Introduction
Spending too much money on unnecessary things can hurt your budget. Many of us buy things out of habit, boredom, or impulse. But if you want to save money and improve your financial situation, cutting back on unnecessary purchases is a great step.
I realized that many of the things I was buying were not needed. They didn’t add value to my life, and they were making me spend more than I should. By quitting these purchases, I was able to save a lot of money and focus on what truly matters.
Here are 49 things I stopped buying to save money. You might find that cutting these from your shopping list can help you, too!
1. Bottled Water
Instead of buying bottled water, I use a reusable bottle. It saves money and helps the environment. Bottled water is expensive and creates a lot of plastic waste, so switching to a refillable bottle is a win-win.
I also invested in a water filter, which ensures that I always have clean drinking water at home. This small one-time purchase has saved me hundreds of dollars over the years.
2. Daily Coffee Shop Drinks
I started making coffee at home instead of buying expensive coffee from cafes every day. A simple coffee maker or French press can help you make delicious coffee at a fraction of the price.
To make it more enjoyable, I experimented with different coffee beans and brewing methods. I also bought a milk frother, which allows me to make fancy lattes and cappuccinos at home for a fraction of the price.
3. Fast Food
Cooking at home is healthier and much cheaper than eating out. Planning meals ahead of time also prevents last-minute fast food purchases.
Meal prepping has been a game-changer for me. I cook in batches and freeze portions so that I always have a homemade meal ready to go, reducing the temptation to order takeout.
4. Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Buying whole fruits and vegetables and cutting them myself saves money. Pre-cut produce often costs twice as much as whole items.
Investing in a good knife set made chopping fruits and vegetables much easier. It also ensures that I get the freshest ingredients without paying extra for convenience.
5. Designer Clothes
I realized that quality clothing doesn’t have to come with a big brand name. Thrift stores and outlet sales offer great deals on stylish clothes.
Buying classic and versatile pieces means I don’t have to keep up with every fashion trend. I also take better care of my clothes so they last longer.
6. Expensive Shoes
A good pair of comfortable shoes lasts a long time, so I stopped buying too many trendy ones. Buying fewer but higher-quality shoes actually saves money in the long run.
I also started using shoe repair services instead of tossing out old pairs. Resoling a good pair of shoes can extend their life by years.
7. Name-Brand Cleaning Products
Generic or homemade cleaning products work just as well and cost less. A simple mix of vinegar and baking soda can clean many surfaces effectively.
I also started making my own all-purpose cleaner using essential oils, which smells great and is free of harsh chemicals.
8. Paper Towels
I switched to reusable cloths and rags instead of constantly buying paper towels. This small change reduces waste and saves money over time.
Microfiber cloths work just as well, and they can be washed and reused multiple times, making them an eco-friendly alternative.
9. Plastic Bags
Reusable shopping bags save money and reduce waste. Many stores now charge for plastic bags, making it even more cost-effective to bring your own.
I keep reusable bags in my car and by the front door so I never forget them when heading to the store.
10. Cable TV
Streaming services are cheaper and offer more options. I only keep one or two services that I actually use.
I also take advantage of free streaming options and library services, which offer movies and TV shows at no cost.
11. Gym Memberships
I started exercising at home and using free workout videos online. Walking, jogging, and body-weight exercises are also great free alternatives.
Investing in a few resistance bands and a yoga mat allows me to do a variety of workouts at home without needing a gym.
12. Unused Subscriptions
Canceling magazines, streaming services, and memberships I wasn’t using saved me a lot of money. I review my subscriptions every few months to ensure I’m not wasting money.
Many companies offer free trials, so I take advantage of them to test a service before committing to it.
13. Impulse Purchases
Waiting a few days before buying something helped me avoid unnecessary spending. If I still want it after a few days, then I consider buying it.
I also started using a “wishlist” approach—writing down things I want and revisiting the list later to see if I truly need them.
14. Lottery Tickets
The chances of winning are low, and I decided to invest my money instead. Putting money into savings or investments is a smarter long-term strategy.
The money I used to spend on lottery tickets now goes into a high-interest savings account, which actually grows over time.
15. Extended Warranties
Most products last long enough without needing an expensive extra warranty. Many credit cards already offer protection on purchases.
Instead of buying warranties, I focus on taking good care of my electronics and appliances to extend their lifespan.
16. Cheap Jewelry
Costume jewelry breaks easily, so I only buy a few good-quality pieces. Investing in timeless accessories is a smarter choice.
Buying classic gold or silver pieces means they never go out of style and last much longer.
17. Pre-Packaged Snacks
Buying ingredients and making my own snacks at home is more cost-effective. This also allows me to control the quality of ingredients.
Making homemade granola bars, popcorn, and trail mix is not only cheaper but also healthier.
18. Expensive Skincare Products
Many drugstore brands work just as well as luxury skincare products. Instead of buying overpriced beauty products, I focus on simple and effective ingredients.
19. Trendy Tech Gadgets
I no longer upgrade my phone or gadgets just because a new model is out. If my current device works fine, I keep using it and avoid unnecessary spending.
20. Holiday Decorations Every Year
Instead of buying new decorations each holiday season, I reuse what I have. Buying timeless pieces means they can be used for years without looking outdated.
21. Takeout Lunches
Bringing lunch from home saves a lot of money over time. Preparing meals in advance makes it easier to resist the temptation of buying lunch every day.
22. Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets
I stopped buying kitchen tools that only serve one purpose. Multi-functional gadgets save space and money by doing more than one job.
Conclusion
Stopping unnecessary purchases has helped me save a lot of money. It also made me more mindful of how I spend. If you want to save more, start by cutting out things you don’t need. Small changes can add up to big savings over time.
Try looking at your spending habits and see what you can quit buying. Your wallet will thank you!
