20 Things I Stopped Buying to Save Money
Two years ago, I was drowning in debt despite earning a decent salary. Takeout containers piled up, my closet overflowed with unworn clothes, and my bank account? Always hovering near zero. That’s when I decided to get real with my spending. I made a list of things I stopped buying to save money, and it changed everything. In the first year alone, I saved over $15,000 — not by living like a monk, but by swapping mindless purchases for smarter choices. If you’re feeling the pinch, this could be your turning point too. Let’s dive into the 20 things that freed up my cash without making me feel deprived.
1. Coffee Shop Drinks Every Morning
I used to hit the drive-thru daily for a $5 latte, thinking it was my “morning ritual.” That added up to $150/month or $1,800/year — ouch! Now, I brew at home with a $20 coffee maker and flavored syrups I make myself.
Instead, I invested in quality beans and a reusable mug, turning my kitchen into a cozy café. My life is better because I start the day slower, sipping while journaling, without the rush-hour stress. Plus, I discovered I love experimenting with homemade recipes.
Try this: Buy a bag of gourmet beans and time how long it takes to brew — under 5 minutes for big savings.
2. Brand New Clothes (full price)
Full-price designer jeans? I was guilty, dropping $200+ per shopping spree, totaling $600/year easily. Now, I thrift or wait for sales, focusing on timeless pieces.
What I do instead: Shop apps like Poshmark or local consignment stores for gently used items. My wardrobe is more unique now, and I feel creative mixing outfits.
Life’s better: Less clutter means a calmer closet, and I appreciate what I have more. No more buyer’s remorse!
Try this: Set a “wait 30 days” rule for any new item — most urges fade.
3. Cable TV Subscription
My $120/month cable bill felt like a necessity for “background noise,” equaling $1,440/year wasted. I cut the cord completely.
Instead, I use free streaming like YouTube or library apps for shows. For sports, I join friends’ watch parties.
How it’s better: More intentional viewing means quality time with books or hobbies. My evenings feel purposeful, not zoned out.
Try this: List 5 free alternatives to your favorite channels and test a month without cable.
4. Bottled Water
Grabbing $2 bottles daily at work added $60/month or $720/year — ridiculous when tap water is free!
Now, I carry a $15 reusable bottle and use a filter pitcher at home.
Life improved: I’m hydrated without plastic waste, and it sparked my eco-friendly habits, like composting.
Try this: Flavor your water with fruit slices for that “fancy” feel without the cost.
5. Magazine Subscriptions
I had three glossy subs at $20 each/year, but really $180/year including impulse buys. They just piled up unread.
Instead, I borrow from the library’s digital app or read free online articles.
Better now: Less paper clutter, more focused reading on topics I love via blogs. It reignited my passion for writing.
Try this: Download a library app and search for your fave mag — most are there digitally.
6. Impulse Grocery Aisle Add-Ons
Chips, candy at checkout? $50/month or $600/year snuck in without notice.
Now, I stick to a list and eat before shopping to curb hunger buys.
Life’s richer: Healthier meals mean more energy, and I cook fun recipes with what I have.
Try this: Use a grocery app to plan meals — it gamifies saving.
7. Premium Gas When Regular Works Fine
My car didn’t need it, but I spent an extra $20/month ($240/year) on “better” fuel.
Instead, I use regular and maintain my car properly.
How it’s better: No performance difference, but I learned basic auto care, feeling empowered.
Try this: Check your manual — most cars run fine on regular.
8. Expensive Salon Haircuts
$100 every six weeks? That’s $200/month or $2,400/year — insane for my simple style.
Now, I DIY trims with $30 clippers or go to budget salons quarterly.
Life enhanced: I bonded with a friend over home hair days, turning it into a fun ritual.
Try this: Watch YouTube tutorials for easy cuts — start small.
9. Takeout Lunch at Work
Daily $12 lunches hit $240/month or $2,880/year. I was too “busy” to pack.
Instead, I meal prep Sundays: salads, wraps for the week.
Better days: Nutritious food saves money and boosts my mood — no more afternoon slumps.
Try this: Batch cook one protein and mix with veggies for variety.
10. Unused Gym Memberships
$50/month ($600/year) for a gym I visited twice? Classic trap.
Now, I hike, run outdoors, or use free YouTube workouts.
Life’s freer: Exercise feels joyful, not obligatory, and I’m in better shape exploring nature.
Try this: Cancel and try a 7-day free app trial to find your fit.
11. New Books (instead of library)
$20/book monthly added $240/year, with shelves overflowing.
Instead, library borrows or Kindle Unlimited trials.
Improved: I read more diversely without guilt, joining a book club for social perks.
