Frugal living Tips:12 Things I Stopped Buying To Save Money

Am sure that in the last three months we have all bought things we haven’t used.We waste so much money and time buying items that we really don’t need. Sometimes it’s out of curiosity, others we feel the need to fit in the society or we just love trying new things out.

 

Awhile back that used to be me. I would spend more on items which were unjustifiable until I decided to start been intentional with my spending. This didn’t happen overnight because some things are a little harder to give up. Slowly by slowly I was able to cut out some things from my budget.

Saving money doesn’t have to be hard, it’s all about making small changes in our lifestyle. Here are 10 things I stopped buying to save money.

 

1. Bottled water

Buying bottled water was one of those things that had turned into a norm. It’s honestly unjustifiable habit. It still bugs me why I always spent money on bottled water while I can get it for free.

 

I got myself a reusable water bottle which I refill at home and take it with me every time am on the go. The best part is that I get to add a few slices of lemon which is good for my skin. Bottled water is one of the things I stopped buying to save money (you too can) and it’s also good for the environment.

 

2. Take out and convenience food

I love takeout and especially french fries. A while back I realized I was overdoing it and the amount I was spending was too much. Even though you don’t order junk food you will still notice that the amount you are spending eating out  is absurd. Maybe you are too lazy to cook or never prepared at dinner time the trick is to meal planning.

 

You have to agree with me the way the convenience food is packed is so tempting. It like its screaming pick me! Pick me! The shop attendants know how to strategically position the tiny packets of doughnuts, chocolates etc near the checkout aisle. Since most of it is individually packed I would reason this is actually affordable but in real sense, it could be twice expensive than buying the regular size.

 

3.Things I stopped buying to save money : Makeup Remover

If you do buy makeup then you know how pricey it can be. Do we really need those 10 lipsticks whose color are the same just different brand? Not really.

A while back I made a conscious decision and switched my makeup remover with coconut oil. I have been using coconut oil for its other benefits but I never thought it could double up as a makeup remover as well. Coconut oil is by far a better alternative because it’s a natural product and it won’t deprive your skin of all its oils leaving you feeling dry. Now I get to save up to about $20 which I used to spend on an expensive makeup remover. Not only is coconut oil economical because you only get to use small amount but your skin will also start ripping the other benefits it has. Your skin will be healthy.

If you are also looking for an alternative for eye makeup remover try Jojoba oil. Am also sure you can get a ton of other options that are budget friendly if coconut and Jojoba oil isn’t your thing.

 

4. Stopped making coffee runs

Those coffee runs are so addictive and they become a habit. Before you know it your day can’t end well without you passing through your favorite coffee shop. That was me. To be honest am not even a coffee person, I can go for months without having or even craving one. It’s just one of those habits I picked along the way. I simply cut it.

Spending about $3 a day might not seem a lot but it adds up and that’s is money you can save and use for other important things.

If you are a coffee lover one of the best way you can cut out the money you spend is getting a coffee machine which will help you to save tons of money and all you have to do is buy coffee beans.

5. Manicures

I know I know us ladies we need to look good and feel beautiful but we can do so without the expensive manicures and pedicures. A manicure can set you back $20 -$40 every other two weeks.

I invested in a gel nail kit which I have been able to use at home and my nails still look professionally done. Lasts about two weeks. There are so many DIY nail kits which you can get too, simple to use and it will take you less than 30 minutes.

6. Stopped buying lunch.

It’s the small things we do which seem normal that adds to our expenses. I stopped buying lunch to save money and also because I would always end up eating unhealthy every time. Nowadays I carry lunch which you can also do. It doesn’t have to be something so fancy sometimes it’s leftover or a simple sandwich. I do this about 4 times a week.

Related post: The best and realistic frugal living tips for this year

7. Brand name

Brand names can be costly. Nowadays there are so many affordable retailers you can opt for which still being on a budget. Overtime I have realized that thrift store have some amazing gems. The quality is equally great compared to the brand names and I get awesome items like jackets, dresses, skirts which I  get to wear for many years down the line and it’s for quarter or half the price.

Of course, this comes with an exception, sometimes there is need to splurge on something and if you can justify the price tag why not.

Fast fashion is also one of the things I stopped buying to save money because it’s all about  current trends which fades away so quickly. I now invest in timeless pieces. Clothes which lasts longer and can be worn over and over again.

8.Things I stopped buying to save money: Magazines

The funny and sad part is that I only used to peruse through the pages or check out the fashion section thinking that I would read it later but that never happened. One of my aim this year was to simplify my life I decided it’s time I did away with any magazine subscriptions I had if I know very well am not going read.

Being a blogger who is always online I get to read a lot on the internet and when I go to the salon for my monthly hair appointment I get to read those magazines there.

 

9. I stopped impulse shopping

I learned how to say no. Now I stick to my shopping list and to my budget. To avoid impulse buying you need to have a plan. Have a list, never go shopping when you are hungry, leave your credit card at home and only have cash with you.

10. Travel sized items

The travel size products are so enticing and I used to buy them for convenience thinking I was saving money but in reality, the amount of product is very little. To save money, I stopped buying travel size products and I got reusable travel bottles which are so easy to use. You just refill them with your favorite product at home. You get to save money and get to use the brand you want. Travel size products are not worth it especially if they will only last you for only one trip.

 

11. Disposable products

Disposable products are one things I stopped buying to save money. These are things like paper towels, cups, plates, forks, knives. This was just another added expense I didn’t need and one that was easy for me to do away with. It was expensive in the long run and not environmental friendly too. A good alternative can be old t-shirts and towels. Which can be cut and easily put into to use. For example for cleaning the windows, kitchen counters basically for everything really.

 

12. Buying things on sale just because they are on sale

I would see a sale post and I would go running. Always thought of how much I was saving forgetting the fact that I was actually spending money. Referring back to point 9 I now stick to what is on my shopping list and I rarely do window shopping.

 

There you have it 12 things I stopped buying to save money. I hope you have found some great ideas you can use to scale back on your expenses. Some of the things we buy are out of convenience and the comfort they bring which we can easily do without.

Am intrigued to know, what things have you stopped buying or are you willing to give up in order to save some extra money? Let me know in down in the comments.

 

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