Hey friends,
This week has been a game-changer, and I’m in much better spirits compared to last week. Progress is happening, lessons are being learned, and I’m tackling overconsumption head-on. Let’s dive in:
Debt Progress
The highlight of the week? Another $3,000 payment toward my debt! This was my second big payment, and I’m so close to knocking out my first credit card—just under $1,000 remains, and with my next payment, it’ll be gone.
And you know what I’m doing after that? Cutting it up. For good. No more temptation, no more carrying balances. It feels like freedom is within reach.
But here’s the thing I noticed: the 13 days between debt payments can feel like a drag. It’s easy to lose momentum or feel like you’re not making progress. I talked to a friend about it, and just acknowledging that pattern has helped me refocus. I’m finding other ways to lean in, celebrate small wins, and stay motivated.
Overcoming Overconsumption
If you’ve seen the Netflix documentary “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy" you know exactly what I’m talking about. Overconsumption is something I’ve been reflecting on deeply, even prior to the movie craze.
I see it in myself—watching TikToks or scrolling Instagram and immediately adding things to my cart that I didn’t even know existed five minutes ago. I see it in my son, who expects a toy or candy every time we go to the store. And I’ve realized it’s time to break the cycle—for both of us.
Here’s how I’m tackling it:
Canceling Subscriptions:
Bye, Amazon Prime. Bye, Netflix. These were tools of instant gratification and dopamine hits, and I’m letting them go.
Cutting Unnecessary Bills:
I canceled my AT&T cell phone plan (and paid off the devices for under $500).
I moved my mobile service to Xfinity and canceled my TV plan with them.
I replaced Xfinity TV with Hulu Live ($82/month) and saved $150/month between mobile, TV, & internet.
Selling What I Don’t Use:
I put my old security system and Oura Ring up for sale. The ring that was previously sitting in a drawer sold in less than 6 hours!
Decluttering Plans:
In January, a friend who’s a professional organizer (and has even been on Hoarders!) is coming to help me declutter. I want to move next year with a minimalist framework that feels light, intentional, and aligned with the life I’m building.
Cooking at Home: A Game-Changer
I canceled DoorDash and Grubhub. If you know me, you know that’s HUGE. I’ve relied on eating out for way too long, but this week I’m committing to cooking at home.
Why It Matters: I have Crohn’s disease, and when I stick to a paleo diet, my energy, labs, and overall health improve dramatically. Last time I did this, my labs showed no evidence of Crohn’s—so it’s not just about saving money, it’s about saving myself.
How It’s Going: I visited a local farmer’s market and picked up some amazing New York strip steaks. Shopping small and cooking fresh is already making me feel better.
Gratitude and Accountability
One of the best parts of this week has been sharing this journey with a friend who’s ahead of me in her own financial habits. Having someone to celebrate wins with, talk through setbacks, and share insights about the psychology of spending has been a game-changer.
Accountability matters, and so does community. I’m so grateful to have someone in my corner who understands the struggle and the joy of taking control.
Takeaways for the Week
Progress is progress, even when it feels slow. Recognize patterns, talk them through, and keep moving forward.
Cutting back on overconsumption isn’t easy, but it’s freeing. Start with small changes, like canceling a subscription or selling unused items.
Accountability can make all the difference. Find someone who gets it and walk the path together.
Here’s to simplifying, saving, and building a life that feels good, inside and out.
Thanks for being here,
Farrah