Cut One Expense

(and Feel the Power)

Post #5 of the All I Want for Christmas is Compound Interest series

One “No” Can Change Everything

You do not need to cancel Christmas or live off ramen noodles to make progress with your money. Sometimes the most powerful move is the simplest one: saying no to one expense that is draining your energy, your wallet, or your joy. Cutting just one expense can feel like flipping the lights on backstage—you suddenly see where your money is going, and you realize you are the one in control of the show.

How to Choose Which Expense to Cut

Start by scanning your spending from the last post. Look at your tracker and ask yourself:

• Which charges felt wasteful?
• Which purchases did not bring joy or lasting value?
• Which expenses are on autopilot but no longer serve you?

Once you have spotted the culprit, pick one thing to pause or cancel. It could be:

• A subscription you barely use (streaming, apps, memberships).
• A delivery habit that sneaks in more often than you realize.
• A recurring charge you forgot about but keeps draining your account.

Here is where the magic happens. Do not just cut—redirect. Take the money you free up and send it somewhere that sparks joy or builds your future:

• Into your high‑yield savings account.
• Toward a holiday splurge that actually matters.
• Into your “Freedom Tour” fund—the dream account that fuels your long‑term goals.

This is not about deprivation. It is about creative control. You are the headliner now, and every dollar is part of your setlist.

Rockstar Tip

Think of this as remixing your budget. Cutting one expense does not shrink your life—it amplifies it. You are choosing what stays in the spotlight and what gets cut from the encore. That is not sacrifice; that’s artistry.

Bonus: $50 Savings Cheat Sheet

At the end of this post you will find Five Quick Ways to Save $50 before the New Year. Pair that with the expense you cut today, and you will feel the power of momentum. Small wins stack up fast, and before you know it, you are rocking a budget that feels like freedom.

Your Challenge Today

Pick one expense that is not serving you. Cancel it, pause it, or redirect it. Then celebrate the win—because every time you say “no” to what does not matter, you are saying “yes” to the life you want to build.

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Gift Guide Supplement

For Gen X – Retro Fun Without the Price Tag

Cutting one expense does not mean cutting joy—it means redirecting toward gifts that spark real happiness.

Board Games from back in the day:

1. Trivial Pursuit Classic Edition Board Game
2. Scrabble A8166 Classic Scrabble
3. Pac-Man Handheld – My Arcade Pac-Man Micro Player

Vinyl records remastered:

1. Metallica – Master of Puppets Remastered
2. ACDC – Back in Black (Black/White Blend Vinyl)
3. Van Halen – 1984 Remastered

DIY Cocktail/Mocktail Kits:

1. Mixcraft Spirit Infusion Kit – Premium Craft Cocktail/Mocktail Mixer

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help keep the lights on and the mixtapes rolling—thank you for supporting Retirement Rockstars.

Until Next Time,

Do the Jingle Bell Rock,

Tia

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