Hey Reader,
If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you’ve probably felt that little wave of panic at checkout. Prices are rising, and while I’m certainly not immune to inflation, I’ve realized that my spending habits have helped me stay steady while others feel overwhelmed.
Take eggs, for example. Everyone is freaking out over the price jump, but for me? My cost hasn’t changed at all. That’s because I’ve always bought free-range, organic eggs. Not because I love spending extra money or even think they are the much healthier, but because I refuse to support factory farming and CAFOs due to environmental and animal rights beliefs. I made that decision long ago, and now, while conventional egg prices fluctuate, my purchase remains the same.
This got me thinking—when we spend according to our values, we almost make ourselves recession-proof. It doesn’t mean we don’t feel price increases, but it means we’re less likely to be thrown off by them.
Here are a few ways this mindset has helped me:
🥖 Cooking from scratch - Instead of relying on processed or convenience foods, I focus on whole ingredients, which keeps my grocery bill steadier.
👗 Quality over fast fashion - I invest in well-made clothes (often secondhand) rather than chasing trends, so I shop less often.
🛍 Buying used instead of new - Whether it’s furniture, clothes, or kids’ gear, I’ve saved a fortune by choosing secondhand.
🎟 Prioritizing experiences over things - Inflation affects physical goods more than moments spent with loved ones.
I just posted this quote by Anna Lappé (along with some funny egg memes) on my Instagram because I love it so so so much:
"Every time you spend money, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want."
I think about this every time I make a purchase. I’d rather “splurge” on ethical food and high-quality essentials than mindlessly spend on things that don’t align with my values. And you know what? That mindset has kept me grounded, even as prices shift.
With new tariffs adding more uncertainty to the economy, now is the perfect time to reassess our spending habits. Instead of reacting with stress, we can take a step back and ask: Am I spending in a way that aligns with what truly matters to me?
A few relevant blog posts:
Current Deals
This is my favorite deals going on right now:
Cheers to a week of savings,
Hannah
Eat, Drink, and Save Money
Smart Spending for a Richer Life
P.S. I’d love to hear from you—what’s one way you spend money that reflects your values? Hit reply and let me know!
