How to Make and Save More in the Last Quarter of 2026


How to Make and Save More in the Last Quarter of 2026

There are only 3 months left of the year and even if you haven't achieved what you set out to achieve this year, you still have time to improve your finances and start 2027 in a better position.

What can you do in the next 3 months to improve your finances?

Establish an Emergency Fund

Having an emergency fund that is used for true emergencies creates peace of mind and helps avoid debt. Aim for $2,000 and do whatever you need to get this financial milestone sorted.

Check out how to get $5,000 by the end of the year.

Look at these 24 ways to make money or 20 ways to make an extra $1,000 for some ideas.

Clear Some or All of Your Debt

If you have a credit card, personal loan or other debt that weighs you down, do what you can in the next 3 months to clear it or as much of it as you can. Read these 6 tips for dealing with debt and debt collectors to help.

Increase Your Income

Whether it's starting a side hustle, getting a new job or a promotion, there are things you can do to increase your income.

Read how to double your income for tips to do that.

For side hustles, have a look at how we made an extra $33,277.57 on the side in 12 months a few years ago.

Know Your Next Steps

What is it you want to do or achieve in 2027 and beyond? Do you have a financial plan? What upcoming expenses will you have e.g. dental work, upgrading the car, home renovations, education expenses etc?

Plan it out. Know your next steps, what you want and what you need to pay for so you don't get caught out.

The unexpected can happen but many things can be planned for. E.g. you know at some point you will need to replace your car so start saving now. If you have kids you know they have birthdays, school fees, uniforms and things to pay for so plan accordingly.

Check your progress and financial plan regularly so you know if you are on track.

If you don't know where to start when it comes to your finances and next steps, try these articles.
​Do a full financial review and see where you can cut back, the areas you might be forgetting in your budget and so on.

​Plan now for emergencies and other obstacles, get an emergency fund and know what to do in different emergencies.

Learn from others e.g. read how the top 1% wealthiest Aussies manage their finances.

Develop good financial habits such as these 5 habits for financial success. Also these 12 habits for a healthier, wealthier life with more free time.

Create clear goals with systems in place to develop the habits to achieve them.

Cost of Living Help

Everyone is feeling the pinch with how expensive life is now. Check out the cost of living help available in your state plus other money, bonuses, discounts and things you might be eligible for here.

​Have a look at how to get freebies and some tips to get free gift cards to help too.

Frugal Meals

Learn how to use everything, how to substitute and how to get free or cheap food to make frugal meals.

Take leftovers for lunch in a thermos or plan cold lunches such as sandwiches, salads, pasta, wraps etc.

These ideas might help:
​29 recipes for leftover roast chicken​
​20 meal ideas for leftover sausages​
​28 recipes for mince​

​Get $50 off Delidoor or check out other mealkit discounts here.

What I Am Reading

​Clever Girl Millionaire: A Guide to Redefining What’s Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions.

Clever Girl Millionaire isn’t just a book you read once and place on a shelf; it’s your indispensable guide to support you as you build real wealth, step by step, on your own terms. Each chapter is crafted not just to educate and inspire you, but to help you build momentum through action steps, thoughtful prompts, and practical exercises to help you apply what you’re learning in your real life.

Written by Bola Sokunbi, a self-made Black woman millionaire and founder CEO of Clever Girl Finance, one of the largest personal finance media/education platforms for women in the US, this book helps you:

  • Sow seeds for your millionaire mindset by building confidence in your ability to build wealth, spending intentionally, minimizing debt, and putting your money to work for you
  • Bounce back from setbacks by assessing the damage, creating a recovery plan, and giving yourself the grace you need to move forward without shame or self-judgement
  • Build a long-term wealth blueprint through intentional goal setting, smart investing, and everyday habits that compound into lifelong financial freedom

A celebration of ambition, possibility, and the power of financial empowerment, Clever Girl Millionaire is required reading for anyone seeking an inspiring and practical guide to wealth creation.

The Thrifty Issue Community

For more and to connect with others check out The Thrifty Issue Facebook group, Facebook page, Instagram, Pinterest.​

The Thrifty Issue

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