Hello, 2024! I’m so ready for you (I think).

I have some big financial goals on the horizon — goals that have me re-examining much of my spending. Extra subscriptions for apps, streaming services and magazines are out and meal-prepping, re-selling and trend-bucking are in.

While there will no doubt be shopping in 2024, for this first edition of the new year, I’m sharing the three resolutions I’ll focus on over the next 12 months to ensure every pence, pound, dollar and cent is spent wisely. So get ready for a whole new lineup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home finds along with more tips to help you shop smarter, no matter what you’re looking for.

Thanks for coming along!

RESOLUTION NO. 1: BEAUTY
Say “no” to stockpiling.

I’ve spent the better part of two years using up all of the beauty samples and full-size products I’d gotten as freebies, as part of subscription boxes or just because I saw them all over Instagram. It got so bad I had to make a schedule based on expiration dates so I knew what to open next. All of the switching around in my routine also took a toll on my skin. So this year, I’m not buying anything until I’ve truly used something up. The only items I’ll be buying multiples of during sales or while back in the States are my tried-and-true picks, like my favorite sunscreen and acne-fighting serum.

RESOLUTION NO. 2: FASHION
Tailor before tossing.

After losing a significant amount of weight, I purged a lot of my wardrobe. But I kept one rule in mind: If I really love it/cannot replace it, have it tailored. I’m keeping that philosophy this year and seeing how I can rework/mend pieces in my closet I haven’t worn in a while, or that look a bit tired, instead of getting rid of them. It’s a chance to be more creative in how I dress while cutting back on impulse buys. What I decide not to keep, I’m going to either donate, recycle or re-sell, and I plan to do mostly second-hand shopping.

RESOLUTION NO. 3: HOME
Pick practicality over appearance.

Now that our current lease is winding down, I’m starting to look around our home and think about what to part with. Just like with fashion, it can be easy to get caught up in trends and accumulate a lot, fast. I’m trying to avoid bringing in too much in the coming months, but for any purchases I do make, I want to be sure those items are just as functional as they are beautiful. Our trip to Tokyo reminded me to be more mindful when buying items for our home and I want to get better at repurposing things I normally would get rid of.

How do you plan to shop differently in 2024?

In case you missed it …

Top Buys of 2023 Petra Canan Trudell · December 11, 2023 Read full story

MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments.