New year, New habits? Or rather, New Year, old habits?
There are some old-school money habits that should firmly stay in the past, but many of the ones our grandparents used still work in 2026. Look through these and decide which ones you want to try!
Paying Cash Whenever Possible
While credit cards are certainly convenient, they can lead to mindless swiping, and they encourage spending more than you can afford.
Using the cash envelope system, especially for “discretionary expenses,” is a great way to make sure you live within your means.
Fixing Things Instead of Replacing Them
We currently live in a disposable culture where we are quick to throw things out instead of trying to fix them or even live with them broken. Even if something can’t “officially be fixed, you can try and figure out a way to make it work. There is nothing to lose; you would be throwing it out anyway.
Cooking Nearly Every Meal at Home
Delivery apps and takeout are convenient, but they’re a huge money-waster. Get used to cooking every meal at home and save the takeout for a special occasion. This is not only healthier and cheaper, but you will appreciate the treat of takeout more when you don’t have it as often.
If you have kids, then you can start having real family dinners (phones away) and bring back the old-fashioned habits of talking to each other at dinner time.
Wearing Clothes Until They Truly Wear Out
We often get new clothes, new seasons, and new events, not because we need them but because we feel like it’s time for an upgrade. There is no reason why you can’t wear clothes until they truly wear out.
If you need nice clothes for work or going out, then you can have separate work clothes and home clothes. Keep the nice stuff for going out and wear the old stuff at home. This will keep them nicer for longer.
Saving Leftovers Religiously
Leftovers get a bad rap, and I’m not sure why. Whenever you have leftovers, make sure to put them in the fridge and freeze them to use again.
You can eat them up for lunch or another dinner, or repurpose them into a new recipe. I like to make a pot of soup at the beginning of the week and eat that almost every day of the week!
Buying Used Without Embarrassment
There is so much stuff in this world. So much goes to waste. Hyper-consumption is at an all-time high. There is no need to buy things new when there are so many things available that are pre-owned.
Make it a habit to search thrift stores, garage sales, or buy nothing groups before buying something new, and you won’t need to be embarrassed. There is nothing wrong with trying to save money, and everything right about trying to save the environment.
Keeping a Simple Household Budget
Your finances can’t work on vibes and aesthetics, unfortunately. Keeping a simple household budget with clear amounts for what you can spend is probably the best thing you can do for your money and for yourself. If you don’t have a budget, you can download my free monthly budget worksheet today to get started.
Avoiding Debt Unless Absolutely Necessary
Debt can be a powerful tool, but it is a very dangerous one. Do your best to avoid debt unless it’s extremely necessary. Small items should be bought in cash, and even big items like cars or schooling can be cash-flowed if you try very hard. If you can’t avoid debt entirely, do your best to keep it as low as possible.
Saving Money “Just in Case”
You need savings! Things happen, and you need more savings than you think you need!
Make sure to have a fully-stocked emergency fund and be actively putting money into retirement accounts and other investments. Pay yourself first, and your future self will thank you!
