12 Things I Stopped Buying To Save Money

I am sure that in the last three months we have all bought things that we have not used. We waste a lot of money and time buying items we don’t really need. Sometimes it is out of curiosity, other times we feel the need to fit in with society or we just love to try new things.

A while ago that used to be me. I would spend more on items that were unjustifiable until I decided to start being intentional with my spending. This didn’t happen overnight because some things are a little harder to give up. I was slowly able to cut some things out of my budget.

Saving money does not have to be difficult, it is about making small changes in our lifestyle. Here are 10 things I stopped buying to save money.

1. Bottled water

Buying bottled water was one of those things that had become the norm. It’s an honestly unjustifiable habit. It still bothers me why I always spend money on bottled water while I can get it for free.

I bought myself a reusable water bottle that I fill at home and take with me every time I travel. The best part is that I can add a few lemon slices which is good for my skin. Bottled water is one of the things I stopped buying to save money (you can too) and it’s good for the environment too.

2. Takeout and fast food

I love takeout and especially the fries. I realized a while ago that I was overreacting and that the amount I was spending was too much. Even if you don’t order junk food, you will notice that the amount you spend eating out is absurd. Maybe you are too lazy to cook or never get ready at dinner time, the trick is to plan meals.

You have to agree with me that the way prepared food is packaged is very tempting. It’s like she’s screaming pick me! Choose me! Store keepers know how to strategically place the little packages of donuts, chocolates, etc. near the payment aisle. Since most of it is individually packaged, I’d say this is really affordable, but in the real sense, it might be twice as expensive as buying the regular size.

3.Things I stopped buying to save money: Make-up remover

If you buy makeup then you know how expensive it can be. Do we really need those 10 lipsticks whose color is the same just a different brand? Not really.

A while ago I made a conscious decision and switched my makeup remover to coconut oil. I have been using coconut oil for its other benefits but never thought it could work as a makeup remover as well. Coconut oil is by far a better alternative because it is a natural product and will not starve your skin of all its oils, leaving you feeling dry. Now I can save up to about $20 that I used to spend on expensive makeup remover. Coconut oil is not only cheap because you can only use a small amount, but your skin will also start to tear apart the other benefits it has. Your skin will be healthy.

If you are also looking for an alternative to eye makeup remover, try jojoba oil. I’m also sure you can get plenty of other options that are inexpensive if coconut and jojoba oil is not your thing.

4. He stopped doing coffee runs

Those coffee runs are so addictive that they become a habit. Before you know it, your day can’t end well without you stopping by your favorite coffee shop. That was me. To be honest, I’m not even a coffee person, I can go months without having it or even crave it. It’s just one of those habits I picked up along the way. I just cut it out.

Spending around $3 a day may not sound like a lot, but it adds up and it’s money you can save and use for other important things.

If you are a coffee lover, one of the best ways that you can reduce the money you spend is to buy a coffee machine that will help you save tons of money and all you have to do is buy coffee beans.

5. Manicure

I know us women need to look good and feel beautiful, but we can do it without expensive manicures and pedicures. A manicure can cost you between $20 and $40 every two weeks.

I invested in a gel nail kit that I have been able to use at home and my nails still look professionally done. It lasts about two weeks. There are so many DIY nail kits you can get too, easy to use and take less than 30 minutes.

6. He stopped buying lunch.

It’s the little things we do that seem normal that add to our expenses. I stopped buying lunch to save money and also because I would always end up eating unhealthy every time. Today I bring lunch that you can also do. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, sometimes it’s just leftovers or a simple sandwich. I do this about 4 times a week.

Related Post: The Best And Realistic Frugal Living Tips For This Year

7. Brand

Brand names can be expensive. Today there are so many affordable retailers that you can go for who are still on a budget. Over time I have noticed that thrift stores have some amazing gems. The quality is equally great compared to the brands and I get amazing items like jackets, dresses, skirts that I can wear for many years and it’s for quarter to half the price.

Of course this comes with one exception, sometimes you need to splurge on something and if you can justify the price then why not?

Fast fashion is also one of the things I stopped buying to save money because it’s all about current trends that fade so fast. Now I invest in timeless pieces. Clothes that last longer and can be worn over and over again.

8.Things I stopped buying to save money: Magazines

The funny and sad part is that I used to just flip through the pages or check the fashion section thinking I’d read it later, but that never happened. One of my goals this year was to simplify my life. I decided it was time to drop all the magazine subscriptions I had if I know full well I’m not going to read them.

Being a blogger who is always online, I can read a lot on the internet and when I go to the salon for my monthly hair appointment, I can read those magazines there.

9. I stopped buying on impulse

I learned to say no. Now I stick to my shopping list and my budget. To avoid impulse purchases it is necessary to have a plan. Have a list, never go shopping when you’re hungry, leave your credit card at home and only have cash with you.

10. Travel articles

Travel size products are very attractive and I used to buy them for convenience thinking I was saving money, but in reality, the amount of product is very small. To save money, I stopped buying travel size products and got reusable travel bottles that are so easy to use. Just fill them with your favorite product at home. You can save money and use the brand you want. Travel size products are not worth it, especially if they will only last you for one trip.

11. Disposable products

Disposable products are one of the things I stopped buying to save money. These are things like paper towels, glasses, plates, forks, knives. This was just another added expense that I didn’t need and was easy for me to eliminate. It was expensive in the long run and was not friendly to the environment. A good alternative can be old t-shirts and towels. Which can be easily cut and put into use. For example, to clean windows, kitchen counters for basically everything.

12. Buying things on sale just because they are on sale

I saw a stall and ran away. I always thought about how much she was saving forgetting the fact that she was actually spending money. Going back to point 9, I now stick to what’s on my shopping list and rarely window shop.

There you have it 12 things I stopped buying to save money. I hope you have found some great ideas that you can use to reduce your expenses. Some of the things we buy are for convenience and for the comfort they provide that we can easily do without.

I am intrigued to know, what things have you stopped buying or are you willing to stop buying to save some extra money? Let me know below in the comments.