19 Things To Stop Buying To Save Money
Want to save money and simplify your life? Well, then you need to have a list of things to stop buying! Here are some examples of things that do not improve your life in any way and are only taking up space in your home and money out of your pocket. If you stop buying them, you can probably afford a little vacation by the end of the year.
I know it’s hard, that’s why I’ll admit it on your behalf – you’ve bought useless things and likely, you’re currently thinking of buying some more. We’ve all done it. And we know the purchase rush usually lasts for about 10 minutes and then it’s back to thinking about the next purchase. As if it’s going to miraculously solve all our problems. It’s truly like an addiction. Well, it is, it’s called overconsumption. And most of us, even toddlers, have it these days. We always want more, different and we often forget to appreciate and use the things we have.
If it wasn’t like that, there wouldn’t be bestselling books and TV shows that specifically focus on organizing junk.
So, like with most addictive things in life like sugar, social media or coffee, I suggest we do a little reset. We stop buying things we don’t need. You can do it for 30 days or indefinitely. Something that can motivate you throughout the challenge is setting a goal for how you’ll use the money you save. And tracking how much you save. I love to travel, so I’d probably use the money for a vacation. Well, you might want to start your business, but need some initial investment – you can save the money to get started. Or you want to invite your parents for a trip. Save up for things that you will remember for years to come!
How TO Choose What To Stop Buying
It’s very individual when it comes to the specific things you need to stop buying. The best approach would be to observe your behavior closely for a week or so and then make your own list. Take notice of what you actively use and what you never even know you have. Then you can work on improving your purchasing habits.
Now, as a starting point, here are 19 things to stop wasting money on. If not all, then likely at least a few of them will make it to your personal list of things to stop buying as well!
1. Tech Gadgets
As technology is constantly developing and evolving, new trendy gadgets come out almost every day. And they’re super expensive. While it may seem like a cool thing to own at first, the newest phones and earplugs and watches quickly go out of style and out of use as well.
Instead, appreciate what you have and use that. If your phone isn’t broken, why do you need a new one?
2. Home Gadgets And Decor You Never Use
Have you ever bought home decor that you never actually put in your house? I have. Many times. You know how it happens “Ah, this is cute. And it’s only 10 bucks.”. Then you buy it, and the next day you don’t even remember you have it.
Those items accumulate over time and turn into dust collectors in your home. Obviously, you’ll be sparing your budget if you avoid purchasing decorations that serve no actual purpose other than to look cute. So, next time you feel the urge to buy something, ask yourself: “Do I really need another one of these?”
3. Online Courses Or Classes You Won’t Attend
Taking new courses and classes can be life-changing. I will admit that. But I will also admit that I’ve bought a few I’ve never really even started. Why? Well, because I don’t have time for them and they’re not a priority. Right now. She said a year ago. They’re not in person, not necessarily urgent and won’t teach me something I can use to make money right away.
So, buying online courses just for the sake of it and never following through with them, is simply a waste of money. Maybe at some point, you thought they would change your life and you felt pressured to buy ASAP, so that the offer doesn’t expire. Listen, if you’re not ready to put in the time and work to study and apply the knowledge you gain, nothing will happen. You will just lose some money.
Be honest with yourself – will you attend this course or are you postponing starting the actual work with it? In most cases, if it’s not something that requires a strong theoretical base, like medicine, just start with the free resources out there and learn along the way. Include this in the things to stop buying and instead focus on acquiring and practicing the skills you’re striving for.
4. Junk Food
What do we get out of junk food beyond the short-lived, and quite questionable, satisfaction of our cravings? This should be one of your top priorities for things to stop buying, as it just gives you useless calories, no valuable nutrients, and no actual return on your investment.
Instead, you enjoy homecooked food that you know the list of ingredients for. And if you’re so keen on the junk one, just look up recipes for healthier versions, there are plenty and all taste much better.
5. Home Exercise Equipment
If you have an exercise mat and some free weights to work with, you’re all set for your at-home workout routine. Anything extra and you can be sure you’re not being resourceful. And likely, you’re not using what you already have and are instead making excuses. I’m speaking from experience here, because after buying all kinds of fitness equipment, the only things I use now are my body, a mat and two dumbbells. There are plenty of videos on Youtube to help you get in shape without any equipment. There are even more videos that use some dumbbells.
If you’re actively working out and using it, sure, go ahead and purchase the needed gear. But if you’re buying it in order to motivate yourself, it’s likely to turn into a clothes hanger very soon.
If you’re just starting out, the best approach would be to do routines that don’t require any equipment. And then as you get more advanced and build the habit, then purchase what you really need.
6. Video Streaming Platforms
Let’s be honest, how often are you watching all the video streaming services you paid for? If it’s just once or twice every few months, it’s definitely not a worthy purchase.
On the other end, if you’re spending literal hours locked at home binging movies, this is definitely not a healthy habit either.
So, one of the things to stop buying are streaming services like Netflix. Instead, you can go to see a movie in the cinema, this way you’ll even make memories about it.
