I’m excited to share a personal journey that transformed not only my finances but also my life. Just a few years ago, I found myself constantly struggling with the habit of buying things I didn’t really need. It seemed like every paycheck was disappearing into the latest trends, unnecessary gadgets, and frequent dining out. I was living paycheck to paycheck, and the stress of not being able to save was weighing me down.
But one day, I decided enough was enough. I knew I had to make a change, so I embarked on a mission to take control of my spending and start saving money for the things that truly mattered. Through trial and error, I discovered that cutting out certain expenses wasn’t just about saving money—it was about creating a life that was more intentional, fulfilling, and aligned with my goals.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the 14 things I stopped buying to save money and how these small changes had a big impact on my financial health. The best part? You can start making these changes today, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
14 Things I Stopped Buying To Save Money
1. Cutting Back on Eating Out
One of the biggest changes I made was cutting back on how often I ate out. I used to grab breakfast on the go, lunch at a café, and dinner at a restaurant several times a week. It was convenient, but when I added up the costs, I realized I was spending a small fortune on food every month—much more than I ever thought possible!
To turn things around, I started meal prepping at home. At first, it seemed like a hassle, but I quickly discovered that cooking my own meals was not only cheaper but also healthier. I learned to plan my meals for the week, shop with a list, and even got into the habit of making big batches of food that I could freeze and reheat later.
The result? I saved hundreds of dollars each month, and I started feeling better too. My meals were more balanced, and I had control over the ingredients, which made a huge difference in my overall well-being. Plus, dining out became more of a treat rather than a regular occurrence, which made those special outings even more enjoyable.
2. Eliminating Cable and Streaming Services
One of the easiest ways I found to save money was by cutting out cable and reducing my streaming service subscriptions. At first, I thought I’d miss having access to all those channels and shows, but I quickly realized that I was paying for content I rarely watched. On top of that, binge-watching shows had become a habit that ate up more of my time than I liked to admit.
When I decided to eliminate cable, I also took a hard look at the streaming services I was subscribed to. Did I really need three different platforms? The answer was a clear no. I canceled two of them and kept the one I used most frequently. The savings were immediate, but the benefits didn’t stop there.
Without the constant temptation of endless shows, I found myself with more free time to focus on things that mattered—like picking up a new hobby, reading, or even just spending quality time with loved ones. It was a win-win: I saved money and gained back valuable time that had been slipping away unnoticed.
3. Reducing Impulse Buys at the Grocery Store
Impulse buying at the grocery store was another area where I was unknowingly leaking money. I used to walk down the aisles, picking up items that caught my eye without much thought. Whether it was a new snack, a special deal, or just something I didn’t plan on buying, these spontaneous purchases added up quickly. On average, I was spending an extra $100 to $150 a month on things I didn’t really need.
To combat this, I started making a detailed shopping list before heading to the store. More importantly, I stuck to that list. By planning my meals and snacks for the week and buying only what I needed, I cut down my grocery bill significantly. Now, I’m saving about $100 every month, which adds up to $1,200 a year.
This simple habit not only saved me money but also reduced food waste. I was no longer buying items that would sit in the pantry or fridge unused until they expired. Plus, I found that I was eating healthier since I wasn’t tempted by junk food or unnecessary snacks.
4. Saying No to High-End Makeup and Skincare Products
I used to be a huge fan of high-end makeup and skincare products, often splurging on the latest beauty trends without thinking twice. It wasn’t uncommon for me to spend over $200 a month on these products, which added up to around $2,400 a year. The funny thing is, I started to realize that many of these expensive products weren’t making a significant difference in my skin or appearance.
To save money, I decided to switch to more affordable brands that offered quality without the hefty price tag. I focused on purchasing only the essentials—like a good moisturizer, sunscreen, and a reliable foundation—rather than chasing after every new product on the market. This change slashed my beauty budget to about $50 a month, saving me $150 every month or $1,800 a year.
