We all spend money we don’t have to at least some of the time. If you’re looking to lower your cost of living by trimming expenses, here are several things to stop buying to save money.
Need some ideas on things to stop buying to save money this year? Look no further than your last purchases.
Whether you realize it or not, you’re probably spending money on things that you don’t need or overspending on things that you do.
Spending money on stuff you don’t need is just throwing your money away. Be mindful of your spending. Buy fun items that solves problems.
Does your coffee get cold on the way to work? Buy a quality Tumbler. Stop buying cheap stuff you don’t need and replace it for quality stuff you do.
Related Post: Best Ways To Save Money Each Month To Live Better
That’s extra money that can be put toward your savings and other financial goals.
Spending money isn’t a bad thing. After all, we do need to spend money for life’s essentials and for enjoyment. But when you do spend, it should be done wisely so that you aren’t wasting it.
One way to ensure that you’re spending your money wisely is by creating a budget. A budget can help you plan exactly where your money should go. Using a budget in combination with the frugal tips that I’m about to share will help you save money.
Here are 11 things you need to stop buying right now to save money.
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Things You Should Stop Buying To Save Money
When you’re trying to save money or lower your spending, finding things to stop buying is a good start.
Since you’re in complete control of your discretionary spending, you can stop buying certain items or find lower priced alternatives. Improve on money habits that keep you poor.
Cutting expenses frees up extra money to put toward:
- Your emergency fund,
- Paying off student loans,
- Getting out of credit card debt, and
- Other financial goals.
1. Stop the Unplanned and Impulse Purchases: stop buying save money
It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying something on sale. Or it’s by the cash register. You grab it because it’s “cheap.” But after 100 small purchases, the total isn’t so small anymore.
Be mindful of how you spend your money. Buy things that will make your life better. Buy things solve a problems. When the stuff you buy improves your life, those gifts keep on giving.
One of the ways I’ve been able to improve my spending habits is by asking myself the following questions before making a purchase:
- How will I pay for it?
Can I afford to pay for this using cash today? Do I need to put it on credit? - What if I wait?
Do I really need this? Will I still want this a month from now? Does this purchase align with my spending goals and values? - Why am I here?
Am I here because I’m bored? Is it because I’m sad or feeling lonely? Did I have a bad day? - What else can I do with this money?
Is this the best way to spend this money? Can I use it for something else? Can I put it into my savings or towards paying off debt?
There are many everyday items you could stop buying to save money and improve on your finances.
2. Stop Paying for Multiple Streaming Services
Cutting the cord is easier than ever, but it can become extremely expensive. Things to stop buying save money.
You have so many choices, like Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, ESPN+, and CBS All Access. Individually, they don’t cost you much, but together you can pay close to $1,000 a year.
Save hundreds of dollars a year when you rotate these services: Get Netflix, watch everything you want. then cancel it and move on to Disney+ or another streaming service.
3. Stop Paying for Unused Subscriptions: Things to stop buying save money
A study estimates Americans waste $364 a year on entertainment subscriptions THEY DO NOT USE [source].
Cancel your unused subscriptions, and stop throwing away your money.
Scrutinize your credit card bills to see if you pay for any subscription service you might have forgotten you signed up for. Cancel those services immediately to save your money.
‘Trim’ Your Subscriptions with Trim
Where are you bleeding money? The Trim app has made it its mission to solve this problem for you. Trim app not only identifies and cancels unused subscriptions, they also negotiate lower internet bills, phone bills, cable bills, and medical bills.
4. Stop Buying Restaurant Foods: Things to stop buying save money
Meals at restaurants are expensive, and Americans spend half their food budget eating out [source].
Consuming alcohol when you dine increases the cost. A well-earned tip adds 20% to your bill. To keep more of your money, spend more time in your kitchen and spend less at your favorite restaurants.
5. Stop Buying Debt (It Costs You Interest)
One loan = two monthly payments.
Payment One:
You are responsible for returning the money you borrowed. And
Payment Two:
You’re on the hook for monthly interest fees.
If you’re in debt, you’re losing money to interest every month.
To lower your monthly interest rate, pay down your debt. Your interest payment is a percentage of your principle. That means the less debt you have, the less you pay in interest every month.
6. Stop Buying Cheap Products (Cuz Free Junk is Still Junk)
Don’t buy cheap. Buy quality. Inferior products cost more money because they need to be replaced more frequently. This are the things to stop buying save money.
When you buy quality appliances, electronics, clothes, shoes. whatever, they will last longer and generally involve less maintenance.
Forget about buying those cheap running shoes that you will need to discard in just a few months; buy quality and save.
7. Stop Paying Bank Fees
Americans, overall, pay more than $11 billion in overdraft and other bank fees. The average overdraft fee is $35, but there are others, like:
- Late fees,
- ATM fees,
- Foreign transaction fees, and
- Wire transfer fees.
These fees are bogus. If you are charged an overdraft fee, contact your bank and ask to have it removed. But what about all those other fees? They are much harder to remove, but not impossible.
8. Stop Buying Single-Use Plastics: Things to stop buying save money
Americans live in a throw-away society:
Think
When you purchase these single-use products, it becomes costly. Eliminate waste and additional costs when you purchase replace single-use plastics with reusable products.
Head over to Amazon for your reusable K-Cup coffee filters, sandwich bags and bpa free water bottles so you can save money (and the environment).
9. Stop Paying For New Clothes (Unless You Do This One Thing)
Families spend nearly $2,000 a year on clothing, which amounts to $150 a month [source]. Before spending any more money on new clothes, clean out your closet. Stop buying to save money on clothing.
Sell clothes you no longer wear at a consignment shop. Not only will you have money to spend on new clothes, buy your wardrobe will be clean and clear. Let your wardrobe consist of only the clothes you actually wear. It’s life changing. Right.
10. Stop Buying Expensive Flights
Who doesn’t love a great deal on flights? But, is it really worth it to spend hours searching for a deal you may never find? Let Aviasales Cheap Flights search for you.
The service is so simple: Input your airport, add 4 or 5 top destination spots, and wait for your daily email alerting you to amazing deals on flights. Stop buying expensive things.
11. Car Washes: Things to stop buying save money
As someone who just got a new car, it’s super tempting to want to take my car to the car wash every week. Learn living on less money.
I totally get wanting to have a super clean and shiny car! That being said, those car washes can add up. If you’re going to get your car washed and detailed, try and go to one that’s $10 or less.
If you have a house, you really won’t even need to go to a car wash! When I lived at home we just used an extension cord and used our vacuum to get rid of the dirt and dust inside the car.
You can also use a bucket of dish soap, some old wash cloths, and towels to clean the outside of your car! Things to stop buying to save money