Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by Katie
Whether happy or sad, going on a shopping spree is often a way to celebrate or commiserate. However, if you want to keep your bank account on an upward trajectory, you need to be aware of the things to stop buying.
It is possible to save money even on a low income, by identifying areas where you can cut unnecessary spending.
By recognizing items and habits that are draining your finances, you empower yourself to make changes that can lead to significant savings.
This article explores how making strategic choices in what you purchase can help you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
I have been there myself – spending when I’m happy and spending when I’m sad, which didn’t make me happy in the end!
Now I try to take a more mindful approach and really think about whether I need any item I’m about to pay for.
Ad today, I want to help you do the same by listing the things to stop buying that could hep you save thousands.
Sound good?
Let’s dive in!
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Things to Stop Buying to Save Thousands
Have a look through your wardrobe and kitchen cupboards and be honest about which items you haven’t used yet.
There are likely to be multiple items that you have bought, that never got to see the light of day!?
I have a bit of an obsession with 2nd-hand vintage dresses and while they are not excessive purchases, as they are pre-owned, I have realised there are multiple dresses I bought and never wore!
Maybe you can relate to this type of spending?
Here are more ideas for things to stop buying to save money every month.
1: Pre-Cut Packaged Foods
Buying pre-cut packaged foods means paying more for a bit of convenience.
By purchasing whole produce and slicing it yourself, you can save a significant amount of money on each shop.
Pre-packaged items often come with a price premium that adds up over time.
You might cut your grocery bill by around $15 – $50 each month by avoiding these products.
Instead of buying pre-cut foods, consider these alternatives:
- Whole fruits and vegetables
- Bulk grains
- Non-packaged, fresh lettuce
Frugal tip: Allocate time each week to prep your ingredients. Spending just a few minutes chopping fruits and veggies in advance not only saves money but also time when preparing meals later on.
Learn more in our guide on the best ways to save money on groceries.
2: Cable TV
Many households still pay for traditional cable TV, often spending around $83 each month.
By eliminating this expense, this can lead to significant savings as cheaper options are readily available.
Cheaper alternatives can provide similar entertainment value, such as:
- Streaming services such as YouTube
- Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime offer diverse content
- Free streaming sites with ad-supported content
These choices not only cut costs but also bring flexibility in what you watch.
Frugal tip: Bundle streaming services with family or friends to lower expenses even further, ensuring everyone in the group saves more money.
3: Expensive Coffee Shop Drinks
Daily coffee purchases can quickly add up and if you’re buying coffee every day, you’re likely spending around $100 per month, which could exceed $1,200 annually.
Brewing your coffee at home can significantly cut this expense and you can use a travel mug to take coffee with you on the go.
Frugal Tip: Buy coffee beans in bulk and grind them at home for a fresher taste and extra savings.
4: Bottled Water
Bottled water is one of the best things to stop buying to save money ever day.
Bottled water costs significantly more than tap water, with some estimates suggesting it can be up to 2,000 times more expensive per gallon.
By cutting out this purchase, you could save hundreds of dollars annually.
Consider these cheaper alternatives:
- Filtered tap water: Invest in a water filter for better taste and quality
- Reusable water bottles: Take your filtered water on the go, reducing waste and cost
Frugal tip: Regularly clean and maintain your water filter and reusable bottles for longer use and better taste, maximizing your investment.
5: Takeout
Cutting back on takeout can significantly boost your savings and help you live a healthier lifestyle.
Many people spend hundreds of dollars a month on convenient meals, so, by choosing to cook at home, you can reduce this expenditure drastically.
Consider these cheaper alternatives to takeout:
- Batch-cooking meals and freezing portions for later
- Preparing simpler dishes with fewer ingredients
- Trying meal-prep services that are more budget-friendly than restaurants
Frugal tip: Plan your meals weekly and stick to a shopping list. This prevents unnecessary purchases and reduces the temptation to order out. Doing this can help you use the ingredients efficiently, saving both money and time in the long run.
6: New Clothes
Reducing your spending on new clothes can save a huge amount of money each month.
Many people buy clothes frequently without realizing the impact on their budget and half the stuff never gets worn!
Skipping new clothes purchases could save you between $50 to $200 each month, depending on your typical spending habits.
Consider these cheaper alternatives:
- Thrift stores
- Clothing swaps
- Online second-hand platforms
Frugal tip: Clear out your wardrobe regularly. It helps you recognize what items you truly need, preventing unnecessary purchases.
7: Gym Memberships
Gym memberships can be a significant expense, especially if you only use them occasionally.
Monthly fees often range from $30 to $100 and by canceling your unused membership, you could save hundreds annually.
Consider cheaper alternatives to maintain your fitness routine:
- Home workouts
- Outdoor exercise
- Free online workout videos
- Community sports or classes
Frugal tip: Look for free local fitness events or join a neighbourhood exercise group to stay active without any cost.
8: The Latest Gadgets
Investing in the latest gadgets can put a significant strain on your finances.
With a constant stream of new technology, it’s easy to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.
Monthly savings can reach into the hundreds or more if you resist the urge to purchase every new device.
For example – I buy second and refurbished phones and buy data from Giff Gaff which costs $8 a month!
This saves me huge amounts of money from when I used to get the latest iPhone and have a monthly plan of $50 or $60 a month which went on for years till I’d paid the phone off.
Here are a few ideas:
- Opt for refurbished or older models
- Swap or trade gadgets with others
- Use multifunctional devices
Frugal tip: Delay purchasing new technology for a few months after release. Prices often drop, and any initial bugs or issues are typically resolved.
9: Store Bought Cleaning Products
Store-bought cleaning products often carry a significant markup.
Many of these items can be substituted with more affordable and equally effective homemade alternatives.
By swapping these commercial products for household staples, you could save up to $20 a month.
Consider these cheaper alternatives:
- Vinegar and baking soda: Great for general cleaning and deodorizing.
- Lemon juice: Effective for cutting grease and stains.
- Castile soap: A versatile cleaner for various surfaces.
Frugal tip: Purchase these ingredients in bulk to maximize savings. You’ll not only reduce costs but also minimize packaging waste, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
10: Magazine Subscriptions
Cancelling magazine subscriptions can lead to significant savings each month that could add p to hundreds over the year!
Though they may seem affordable individually, multiple subscriptions add up quickly and by opting out, you can free up cash for other needs.
Consider these cheaper alternatives:
- Take advantage of free online articles
- Explore e-libraries that offer digital magazine access.
- Visit your local library for physical copies
Frugal tip: Use a subscription management tool to track and cancel unwanted subscriptions efficiently, ensuring you don’t accidentally incur additional costs.
11: Scratch Cards
Scratch cards might seem like a thrilling way to try your luck, but the small chances of being a winner make them not worth it.
The allure of an instant win can be tempting; however, consistently buying scratch cards can quickly add up.
By avoiding this habit, you can save a significant amount of money each month which can be used for essentials.
Consider cheaper alternatives to keep your finances in check:
- Enjoy a budget-friendly movie night at home
- Explore free game apps
- Host a game night with friends
Frugal tip: Set a weekly savings goal. Transfer the money you would normally spend on scratch cards into a savings account. Over time, you’ll watch your savings grow without the gamble.
12: Salon Hair Cuts
Cutting out regular salon visits can lead to substantial savings.
Salon prices often include additional fees for services you might not need and by reducing these visits, you can save between $40 to $100 monthly.
Plus, there are so many great hair-cutting tutorials online today, you can cut your ow hair or get together with friends and help each other out for free.
Consider these cheaper alternatives:
- Learn basic haircutting techniques online
- Use DIY hair care tools
- Visit beauty schools for discounted services
Frugal tip: Extend the time between haircuts by using quality styling products to maintain your look longer.
13: More Debt – Set Yourself a Budget
Lastly, on this list of things to stop buying to save money is more debt.
Learning how to set a budget can help you manage your spending and avoid unnecessary debt.
Furthermore, by reducing debt, you might save hundreds of dollars monthly in interest payments that can be redirected to savings or essential expenses.
Consider these tips:
- Prioritizing needs over wants
- Set clear budget goals
- Track your income and expenses
- Put your spending into categories
- Organize yourself with a budgeting tool/app
Frugal Tip: Automate your savings by transferring a fixed amount to a savings account each payday. This habit helps you build your savings effortlessly.
Final Thoughts on the Things to Stop Buying to Save Thousands
This list of things to stop buying to save money isn’t exhaustive, but, if you focus on the ones mentioned, you’ll be able to cut your monthly expenses significantly.
Another tip is to search for how to get free stuff online, as many online stores give away discounts and bonuses to shoppers, to keep them coming back.
You might even be able to find product tester jobs from home where you get free cash and items in return for your review.
Frugal living may seem tough when you start out, especially if you’re used to buying what you want, when you want.
But remember; spending less on unnecessary stuff doesn’t mean you have to lower your living standards.
It just means finding thriftier alternatives that are kinder to the wallet and planet!
The post 13 Things to Stop Buying to Save Thousands appeared first on Remote Work Rebels.
* This article was originally published here
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