stores and small businesses will probably be happy to see cold, hard cash.)
Get into the habit of only using your credit card in an emergency or for large purchases that you can't make with cash.
If you have to use credit for bigger purchases, whether it's a vehicle, a large bill, or an appliance, keep in mind what your monthly payments will be in the future. (And the loan interest rates!)
Tip 4. Ask yourself, "Do I REALLY need this?"
We've gotten used to having a lot of things we don’t need. Some of us just get into the habit of buying stuff without really thinking about why.
If you're trying to get ahead, ask yourself - what are the things you need to cut back on first? Most of the things we covet are not absolutely essential to our existence.
It sounds annoying, but trust me, it works. Sometimes I convince myself I DO need something else from IKEA. If I have 3 good reasons to do it, other than, “It’s so shiny!” then I’ll probably buy it. But most of the time, I realize I don’t need another comforter, or cork trivet, and I move on.
Read the whole article, and all 15 Ways to Maximize Your Money👇
Go Deeper
Explore the topic of frugal mindsets and stretching your dollars with more Wealthy Thinker articles:
How much of your stuff makes you happy?
“Shopping Makes Me Feel Good When I’m Stressed.”
That’s a totally human drive. But it can be a destructive cycle. What if you started weighing the things you surround yourself with by their contribution to your overall happiness?
Thinking about why you’re buy something isn’t hard.
“Being Frugal Sounds Really Boring and Difficult.”
More difficult than not having any money when you want to stop working? We prefer practical.
“I actually DO feel calmer when there’s less stuff around me.”
“I Have So Much Stuff, I Need a Bigger House and I Can’t Afford It.”
Having less stuff can lead to having less to worry about overall. Declutter your house, your brain and your finances and find a more Zen approach.
Money Mindset Message
Loretta would be appalled. (Moonstruck, 1987)
Something Fun!
See if you can solve the riddle:
What is 2/7 Opossum, 1/3 Rabbit, and 1/5 Hyena?
What did you think of today's newsletter?
Answer: Oprah. (yes, this is an absolute groaner, I’m ashamed I even typed it out.)
Opossum - 7 letters, 2/7 is Op
Rabbit - 6 letters, 1/3 is Ra
Hyena - 5 letters, 1/5 is H