Not only did I save money, but I also learned that less is more when it comes to skincare and makeup. My skin actually improved once I started using fewer products and being more mindful of the ingredients in them.
5. Avoiding Expensive Fashion Trends
Fashion was another area where I used to spend excessively. I felt the need to keep up with the latest trends, which meant buying new clothes almost every month. Whether it was a new pair of shoes, a trendy jacket, or an accessory I didn’t really need, the costs quickly piled up. On average, I was spending about $300 a month on clothing, totaling $3,600 a year.
To curb this habit, I decided to focus on building a capsule wardrobe—a collection of timeless, high-quality pieces that could be mixed and matched for various occasions. I invested in a few staple items that I could wear repeatedly, which drastically reduced my need to buy new clothes all the time. Now, I spend around $50 a month on clothing, saving me $250 each month or $3,000 a year.
This shift not only saved me money but also simplified my life. I no longer feel the pressure to constantly update my wardrobe, and getting dressed has become easier and more enjoyable with fewer but better options.
6. Cutting Out Luxury Services
Luxury services were another area where I was spending more than I realized. This included everything from premium car washes to high-end salon visits and even luxury gym memberships. While these services were nice to have, they weren’t essential, and I found that they were draining my bank account unnecessarily. I was spending around $150 a month on these services, which added up to $1,800 a year.
I decided to cut back by switching to more affordable options. Instead of getting my car washed at a premium service, I started washing it myself or using a basic service. I also opted for a more budget-friendly salon and found that I could still look and feel great without the high costs. Additionally, I replaced my luxury gym membership with at-home workouts and outdoor activities, which turned out to be just as effective.
These changes saved me approximately $100 each month, or $1,200 a year. Plus, I discovered that many of these luxury services weren’t as necessary as I thought, and I didn’t miss them as much as I expected.
7. Skipping Tech Gadget Upgrades
I used to be someone who felt the need to have the latest tech gadgets as soon as they hit the market. Whether it was the newest smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, I was quick to upgrade, thinking it would enhance my life. But these upgrades came with a hefty price tag, often costing me around $800 to $1,000 a year.
To save money, I made a conscious decision to stop upgrading my tech gadgets so frequently. Instead, I focused on maintaining and taking care of the devices I already had, ensuring they lasted longer. This simple shift in mindset saved me the cost of unnecessary upgrades. Over the past year, I’ve saved around $900 by resisting the urge to buy the latest tech, and my current devices still work perfectly fine for my needs.
Not only did I save money, but I also found that the constant push to upgrade wasn’t as necessary as I had believed. The gadgets I already owned were more than capable of handling my day-to-day tasks, and I no longer felt the pressure to keep up with the latest trends.
8. Avoiding Expensive Hobbies
Hobbies are a great way to unwind and enjoy life, but some of my past hobbies were costing me more than I realized. Activities like golfing, frequenting upscale gyms, and collecting high-end items were draining my wallet. I was spending around $200 a month on these hobbies, totaling $2,400 a year.
To cut back, I decided to explore more cost-effective hobbies that I still enjoyed. I took up activities like hiking, reading, and DIY projects—hobbies that brought me joy without the hefty price tag. This change allowed me to save around $150 a month, or $1,800 annually, while still enjoying my free time.
What surprised me the most was how fulfilling these less expensive hobbies turned out to be. I didn’t feel like I was missing out, and in many cases, I found more satisfaction in these simpler, more meaningful activities.
9. Canceling Unnecessary Subscriptions
Subscription services can be incredibly convenient, but I found that I had accumulated more subscriptions than I actually used or needed. From monthly subscription boxes to premium apps and digital services, these seemingly small costs were adding up to around $75 a month, or $900 a year.
I took the time to review all my subscriptions and asked myself if each one was truly necessary. If I wasn’t using it regularly or if it didn’t add significant value to my life, I canceled it. This simple audit of my subscriptions allowed me to save around $60 a month, which translates to $720 a year.
