Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

I’m no financial advisor. As a matter of fact, I’m really not great at math. But squirreling things away? Now that I can do. Later on in today’s newsletter, a reader asks Grace about saving money—so I’ll share the one and only method that works for me.

If you’re hoping to save up for something specific, I suggest withdrawing a portion in cash at the beginning of each pay cycle. Put that away in an envelope labeled with your dream purchase. If you’re out and about and see a “nice-to-have” thing, ask yourself if you’d rather have that knicknack (it’s okay if you do) or if you’d rather put the money you’d spend on that in your envelope—and if it’s the latter, follow through. You might be surprised how useful this can be toward saving.

When you reach a million bucks with this method, I hope you’ll remember your newsletter editor who cared enough for you to share it—and then share your abounding riches with me because I’m so glad you’re here (hey, it was worth a try).

Amie Knowles

Newsletter Editor, Dogwood

After all the bills were paid and baby items purchased, we had a whopping $38 left for groceries per week. Here’s how we made it stretch. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)

Here’s how my family stretched $40 for groceries per week

By Amie Knowles

When I say we’ve been there, honey, we’ve been there. Not qualifying for food aid, we have our grocery budget down to a science.

We never planned to go down to one income when our son was born in 2018, but a medical scare when he was a few weeks old made that decision for us. Then, of course, there were the bills to go with that—on top of thousands of dollars for an unplanned C-section—and things were looking pretty darn bleak in our bank account for quite a while.

Our little family of three lived off of my husband’s income, around $32,000 pre-tax. I freelanced, which paid for my student loans each month, and that was about it. After all the bills were paid and baby items purchased, we had a whopping $38 left for groceries per week.

Since we had no other option, we got creative with our food budget. There were a lot of fried penny lunches and even more macaroni and tomato soup nights. Not familiar with those delicacies? Well, with the rising prices in the country right now, allow me to introduce you. You might even find a new—albeit admittedly odd—favorite.

Budget-friendly meals →

Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.

We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.

I want to tighten up spending and pay down our debt, but my husband doesn’t. How do we make a plan together?

Dear Grace,

I have a financial question. I want to save money. My goal is to slow our spending for 2026, pay off our credit card debt, and build up our savings. I am ready to say “no” to family outings, shopping for needless things, and “no” to things that cost money.

My husband isn’t really on the same page. He says he is willing to save money, but he doesn’t think the credit card debt is a problem, and he’s not willing to give up his hobbies. He spends money on gear for camping and things he enjoys. I don’t know how we can get on the same page with our finances.

We both work, but he makes more money than me. Is he right that the credit card debt isn’t a problem? How do we save money if he doesn’t cut back?

— Ready to Live Like I’m Broke, Colorado

Dear Ready,

Oh friend, you are not alone… nearly half of American households have credit card debt. Credit card companies are predatory and want you to be in debt, so you’re not the only one who has fallen into their trap.

Good for you for having such a clear vision! Big changes don’t happen overnight; they happen after a series of small, intentional steps. You’ve already taken the hard ones: naming the problem, deciding to prioritize savings, and thinking seriously about where to cut back. That’s huge. Now let’s talk about getting your husband to catch up to where you already are….

Read Grace’s response

In our household, we structure our spending in four in-order steps: 1) giving, 2) bills, 3) savings, and 4) spending. Lately, #4 has felt a bit like we should move it up to the #3 slot because everything seems to cost more right now—gas, groceries, even a 42-pack (no longer 48) of plastic forks is $1.75 instead of $1 at our local Family Dollar.

Have you noticed your budgets stretching a little thinner lately? If so, what are some things you’re doing to cut costs? Write to me at amie@couriernewsroom.com and let me know—your response may appear in Friday’s newsletter.

Join the conversation

Virginia Events

Want to get politically engaged this week? The commonwealth is full of opportunity. Click here for a list of options going through Thurs. April 16.

📣 (April 13) Indivisible: Mobilize Monday in Hampton from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

📣 (April 14) Virginia Grassroots: Redistricting Community Town Hall in Norfolk from 6 – 7:30 p.m.

📣 (April 15) RVA Indivisible: Monthly In-Person Meeting in Richmond at 6:30 p.m.

Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator Ava Edwards at ava@couriernewsroom.com with details. Please send details at least one week before the event.

Are you enjoying this newsletter?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Ava Edwards and Galvanize Together. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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