10+ Things to Stop Buying to Save Money

If your budget isn’t as money-saving as you thought it would be, it might be time to take a look at your purchases. A $2 item here and a $5 item there might not seem like much, but these small fees can really add up over time. Take a look at some of the things you might be wasting your money on to take back your spending habits and save money.

1

Plastic water bottles

A reusable water bottle can save you a lot of money in the long run. Instead of stocking up on plastic water bottles, invest in a metal or insulated bottle that you can keep around for years on end. Paying around $1.22 per gallon for bottled water adds up over time.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Plus, you’ll be cutting down on the amount of plastic you use, which is great for the environment.
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2

Pre-cut fruits and veggies

They might be convenient, but they’re expensive. When you buy produce that’s already cut for you, you could be paying up to 40% more for the same product. Instead, grab whole fruits and veggies and set aside some time to chop them up yourself.^{[2]XResearch source}
- This is especially true for veggie plates and fruit salad.

3

Lottery tickets

While it’s tempting to test your luck and get a chance to win big, ditching your lottery ticket purchases could save you over $1,000 per year. If you really want to make your money work for you, try investing in the stock market instead.^{[3]XResearch source}
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4

Takeout coffee

Your home-brewed cup is much cheaper than the café’s. The average cup of coffee brewed at home costs less than 25 cents, while one from a coffee shop is upwards of $3. Cutting back on your takeout coffee consumption can save you hundreds a month.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you love taking a coffee to work with you, try brewing your coffee at home and putting it into a travel thermos.

5

Dryer sheets

These wool balls work by bouncing their way in between layers of clothing to let warm air in and reduce wrinkling. Plus, studies show that using a wool dryer ball can cut down your drying time by almost 40%! You can lower your expenses and save time with one simple purchase.^{[5]XResearch source}
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6

Paper towels

Reusable cloths last forever. Why buy a product that you can only use once? Stock up on some microfiber towels to keep in the kitchen when you need them. You can use them as napkins, too!^{[6]XResearch source}
- Plus, ditching paper towels reduces the amount of waste you put out, which is great for the planet.

7

Cable TV

Streaming services are much cheaper. Instead of paying $100 per month for cable, try Hulu, Sling, or YouTube TV. These services are usually about half the cost of cable and they often give you more bang for your buck.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Keep in mind that signing up for a subscription you don’t use can cost you money in the long run. Try to track which services you’re signed up for so they don’t go to waste.
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8

Cleaning products

You can make your own at home for much cheaper. Try replacing one of your cleaning products with a white vinegar and water mixture. Before you know it, you’ll never have to buy a cleaner from the store ever again!^{[8]XResearch source}
- You can usually make cleaning products with things you already have on hand. Vinegar, baking soda, and borax are the ingredients in most homemade cleaning solutions.

9

New books

You can read almost any book at the library for free. Instead of purchasing the next book you’d like to read, sign up for a library card and put it on hold. You can usually pick up your book within a few days, and you’ll be able to go back for more as soon as you’re done.^{[9]XResearch source}
- A lot of libraries also offer ebooks and audiobooks, too.
- You can also find used books for much cheaper than brand new ones. Try checking out thrift stores or used book stores near you.
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10

New clothing

Keeping up with trends can cost you a lot of money. Before you make a purchase, take a look at your closet and see what you already have. You might find that you don’t actually need a new piece of clothing to round out your wardrobe.^{[10]XResearch source}
- A good rule of thumb is to wear a piece of clothing until it’s too worn out or stained to wear anymore.
- If you do decide on a new piece of clothing, try looking at a thrift store or a secondhand clothing app before buying something brand new.

11

Greeting cards

Switch to e-cards to save paper and money. Or, if you’re feeling creative, whip out the craft scissors and make your own greeting cards! Most store-bought cards cost $3 to $5 each, which can really add up over time.^{[11]XResearch source}
- You can do the same for Christmas and birthday cards, too.
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12

Single-serving snacks

Instead of grabbing a package of lunchbox-sized chips or pretzel packages, get a big bag and portion them out yourself. You’ll end up saving 30% per ounce with every single-serving snack you avoid at the grocery store.^{[12]XResearch source}

13

Meals out

Restaurants and delivery services cost tons of money. Try to limit your dining out experiences and save them for special events. When you do go out to eat, don’t order appetizers or desserts so you can save some money. And if you have any leftovers, take them home and eat them the next day to extend your one meal into two.^{[13]XResearch source}
- You can also save money by skipping the drinks when you go out. Water is better for you (and it’s free).
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Tips

Track your monthly purchases in a spreadsheet to see where exactly you’re spending your money.
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Saving is important, but intentional spending is even more important. Being aware of what makes you happy is essential when spending money. Balance is key, but if something brings you joy and happiness, maybe it's worth it.
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