Small Shifts, Big Savings: Exploring Substitutions to Stretch Your Dollars
May 20th, 2025
Many of us are feeling the pressure of rising prices of groceries, cars, insurance, and basic daily needs, all of which seem to cost more than they used to. When you’re already doing your best to make ends meet, it can feel overwhelming. However, sometimes small shifts in how we spend can help us make our money go further without sacrificing quality or dignity.
One way to approach this is through thoughtful substitutions, which is a strategy that invites flexibility and creativity. For example, many store-brand food items cost significantly less than name brands, and in some cases, they’re made in the same manufacturing facilities. Items like cereal, chips, or yogurt are often comparable in taste and nutrition, but cost 20% to 50% less.
When it comes to meat, switching from higher-cost cuts to more affordable ones, such as choosing chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, can still offer delicious and nutritious meals while easing the strain on your grocery budget. The same goes for turkey or plant-based protein options.
Larger purchases can also benefit from this mindset. When buying a car, consider whether an older but dependable model could meet your needs just as well as a newer one. A base model with a few minor upgrades might work just as well and help you avoid hidden long-term costs, like fuel inefficiency or higher replacement prices for specialty parts (like large wheels and tires). What may seem like a “small upgrade” can become an ongoing expense over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Even with technology, it's worth reflecting on what you use and value. Are you paying extra for phone features or plans you don’t need or use? If so, there may be opportunities to reduce expenses while still maintaining connections.
None of these choices is about doing without. It is about doing things with intention. It’s not about “settling,” it’s about reclaiming your financial power in a system that often asks us to spend more than we can afford. Researching options, comparing prices, and pausing before big purchases can be empowering steps toward financial wellness.
What works for you? We’d love to hear about any substitutions, swaps, or savings tips that have helped you. Sharing your strategies helps build collective wisdom in our communities.
At Save First Financial Wellness, we understand that financial decisions are personal, and we’re here to support you through our Financial Literacy and Financial Coaching, which are personalized one-on-one sessions without judgment and with care every step of the way.