Canceling these unnecessary subscriptions not only saved me money but also decluttered my life. I felt more in control of my finances and less overwhelmed by the constant influx of services I wasn’t fully utilizing.
10. Stopping Magazine and Newsletter Subscriptions
At one point, I was subscribed to multiple magazines and newsletters, thinking they were essential for staying informed and inspired. However, I started to notice that most of these publications were filled with advertisements and content that pushed me to spend more. I was paying around $20 a month for these subscriptions, which amounted to $240 a year.
I decided to cancel these subscriptions and instead turned to free online resources and blogs for the same information and inspiration. By doing this, I saved the $20 per month and didn’t miss out on anything valuable. This decision saved me $240 annually, and I found that I was less tempted to make impulse purchases prompted by glossy magazine spreads.
This change also had the added benefit of reducing clutter in my home. I no longer had stacks of unread magazines piling up, and I felt more in control of the content I consumed.
11. Avoiding Prepackaged and Ready-To-Go Meals
Prepackaged and ready-to-go meals were a go-to for me when I was too busy or tired to cook. However, these meals, while convenient, were often more expensive than cooking from scratch, and they weren’t always the healthiest options. I was spending an extra $50 to $75 a month on these meals, which added up to about $900 a year.
To save money and improve my diet, I started meal prepping and cooking in bulk. By setting aside a few hours each week to prepare meals, I was able to avoid the need for costly prepackaged foods. This change saved me around $60 a month, or $720 a year.
I also noticed that my health improved as I switched to home-cooked meals made from fresh ingredients. The meals were not only healthier but also more satisfying, and I enjoyed the process of cooking more than I expected.
12. Limiting Knick-Knack Purchases
I used to love buying small knick-knacks and doodads—little items that caught my eye while shopping. Whether it was a cute decoration, a novelty item, or a fun trinket, these small purchases added up more than I realized. I was spending about $30 to $50 a month on these items, which added up to around $600 a year.
To save money, I became more mindful of these impulse buys. Before purchasing anything, I’d ask myself if it truly added value to my life or if it was just another item that would end up collecting dust. By adopting this mindset, I was able to cut down on these unnecessary purchases, saving me around $40 a month, or $480 a year.
This shift not only saved money but also helped declutter my space. I found that my home felt more organized and peaceful without the constant influx of new, unnecessary items.
14. Saying No to Frequent Drinks and Social Outings
Socializing often meant going out for drinks or dinner with friends, and while it was fun, it also came with a hefty price tag. I used to spend around $150 a month on social outings, which added up to $1,800 a year. It wasn’t just the cost of the drinks or meals—it was also the transportation and occasional splurges that added to the total.
To save money, I started suggesting more budget-friendly alternatives, like hosting potlucks at home or meeting up for a walk or coffee instead of expensive dinners. This change helped me save about $100 a month, or $1,200 a year, without sacrificing my social life.
By making these adjustments, I found that I was still able to enjoy time with friends, but in a way that was more aligned with my financial goals. It was a win-win—I maintained my social connections while also saving a significant amount of money.
15. Taking Control of Impulse Online Shopping
Online shopping was one of my biggest spending pitfalls. With the convenience of one-click purchases and constant sales, I found myself frequently buying things I didn’t really need. This habit was costing me around $200 a month, or $2,400 a year.
To regain control, I implemented a simple rule: wait 48 hours before making any online purchase. This gave me time to consider whether I truly needed the item or if it was just an impulsive desire. More often than not, I realized I didn’t need it, and I ended up not making the purchase. This strategy helped me cut my online shopping expenses by half, saving me around $100 a month, or $1,200 a year.
Taking control of my impulse shopping not only saved me money but also helped me become more mindful and intentional about what I bring into my life. I learned to appreciate what I already have, and my home became less cluttered as a result.
