Things To Stop Buying To Save Money
As I was going through really hard financial times, I kept asking myself two questions “What are the things I should stop buying to save money?” and “How can I save money?”
After looking and analyzing my spending habits, I realized I was wasting my budget on items I did not need.
There are so many things we buy all the time that at first glance doesn’t seem like a big deal.
Even though these items hardly make an impact on our budgets, over time these things add up.
Every single penny counts when it comes to saving money.
I am always looking for tips to save money.
Another major shift that happened to me was that I stopped buying things to impress other people.
I started focusing more on the things that I really need instead.
We all go through times in our lives when we need more money.
Today I will share with you the things I stopped buying that allowed me to save more money.
Not only did I saved money but it also simplified my life.
Cutting Your Spending
We all have different reasons as to why we need to cut things back to save more money.
Whether it is a career change, paying student loans, losing our job or just simply wanting to save more money, I will show you the things you can do NOW to squeeze your budget tighter and find the extra money.
You are probably asking yourself how in the world can you save money when you can hardly make ends meet?
Just keep reading to find out how I save money and how YOU TOO CAN SAVE MONEY !!!
How To Save Money Each Month
I know from experience that saving money can be really hard, especially when you have a low income and are living paycheck to paycheck.
But I can also tell you that it is possible. Everything starts with a budget. I wrote a post that explains how to budget on a low income.
It is based on creating basic living categories to budget for.
What you need to have in order to live. For example, Rent/mortgage, utilities, etc.
You need to start tracking your spending habits.
The first thing I did to get my finances in order was to create a budget.
This way I was able to track my spending.
I narrowed down the things I could stop buying to save money at home.
By cutting your spending you will be able to save money.
Set up goals and agenda and. stick to it.
Start with small things and then make adjustments.
Tips To Save Money
Here is a list of things to guide you in your journey to spending less
- Make a budget and stick to it
- Always stick to your grocery shopping list
- Food shop wisely and cook at home
- Make healthy but inexpensive meals
- Pay with cash or use a credit card with cash rewards
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25 Things You Should Stop Buying To Save Money
1. Plastic Water Bottles
Purchasing bottled water is like throwing your money away.
Buy a water filter and you will always have fresh water in the house.
But also you will be saving tons of money.
You will also be friendly to the environment.
Plastic bottles are toxic to the planet. Let be part of the solution not the problem and be kind to our planet.
2. Save Money On Personal Care
This products are full of chemicals and toxic to us.
Not to mention super expensive.
Let’s be honest, how many times have we gone into a department store just to buy 1 item, and come back out with a shopping bag full and our wallets empty.
3. Coffee
There was a time when all I did was going to the coffee store and get my caffeine fix.
I did this twice a day.
If you are not a let’s make my own coffee type of person I will share with you one of my secrets on how to get FREE Starbucks coffee.
I am a big coffee person.
The first thing I do in the mornings is going to the kitchen and make my own coffee.
This is a very inexpensive way to have your cup of joe.
4. How to Cut Expenses On Food
Never never never buy precut fruits or vegetables.
Stores charge a premium for this convenience.
This is one of those expenses that will inflate your grocery bill.
You are better off buying the vegetables and fruits and cutting them at home.
If you have kiddos or a partner use this time while you prepping the foods to bond.
This is quality time well spent.
You are creating priceless memories while saving money.
5. Magazine Subscriptions
I use to subscribe to a few magazines (cooking, fashion, and health).
I did this for years.
Now I think of the money I could have saved and invested.
You do not need subscriptions to magazines.
You can find all the information online.
Just go to your favorite magazine website and read away.
If you prefer to read a paper copy, take a walk to your local library and borrow the magazine.
It’s that simple.
No need to spend your hard earn money this way. Save and invest!
6. Excess Beauty Products
You don’t need to buy endless mascaras or blushes or even eye shadows.
These products you may have to change regularly due to the bacteria that accumulates.
No need to have so much clutter that you can never find a makeup brush or the red lipstick you purchased last week.
Keep it simple and uncluttered.
7. Processed Meats
When you look at the food labels of processed meats you will find words that you can not even begin to pronounce.
It is best to stay away from them.
8. Shaving Cream
There is no need to buy those expensive shaving creams.
