If I wanted to save money, here’s what I would stop buying:

Are you feeling like your paycheck disappears the moment it lands in your account? Don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone! In today’s world of clever marketing, endless subscription services, and the urge for instant gratification, it’s super easy to spend without thinking and much harder to actually save money at the end of the month.

But here’s a little secret: saving money doesn’t always mean taking on a second job or giving up all the fun things. Sometimes, it’s just about knowing what to stop buying. It’s easier said than done, but if you’re serious about saving money, it works!

We often get so focused on cutting back on big expenses that we forget about those small, sneaky purchases that can really add up. Whether it’s daily habits, impulsive buys, or those recurring charges we barely notice (they’re there, let me tell you), there might be a few little villains stealing your money faster than you think.

So, are you ready to take charge of your finances and give your savings a nice boost? Let’s chat about some everyday things you can stop buying right now to see real results! Trust me, your future self (and your bank account) will definitely appreciate it! Let’s take a look:

1. Fast fashion

I used to spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on clothes I didn’t need every year, thinking that I was actually saving money. A $6-12 T-shirt might feel like a steal, but cheap clothing items wear out fast and make you buy even more.

These garments are, without a doubt, beautiful, but their materials aren’t of high quality, and they’re typically very trendy, meaning that you can’t mix and match them with all the clothes you already own.

Quickly after purchasing all those items, I noticed that I couldn’t wear them as I wished. I ended up donating most of my clothes to friends and family, so I didn’t get any of my money back.

Don’t make the same mistake I did, because you will spend more money than you should. Fast fashion garments are sometimes called “pret-a-jeter,” meaning that they’re ready to be thrown away. Why? Because the quality is terrible, and you’ll see it after a couple of wears.

Do yourself a favor and invest in fewer, high-quality pieces that you can wear for years. Even if they’re more expensive at first, they fit better, last longer, and make you feel incredible. In the end, you actually save money.

2. Name-brand everything

Many of us mistakenly think that name-brand items are better just because there’s a popular brand guaranteeing their quality, but nothing could be further from the truth. Several store-brand products, like medicine, pantry staples, and household goods, are just as good as name brands. The best part? They’re a lot more affordable.

One of the reasons why I would stop buying name-brand everything is that packaging and marketing make up most of the extra cost. I recommend you start with a couple of swaps and see if you notice any difference in how they taste.

If you want to save even more, you can stack generic products with loyalty discounts or coupons. This tip is one of my favorites because you get to save money without compromising on quality or taste!

3. Constantly shopping for seasonal must-haves

Another thing I recommend you stop buying? Seasonal decor. But not entirely! It’s easy to get swept up in holiday-themed everything. After all, they look incredibly pretty. But adding new stuff to your cart every season will quietly drain your wallet.

Before you shop, ask yourself: Will I use this item next year too? If the answer is no, you’d better pass. What you can do instead is to invest in a small but reusable collection you like and rotate it throughout the seasons.

If you want something new, you can check out thrift stores for extra decorations, or you can DIY something for a fraction of the price. It’s not about skipping shopping altogether, but doing it smartly and sustainably!

4. Impulse buys at checkout

Are you someone who always gets snacks when at the store? Or maybe you like having different trinkets? Then you must learn how to say no at the checkout. Those items are only meant to tempt you and drain your wallet.

While shopping for a few things that weren’t on your list might feel minor, they stack up quickly over time. There’s a reason why I always suggest you carry a shopping list: to stick to it! And if you find yourself craving every treat you see at the checkout, just make sure you eat a snack before you go shopping. It’s a game-changer!

5. Daily takeout coffee

I love supporting my favorite local coffee shop, but if I needed to save money fast, this would be one of the first things I’d cut—cold turkey! Spending $4–$6 on coffee every day adds up shockingly fast. Do the math, and that’s nearly $100–$150 a month!

Brewing at home is an easy, satisfying swap. With a decent coffee maker, good beans, and your favorite mug, you can turn your daily caffeine fix into a cozy, budget-friendly ritual. Want to take it a step further? Try making your own cold brews or flavored syrups—you’ll save money and impress yourself.

It’s an easy habit shift that adds major savings over time without sacrificing your caffeine fix. If you’re looking for a great coffee machine, I recommend you check out this one! I have it at home, and it makes the best coffee ever!

…One of the best parts? Making your coffee at home makes those barista splurges feel like the most delicious treat ever!

6. Kitchen gadgets

If you like having several gadgets in your kitchen, I completely understand. I love cooking too—it’s one of the most enjoyable activities. But do you really need every kitchen utensil on the market? Probably not.

As tempting as it might be to buy every cool tool you see on TikTok or in late-night infomercials, most of them end up gathering dust. Instead of wasting money on things you’ll rarely use—like an avocado cuber or banana slicer—you’re better off investing in a sharp knife, a blender, and a solid pan.

Here’s a basic rule to stop unnecessary spending: before you add something to your cart, ask yourself: Will I use this tool at least once a week? If the answer is yes, it might be worth it. If not, it’s probably best to skip it.

Keeping things simple in your kitchen not only saves space and money but also helps you stay focused on cooking and avoid a cluttered drawer full of tools you forget how to use.

7. Unused subscriptions

Continuing with all these things you might want to stop buying to save money, let’s talk about those sneaky unused subscriptions. Be honest—how many apps or services have you signed up for and totally forgotten about? And how many do you actually use on a daily basis?

Take a few minutes to scan your bank statements or app store subscriptions. You might be surprised! Here’s the thing: you must cancel anything you haven’t used in the last 30 days. Even getting rid of just one or two can save you $20–$50 (or more) a month. It may not seem huge at first, but trust me—those little savings add up fast.

Takeaway

Deciding to stop buying certain things cold turkey? Yeah, it’s not always easy—and that’s totally okay. But if your goal is to stretch your income and live life to the fullest, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make. Remember, this isn’t about sacrificing everything you love; it’s about making smarter financial decisions. If you can get something just as good for less, why not go for it? That’s a win in our book!

At the end of the day, knowing your financial goals and mapping out a simple plan makes all the difference. And if you ever need help or just want to talk budgeting and saving, leave a comment below—we at Brainy Savings are here to cheer you on with all the tips, tricks, and good vibes you need.

Be patient with yourself, take it one step at a time, and always think twice before adding something to your cart. Here’s a golden rule to live by: if you can’t buy it twice, don’t buy it once.

Until next time, don’t miss this next post—we think you’re going to love it: You Won’t Believe What’s Hiding in Walmart’s and Target’s Secret Discount Spots