🛍️ Spend Smarter, Live Richer

I may have cut back on a lot of my expenses, but I still enjoy giving my debit card a little workout. I used to be a shopaholic, after all. Luckily, Chloe found me just in time to help me drop those nasty habits.

Now, instead of spending completely recklessly, I've learned a few tips and tricks that actually help me save money while still enjoying life. That's right—you read that correctly. There really is a way to spend money while still setting some aside for the good old savings account.

Best of both worlds.

I never believed that having a more secure future meant sacrificing your present completely. How can you possibly say you've truly lived if you never go out, travel, or treat yourself every once in a while?

Life is meant to be lived. Book the nice hotels. Eat the expensive desserts. Buy yourself flowers from time to time.

Just... not every single day.

Now, I think it's finally time for those tips and tricks I promised you.

Let's get into them.

Speaking as someone who's a regular at way too many cafés and shops, let me try to sell you on loyalty programs.

If you visit the same places regularly or order takeout from the same restaurant chains, chances are you'll be rewarded for it. Most places nowadays offer stamp cards, points systems, memberships, birthday rewards, or exclusive discounts for loyal customers.

Take advantage of them whenever you can.

Keep those little cards. Download the app if it gives you extra points. Scan your membership before paying.

It might not seem like much at first, but free coffees, birthday treats, discounts, and reward points add up surprisingly fast.

If you're already spending the money anyway, you might as well get something back.

Stop being a victim of the shy discount. You don't know what that means?

Let me explain.

Every time you pay full price, you might be missing the chance to buy the exact same thing for less. The reason is surprisingly simple—you never ask.

Trust me, no cashier is going to magically tell you there's a student discount, a membership discount, or a promotion you qualify for if you don't ask first.

Maybe you're entitled to a student discount.

Maybe you signed up for a loyalty card months ago and completely forgot about it.

Maybe there's a promotion that only gets applied if you mention it.

The worst thing they can say is "No."

Don't be shy. Asking costs absolutely nothing.

And while we're on the topic...

If you're travelling around Europe and shopping at local markets or outdoor stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, or jewellery, don't be afraid to negotiate the price a little. More often than not, the seller has some room to lower it, especially if you're buying multiple items.

Just remember that this only applies to open-air markets and independent vendors.

Please don't try negotiating at Zara unless you'd like security to become your newest shopping buddy.

I know.

The word coupon probably made you picture your grandma cutting little paper squares out of a newspaper.

Welcome to 2026.

Most coupons are digital now.

Before you go shopping, spend two minutes checking whether the store's app has any coupons you can activate. Many supermarkets and fashion retailers let you "clip" coupons with a single tap before you check out.

It's basically free money.

Sometimes you'll get 20% off one item. Other times it's $10 off when you spend $50, free shipping, or discounts on products you were already planning to buy.

No scissors required.

Just don't fall into the trap of buying something simply because you have a coupon for it.

Saving $10 isn't really saving if you spent $70 on something you never needed in the first place.

Use coupons to lower the cost of things already on your shopping list—not to create a brand-new one.

This is probably the spending hack that has saved me the most money.

I'm sure you've noticed how swimsuits suddenly become ridiculously cheap in December. I'm talking about the good sales. The ones where you don't buy things just because they're on sale.

You buy them because you already know you'll need them.

Maybe you've already booked your summer holiday, and your old swimsuit is one wash away from retirement. Christmas is around the corner. Your holiday is in July. Perfect.

Some of the best bargains I've ever found happened simply because a collection was out of season.

So whenever you need to refresh your wardrobe, plan ahead. Make a list of the clothes you actually need. Browse a few websites. Wait for the end-of-season sales.

Your wallet will thank you. And the best part?

You'll have more money left for the fun stuff.

That's a shopping spree I can definitely get behind.

Considering we've been living in the era of apps and technology for years now, it'd be a shame not to take advantage of them.

Stay well informed, especially when it comes to your favourite shops.

There's a huge chance they'll offer a welcome discount just for downloading the app or creating an account. Some even give you exclusive app-only deals that you won't find in-store.

Don't be afraid to ask your friends and family which shopping apps they actually use.

Honestly, there's no better advertisement than someone close to you saying, "I saved $30 ordering through this app."

I'm honestly so mad at myself for not discovering cashback sooner.

You should've seen my face when Chloe explained how it worked.

Long story short—I was ready to throw hands.

These days there are plenty of cashback apps, websites, and even banks that offer cashback through certain debit cards.

Before signing up, check which brands and stores they partner with.

There's no point choosing a cashback program if none of your favourite shops are on the list.

After that?

Life is beautiful.

You shop.

They give you money back a few weeks later.

Everybody's happy.

Just don't let cashback become an excuse to spend more than you planned.

Don't let a 5% cashback convince you to spend 100% more.

Buy the things you already planned to buy.

Then enjoy getting a little surprise back later.

I gotta admit...

This isn't exactly my idea of fun.

I'm talking mainly about grocery shopping here because the price difference between the little shop around the corner and a big supermarket can sometimes be surprisingly huge.

Actually, even comparing two well-known supermarket chains can save you quite a bit over the course of a month.

Most grocery stores publish their weekly offers online, and many still have leaflets you can browse before heading to the shop.

Take advantage of them.

I'll even give you a little bonus tip because I like you.

Plan your meals for the week.

I know.

It doesn't sound particularly exciting.

But trust me on this one.

The next time you're scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest and come across a recipe that makes you immediately hungry, save it. Write down a few meals you'd like to cook next week.

Then make your shopping list and compare where the ingredients are on sale.

You'd be surprised how often half of your list is cheaper in one supermarket and the other half somewhere else.

Now you've got delicious dinners to look forward to, you've saved some money, and you've avoided wandering around the supermarket throwing random snacks into your trolley.

Sounds like a win to me.

And if you're running out of meal ideas...

You should definitely stop by the Hungry Bunny section.

Chloe has been working on those recipes for ages, and you can even filter them based on your food preferences.

I have to admit... She makes one hell of a carrot soup.

If there's one thing I refuse to overpay for, it's flights.

Nothing hurts more than finding out you could've saved a couple hundred dollars simply by booking a few months earlier.

I'm talking mainly about plane tickets, but accommodation prices can climb pretty quickly too.

Especially if you're travelling during peak season or visiting a city that's hosting a huge concert, football match, festival, or another major event.

If you already know you're going… Book it.

The earlier, the better. Your future self will be incredibly grateful when everyone else is paying double for the exact same hotel room.

And let's be honest...

The money you save on flights is much better spent on cocktails by the beach or an extra dessert while you're on holiday.

Now that's what I call smart spending. 

You're welcome. Now go spoil yourself...but responsibly! ✨