October is one of those months where money can feel a little tight. Summer trips are behind us, back-to-school spending is still lingering, and the holidays are already knocking at the door. Add in fall activities, seasonal preparation, and gatherings with friends, and suddenly the budget is stretched in every direction. That is why I want to share something simple and real with you today: the $100 reset.
The $100 reset is about finding one hundred extra dollars in your budget without turning your life upside down. One hundred dollars may not sound like much, but over a year, that is twelve hundred dollars. That is an extra emergency fund cushion, a bigger payment toward debt, or a few steps closer to a savings goal. The power is not in the amount alone but in proving to yourself that you can make money move by being intentional.
Step One: Look at Where Your Money Has Been Going
Before you start cutting or adjusting, you need to see where your money is really going. Pull the last one to three months of your bank and credit card statements. Highlight or circle anything that was not essential. That might be unused subscriptions, impulse takeout orders, or even bank fees you did not notice. Awareness always comes first.
Step Two: Quick Wins That Add Up Fast
Certain cuts or swaps free up money without making you feel like you are suffering. Try these:
- Pause or downgrade subscriptions. Downgrading from a premium streaming plan to a basic one can save about $6 a month. If you pause a gym membership you never use, that could be $20 to $40 back in your pocket.
- Cut back on dining out. Swapping just two delivery meals for home-cooked options saves around $40. Packing lunch twice a week can free up another $30 to $50 a month.
- Adjust your bills. Call your phone or internet provider to see if there is a cheaper plan. Even a $10 reduction matters.
- Tweak utilities. Lower your thermostat by two degrees, unplug devices, and use energy-saving bulbs. These small moves can shave $15 to $20 a month off your bill.
Each of these steps seems small, but together they easily hit that $100 target.
Step Three: Do Not Forget the Income Side
Sometimes saving alone feels limiting. That is where small income boosts help. Think of things like selling clothes or electronics you no longer use, signing up for cashback apps, or taking on one or two micro-tasks online. You might even switch your debit card for one that pays rewards. Even if you only make $25 extra in a month, that combines with your cuts to help you reset faster.
Step Four: Customize It for Your Life
The $100 reset is flexible because everyone’s situation is different. Someone who lives in a walkable city might save by skipping rideshare trips and walking or taking the train. A busy family that usually orders out might cut back on weekly takeout nights and lower their cable bill. A student might split one subscription with roommates instead of each paying separately. There is no one-size-fits-all plan. You get to decide what feels sustainable for you.
Step Five: Make It Stick
The goal is not just to find one hundred dollars once. It is to build a routine where you regularly know how to free up money when you need it. Try making this a monthly reset: each month, review your spending and identify the extra hundred you can shift toward your goals. Over time it becomes less about sacrifice and more about confidence.
Why It Matters
The $100 reset is not about perfection; the whole focus here is progress. It is a reminder that you have more power over your money than you think. With small, intentional moves, you can keep enjoying life while also creating space for your financial future.
If this feels doable to you, try it this month. Find your hundred, redirect it to what matters most, and notice how it feels to have a little more control in a season that often feels expensive and overwhelming.
