There was a time when I didn’t think twice about most of these.
They were small. Normal. Easy to justify.
But stacked together? They added up in a way I could no longer ignore.
Here’s what I’ve stopped buying—and what I’ve gained instead.
1. Alcohol
I missed this one at first.
But after a year or two, I stopped remembering to miss it. I also don’t miss the next-day red wine headaches.
2. Coffee “on the go”
If I’m meeting a friend, I’ll happily sit down and enjoy a coffee out.
But the rushed $6 habit? Gone.
Most gas stations have pretty decent grind-and-brew machines for ‘coffee-mergencies’.
3. Streaming subscriptions
Between library apps and free platforms, there’s always something.
We find hours of great content on YouTube and Instagram.
4. Aimless Target runs
If I don’t walk in, I don’t overspend.
As an impulse buyer, ordering online saves me a fortune.
(See next point.)
5. Impulse grocery shopping
Curbside pickup costs a few dollars. Impulse buys cost far more.
6. DoorDash and food delivery
At one point, we were spending more on takeout than our mortgage.
That was enough clarity for me.
7. Fast food for adults
If kids want it, fine.
But for us? It’s almost never worth it.
8. Dry cleaning for everyday clothes
I started buying differently instead—washable, wearable, simpler.
Brands like Numi and Spanx have saved me a lot here.
9. Home Upgrades
When I feel the urge to upgrade something at home, I ask myself if I can wait one more day, a week, or even a month. Most of the time, the urge passes before the week is up. I still love (and yearn for) a beautiful home—I just don’t need to chase every version of it.
10. Diet Coke
Health talk aside, this one was hard to let go.
Now I make Lipton tea—better for both body and budget.
11. Browsing discount stores for fun
If I don’t go in, I don’t “find” things I never needed.
12. Expensive kids’ party extras
Gift bags, cards—it adds up fast, on top of the present.
Now we keep it simple and thoughtful (hello, Dollar Tree for gift bags and supplies). Homemade cards add a nice touch.
13. Fixing things just because they break
Not everything needs to be repaired or replaced immediately.
Sometimes… we just move on.
14. Cheap clothing
Low price doesn’t mean good value.
I think in cost-per-wear now.
15. High-end “design store” decor
Beautiful, yes. Necessary, no.
I’ve learned to create the look without the markup—Facebook Groups and Facebook Marketplace have been a go-to. I’ll also look for similar pieces at places like Wayfair and HomeGoods.
16. Convenience groceries
Pre-cut and pre-packaged means paying more for something I could easily do myself. I learned from a friend to make soups with big chunks of veggies instead.
17. Random beauty products
I stopped “trying things” and started finishing what I own. Before I add a new product, I will ask around and do some research so I am not stuck with something that doesn’t work.
18. One-time wear outfits
If I can’t see myself wearing it again, it stays at the store.
For special occasions, I rent instead.
Specialty kids clothes get worn and then listed on Poshmark immediately to recoup some of the money spent.
19. Books I won’t reread and reference often
The library does this better (and cheaper).
And if I really want it, I choose audio so it actually gets “read” while life is happening.
20. Meat
I’ve stopped buying more meat than we actually need. I have found ½ lb can easily satisfy two people with the right mix of sides.
21. New subscriptions
The $9.99 here and there adds up fast when no one is paying attention.
I feel… clearer. Lighter.
Less decision fatigue.
Less clutter.
My body feels way better when I go without most of this stuff. (And I have started to actually like the taste of the substitutes!)
Less money disappearing without me noticing.
And more room for the things that actually matter.
Mostly, I don’t feel deprived, but there are times when I really want the thing.
What helps is remembering what I am saying yes to instead.
When I look at our savings goals–and how far we’ve come–it makes the ‘no’ feel a lot more intentional.
