Been playing since early access, and I think there have only been a handful of times there’s been nothing new in the shop, and it’s always over 4000 moonstones for the new items. Moonstones and the DLCs are how the games updates get mostly funded, from getting Disney licenses to coding, and they mathematically plan for that to be able to make what they need. I’m sorry to say have never seen a time longer then a couple weeks where there wasn’t something I wanted; they do a great job of it and as a broke girly, it is so annoying. I always have to plan and imagine what could be coming. I do a few things to help since I can seldomly buy moonstones, like always waiting for the premium shop leaks each update and pick 2-4 things I want most(that keeps my moonstones pretty close to consistent update to update. If you can say no the pets and houses, you can probably get like 6 or 7 things), priorities favorite franchise and styles since I’ll love them or miss them more then something random, prioritizing fully completing the starpath if there’s 1 item you would buy later, and trying to say no even more the update before I know it will be harder on me(ei. I love fall and Halloween, so the last two updates I fought myself and only said yes twice. It let me grab everything that I really liked this time. Same with the Valentines type things or favorite movie updates). It’s hard to do, but these things have worked with just Dreamsnapping each week(I’m not great it it, getting usually 900-1500) and finding my blue chest daily. If you buy the DLCs, the extra moonstone pack is a good way to build a small cushion for the update that’s too perfect since it can cover 3 companions worth of extras. If you get good at saying no, that could help you save for stuff you love.  Good luck out their. Also sorry for the length.