The tips and tricks I’ve implemented in 2026 to keep creating, growing my creative art practise without the additional financial overwhelm.
It seems to me that the current version of the world is moving in a very dystopian direction, shaped by tech money and moulded towards the version of reality the Tech Bros adapted from the science fiction (of course this a simplification but you get the gist) genre. I also find it really hard to understand why the political class is so keen on embracing the dystopian future that would work for the “chosen” few not for the many. From where I’m standing, the politicians seem to be running around like headless chickens with just one objective, to stay in power as long as possible, instead of being of service to the people.
Obviously, I don’t support nor agree with this version of reality. I’m also increasingly aware that I have no control over the economy or world politics (the British and Polish political scene makes me beyond depressed). So instead of wasting my time watching the norms of decency and democracy melt in front of my eyes I decided to turn my focus towards what I can control. One of the very few elements I feel I have some sort of control is where my money goes.
From the start of the 2026 I’ve introduced new financial habits that so far have helped me ‘power through’ the constant insecurities caused by global unrest, crises of living and environmental breakdown alongside the political disempowerment, which is visible on all sides of the political spectrum.
These micro habits do save me a bit of money, but what they help me most with is the focus on my immediate circle of influence. Instead of worrying about the state of the world I choose to work from the inside out and make positive changes that can benefit my mental health, and my long-term sustainability commitment towards the environment and my creative art practise.
Here are my new micro habits that have worked for me in the first half of 2026:
– When buying new books, I check the title on Amazon first and go to the second-hand section of that listing. If I can find the copy at the World of Books, I buy that copy. If I can’t find a second-hand copy, I put it on my reading list and wait. (I love books and as much as I support libraries, I also love having certain titles in physical copies.)
– I started using Matcha powder, which I buy in Lidl and make my own cup every morning. I mix oat milk with water. It is less expensive than buying matcha in a carton, lasts longer and is not so calorie dense.
– I grow my own mint and thyme, which I use in the wintertime to make tea and in the summer to make lemonade.
– Once a week I go to my nearest supermarket to check what’s on offer and buy £20-£30 of products on offer. This habit helps me stock up my pantry allowing me to buy products such as tea, coffee, chocolates when those are discounted.
– If I feel that an item is too expensive, I simply don’t buy it. The other week a box of gooseberries in the Polish shop was £6.99. This is simply mental!!!
– Trying new simple recipes that not only include the seasonal foods but also beans in various salads.
– Making popcorn at home as a snack.
– Baking at home instead of buying expensive cakes.
– Making homemade lemonade, for which I use my homegrown mint and thyme.
– Growing super greens and using them in salads. Super greens grow very quickly and in reality, I could have a new tray of super greens every week, if I had the space.
– Growing spring onions. You can either buy small onions in any gardening store or allotment shop (some allotments have shops) or grow spring onions from the onions you already have in your fridge.
– Mending my clothes, even if that’s not perfect.
I know those small and often inexpensive habits won’t make any of us financially independent but just as well might add some overall security. By learning how to grow, mend, bake and cook with what you have access to, your skill set will inevitably grow making you more confident in your own abilities, while paving the way towards more self-reliant and creative future. And of course don’t forget to help and look out for those less fortunate than you.
PS. I’m Made by Dyslexia, so expect small typos and big thinking.
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