How To Stop Buying Things: 49 Things I Quit Buying To Save Money

How To Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need

When you’re not mindful of your spending, your bank account can quickly run dry.
To make progress on your savings goals, start by improving your spending habits. Here are some things you should consider stopping:

Important: This post isn’t about shaming anyone for their purchases. It’s meant to offer ideas on how you can simplify your life by cutting out unnecessary items.

Things I Don’t Buy Anymore – Foods

1. Eating out too often.

Before I started planning my grocery trips, I used to eat out for every meal. Not only was I paying for the food, but also for the staff, the space, and the utilities, plus a tip. I realized I was spending over $10,000 annually on dining out. Now, I pack my lunches and cook at home.

2. Bottled Water.

In the U.S., 1,000 people open a bottle of water every second, and Americans discard 35 billion bottles a year, with only 12% recycled. It’s costly and harmful to the environment. Instead, use a reusable water bottle and a home water filter.

3. Unhealthy Foods.

I stopped buying junk food and invested in whole foods that nourish my body. Health is wealth!

4. Extra Food.

Americans waste 20% of the food they buy. Reducing food waste saves money and helps the environment.

5. Soda or Juice.

Soda and juice are costly. Spending $5 on soda and $4 on juice weekly totals nearly $470 a year. Switch to water to save money.

6. Coffee from Starbucks.

I still enjoy Starbucks, but I save money by using Swagbucks to earn gift cards. You can sign up today for a $5 welcome bonus and redeem gift cards for Starbucks.

7. Condiments.

Making your own ketchup and mayo can save money and taste better. It’s easier than you might think.

8. Cookies and Baked Goods.

Instead of buying these, make your own at home. It’s cheaper and healthier.

9. Pizza Delivery.

Pizza delivery is convenient but pricey. I plan to make and freeze pizza crusts and toppings for a homemade option.

10. Disposable Aluminum/Foil Pans.

I use reusable glass baking pans instead. Not only do they work great, but they also save money. By avoiding disposable pans, you can save $30-$50 per year.

11. Online Food Delivery.

While convenient, online food delivery is often more expensive and the food can arrive cold. It’s not a priority for us.

Things I Don’t Buy Anymore – In the House

12. Paper Towels.

I rarely use paper towels now, opting for cloth towels and cleaning cloths instead.

13. Home Decor.

My taste in home decor has changed. Now, I buy only timeless pieces that I will keep for years.

14. Napkins.

I use fabric napkins made from fabric I already had or found on clearance. They’ve been durable and effective.

15. Fabric Softener.

I no longer use fabric softener as I don’t find it necessary.

16. Laundry Soap.

I used to make my own laundry soap, which I enjoyed, but I’ve since stopped. There are many simple recipes online for both liquid and powder versions.

17. Cleaning Products.

I love making my own cleaning products. It’s cost-effective and free from harsh chemicals. My favorite DIY all-purpose cleaner includes:

• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups of white vinegar (a 64oz bottle costs $2.52 at Walmart and makes 8 bottles of cleaner)
• Total Cost Per Bottle: $0.31

You can add a few drops of essential oil if you prefer a pleasant scent.

18. Floor Cleaner.

I stopped buying expensive floor cleaners and now use hot water and white vinegar, which costs $2 per gallon and lasts for months.

Things I Don’t Buy Anymore – In the Shop

19. Impulse Buys.

Impulse buys can add up quickly. Avoid these to save more money.

20. Buying Items in Small Portions.

Opt for bulk purchases of items with a long shelf life, like canned foods, pasta, and rice. Buying in bulk is often cheaper.

21. Magazine Subscriptions.

I found that magazines often had minimal valuable content and mostly featured ads that encouraged more spending. Instead, I turned to Pinterest and budget-friendly blogs for useful information.

22. Books.

Instead of buying new books at full price, I now shop at used bookstores, garage sales, and libraries for affordable or free options.

23. Cosmetics.

I used to spend a lot on cosmetics but now only buy essential products and avoid duplicates.

24. Buying Too Many Clothes.

Fashion trends change rapidly, and I realized I wasn’t wearing most of the clothes I bought. Fewer, timeless pieces work better for me.

25. Trendy Clothes/Shoes.

I focus on classic clothing that remains in style longer, rather than chasing fleeting trends.

