Say Goodbye to These Purchases and Save Big

Do you want to have more money? Well, all you need to do is spend less. Sounds simple, right? Learning how to spend your money is a must in 2025. Unfortunately, more and more people are struggling to live from paycheck to paycheck.

Considering the economic situation in the United States, any financial advice is welcome. Learning how to spend less while still satisfying our needs is crucial. Debt shouldn’t be an option, considering that it represents a form of modern slavery, where many people have to work harder and their freedom is limited.

One of the biggest mistakes we keep making is spending money on things we don’t actually need. Just think about all the money you spent over the years on useless things. All those amounts easily add up. If you had the chance to look at some bank statements, it would probably make your eyes water.

But don’t worry! I am here to help you. I’ve also been spending money without thinking about my needs in the long term, so today, I have put together a list of things I’ve stopped buying.

Changing my spending habits has basically changed my lifestyle, but it has also offered me a sense of comfort. I understood the importance of saving and having an emergency fund, and I am no longer scared about what the future may bring.

8 Things I Gave Up Buying to Boost My Savings

1. Streaming subscriptions

There are countless streaming services, and most of them offer quality content for a modest monthly fee. What we don’t realize is that these fees can easily add up. I used to have at least 4 subscriptions for different streaming platforms, until I realized that I rarely use all of them. So, I decided which one to keep and got rid of the others.

A few years ago, most services allowed users to have multiple logins on one subscription. Well, things seem to change. For example, one of the most popular streaming platforms, Netflix, started to notify users to create their own accounts.

2. Fast fashion

Have you noticed how fast trends change? I’ve stopped buying too many clothes. Not so long ago, I used to follow all the sale seasons and purchase most of the discounted items. I decided to make a change when I ran out of space.

Oh, and don’t get me wrong! I am still passionate about fashion and always dream of pretty outfits. Even though I keep buying clothes, I think about every purchase carefully and only buy what I need.

For example, I stopped buying clothes that need high maintenance. I hate ironing, and I hate even more the wrinkly aspect. So, since I decided to make a change and limit my purchases, it was easy for me to choose the alternatives I could get rid of without feeling sorry.

3. Seasonal decor

I love redecorating my house! It’s one of my hobbies, and it helps me express my creativity. However, I used to buy all the Christmas and Easter ornaments at very high prices, just because I wanted my home to be trendy. It was a huge financial mistake.

Since I started to purchase new items after the holidays were over, I noticed how much I could have saved in all these years. And that’s not all! The problem with seasonal decor is not only its cost, it’s also how you store it, organise it, and take care of it.

I now have just a few pieces I absolutely love. Most of them hold special meaning, and I no longer feel the need to spend on pieces I don’t use as often.

4. Magazines

A few years ago, magazines were a thing. I loved to collect them. They represented an aesthetic way to stay up to date with current events and read about topics that interested me. I used to subscribe to magazines about homemaking and decorating, and I enjoyed reading them and trying out new projects.

Nowadays, all that information is just a click away. Anything can be easily found online, and now there are countless blogs and vlogs to follow. I personally enjoy watching all the DIY projects on YouTube and often look for inspiration on Pinterest. I find these new platforms extremely useful, and I love that technology can help us find new hobbies.

5. Takeaway food or coffee

A few years ago, I didn’t really care about healthy habits. I used to spend a lot of money on fast food and takeaway coffees. Things have changed since I discovered my type 2 diabetes, which forced me to change my life and establish healthy habits.

Since I learned the importance of quantities and how to organize my everyday meals, I also realized how much money I used to spend on eating out. I couldn’t believe how foolish I behaved. I was struggling to pay my monthly expenses, but I continuously made bad decisions about my finances.

I remember going to Starbucks almost every day before work. Can you imagine the amount I spent? Oh! I just want to forget about that period of my life.

With a lot of hard work and consistency, I got rid of all those bad habits, and I can proudly say that I am currently living my best life.

I found my balance. I accepted my past, and I am ready for what the future brings. Being mentally prepared is all that matters. So, trust me when I say that even though cutting these expenses might not seem like a lot, they’ll change your perspective on finances and teach you how to take care of your money.

6. Grocery bags

You might not realize it, but you are charged for every grocery bag. So, reusable grocery bags are the answer to your problem. Personally, I will never buy the bags from the store again. It’s a waste of money.

In 2025, I promised myself that I wouldn’t be spending a penny on bags since I have enough reusable ones to suit my needs.

7. Tredning beauty products

Stop getting fooled by all those trendy products! I know how hard it is not to get tempted to try new things, but most of them are just social media products and don’t offer what they promise.

I’ve recently decluttered my makeup and skincare products and gotten it down to a minimal amount of products I know I like and often use. Since I’ve discovered which products and brands work best for my skin, I don’t feel the need to continually spend on the newest trends. I can proudly say that I save a lot of money by staying away from all those marketing strategies.

8. Kitchen gadgets

Even though I recently discovered my new passion for spending time in the kitchen and trying new recipes, I realized that there are many gadgets on the market that I don’t really need. So, I advise you to stay away from the single-purpose appliances and those that don’t fit your lifestyle.

Consider which recipes you cook more often and which ingredients and appliances you need for them. If there is any kitchen gadget you need, don’t hesitate and purchase it for yourself. This list is not about cutting off the things you enjoy or the things you need in your life. There are surely other expenses you can cut. The kitchen might not be one of them.

Before leaving, check out this great Amazon product! It’s a basic book safe, perfect for hiding valuables on a bookshelf. Its interior space is specifically designed to hide cash, credit cards, and important documents. I bought more of these, and I have to admit that I feel more relaxed. I no longer worry about finding the perfect hiding spots.

How about you? How do you keep your valuables safe? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section found below.

Did you like this article? If you are looking to discover more tips and tricks about finances, here’s what to read next: How Does Your State’s Personal Income Tax Affect Your Finances?