New Year's resolutions: Useful tips to save money in 2026

There's a strong tradition of making New Year's resolutions in the United States. At the end of the year, on the cusp of the new one, many people face a moment of optimism where they feel that they can set some goals for self-improvement. These resolutions often cover a wide variety of aspects of life, including health goals and changes, fitness regimes, relationship ideas, and career or finance-related goals. Anything goes as long as it is with the mindset to improve. For those considering money matters, then saving more and spending wisely is often a key feature of a New Year's resolution. By starting small and using realistic steps, big differences can be made over time.

Turning goals into action plans

While many people start out incorrectly, setting out a vague resolution, for these to succeed, clear, measurable goals are a must. Simply saying 'save more' is not enough; there needs to be a concrete plan in place. With this in mind, anyone considering a resolution of this sort needs to ask themselves specific questions to finesse the plan. For example, detail what it is they are saving for, how much this will need, when it needs to be saved by, and what habits will help get them there.

These can include all manner of things, from saving for a summer trip to paying off credit card debt, or simply being practical and setting up an emergency fund. Tracking progress and celebrating small wins through this journey will help keep motivation high and keep things on track.

Smarter shopping: Outlets, Thrift finds, and Seasonal deals

For those looking to save money, there are plenty of ways to save in everyday life to try and meet those savings goals. For example, stretching the budget further with thoughtful shopping means saving more later. When shopping for clothes or products, it can be a good idea to look at outlet malls or online outlet sites. Here, shoppers can easily find brand-name products at a fraction of the usual selling price.

Thrift stores are another great place to look for sustainable, affordable alternatives to shopping new. Better still, these often support local communities. Seasonal promotions, those that take place after a holiday or something like January Sales, are great times to get essentials at vastly reduced prices.

Using online coupon codes to boost savings

Online shoppers can make further savings by using coupon codes and exclusive web offers. These are codes that are used during the checkout process, and can provide reductions on the total cost of the shop. Codes like these can be found in various places, including the retailer's own site, via retailer newsletters, verified brand websites or even on specialized platforms like Discoup.com. This specialized platform compiles all coupons and promo codes for different US retailers, all in one place, categorizing them and making it easy to find a code that works for the product or store being shopped at. Discoup also features a dedicated page for Seasonal Sales, so that valid coupons can be found during the peak shopping period quickly and efficiently.

Cashback and decluttering for profit

There are other options too, and these can be used to save money or even make money for those who are looking to add to their earnings.

Cashback services are one popular option, and are great for allowing shoppers the chance to earn a percentage of their spending back via apps and partner retailers.

Another option is to make money by selling unwanted items. This can serve a secondary purpose, that of decluttering a space or house. Old clothes, gadgets, home goods, and books can all generate extra cash. Reputable resale platforms or community marketplaces are ideal options for saving money. As such, it's not just about cutting costs, but also about being smarter in the daily decision-making process as well.

Combining all these elements can help those with a New Year's resolution to save, actually achieve that goal.