It’s November 2025, the government is shut down, SNAP benefits are delayed for America’s most vulnerable families, and 350,000 Black women have lost their jobs this year. Times are uncertain, especially for Black women navigating a tough economic climate.
This is exactly why taking control of your money isn’t just about saving, it’s about reclaiming your power. Living within your means, building a STASH, avoiding new debt, paying down existing debt, and saving for your future are things that may seem out of reach. While those big goals take time, the immediate move we can all make right now is cutting costs.
Immediate Ways to Save
Here are a few things you can do right now to save money:
- Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions: Pull up your bank statement. Seriously. Are you paying for three streaming services but only use one? Cut the other two. Is that fitness app collecting dust? Cancel it! Use our bill tracker to keep an up with your subscriptions.
- Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate: Your internet, cable, and phone bills are not set in stone. Call those providers. Be firm. Tell them you’ve seen a cheaper deal from a competitor and ask directly, “What are you going to do to keep me?” You’ll be surprised how quickly they find a discount. If they won’t budge, be ready to walk away and switch providers.
- City Entertainment = Free Entertainment: Instead of dropping $150 on theater tickets, tap into the free resources: check out a free museum day, hang out in a park, or finally use that library card!
- Shop Your Fridge First: Before heading to the grocery store, you must shop your own kitchen. Go through your refrigerator, cabinets, and freezer. Build your entire dinner plan around what you already bought. This cuts waste and cuts your spending.
- Grocery Delivery as a Budget Strategy: Stop thinking of grocery delivery as a luxury, for me, it’s a budget shield. Check your credit card perks; if the membership fee is covered, you get free delivery every single time. Use this to your advantage: you save serious time, completely avoid those dangerous impulse buys in the aisles, and can shop the deals right from the couch. It’s a win for both your wallet and your peace of mind.
The ultimate takeaway is this: Every dollar you save today is a dollar you get to control tomorrow. This isn’t about scarcity; it’s about taking control.
What’s the first bill you’re calling to negotiate this week?
