I see a lot of posts like this circulating around and I thought it would be fun to compile my own. It’s not only a good reminder of what we don’t need to live fully, but I hope that maybe it will help some of you to cut back if you are looking for new areas to save in.
There are so many things that I used to buy before we had kids and even before we got married. As we have grown as a family and became smarter about where we put our money, I found so many areas to save in and really, do not miss the things that I have cut out of my life. Maybe you can relate to the below or maybe it’ll spark something in you.
Instead of the below, we like to invest in experiences, vacations, and our home. Yes, we still go on date nights every once in a while and do take out… we do not deprive ourselves, but we definitely are more frugal these days! Here are 50 things that we not longer (or very rarely) buy to save money.
#1: Books (for myself) – I love to read, but I utilize the library for free! I say for myself because I do buy my kids books… I am not quite there yet. (I know you can take out children’s books, but we love having our own library at the moment!)
#2: All-purpose cleaners – I use a homemade solution of white vinegar, water, and essential oils in glass spray bottles.
#3: Make-up remover pads – I use coconut oil.
#4: Knick-knacks – I don’t like clutter at home, so I quit buying random trinkets and keep spaces and countertops as clean and clear as I can.
#5: Shaving cream – I simply use soap.
#6: Fabric softener – Using a detergent only works fine for us.
#7: Magazines – A waste of paper and money.
#8: Kitchen sponges – My Mom knits me reusable cloths to clean the dishes and I love love love them.
#9: High heels / fancy shoes – I am a comfort girl and never spend money on shoes I know I will never wear.
#10: DVDs/CDs – There are plenty of streaming services out there… I see no need to buy physical copies.
#11: Bottled water – We use a filter on our faucet and it saves tons and tons of money and waste.
#12: Landline – My cell phone is always with me and same with my husband, so it doesn’t make sense to have a landline.
#13: Digital / fancy camera – I just use my cell phone for all photos.
#14: Bath products – I use shampoo and conditioner, soap, and coconut oil. That’s it. No special bath bombs, body wash, scrubs, lotions, etc.
#15: Pre-packaged produce – I know some people find this stuff convenient, but I just think it is a waste of money… I’ll just take the time to prepare myself!
#16: Cable TV – We cut the cord on cable a while ago and pick and choose streaming services that we know we will utilize for a much cheaper expense.
#17: Paper plates / cups / cutlery – Unless I am hosting a big party (which is extremely rare), we never buy these types of paper products.
#18: Gym membership – I am not committed enough to have a membership and there are plenty of free programs and videos on YouTube to workout at home.
#19: Alcohol – I don’t drink (maybe once or twice a year around the holidays, if that) and my husband doesn’t buy liquor, beer, or wine unless we are having company or hosting. This saves A LOT.
#20: Wall art – I appreciate art, but I don’t need it to cover our walls. We keep things pretty bare… if anything, I have a mirror here or there.
#21: Designer brands – It’s just not something I am into.
#22: Manicures/pedicures – I do it myself.
#23: Professional lawn services – We tackle yard work ourselves.
#24: Baby food – I don’t mind making my own with organic ingredients I am able to choose myself.
#25: Fast food – It’s not healthy or cheap… I try to keep freezer meals on hand for the times that I may not feel like cooking.
#26: Cleaning services – My husband and I tackle cleaning the house as a team.
#27: Jewelry – I have bought so much in the past that I really don’t want or need anything else. I know what I have and I am happy with it.
#28: Cookbooks – Unless gifted to me, I never buy cookbooks because there are just too many resources online for free.
#29: Toys – Unless it is a birthday or holiday, I do not buy toys on the reg. We have way too many as is.
#30: Soda/Juice – We stick with water and non-dairy milk when it comes to beverages.
#31: Candles – Any candle I have in my home has been gifted to me. I can’t remember the last time I bought a candle.
#32: Fresh herbs from the market – Any herbs that I use I have growing in a pot.
#33: Dryer sheets – I don’t notice a major difference with or without.
#34: Fast fashion – I am new to this, but I am trying to shop less fast fashion and shop thrift for my clothing.
#35: Takeaway coffee – Unless we are out for breakfast or going to a cafe on a date, we make our coffee/lattes at home.
#36: Disinfectant wipes – I have a ton of rags, both purchased in the past and old t-shirts/towels that I cut up and use.
#37: Impulse purchases – If I see something I like, I will leave behind and see if I am still thinking about it in a few days. I am not 100% perfect, but I can’t remember the last time I really bought something on impulse.
#38: Perfume – I just don’t use it… just soap in the shower. No one ever complained about how I smell, so it’s working just fine! ;)
#39: Protein powder – I don’t like the taste of it and find it easy to meet my protein requirements with whole foods.
#40: Canned soup – I am a soup girl and homemade is the only way to go. You can make huge batches for a fraction of the cost and freeze leftovers for later.
#41: Trendy clothes – I stick with basics that I know flatter me and don’t fall down the rabbit hole of trends.
#42: NEW wooden or wicker baskets/containers – I thrift any and all baskets that enter our home at a fraction of the cost.
#43: Pajamas – I wear pajamas, but not the “specific” pajamas you find in stores… they are old t-shirts, comfy shorts/sweats, etc. To be honest, people often buy me pajamas for Christmas and that gets me by.
#44: Greeting cards – WASTE OF MONEY. Make a phone call or send an e-card.
#45: Lottery tickets – Self explanatory, right?
#46: Plastic food containers – Glass lasts longer and is better for the environment.
#47: House plants – I wish I did spend money on house plants, to be honest, but I just don’t have a green thumb so whatever I have will usually die… and that is a waste all around. Maybe someday I will be able to care for plants!
#48: NEW kids clothing – I shop thrift for my kids’ wardrobes and anything new they get is gifted to them from grandparents.
#49: Outdoor holiday displays – While I very much appreciate a good light show and love yards that are decked out, it just isn’t something that we have ever done. It feels like a whole lot for just a month and those lights being turned on during the night add up.
#50: Spa services – facials, massages, etc. Unless I have a gift card, this isn’t something that I treat myself with ever. They are very expensive!
What are some of the things that you have cut from your life to save money and live better? xx bianca
Hi Dear Bianca,
This is a great list! I too find that the less i have and consume, the better i feel in my little condo around me, and also with my physical and mental well-being. Your good post has prompted me to tackle a few more items and move all on out. At the end of the day, what do we really need, what is of great importance to us… certainly not “stuff”. All the best to you dear and your family, and thank you always for your great site… Carol
Hi Carol!
I’m glad it inspired you to do some decluttering. Love your sentiments and 100% agree! xo