Shopaholic Saving Tips

In the words of Ferris Bueller: “Life comes at ya fast.” I learned this when, after graduating college, I suddenly had to get my life together and financially support myself. The horror.

---

But I’m also young and fun (I swear!). I want to go out with my friends, follow trends, and buy myself a little treat — and, actually, whatever else I want. Which is where the issue lies.

I know I have to afford essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities — but I’m also a woman of luxury. I like to get my nails done, I enjoy going out to brunch with my friends on the weekend, and getting a coffee is a daily ritual at this rate. If I were to reel in my lifestyle, would I still be me?

Budgeting can be daunting, but it’s never too late to do a complete financial reset. Yet, by learning that life is about balance, I’ve found a way to save money and reward myself with the things I want at the same time. Cutting yourself off cold turkey just means you’re going to want to spend even more later.

Monthly, I have a meltdown with my mom about the state of my finances. Judge me if you wish, I know you all do it. Without fail, she explains kindly, “You’re doing great for the lifestyle you live.” That’s code for: they should’ve made you the star of Confessions of a Shopaholic, but you still put food on the table.

But this year, I want to go on vacation… and I’m moving. So, I’m literally being forced to save money, even though I’m built to spend it. Against all odds, I’m also determined to not deprive myself of the little pleasures in life — like an occasional concert or trip to Free People.

If you want to save money without sacrificing too much of your lifestyle, here are a few tips I’ve been experimenting with during these trying times.

Freelance Online Work

If you have a job but want to make some extra cash on the side, there are plenty of freelance online platforms that make it easy to get started on your own time. By enhancing some of your AI, SEO, or writing skills, you can make a decent hourly wage by just working a few hours on your laptop each week.

Sites like Freelancer, Fiverr, and Upwork have a wide variety of freelance positions available at all times. You can also try paid online survey sites like Swagbucks, where all you need to do is take a few surveys.

This helps you get some extra help for bills and other necessities — or locks in that morning coffee without feeling guilty.

Glenn Carstens- Peters via Unsplash

Take Cash Out

If you want to really understand your spending habits, take your next paycheck out in cash. By only depositing money for online orders, you’ll be able to see where exactly your money is going. Plus, they say that it’s harder to spend money when you’re physically watching it leave your hands.

I like to keep an envelope in a safe place where I save $20 in cash from each paycheck. Since I don’t see this money in my bank account, I’m not tempted to sneak money from my savings for something extra.

Eduardo Soares via Unsplash

Check Out Personal Finance Apps

While I’m no expert on investing, I do know it’s a great way to make money without actually doing much. If you don’t know where to even begin, we have a great list of personal investing apps that are easy to use and great for beginners.

Aidan Hancock via Unsplash

Take Stock

No, not stocks. Take inventory of what you own: look in your closet, make a note of all the shirts and pants you have, the color shoes you have, the makeup in your drawers. The important part is to understand that you may not need the things you think you do.

Then sell some of your clothes on resale sites like Poshmark or Depop if you’re insistent upon getting that new pair of pants. Make sure to make the money back in some way, so you’re not feeling guilty for purchasing.

Sarah Brown via Unsplash

Whether you’re looking for a new job or hoping to advance in your current career, earning a certification can be a practical way to build new skills and demonstrate your expertise. As technology and workplace expectations continue to evolve, certifications can also help professionals keep up with in-demand areas such as AI, cloud computing, data

Keep reading

Oh, how far we’ve come! Recently, it was revealed that — finally! — women CEOs at Fortune 500 companies outnumber male CEOs named John. A dubious milestone, but it’s something to celebrate. Though women have come pretty far in society, the progress we’ve made is far from enough. From the pay gap to daily microaggressions,

Keep reading

Even if you don’t know the first thing about collectables, you know Funko POPs. Everyone does. They’re absolutely everywhere, from comic book shops to big box stores to movie theater concession stands. Many people think Funko POPs are cute, with their big black eyes and uniform features. Others think they’re creepy for pretty much the

Keep reading

After months of speculation, bidding wars, and Hollywood hand-wringing, Netflix has officially agreed to buy the film and streaming arms of Warner Bros Discovery for $72 billion. Yes, billion with a capital “b.” One of the biggest entertainment acquisitions in modern history, it instantly reshapes the streaming economy that millions pay into every month.  The

Keep reading

Mention the word “infidelity” and the usual images are conjured up:  secret encounters in sordid motels, callers who hang up when the wrong person answers the phone, tears and harsh words when the truth comes out. A less dramatic (but increasingly common) form of betrayal is making waves: financial infidelity. What is financial infidelity? Financial

Keep reading

You Lose $20K Each Year Just For Being a Mom You may not know this, but there was a time when smoking was considered “liberated” behavior for women. There was a cigarette company Virginia Slims that was created specifically to attract female smokers during the bad old 1970s. The slogan was “You’ve come a long

Keep reading

TL;DR: One of the biggest money red flags in dating? When your partner simply won’t talk about money. According to financial therapist Erika Wasserman, that’s the #1 issue to nail down if you want to know whether your potential future partner and your financial IQs are compatible. Why “Not Talking Money” Is More Than Awkward

Keep reading

This article includes affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, with no extra cost to you. Growing up, most of us didn’t get a solid financial education. Some of us ended up figuring things out the hard way — juggling bills, credit card debt, or realizing too late we should’ve

Keep reading

The Momager May Be Worth More Than You Think… Update: 21 August 2026 Kris Jenner’s estimated net worth remains around $170 million in 2026, according to current celebrity wealth estimates. While her daughters have continued to build billion-dollar businesses of their own — Kim Kardashian, for example, is now estimated by Forbes to be worth

Keep reading

Investment portfolios can seem complicated, but with the right approach, they can lead to financial success. To grow your investments, you need to understand different strategies and how the market works. In a fluctuating economy, it’s essential to find effective ways to increase your wealth. Whether you’re new to investing or experienced, choosing the right

Keep reading