Saving money doesn’t always mean earning more. It often starts with buying fewer of the wrong things. Over the years, I’ve slowly stopped spending on items I thought were “normal” purchases, only to realize how unnecessary most of them were.
I would never try to discourage someone from enjoying something, especially with how hard we work to earn the money we have. But, from my experience, overconsumption and consumerism really took over my life.
I had too much stuff that was no longer of any use to me, and I was spending money on perishable goods at bad prices without needing to. I wasted money that could have been saved or invested.
That has changed, and I started small. For example, I substituted takeout foods for home-cooked versions of the same meals.
If you’re trying to cut costs without feeling deprived, here are the things I no longer buy to save money, and why you might want to stop buying them too.
Related article: How to tidy your home on a tight budget (21 Smart, cost-saving ways that work)
1. Bottled Water
I used to grab bottled water without thinking. Now I use a reusable bottle and filtered tap water. It’s cheaper, better for the environment, and always available.
Some water purification outlets sell alkaline or filtered water at such a low price that it would astound you at how you’re being robbed with those 500 ml bottles of water sold at quick stores or grocery stores.
Savings: Small daily cost, huge yearly total.
2. Takeaway Coffee Or Tea
Buying coffee every morning adds up fast. I still enjoy good coffee or tea, but I make it myself. For the same price as two Starbucks coffees, I can purchase Arabian coffee beans that would last me an entire month, if not longer.
Swap it for: A basic coffee maker or French press and packaged beans.
3. Brand-Name Cleaning Products
Most branded cleaners are overpriced. Vinegar, baking soda, and store-brand cleaners do the same job for a fraction of the price.
I managed to pick up 100 paper plates that I use for most of my meals. My cleaning agents last longer, and I don’t have to waste time washing plates every day.
4. Fast Fashion Clothing
Cheap clothes aren’t actually cheap when they fall apart. I buy fewer items now, but they last longer.
I have three jeans that are black, grey, and blue, with a couple of plain t-shirts that I cycle through most of the time.
Don’t buy clothes based on brand name; buy them based on the quality of the material used. I know they’re pricier, but they last a long time.
Rule I follow: If I won’t wear it 30 times, I don’t buy it.
5. Extended Warranties
These rarely pay off. Most products either break early (while covered) or last well beyond the warranty period.
The only extended warranties worth purchasing are for items above a certain dollar amount. I would spend the money on a vehicle or a high-end laptop that is used for work/side hustle.
Apart from that, I don’t even buy products brand new. Most of my gadgets are certified refurbished that were priced at 30-40% lower than retail price.
6. Pre-Cut Fruits And Vegetables
You’re paying extra for convenience. A few minutes of chopping saves a surprising amount of money.
You can grab some great deals at farmers’ markets or from independent vendors. Buy in bulk and store them in your freezer if you’re afraid they might rot.
7. Subscriptions I “Might Use”
Streaming, apps, fitness platforms—if I’m not actively using it, it gets cancelled. I don’t even bother with all the different streaming platforms anymore; it’s a waste of money.
Tip: Review subscriptions every 3 months.
8. Trendy Home Décor
Trends change fast. I stopped buying decorative items just because they’re popular. Again, thrift stores or salvage stores have some amazing items at an affordable price.
I don’t like an overcrowded space because it’s a hassle to clean. If I want to change a space, I paint the walls or change the curtains since those are usually affordable.
What I do instead: Wait 30 days before buying décor or changing the color of the walls/curtains.
9. Impulse Purchases At The Checkout
Snacks, gadgets, and random items are placed strategically in shops to drain your wallet. Similarly, online vendors make use of recommended items and advertisements to encourage more sales.
Don’t browse these stores. As a rule of thumb, I only purchase one item at a time to avoid overspending.
Fix: I don’t browse the checkout area anymore.
10. New Books I’ll “Read One Day”
I love reading, but now I borrow from the library, buy second-hand, or read digitally.
Books depreciate in value but are also readily available at good discounts if you just spend some time searching for them.
A one-off purchase is fine, but if you’re a habitual reader, I recommend going digital or scouring ebay/second hand book stores for sales.
11. Single-Use Kitchen Items
Special tools for one recipe? No thanks. A good knife and pan cover almost everything. Yes, it’s more work, but that just makes me appreciate my food a lot more.
12. Daily Takeout Meals
Occasional takeout is fine. Daily takeout is a budget killer. As mentioned earlier, I like to make the foods that I crave.
For the price of a single takeout burger meal, I can actually get 4 A-grade patties, freshly baked buns, and a packet of oven chips.
I’m literally getting 4 homemade burgers for the price of one takeout burger. Insane!
Biggest win: Meal planning saved me more than anything else.
13. Cheap Electronics
Buying the cheapest option often means replacing it sooner. I now save up and buy quality once, but I also opt for second-hand goods that aren’t older than a few months or have been certified refurbished with a 3- to 6-month warranty from the seller.
14. Paper Towels
I switched to reusable cloths. They work better and cost almost nothing long-term.
15. Fancy Toiletries
Expensive shampoo and skincare aren’t always better. Simple, effective products work just fine.
Of course, if you have certain conditions or want to live a healthier life, it’s wise to purchase items that are free of too many chemicals.
But a good idea would be to only purchase refills after you’ve emptied out existing toiletries.
16. Gifts Out Of Obligation
I stopped buying gifts because I felt pressured to. Thoughtful notes, shared experiences, or homemade gifts mean more and cost less.
I don’t want relationships or friendships that are built on how much money I can spend on people.
17. “Because It’s On Sale” Items
A discount doesn’t matter if you never needed it in the first place. I don’t allow myself to debate with myself over on-sale items because I know that I’ll find ways to justify an unnecessary purchase.
If you don’t look too much into sales, you’ll experience less temptation. At the same time, don’t allow yourself to compete with the rest of society because that’s a slippery slope to financial destruction.
New rule: If I didn’t have it on a list of dream buys or needs, I don’t buy it even on a sale.
Final Thoughts
Saving money isn’t about deprivation. It’s about intentional spending. Once you stop buying things that don’t add real value to your life, you’ll feel lighter financially and mentally.
You don’t have to stop buying everything, just stop buying what doesn’t serve you. The money you save can be used to create a future that you absolutely love and enjoy with financial freedom.