7. Fancy Coffee
Every millennial knows coffee and avocado toast will ruin your finances. Say good bye house. So this one’s not really a surprise! When I say, stop buying fancy coffee, I rather mean – make it special. Make it something you look forward to. Maybe it’s something you do with a friend on Saturdays. Not something you do every day when you’re going to work. Make your everyday coffee at home or at work and you’ll save so much money! You’ll also appreciate it so much more!
8. New Healthy Foods
Many products that are advertised as healthy or junk food alternatives should be on your things to stop buying list. Protein bars, energy bars, and even rice crisps aren’t much better for you than eating regular chocolate or chips. Instead, you can put your budget toward actual healthy foods. Eat whole foods like vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and legumes – those are proven to be good for you and will actually be worth the money.
9. Kitchenware and appliances
Do you really need a popcorn machine or are you just getting it because it looks cool? I’m pretty sure you can cook most things using a stove and an oven. Sure, a blender is useful too. But at some point, over the years it just got out of control. From slow cookers, through air fryers, juicers, kale strippers, glass containers to special plates for random meals you made once, it’s insane.
You don’t need another coffee mug and most likely, nor do you need an egg cooker. Instead, learn how to cook things with what you already have. There are plenty of tutorials online to help you cook anything from scratch.
10. Makeup
You saw a photo or a video tutorial for a really cool makeup look and then you purchased the products to recreate it? But then it never happened? Many have been there. Instead of buying new products go over your existing collection and check their expiration date. You probably will need to throw some of that makeup out. If you do end up with fewer products, you can restock the ones you use, but keep in mind that one-time-uses should be among the things to stop buying.
11. Expensive Designer Products
Just because something has a label from a famous brand, doesn’t mean it’s great. Or necessary for you to own. Designer products, be it clothes, jewelry, or other accessories, should be in the things to stop buying recklessly. This will save you a ton of money!
12. Clothes You Don’t Need
We produce up to 92 million tonnes of textiles waste yearly. All thanks to fast fashion and unnecessary purchases of low-quality clothes you don’t even need. Pieces you will wear once or never at all. Instead of getting more clothing, clean out your existing closet. Give some to charity or sell some of it. This way you will know what you have and what you may need. Whenever you do decide to buy something new, save up for better quality clothes. Not necessarily more expensive, just better quality and made with natural materials.
13. Lottery Tickets
Gambling is very bad for you that’s why lottery tickets should also be on the list of things to stop buying, so that you can save money. Sure, it’s not the same as going to a casino, but you’re still throwing your cash into the unknown, hoping for a miracle. It’d be better to put the money you intended to use into a savings jar. That way at least you know you’ll have a growing sum at some point, even if the pace is slower.
14. Magazines
When was the last time you bought a magazine and read it from cover to cover? You can check out the articles on the website of the magazine and instead spend your money on books that will likely be more useful anyway.
15. Brand Name Products When Generic Ones Do The Job
Along the same lines with designer items, you should consider including famous brand products in the things to stop buying. Just because something comes from a well-known company, it doesn’t mean it’s better than a generic brand’s product. In fact, the only thing that’s likely superior is the marketing team behind it, the rest is probably the same.
16. Social Media Advertised Products
All of us who grew up with the Internet have mocked our elders for falling for TV ads for different products. Oh, how the tables have turned! Influencers and famous people can sell you anything these days, from slimming tea, through subscriptions to car tires, making it sound amazing and of course, at a hefty price. Include those in the things to stop buying to save money because most of the time, they’re just not worth it.
17. Unnecessary Items For Kids And Pets
Who wouldn’t want to see their baby or pet wearing something super cute or playing with a fun toy? But the reality is that your child will outgrow the karaoke machine or the punching bag you bought within a month. And your cat – it’ll probably not even let you put that funny hat on it.
These items are not just useless, they’re also ugly and take up so much space. Space that you can fill with plants or, you know – nothing! So make those purchases part of the things to stop wasting money on. You can still have plenty of cute photos, your children and pets are cute anyway.
18. Products For Unrealistic Weight Loss
There’s no magic pill to help you lose weight, no matter what companies are trying to tell you. There are creams, tea, pills, supplements and all types of incredibly useless products that can do more damage than good. You should include such products in your list of things to stop buying not only to help you save money but also to spare you health issues.
The much better alternative would be to research some healthy recipes and workouts and start a balanced healthy lifestyle. This is not only the road to losing weight but to also feeling and looking healthier.
19. New Hobby Materials
Like it or not, those materials you bought for the hobby you started last week, should probably be in the things to stop buying to save money. It’s great to pick up new hobbies but before you buy advanced gear, like an expensive guitar or painting materials, maybe try working with what you’ve got. If you keep showing up for that hobby for more than a few weeks, then start with smaller purchases and see in time if it’s really worth it.
More Lifestyle And Habits
Well, I hope this list of things to stop buying helps you when you’re creating your own. If you’re looking for more articles to help you live a simpler, yet happier life, check out these:
