Top 5 Strategies to Reduce Expenses and Pay Off Debt

2026 is here. The new year is a time to reflect on the previous year and plan for what I want to do differently this year. I don’t label them resolutions; I think that adds pressure and sets me up to fail. I think of simple adjustments I can make so the new year feels fresh. What can I make easier and reduce stress that I carried in 2025.

For many of us, this could be in multiple areas of our lives. I’ve found taking on one change at a time is most beneficial. And focusing on what you control. With that mindset, completing a financial check-in at the start of new year can help set the tone for all other areas, reduce stress and is an area you can control. In this blog, I’ll focus on tips that create cost‑cutting budget ideas, how to reduce taking on new debt and instead help you pay off debts.

Here are 5 Strategies to Reduce Expenses and Start Paying Off Debt

Schedule a Yearly Rate Reset

Pick one date each year to re‑quote auto/home insurance, internet, streaming bundles, and your phone plan—then lock in lower rates. Example: You can move your phone to an MVNO.  Mobile virtual network operators use the same towers (Verizon/AT&T/T‑Mobile) at 30–40% lower prices for similar data. Check local coverage, then price plans from Visible, US Mobile, Mint Mobile, or Consumer Cellular.

Shop Your Pantry

Get creative with your meal planning. With grocery expenses continuing to be high, its equally important to check your pantry before you go to store. Create a menu with as many ingredients that you have in the pantry as possible. Make a grocery list and focus on sticking to it when you head to the store. This will help reduce your food costs. Plus, by sticking to the list it limits all the extras we put in the cart going through each aisle.

Start “No Spend Days”

Incorporate “No Spend Days” into your week or pay period. It’s so easy to make purchases without thinking about it, we probably purchase something every day. First, add “No Spend Days” every week or a few days every day pay period. No purchases can be made on the designated day. Second, by inserting a pause, you can reduce late night Amazon buys or other impulse purchases. Ultimately, saving you money.

Sell Items

Take inventory of items in your home (clothes, furniture and toys). First, if you no longer need the items, consider selling them. Second, it can bring in extra money. Finally, you can free up space in your home that can also reduce stress.

Start Paying Off Your Debts

After reviewing the above tips to help save money, next focus on using the money you save to pay off unsecured high interest debts. As you look for a way to streamline your debt repayment, consider Apprisen’s Debt Management Program. The Program helps you repay your debts with the support of a non-profit organization.

With the new year starting, now is a great time to explore strategies to reduce expenses and pay down high interest debts. Remember, both can be done at the same time and benefit each other. For support from Apprisen, you can find us at www.apprisen.com, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.