Do you want to save money but don’t know where to start? Here are the exact things I stopped buying to save money that changed my life!
When you’re cutting expenses and want to save money, it’s important to also look at what you’re buying. So, what things did I stop buying to save money? Well, after reflecting on my past purchases, I realized that I saved MOST of my money by becoming more mindful of my spending and simplifying my life.
Overall, I’m not a big fan of cutting things that I enjoy. In fact, I spent 3 months last year traveling through Central America! That’s not what most people would do if they want to save money. BUT, I spent only $8,500 over the entire year.
What? How?!
By eliminating the purchases that were unnecessary and didn’t add anything to my life.
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## 27 Things I Stopped Buying to Save Money
Here are the 27 things that I stopped buying to save money!
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### 1. Reduce Your Spending and Earn FREE Gift Cards
Let me be clear: you don’t have to stop buying things that you enjoy. You can save money and reduce spending at the same time.
How?
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### 2. Cutting Cable
On average, people pay a shocking $217 for their cable bill, according to research by Decision Data.
While our cable bill wasn’t that high, we still stopped spending $50 per month on cable because we simply weren’t using it.
The average American watches 3 hours and 35 minutes of TV per day according to Statista — that’s like having a part-time job!
I’m not saying watching TV is bad, but it can make you sluggish and less productive. That’s why I personally decided to cut cable.
If you want to cut cable, here are 16 Cable TV alternatives that will save you money, including Prime Video, Hulu, and others.
Are you an Amazon Prime member? You get Prime Video for FREE! Try Amazon Prime’s 30-day FREE trial today!
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### 3. Eating Out Too Often
Before becoming a personal finance geek, I was spending a lot on eating out.
In 2017, I spent over $250 per month on going out to eat — that’s $3,000 per year!
After realizing how much money I could save by packing lunch and cooking more at home, I reduced this to $1,500 in 2019, even including travel.
Finding a balance between eating out and eating in is important.
#### The $5 Meal Plan
Meal planning is a great way to save money. I recommend the $5 Meal Plan — a service that sends weekly meal plans costing less than $2 per meal.
For only $5 per month, you can start saving at least $1,200 per person annually.
Try their 14-day FREE trial and see if it works for you. If not, cancel anytime without being charged.
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### 4. Grocery Store Hacks
Great job on reducing eating out! But watch out — I noticed I was heading to grocery stores more often and buying unnecessary items.
I love grocery shopping and could spend an hour there, which often leads to impulse buys.
I reduced grocery spending to around $70 per month by making a list and sticking to it. Not 100% of the time, because I’m human and need snacks!
Check out **15 Grocery Store Hacks To Save Money This Year** for more tips.
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### 5. Don’t Buy Brand Specific
I also stopped buying branded products unless absolutely necessary.
Many generic brands are produced by the same manufacturers as branded items, but at a lower cost.
That’s why I switched to generic brands for most things.
**Pro tip:** If you want to make extra money, flipping branded items secondhand can be profitable as people prefer brand names.
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### 6. Travel-Sized Products
I stopped buying convenience travel-sized products like mini toothpaste or shampoo bottles because they’re more expensive.
Instead, buy large bottles and use reusable travel bottles for convenience and savings.
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### 7. I Stopped Drinking Coffee
Here’s the classic: stop buying lattes and watch your savings grow.
If you enjoy something, spend on it. But if not, don’t.
I stopped drinking coffee and caffeine altogether last year for health reasons and to save money.
If you still need coffee, buy a simple coffee maker or get free Starbucks gift cards through Swagbucks.
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### 8. Gym Memberships
If you work out less than twice a week, ask yourself if your gym membership is worth it.
Many people sign up for annual plans and barely use them.
Instead, try free workouts on YouTube or Pinterest, exercise outside, or make plans with friends.
If you insist on a gym, opt for monthly memberships or free trial weeks first.
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### 9. (New) Cars
New cars depreciate rapidly — 20-30% in the first year alone!
Buying a 2-year-old car can save you about 35%, without losing reliability.
I lease my car through my employer, but buying used is the next best option.
Focus on reliability and quality, as cheap repairs save you money in the long run.
