With prices going up, you are probably thinking of ways to save money. One of the best things you can do is take a really good look at your spending habits by keeping track of what you buy each month.
When we became a one income family 7 years ago, we got serious about our money and tracked everything we spent money on. In other words we used a budget. We made sure what we were spending matched what we were bringing in.
As I looked through our expenses, I quickly found items to cut out. Then as time went on, I found more and more ways to cut back our expenses by simply not buying things I didn’t need.
So, let’s jump into the list!
24 Things to Stop Buying to Save Money
1. Clearance items you don’t need.
I used to hit up the clearance racks just to look for “good deals”. But what I ended up doing was spending money on junk I didn’t need.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shop the clearance sections. However, make sure that you are only purchasing things you really need and will use.
2. Disposable cleaning products
I used to use these all the time. Now instead of using Clorox wipes, I use my homemade all purpose spray and microfiber cleaning clothes.
I also use microfiber cloths to dry mop and wet mop instead of Swiffer disposable wipes. When I dust I use a microfiber cloth and my reusable duster.
3. Holiday clothes
I know how cute kids clothes with pumpkins or Christmas trees on them are. But they can only wear these for about a month or two. It’s just not worth it to me.
4. New holiday decor
It’s really tempting to purchase new holiday day decor each time a new holiday or season comes around. There are always new trends and influencers that will tempt you to spend money on extra decor you don’t really need.
Instead of going out and purchasing decor you don’t need, first decorate with what you have. Then only purchase more decor for places that you still want to decorate.
5. Dryer sheets
I use wool dryer balls instead!
6. Cable TV
The only streaming service we have is Peacock for $5.99 a month! My kids love Little House on the Prairie, and my husband and I love The Office. Other than Peacock we also like to watch Youtube videos which are totally free! And if you want a YouTube channel to follow, be sure to subscribe to mine. 🙂
7. Monthly subscriptions
I’ve tried my share of monthly subscriptions. I tried a make up subscription, but found that I hardly ever used the makeup I received. Grove collaborative is also another monthly subscription I tried for awhile, but I realized I didn’t need the Grove products shipped each month. Instead I just purchase the products a few times a year when I need them.
8. Trendy clothes
My clothes style is classic. That way I’m not having to keep up with the latest trends. It also makes it easier to get dressed in the morning, and I don’t have to spend money on new clothes often.
9. Extra makeup
Do you ever purchase makeup that is used once and never again? You probably have makeup or hair products that you purchased on a whim, and never really liked using. Instead of purchasing new makeup trends on a regular basis, stick with what works.
I have a 5 minute makeup routine that makes me feel put together and consists of foundation, powder, bush, mascara, and eyebrow pencil. I don’t like to experiment with different makeup.
10. Plastic straws
My kids love drinking with straws, especially when we have smoothies for breakfast. Instead of plastic straws, we use reusable ones.
11. Multiple bed sheets
Each bed in our home has 2 sets. One on the bed and one in the closet. There is no need to have more sets of costly sheets that sit in the linen closet most of the time.
12. Manicures and pedicures
I paint my own toenails and manicures never last for me, so I don’t do them. Pedicures are not hard to do at all. If you regularly get your nails done, this is a fast and easy way to save hundreds of dollars!
13. Individual servings
If you purchase individual sized chips, fruit cups, cracker packages, ect, you are spending too much money! Buy regular size food products and divide them up into ziplock bags or individual bowls.
Some things we buy bigger and divide are:
- yogurt
- applesauce
- chips
- cookies
- crackers
- juice
14. Glass Cleaner
I use microfiber clothes instead. They work great, never leave streaks, and leave no oder.
15. Makeup remover wipes
Disposable makeup remover wipes can be expensive. An inexpensive alternative is reusable makeup remover cloths. They work really well, and save you money!
16. Trendy kitchen gadgets or appliances
So I’ve been really tempted to purchase an air fryer, but other than that I stay away from kitchen gadgets that only serve one purpose. You really don’t need a lot of kitchen gadgets. The basic gadgets and appliances will often accomplish the same thing, but save you money, space, and time!
17. Toys for no reason
We love getting our kids toys, but only at Christmas and birthdays. They simply don’t need a lot of toys, so we don’t purchase toys randomly. This also helps keep the toy clutter under control, and my kids are more likely to pick up their toys when they have less.
18. Multiple Accessories
I have one purse, one pair of sunglasses, one pair of gloves. It easier to keep track of one item versus multiple items of the same thing. I keep my accessories pretty classic just like my clothes. So they don’t go out of style quickly. That way I’m able to wear them year after year.
19. Gym membership
Exercise can totally be free! I love to walk around the neighborhood, go for hikes, or follow a YouTube video.
20. Iced coffee
Buying iced coffee from the grocery store can add up fast. Instead, I make my own at home for a fraction of the cost.
21. Food delivery services
If we order food out, we pick it up ourselves. No need to pay extra for something you can do!
Small trash bags
Anybody else reuse the plastic grocery bags?
Extra Warranties
Whenever you purchase an electronic or big piece of furniture, there is almost always an extended warranty offered to you. Don’t get them! Most likely you won’t need it. And if you do, there is usually a catch where you still have to pay a deductible.
22. Yard service
We like to do our own and save the money!
23. Professional photos
Nowadays, most cameras have timers on them. If you invest in a tripod, you can easily take your own family photos without having to pay a hefty photographer’s price. Both of these family photos were taken with my cell phone and tripod for free!
24. Meal kits
Yes, these save you time. And if you have more time than you have money, meal kit services are probably worth it. However, you are reading this to save money, so my advice is to cut out meal kits or prepackaged meals as much as possible. Making food from scratch is one of the ways I Instantly Lowered the Grocery Budget.
I hope this list has been helpful and has given you ideas for things you can stop buying so you have more money for the things you actually need!