Try this: Get a library card — digital loans are instant.
12. Fancy Cleaning Products
Designer sprays at $10 each, $50/month ($600/year) for “luxury” scents.
Now, vinegar, baking soda mixes — effective and cheap.
Better home: Simpler routines, fewer chemicals, more family involvement in chores.
Try this: Mix equal parts vinegar-water for a natural all-purpose cleaner.
13. Extended Warranties
$50–$100 per gadget annually, totaling $300/year on stuff that rarely breaks.
Instead, I rely on credit card protections or self-insure.
Life simpler: Less sales pressure anxiety, more mindful purchases.
Try this: Research failure rates before buying — most warranties aren’t worth it.
14. Lottery Tickets
$20/week “fun” habit? $1,040/year down the drain.
Now, I “gamble” on index funds with that cash.
Empowered: Building real wealth feels exciting, not hopeful.
Try this: Redirect ticket money to a high-yield savings account weekly.
15. Trendy Home Decor Every Season
$100/season on pillows, vases — $400/year for fleeting trends.
Instead, I rearrange or DIY with thrift finds.
Home happier: Cozy space reflects me, not catalogs, sparking creativity.
Try this: Shop your home first — move items around for a refresh.
16. Paid Apps When Free Works
$10/month on productivity apps ($120/year) I barely used.
Now, free versions or built-in phone tools suffice.
Streamlined: Fewer distractions, more focus on what matters.
Try this: Audit your app subscriptions — cancel duplicates.
17. Dry Cleaning for Everything
$30/month ($360/year) even for washable items.
Instead, hand wash or use home steamers.
Wardrobe wiser: Clothes last longer with gentle care, and I learned fabric basics.
Try this: Invest in a $20 steamer — quick and effective.
18. Name-Brand Groceries
Switching saved $100/month ($1,200/year) — generics taste the same!
Instead, store brands and bulk buys.
Meals meaningful: More cooking experiments, healthier eating.
Try this: Blind taste test brands vs generics — you’ll be surprised.
19. Multiple Streaming Services
Four at $15 each/month ($720/year) — overkill.
Now, rotate one or two, using free trials.
Evenings engaging: Deeper dives into shows, more board games with family.
Try this: Share accounts legally with friends to split costs.
20. New Cars (depreciation killer)
Leasing new every few years cost $400/month ($4,800/year) in payments/depreciation.
Instead, I bought a reliable used car outright.
Freedom found: No payments mean travel funds, and I love my low-mileage gem.
Try this: Use sites like Kelley Blue Book to find deals on certified pre-owned.
Bonus Sections
Total Savings Calculator
Adding these up? If you stop all 20 like I did, potential annual savings: $1,800 (coffee) + $600 (clothes) + $1,440 (cable) + $720 (water) + $180 (magazines) + $600 (groceries) + $240 (gas) + $2,400 (haircuts) + $2,880 (lunch) + $600 (gym) + $240 (books) + $600 (cleaning) + $300 (warranties) + $1,040 (lottery) + $400 (decor) + $120 (apps) + $360 (dry cleaning) + $1,200 (groceries) + $720 (streaming) + $4,800 (cars) = $24,440/year! Start with 5 for $5,000+ easy wins.
Printable “Things I Stopped Buying” Tracker
Create a simple chart: Columns for Item, Old Monthly Cost, New Alternative, Monthly Savings, Notes. Print it or use Google Sheets. Track for a month — seeing numbers grow is motivating!
How to Start Your Own No-Buy List
Reflect on your bank statements for “leaks.” Pick 3–5 to start, find joyful alternatives, and celebrate small wins (like a home spa night with saved cash). Build momentum — it gets easier.
FAQs
Is stopping buying things depressing? Not at all! It’s empowering — I feel in control, and alternatives bring new joys, like home coffee dates.
What if I love shopping? Channel it into thrifting or window shopping. I still “shop” but with a purpose, saving for experiences.
How do I handle cravings? Pause and ask: Do I need this? Cravings pass, and the savings high lasts longer.
Can this work for families? Yes! Involve kids in meal preps or library trips — it teaches values and bonds.
What if I slip up? Grace yourself — one slip doesn’t undo progress. Track and adjust.
Is this sustainable long-term? Absolutely. Two years in, it’s habit, and my wealth is growing.
How much did you really save? Over $15K first year, more now with investments.
Best for beginners? Start with bottled water or impulse buys — quick wins build confidence.
Conclusion
Stopping these 20 purchases didn’t make me miss out — it let me buy freedom. Vacations, investments, peace of mind — all from simple swaps. You can do this too; start with just one this week. What’s your first stop? Share in the comments — let’s cheer each other on!
