15 Things to Stop Buying When Trying to Save Money
Last Updated: May 17, 2024 • 6 min read
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Saving more money doesn’t always mean earning more. Often, it's about spending less. This might sound tough, but trimming your budget can be simpler than expected.
Consumerism tempts us to overspend on small, recurring expenses. These add up over time, draining our finances. Many of us don’t realize how much we waste on non-essentials.
By being more intentional with spending and cutting unnecessary costs, you can save hundreds each month without much sacrifice. This money can be redirected towards what truly matters to you—a dream vacation, a new car, or a down payment on a home.
NOTE: Don’t stop living your life how you want. These are suggestions that will help you if you so choose.
15 Legit Things to Stop Buying When Trying to Save Money
- Latest Tech
- Bottled Water
- Cable
- Streaming Services
- Daily Coffee or Soda
- Name Brand
- Extended Warranties
- Unused Gym Memberships
- Impulse Buys
- Prepackaged Food
- Books
- Fast Food
- Bank Fees
- Disposable Items
- Niche Cleaning Items
1. Latest Tech
Do you buy the latest iPhone or upgrade your TV every year?
That affects your ability to save. The lowest-priced iPhone right now is $1,000. If you delay your purchase one year, you save $83 a month. Right there that is enough for a cheaper local vacation, or part of a larger vacation, or all the fees for a vacation you earn with points.
2. Bottled Water
Keeping bottled water around is convenient but costly, especially for families. A simple hack to cut grocery costs: give each family member a reusable water bottle. Fill these with tap or filtered water.
This small change lets you remove bottled water—and all store-bought drinks—from your shopping list. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce plastic waste.
For example, the vending machine at the pickleball complex where I play charges $4 for a bottle of water. As you might have guessed, I bring my own reusable water bottle and save $4 every week.
3. Cable
Cable is pricey and full of channels you never watch. Save money by negotiating a lower rate with your provider. Better yet, cut the cord entirely.
Use a few streaming services instead. For live TV, consider affordable options like Sling TV or YouTube TV. Save money fast and still enjoy your favorite show.
4. Streaming Services
With so many streaming services available, it's easy to overdo it. Pick one or two platforms you watch regularly and cancel the rest. Alternatively, stagger your subscriptions.
Have each service for a few months a year. This way, you get all the shows you want without breaking the bank. Save money and avoid subscription overload.
5. Daily Coffee or Soda
Love your daily takeaway coffee or soda? Adding up those costs each month and year might surprise you. There are better ways to spend that money.
Invest in a quality coffee maker, French press, or SodaStream. Get a portable coffee mug or insulated cup. Save money without sacrificing your caffeine fix.
6. Name Brand
Generic brands offer the same ingredients and quality as name brands but at a fraction of the price. Whether you're at the supermarket or drugstore, choose the generic option. This small change leads to significant savings without compromising your needs or lifestyle.
Save money without sacrificing quality.
7. Extended Warranties
Extended warranties: tempting but costly. Protection for everything, but at a price. Chances are, you won't use it.
Companies profit by ending warranties before issues arise. Skip it, save for emergencies instead.
8. Unused Gym Memberships
Gym memberships: value hinges on use.
Seldom go? Consider cutting costs.
Options: outdoor activities, home workouts, YouTube videos.
9. Impulse Buys
Mindless spending: a budget buster.
Impulse buys hurt wallet.
Wait 24 hours or longer.
"No-spend" challenge: pause spending, gain insight.
10. Prepackaged Food
Pre-packaged produce, pre-washed and pre-cut for your convenience, undoubtedly offers a time-saving solution in our fast-paced lives. However, convenience often comes at a premium price. These pre-cut fruits, vegetables, and bagged salads can significantly increase your grocery bill compared to purchasing whole produce items. It's a trade-off between time saved and money spent.
But here's the thing: you can easily break this cycle by opting for whole fruits and vegetables instead. Yes, it might take a bit more time to wash, peel, and cut them yourself, but the financial savings can be substantial. Plus, there's a bonus: the satisfaction of knowing exactly what's going into your meals and snacks.
By taking the extra time to prepare your produce at home, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the taste and freshness of your fruits and veggies surpass those pre-packaged options. Plus, you'll likely discover a newfound appreciation for the natural flavors and textures of whole foods.
So, the next time you're at the grocery store, consider skipping the pre-cut produce aisle and opting for whole fruits and vegetables instead. Your wallet—and your taste buds—will thank you!
11. Books
When it comes to expanding your literary horizons, the library is your best friend. Instead of shelling out cash for every book you want to read, consider the cost-effective option of obtaining a library card. With this simple step, you unlock a treasure trove of reading material, ranging from traditional print books to digital downloads and even audiobooks.
What's more, the benefits of a library card extend beyond the walls of your local branch. Many libraries have partnerships with other libraries and streaming services, broadening your access to even more content. This means that whether you're into classic literature, the latest bestsellers, or niche genres, there's something for everyone at the library.
By embracing your library card, you not only save money but also support a vital community resource. So next time you're tempted to purchase a book, consider heading to your local library instead. It's not just a smart financial move—it's a gateway to endless reading adventures.
12. Fast Food
Takeout: a treat, not a habit.
Cut costs by skipping it for a month or two.
Plan meals, and prep ahead.
Save money, eat better, win-win.
13. Bank Fees
Bank fees: avoidable nuisance.
Switch to fee-free accounts.
Monitor balance to dodge overdraft charges.
Plan ATM visits to skip fees.
14. Disposable Items
Disposable items: costly convenience.
Switch to reusable alternatives.
Dishware, cloth napkins, washable cloths.
Save money, and lighten your grocery load.
Eco-friendly choice, too.
15. Niche Cleaning Items
Too many cleaning products clutter store shelves today. From tile cleaners to sink cleaners, it seems there's a specialized solution for every nook and cranny of your home. But before you stock up on a dozen different bottles, consider a simpler and more cost-effective approach: making your own all-purpose cleaner.
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