I either use coconut oil or olive oil.
This leaves my skin super soft.
If you do not want to use oil, an alternative is just simple … use soap.
Lather the soap and shave away!
9. Makeup Wipes
This is another one of those items that are so unnecessary.
Fist, most of the makeup removers are loaded with alcohol.
This dries your skin and may even cause breakouts.
I just simply use oils. You can use coconut oil, olive oil or grapeseed oil.
Think about all the money you will be saving.
Also is environmental friendly
10. Soda and Fruit Juices
This is so not healthy my friends.
Think about the damage soda causes to your teeth and your health with so much sugar.
Cut it out of your life. Not only you will be saving money, but also your teeth and health.
PLUS you will see how you will also lose a few pounds.
11. Pre-Made Meals
These types of meals (pre-made frozen dinner) are loaded with salt and chemicals.
Let’s be kind to our bodies.
Not only by cutting pre-made meals will you be saving money but also future doctor’s bills and prescriptions.
12. Plastic Utensils
Like I said before, plastic is very toxic.
Why spend money on things that are toxic to us? Let stick to metal or wood utensils your health and wallet will thank you.
13. Books
I am a BIG reader. I LOVE books. I now use ebooks.
I am a supporter and member of my local library. I borrow ebooks with them.
By doing this you will save money and space since you no longer have to find a place to keep your books.
14. Seasonal Decors
I learned to reuse what I have instead of running to the store and buy the latest trend.
You can do the same.
You will be surprised how much money you will be saving by doing this.
15. Cable TV Subscription
I no longer have a cable subscription.
I use Netflix which is way cheaper.
Cable subscription is very expensive. Price keeps climbing every year. I save $900 a year by cutting my cable TV.
16. Eating Out Too Often.
This little item right here will creep on you and the next thing you will be asking yourself is ‘How did I blow out my budget this month”
Eating out comes in different forms and colors.
Like buying coffee before arriving at work in the mornings, or going out to lunch on weekdays at work.
Start cooking at home and bringing lunch to work.
You will be eating healthier while saving money.
17. Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softener
These are not necessary. You can live without them.
Trust me you will not even notice.
18. Air Refresher
Air fresheners are expensive and packed with chemicals.
You can save money and make your own air freshener.
I make my own air refresher using a spray bottle, some essential oil, and water.
19. Greeting Cards
Greeting cards are expensive and a waste of money.
Think about the greeting cards you have gotten in the last year.
Where are they? You probably already dumped them in the recycle garbage bin.
Instead, use e-cards. You will be saving money and trees.
20. Pre Made Spice Mixes
Never buy spice mixes or rubs.
Make your own spice mixes with what you have in your pantry.
Mixed spices tend to be really pricey at the store.
21. No More Paper Towels
Paper towels are not necessary. You can live without them
Instead buy kitchen cloths. You use them and wash them.
You will end up saving tons of money.
22. Skip The Manicure and Pedicure Salon
There is no need to go and have your nails done for an obscene amount of money.
They will start chipping away in a few days.
Give yourself a home treatment and do your nails at home and save money.
23. Quit Buying Name Brand Food
Stop buying brand names.
If you pay close attention is the same manufacturer just under a different name.
Generic brands taste just as good as brand names.
They are just cheaper and better for your pockets!
24. A Landline
Most of my family members have cell phones, so there is no need to pay another bill for another phone.
Ask yourself this question ” How often do I use the landline?”
25. Salad Dressings
Pre-made salad dressings are high in saturated fats, sugars, and sodium.
I stopped buying store salad dressing a long time ago
You can make your own salad dressing at home with ingredients you already have in your pantry and fridge.
All you need is olive oil, vinegar, lemon, salt, pepper.
If you want to get fancy you can add spices, herbs, mustard or garlic.
I had a general ballpark of how much money I could be saving before I stopped buying these things.
But HOLY MOLLY I didn’t realize how much money I was wasting until I saw my budget reduce.
I save about $400 a month just implementing these tips
You don’t have to do everything on this list to start saving money.
These are just a few of the things you should stop buying to save money.
Start by choosing from the list above the things you can stop buying to save money.
And that’s all folks! My list of 25 things I have stopped buying allowed me to start an emergency fund and save more money!
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