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### 10. Trying To Impress People
“We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.” — Fight Club
Many buy luxury products, expensive vacations, big houses, and pricey cars to impress others.
People don’t really care about your possessions.
Save thousands by sticking to your normal car, home, and generic brands.
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### 11. Prepared Foods
Prepared foods are convenient but expensive.
Making your own cookies, pizzas, and dinners saves money and lets you control ingredients.
Cooking from scratch often reduces sugar, fat, and preservatives, which is great if you have allergies or special diets.
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### 12. Bottled Water
Americans spend over $12 billion a year on bottled water!
Buy a reusable water bottle instead — I love Hydro Flasks.
If your water quality is questionable, try a LifeStraw. I’ve used it safely in multiple countries like Colombia and Peru.
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### 13. Magazines
Magazines might seem cheap, but subscriptions add up.
If you don’t read them, cancel!
Or check your local library for magazines — many are available to borrow for free.
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### 14. Books
I love books, but buying many can clutter your space and cost a lot.
Use your local library, free textbook websites, and free ebooks on Amazon instead.
If you like audiobooks, try Audible with its 30-day free trial.
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### 15. Do Free Activities on the Weekend
Weekends can be money pits with eating out and paid activities.
Try free activities instead! There are tons of fun, no-cost things to do.
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### 16. Cleaning Supplies
We used to buy multiple cleaning products for different surfaces.
Now, I make my own by mixing vinegar and water — great for everything!
Add essential oils if you don’t like the vinegar smell.
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### 17. Clothes
Clothes can be expensive, especially branded ones.
Tips to save:
– Shop second-hand
– Buy during sales
– Pause buying clothes altogether (clothing ban)
I completed a one-year clothing ban and am in my second now — still going strong!
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### 18. Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are convenient but costly and harmful to the environment.
Switch to reusable sandwich bags and linen grocery bags to save money and the planet.
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### 19. Impulse Shopping
Ever go into a store for one thing and leave with a cart full?
Make a list and stick to it to avoid impulse buys.
This is the best defense against overspending.
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### 20. Online Shopping
Online shopping is easy and fast, but can wreck your budget.
Cut back as much as possible.
When shopping online, use cashback apps like Rakuten. They even offer sign-up bonuses!
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### 21. Snacks & Junk Foods
Soft drinks, energy drinks, and junk food add up quickly.
Replace these with water and fruits.
It’s healthier and better for your wallet.
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### 22. Cell Phones
Cell phone plans can be expensive.
When your contract ends, shop around for better deals.
Consider sim-only plans if your phone is still good.
Don’t forget smaller providers — they’re often cheaper.
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### 23. Entertainment
Going out frequently costs a lot.
Try indoor fun like movie nights, cooking, or reading to save money.
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### 24. DIY Small Repairs
Repair costs can be high.
Try fixing small issues yourself using YouTube tutorials before calling professionals.
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### 25. Movies
DVD collections take up space and cost money.
Sell your DVDs and use streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video instead.
Amazon Prime offers a free trial too!
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### 26. Going To The Hairdresser
Haircuts can be expensive.
During quarantine, many learned to cut hair at home.
Try DIY haircuts using online tutorials — it’s easier than you think!
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### 27. Greeting Cards
Greeting cards seem small, but buying them often adds up.
I write messages on wrapping paper or paper bags instead.
Alternatively, send free e-cards through Hallmark Ecards.
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## Bonus: Expensive Vacations
Vacations are important for recharging, but they don’t have to be costly.
Tips to save on vacations:
– Fly with cheap airlines
– Stay close and drive instead of flying
– Use Airbnb for lodging
– Pack your own snacks
– Limit expensive restaurant visits
I traveled for nearly four months for under $3,500!
Check out my personal tips to save money while traveling.
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## All In All — Things I Stopped Buying To Save Money
Phew! We covered a LOT.
These are all the things I no longer spend as much money on as I once did.
If you want to join the frugal fun, here are **105 fun things you can do without spending money**!
It feels great knowing what I do and don’t want to spend money on.
Of course, my spending isn’t perfect or 100% aligned with my values, but I’m improving every day.
What have you stopped buying to save money this year? Let me know in the comments!
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