Hey Reader,

You might have heard about the economic blackout happening today—a movement encouraging people to stop spending for 24 hours to send a message about corporate greed. While I totally get the sentiment behind it, I have a slightly different take…

For me, every day is economic blackout day—but in a way that’s more sustainable, less restrictive, and actually fun. Instead of a one-day boycott, I believe in making small, consistent choices to shop locally whenever possible. And here’s why:

💰 When you shop at a local business, about 68% of your money stays in the community, compared to just 48% when you shop at a big-box store. (I double-checked, and yep, those numbers are solid!) That means more money supporting local jobs, schools, and businesses that make our towns unique.

But here’s the thing—we can’t guilt ourselves over every purchase. We need guidelines, not laws. If we’re too rigid and beat ourselves up over buying something from a big retailer, we might burn out and stop prioritizing local shopping altogether.

So, here’s what I do:

👉 First, ask: Can I find this locally?
👉 If not, ask: Can I buy it used in great condition?
👉 If the answer is no to both, I buy it where I need to—without guilt!

The point isn’t to be perfect. It’s to make thoughtful choices that add up over time. If we all do this, the impact on our communities will be way bigger than a single day of not spending.

So while I understand the push for today’s blackout, I’d love for more people to see this as a long-term shift, not just a one-day statement. Let’s keep making every day a local first day—without the stress!

Cheers to a week of savings,
Hannah

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​Eat, Drink, and Save Money​
​Smart Spending for a Richer Life

P.S. What’s one of your favorite local spots to shop? Hit reply and let me know—I’m always looking for new places to check out!