26. Hair and Nail Products.

I stick to basic shampoo and occasional treatment creams and have stopped buying numerous hair and nail products, including nail polish.

27. Professional Hair Cuts.

After a bad haircut in 2019, I learned to cut my own hair at home using a tutorial. This saves me around $80+ per haircut.

28. Save Up to 85% by Choosing Generic Brands.

Generic alternatives often match or surpass the quality of name brands but cost significantly less. Premium brands often charge more for advertising.

29. Buying a Ton of Baby Toys.

Instead of constantly buying new toys, we use what we have and focus on activities like park visits, play picnics, and playdates.

Some activities to consider instead of buying more toys include:

• Going to the park
• Having a play picnic
• Visiting a free activity center
• Arranging playdates with other children

30. New Gadgets.

31. Any “Life-Changing” Beauty Products.

32. Store-Bought Makeup Remover.

33. Fresh Flowers.

While fresh flowers are beautiful, I find them costly and short-lived. I prefer not to spend on flowers that only last a week.

34. Aerosol Sprayers.

Aerosol sprayers contain harmful chemicals, so I avoid them.

35. New Furniture.

I focus on maximizing space rather than accumulating more furniture.

36. Buying “Stuff”.

Take a look at your home. How much “stuff” have you accumulated? Excessive spending on “stuff” can lead to clutter and unnecessary stress.

37. Jewelry/Accessories.

I’ve minimized my jewelry and accessory collection since I rarely wear them. Most of what I have are gifts.

38. Single-Use Batteries.

Switching to rechargeable batteries saves money over time and reduces environmental impact.

39. Stop Buying Single-Use Plastics.

Single-use plastics, like sandwich bags and water bottles, are convenient but costly and harmful to the environment. Switch to reusable alternatives from Amazon to save money and reduce waste.

• K-Cup coffee filters
• Sandwich bags
• Grocery bags
• Produce bags
• Swedish Sponge Cloth

Things I Don’t Buy Anymore – Entertainment & Personal

40. Paying for Unused Subscriptions.

Regularly review your credit card statements for forgotten subscriptions and cancel any that you no longer use. This includes gym memberships—consider home workouts instead.

41. Cable TV Subscription.

We canceled our cable a few years ago and haven’t looked back. It saves us at least $800 annually!

42. Paying for Multiple Streaming Services.

With options like Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, ESPN+, and CBS All Access, the costs can quickly add up to nearly $1,000 a year. Instead of paying for all of them, rotate your subscriptions based on what you want to watch. Save hundreds by only paying for one or two services at a time.

43. Lottery Tickets.

Lottery tickets and scratch-offs are a poor investment with extremely low odds of winning. The chances are nearly nonexistent, making it a costly gamble.

44. Movie Tickets.

Movie outings can be expensive, considering both the ticket and the pricey concessions. Opt for renting movies from Redbox or streaming on services like Netflix for a more affordable experience.

Other Things I Don’t Buy Anymore

45. Debt/Loans.

Debt incurs interest, which adds to your monthly expenses. Paying off debt faster means less interest paid over time. Focus on reducing your debt to save more.

46. Trying to Buy Happiness.

Chasing happiness through material possessions is a never-ending cycle. Realize that true contentment doesn’t come from acquiring more things but from appreciating what you already have.

47. Pleasing People.

I often decline casual invitations from friends or coworkers. My focus is on maintaining a healthier lifestyle, and I prioritize my well-being over social pressures.

48. Collecting Gift Cards.

Instead of accumulating unwanted items, ask for holiday gift cards. This way, you can cut back on expenses for take-out, coffee, clothing, and books while appreciating thoughtful gifts from loved ones.

49. Evaluating Bank Accounts.

Ensure your checking account isn’t subject to high fees. If it is, consider switching to a different bank, credit union, or online account to avoid unnecessary charges.

Here’s My #1 Tip to Stop Buying and Save More Money!

You’ve seen how I’ve cut back on various expenses to save money. Remember, you don’t have to follow everyone else’s path—find what works best for you.

Saving money can sometimes feel restrictive, especially if you’re managing on a single income. I understand how challenging this can be.

However, with a bit of effort and creativity, you can make extra money and improve your financial situation. I’m here to help you find ways to achieve this!