This January, I’m choosing to “clean house” in my finances, reclaiming control and realigning my spending with my values.
As the new year begins, many of us feel the pull for a fresh start. December’s celebrations often come with overspending, disrupted routines and unanticipated expenses, leaving us yearning for stability. This January, I’m choosing to “clean house” in my finances, reclaiming control and realigning my spending with my values.
For me, this reset isn’t just about numbers—it’s about stewardship. Everything I have is a gift from God, and I’m called to manage it wisely. Recognizing this responsibility motivates me to use my resources purposefully and thoughtfully.
The Bible provides timeless principles about financial stewardship. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV) reminds us to "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops," encouraging us to acknowledge God’s provision and prioritize Him in our financial decisions.
Luke 16:10 offers a practical reminder: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." We are called to manage what we’ve been given, no matter how modest, with integrity and care.
These truths inspire my approach to a financial reset. If you’re looking to start the year with better financial habits, here are five steps to a fresh and stable new year.
1. Limit Eating Out
Dining out is an easy budget-breaker, especially during the holidays. Whether it’s quick meals while shopping or festive dinners with family from out of town, the costs can quickly pile up.
January is the perfect time to pause and cook at home. Not only are home cooked meals lighter on your wallet, but they also promote healthier eating habits. If social dining is important to you, invite friends over for a shared meal—many will gladly contribute a dish or two. Not only does this foster meaningful connections, but it also saves money.
If coffee shop runs are your weak spot, consider investing in tools to replicate your favorite drinks at home. Purchasing an inexpensive milk frother transformed my coffee routine, letting me enjoy specialty drinks in my own kitchen without the hefty price tag.
2. Shop Your Pantry
Before heading to the store, take inventory of your kitchen. January is ideal for “shopping” your pantry, fridge and freezer.
Plan meals around what you already have, especially non-perishable items and freezer staples like meats or frozen vegetables. This approach helps reduce food waste and encourages contentment with existing provisions. Plus, it’s a creative challenge to craft meals without spending extra money. Think of it as your own personal “Chopped” competition.
Can’t think of any meals utilizing the ingredients you already have? It doesn’t take more than a few minutes to scroll through recipe websites for inspiration based on the items you enter in the search bar. Better yet, challenge ChatGPT to come up with the recipe for you, based on your ingredients.
Bonus tip: Use this opportunity to declutter your pantry, checking expiration dates and reorganizing your supplies.
3. Rethink Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping with intentionality is a cornerstone of responsible stewardship. Start by creating a meal plan and a strict shopping list—this minimizes impulse purchases and ensures every dollar is spent wisely.
Consider budget-friendly stores like Aldi, which offer affordable options for fresh produce and dairy. Local produce stands can also provide seasonal fruits and vegetables and support small businesses.
To avoid overspending, limit your store visits. Frequent trips often lead to unplanned purchases. Alternatively, explore grocery delivery services to keep your shopping streamlined and focused. Order the groceries online for pick-up to avoid any delivery fees should your grocery store of choice not provide free delivery.
It’s also helpful to think outside the meat department when shopping for proteins. Lentils and beans are great options, as are Rotisserie chickens -- a personal favorite for cost-effective meal planning. They’re versatile, pre-cooked and can be stretched across multiple meals. Save the carcass to make homemade chicken broth, extending their value even further.
4. Audit Your Subscriptions
Monthly subscriptions can quietly drain your finances. Streaming services, gym memberships and product-specific plans often continue long after their usefulness.
Use an app like Rocket Money to track and cancel unused subscriptions. You might be surprised at how much you’re spending on services you barely use. Reallocating these funds can make a noticeable difference in your budget.
5. Embrace “Free” Shopping
If shopping is your vice, focus on zero-cost options. Gift cards, store credits, or reward points can satisfy the urge to shop without impacting your budget.
Clothing swaps are another creative solution. Exchange gently used items with friends or host a larger swap event in your neighborhood. It’s an excellent way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime, and it’s a win for the environment too.
You can also use this time to return unwanted holiday gifts for store credit, turning them into something you truly need.
A Stewardship Challenge
These steps may seem small, but their cumulative effect can be profound. Even adopting one or two of these habits can help you regain control over your finances, creating space for unexpected expenses and providing peace of mind.
However, if you find yourself unable to make progress despite these efforts, don’t be discouraged. It may be time to seek advice from financial experts or professional budgeting resources. Remember, asking for help is a step forward, not backward.
As you work toward financial stability, keep the principles of stewardship at the forefront. Acknowledge that all you have is a gift from God and approach your finances with gratitude and purpose.
This new year offers an opportunity to reset, not just in our budgets but in our hearts. Let’s steward our resources well, honoring the One who has entrusted them to us.
Photo Credit: ©Vladimir Solomianyi/Unsplash
Dawn Carroll has worked for Medi-Share for 22 years, now serving as the Director of Communications. She spends much of her free time in nature taking average iPhone pics of stunning scenery to make her friends jealous.
