Are you always wondering where your money goes every month? You’re not alone. Many of us are in the constant struggle of trying to save money, yet we find ourselves in a cycle of overspending. One of the most effective ways to break this cycle is to identify and cut out unnecessary spending.
In this post, I’ll share 14 things I stopped buying that significantly boosted my savings. Some of these might seem so small, but trust me, they add up to a considerable amount over time.
1. Bottled Water
The environmental impact of bottled water is alarming, and the financial costs can quickly add up too. Instead of constantly buying bottled water, I invested in a high-quality water filter. Not only is this a more eco-friendly option, but it also saves me a significant amount of money in the long run. On average, a bottle of water costs around $1.45. If you drink around three bottles a day, that’s over $150 a month. A water filter costs around $30 and lasts for several months, saving you over $100 a month.
2. Disposable Razors
Switching from disposable razors to a safety razor was a game-changer for me. Disposable razors are not only bad for the environment, but they also need to be replaced frequently, which can add up in costs. A pack of disposable razors costs around $10, and if you shave frequently, you may go through a pack every month. In contrast, a safety razor costs around $30, and the replacement blades are extremely cheap. The initial cost may be higher, but you’ll save money in the long run.
3. Takeaway Coffee
I used to get takeaway coffee every morning on my way to work. But when I added up the costs, I was shocked. A daily coffee habit can cost anywhere from $60 to $120 a month, depending on where you buy it. Instead, I invested in a good coffee maker and started making my own coffee at home. Not only is it cheaper, but I also enjoy the ritual of making my own coffee. It’s a small change, but it has saved me a significant amount of money.
4. Cable TV
With the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, I found I was barely watching my cable TV anymore. Yet I was still paying over $100 a month for it. By cancelling my cable subscription and switching to cheaper streaming services, I’ve been able to save over $50 a month. And the best part is, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.
5. Pre-packaged Snacks
Pre-packaged snacks are convenient, but they’re also expensive. I used to spend around $20 a week on snacks like chips, cookies, and granola bars. Now, I buy ingredients in bulk and make my own snacks at home. It’s healthier, more satisfying, and saves me at least $10 a week.
6. Books
I love reading, but books can be expensive. I used to spend around $30 a month on books. Now, I use my local library or swap books with friends. And when I do buy books, I buy them second-hand or on sale. This has saved me around $20 a month.
7. Gym Membership
Gym memberships can be expensive, especially if you’re not using it regularly. I was paying around $50 a month for a gym membership that I only used a few times a month. Now, I exercise at home or outdoors. There are so many free resources online for home workouts, and I find I actually exercise more now than I did when I had a gym membership. This has saved me $50 a month.
8. Brand Name Products
Brand name products often cost significantly more than their generic counterparts, but they’re not always better quality. I used to spend extra money on brand name products simply because of the label. Now, I always check the ingredients and compare prices before I buy. This has saved me around $20 a month.
9. Eating Out
Eating out is a huge expense. I used to eat out several times a week, which cost me around $200 a month. Now, I cook at home more often and only eat out for special occasions. This has saved me around $150 a month.
10. Beauty Products
Beauty products can be incredibly expensive, and it’s easy to get sucked into buying the latest products. I used to spend around $50 a month on beauty products. Now, I only buy the products I know I’ll use, and I use them until they’re finished before buying more. This has saved me around $30 a month.
11. Clothes
Clothes can be a big expense, especially if you’re always buying the latest fashions. I used to spend around $100 a month on clothes. Now, I only buy clothes when I need them, and I always check the sale racks first. This has saved me around $70 a month.
12. Cleaning Products
Cleaning products can be expensive, and they’re often full of harsh chemicals. I used to spend around $20 a month on cleaning products. Now, I make my own cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. This has saved me around $15 a month.
13. Impulse Purchases
We’ve all been there. You’re at the checkout, and you see something you just have to have. These impulse purchases can add up quickly. Now, I always stick to my shopping list and avoid the temptation of impulse purchases. This has saved me around $30 a month.
14. Pre-made Meals
Pre-made meals are convenient, but they’re also expensive. I used to spend around $50 a week on pre-made meals. Now, I cook at home more often and meal prep for the week. This saves me around $30 a week. In conclusion, cutting out these 14 things from my spending has saved me more than $600 a month. That’s over $7,000 a year! I hope this list inspires you to look at your own spending habits and find areas where you can cut back. Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to saving money.