10 Things I Stopped Buying To Save Money
I used to wonder where my money went every month. I thought I didn’t spend that much. But when I started paying attention, I noticed small things adding up fast.
I didn’t have to make a huge change overnight. I just looked at my habits. I asked myself, Do I really need this? Is there a cheaper way? Can I live without it?
The answers surprised me.
Here are ten things I stopped buying. Each one helped me save money without feeling deprived. Maybe they can help you too.
1. Fancy Coffee Shop Drinks
I used to buy coffee on the way to work almost every day. Sometimes I got a latte or a cold brew. Other days I added a pastry or sandwich.
It seemed small at first. Five dollars here, ten dollars there. But when I added it up, it was over $100 a month.
Now I make my coffee at home. I bought a cheap coffee maker and some flavored syrup. I even froth my milk with a small whisk.
It still feels like a treat, but it costs way less.
2. Bottled Water
I used to grab a bottle of water every time I went out. At the gas station, the gym, or just running errands. It felt convenient, but it wasn’t cheap.
One day I bought a reusable water bottle. It was around $15, and I’ve used it for over a year.
Now I fill it up before I leave the house. I drink more water, and I’ve saved a lot of money without even trying.
3. Name Brand Products
I used to reach for name brands at the store without thinking. Chips, cereal, paper towels, even medicine. I believed they were better.
But when I compared prices, I saw how much more I was paying.
So I tried the store brands. Most of them taste and work the same. Some are even made by the same companies.
Now I always check the price before I grab something. I pick what makes sense, not just what I’m used to.
4. New Clothes Every Season
I used to buy new clothes all the time. I wanted to keep up with trends. I liked the feeling of something new.
But most of the time, I didn’t need them. I already had enough in my closet.
Now I only shop when I need something. I check what I have first. If something’s worn out or doesn’t fit, I replace it. If not, I skip it.
I also shop secondhand. Thrift stores and online resale apps have saved me a lot.
5. Extra Subscriptions
At one point, I had several streaming services, music apps, and even a few fitness and meal subscriptions.
They all sounded like a good idea at the time. But most months, I barely used them.
So I made a list of everything I was subscribed to. I asked myself which ones I used often. I kept one or two. I canceled the rest.
Now I’m saving over $50 a month and I don’t miss any of them.
6. Impulse Buys at the Store
I used to go into a store for one thing and come out with five. It was so easy to grab a snack, candle, or a cute notebook I didn’t need.
It felt harmless. But those little extras added up fast.
Now I make a list before I go. I stick to it. If I see something I like, I take a photo of it. I wait a day or two to see if I still want it.
Most of the time, I forget about it.
7. Makeup I Don’t Use
I used to love buying makeup. New lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, foundation, and more. Half the time, I used it once or twice, then forgot about it.
I realized I was buying more than I needed. So I went through my makeup bag. I kept what I loved and tossed what I didn’t use.
Now I only buy something new when I run out. I save space and money, and I get more use out of what I have.
8. Greeting Cards
I used to buy greeting cards for every birthday and holiday. Some were five or six dollars each.
Then I realized I could just write a short note on a blank card or even a sticky note. People cared more about the message than the card itself.
Sometimes I make my own cards. Other times, I text or call instead. It feels more personal, and I save money.
9. Takeout and Delivery
Ordering food was my go-to after a long day. It felt like a reward. But delivery fees, tips, and taxes made it more expensive than I thought.
So I started cooking more at home. I plan simple meals and use leftovers. I still eat out sometimes, but now it’s a treat, not a habit.
When I do get takeout, I pick it up myself to avoid delivery charges.
10. Seasonal Decor
I used to buy new decorations for every season and holiday. It made my home feel festive, but it cost a lot over time.
Now I keep a small box of decorations I use every year. I mix and match them in different ways.
Sometimes I get creative and use what I already have. A candle, a photo, or a plant can change the feel of a room without buying anything new.
How These Changes Helped Me
I didn’t stop buying everything at once. I made one change, saw the savings, then made another.
I focused on what added value to my life. I stopped buying things out of habit, pressure, or boredom. I noticed my bank account growing. I felt less stressed.
Cutting back didn’t make me feel poor. It made me feel smart.
Now I have more room in my budget for things I really care about. Travel. Savings. Peace of mind.
A Few Tips If You Want To Try This Too
1. Track your spending for a week.
Write down everything. You might be surprised where your money goes.
2. Pick one thing to stop buying.
Start small. See how it feels. Then move to the next.
3. Keep a wish list.
If you want something, write it down. Wait a few days. You might realize you don’t want it after all.
4. Think about time, not just money.
Sometimes we spend to save time or energy. That’s okay. Just know where your priorities are.
5. Celebrate the wins.
Every dollar saved is a step forward. You’re making progress, even if it’s slow.
My Last Opinions
I still spend money. I just do it more mindfully now.
Stopping these ten purchases didn’t make me feel restricted. It made me feel free. I realized I had more than I thought. I just needed to use it better.
You don’t have to give up everything. Just choose what matters most to you. Then spend your money in a way that supports your goals.
That’s what helped me save.