TL;DR

• Revenge Saving is Back!

• Dollar Tree Raising Its Prices Was Actually A Good Thing

• How Smart Parents Are Using Their Tax Refund

• Frugal Tip: Home Energy Audit

MONEY TRENDS

Revenge Saving Is The New Spending

After years of rising costs and uncertainty, people are starting to push back. There’s a growing trend called “revenge saving”—instead of spending to cope, people are saving aggressively to regain a sense of control. Life feels more expensive, and many are realizing they’re not as financially secure as they thought.

In response, people are cutting back. Fewer impulse purchases, fewer subscriptions, more intention with every dollar. And for a while, it works. Saving creates breathing room. It lowers stress and builds confidence.

But like most extremes, it can go too far. Cutting everything out can start to feel restrictive, even discouraging. The goal isn’t to swing from overspending to over-saving—it’s to find a balance you can actually maintain.

If this resonates with you, keep it simple. Know why you’re saving. Cut what doesn’t truly add value. Automate what you can. You don’t need a complete reset—just better decisions, repeated over time. That’s what builds real wealth—and real peace of mind.

Stat Of The Week

️ +$1 billion: The delta between money spent on data centers ($45 billion annualized) vs. private offices ($44 billion)in the United States in December. At the onset of COVID-19, we were spending roughly $60 billion more on private offices. Data centers are now a bigger construction expense for the first time.

MONEY IN REAL LIFE

The Dollar Tree Got Better After Raising Prices

Most people think Dollar Tree got worse when it raised prices—but that’s not really what happened.

Instead of everything being $1, many items now range from $1.25 up to $5 or more. At first, that sounds like a bad deal. But it actually allows for better quality, more variety, and stronger private-label options—so you’re not just buying the cheapest version of something, you’re getting real value.

The real opportunity most people miss isn’t the price change—it’s the location. Dollar Tree is expanding into wealthier areas, and those stores tend to be cleaner, better stocked, and carry higher-quality inventory. In some cases, shoppers are filling entire carts because the value is that strong.

If you’re trying to stretch your money, don’t just think what store you shop at—think where that store is. A Dollar Tree in a higher-income area can feel like a completely different experience. Same brand, same concept… but a much better way to make your dollars go further.

What if term life insurance didn’t cost a fortune?

Term life insurance starts at just $19 a month.

Coverage options range from 10–30 years with up to $3M in coverage on most products.

Parent Financial Tips

Tax Refund? Here’s What Smart Parents Are Doing.

So you just got your tax refund—congratulations! Instead of letting it disappear on random spending, you can use it strategically to strengthen your family’s financial future and still enjoy a little fun. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

1. Do something positive for your finances (50%)
Half of your refund should go toward improving your financial foundation. That could mean boosting your emergency fund or paying down high-interest debt. Even adding a few hundred dollars to a savings account gives you a cushion for unexpected expenses like car repairs, medical bills, or a broken appliance. The peace of mind alone is worth it.

2. Do something good for your kids’ finances (30%)
Set aside about a third of your refund for your kids’ future. Contributing to a 529 college plan or a custodial investment account might feel small now, but with time and compounding, it can make a big difference. You’re giving them a head start that can ease the financial burden of education or help them learn smart money habits.

3. Treat your family (20%)
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy a little of your refund. Use about 20% to do something fun with the family—a day trip, a special meal, or even a small purchase that brings joy. Life is about balance, and showing your kids that smart money choices can coexist with fun is a valuable lesson in itself.

By splitting your refund this way, you’re covering today, tomorrow, and the future—all while keeping your family smiling.

Frugal Tip Of The Week

Check if your electric utility offers a free home energy audit.

These audits often show where you’re wasting energy (leaks, insulation gaps, water heater temps) and give free or discounted tools like LEDs or thermostat coupons, helping cut energy costs with minimal effort.

It’s easy to schedule and you might be thinking basic tips, but check out some of the responses in this Reddit Thread.

The auditor found the water heater was set too high, and lowering it dropped bills noticeably. He also fixed his blocked dryer vent.

That’s it for this week!

Hope you like the new format.

Dan