Tips for surviving January: the post-holiday budget crunch

They say that January is the month when your credit card trembles more than your knees after your first day back at the gym following the Christmas break. But don’t worry: surviving post-holiday budget crunch is possible… without your budget going on a “bikini diet”!

This post is a practical and realistic guide where we’ll talk about saving, sustainability and useful tricks that will make your life easier. Here you’ll find tips for surviving the January slump, improving the way you shop and, at the same time, committing to sustainable consumption habits that your wallet will thank you for.

Yes, this month it is possible to consume better and shop more consciously… especially after the Christmas splurge.

Organise your shopping and avoid impulse purchases

If in December we shopped as if we were expecting visits from the whole neighbourhood, January calls for calm, common sense and… a little weekly planning.

Here are some tips on how to organise your shopping in January without suffering:

1. Check your pantry before you go out: you probably have more spaghetti than an Italian restaurant.
   
2. Think of simple, balanced weekly menus. Weekly shopping planning is one of the most useful tips for surviving the January slump.
   
3. Make a shopping list, don’t improvise, and stick to it. Don’t be too strict and allow yourself a few treats. If you stick to the list, you’ll avoid buying things you don’t need.

Extra tip: If you can, go shopping when you’re not hungry and don’t be too strict. Allow yourself a few treats; this will save you from making more than one impulse purchase.

Avoiding impulse purchases is not only good for your finances, it also helps reduce waste and ensure you buy only what you really need. And if you take your shopping trolley with you, you’ll see how it becomes the perfect helper for carrying your groceries home.

Go local and seasonal

Buying seasonal products is like buying a good coat in the sales: you get a better price and it’s also the right thing to do.

When you choose local products, you promote fair trade, support producers in your area and contribute to sustainable consumption habits.

Here are some examples:

• At the beginning of the year, you will find vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, chard and leeks at ideal prices.
  
• Winter fruits (apples, pears, citrus fruits) keep your defences and your wallet safe.
  
• And if you shop at local businesses, you’ll not only save money, but also bring life to the community.
  

This small gesture is one of the best tips for getting through January while taking care of your environment. And don’t forget that with a sturdy trolley, such as those from Garmol, you can do your shopping on foot without carrying heavy loads.

If you want to know how to choose a good trolley, here’s a comprehensive guide:
👉How to choose the perfect shopping trolley

Reuse, recycle and plan your meals

It’s that time of year when you look in the fridge and think, ‘How am I going to solve this puzzle?’ But no, you don’t have to throw anything away.

The key to a sustainable and economical lifestyle lies in:

• Preparing optimised menus. Those typical recipes from grandma that make use of leftovers: from a good stew or casserole, you can make several dishes such as soup broth, croquettes, and cream of vegetable soup.
  
• Cook in bulk. One option for optimising time and resources is to cook in bulk and freeze or store in jars for other days. If you’re making tomato sauce, get out the pot and make several litres.
  
• Create your own combos with leftovers: A little stir-fry made with vegetables left over from Monday, together with some rice from Tuesday, equals a new dish for Wednesday.
  
• Buy just what you need. As we mentioned earlier, making a shopping list and sticking to it is the best way to avoid filling up the bin.

Optimising your menus prevents waste. It’s a sure-fire way to save money and another tip for surviving the January slump. What’s more, if you use a trolley that will last you for years, you’re also committing to avoiding plastic bags and shopping more consciously, which is also a form of optimisation.

Here’s some more inspiration for getting the most out of your trolley:
👉Alternative uses to get the most out of your trolley

The trolley, your ally in daily savings

Saying that a good shopping trolley saves you money may sound exaggerated… until you try it. Saving money with a shopping trolley is real, and here’s why:

• It allows you to shop at local markets and shops without relying on your car (less petrol, more savings).
  
• It prevents you from buying plastic bags every time you go out (less plastic, more sustainability).
  
• If it’s a sturdy and durable trolley, it will last you for years (less waste, more eco-friendly).
  

Shopping trolleys help you lead a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing your environmental impact while saving you money.

Would you like a model that can climb stairs? A foldable one? A giant one for your weekly shopping?
Find out which one suits you best here:
👉Visit the Garmol shop

And if you want to take good care of it so it lasts for many years, here are some essential tips:
👉How to care for a trolley so it lasts for years

Learn to enjoy more conscious consumption

Another tip for surviving the January slump is to make small, minimalist changes. You don’t have to become a minimalist to the extent that you only have one bowl and one spoon. Sometimes, it’s enough to change small routines to live a more economical and lighter life, and you can apply this not only during the January slump but also throughout the rest of the year.

Some small gestures to save money (and mental energy) are:

• Ask yourself if you really need it before buying it. Be aware of what you are going to buy and take the time to assess whether it is something you are going to use or a compulsive purchase.
  
• Choose durable products instead of disposable ones. Looking for more durable alternatives, even if they are more expensive, also saves money and is more sustainable.
  
• Opt for home-cooked meals. Eating out, ordering takeaway or buying ready meals is expensive. Whenever possible, choose to cook at home. It will be healthier for your body and your wallet.
  
• Cut down on unnecessary car journeys. Opting for more sustainable transport is also a way to save money. Using a bicycle or public transport will also make a difference to your pocket.
  

These habits are some of the best tips for surviving the post-holiday budget crunch, because saving money, wellbeing and sustainability can and should go hand in hand.

Surviving the post-holiday budget crunch

Pulling your weight is about adopting more conscious habits, choosing durable, local and seasonal products, and understanding that every gesture counts in your economy and has an impact on your environment and the planet. With organisation, common sense and a shopping trolley that can hold whatever you put in it, you will find that January is not the dreaded slump it seems to be, but can be easier than it appears.

Frequently asked questions