25 Everyday Items you can Stop Buying Today to Save Money
It’s no secret that life is expensive. Our financial futures seem more uncertain each day. Finding ways to save money is more important than ever before.
Sometimes you can save money in big ways, like downsizing from a big house. But other times, it’s the little expenses you can save on that snowball into big savings. This may include every day items that you may be able to forego to put more money back into your wallet.
Stop Buying these 25 Items to Save Big
- Bottled water
Alright, I’m sure you knew this would be on the list so let’s get it out of the way. If you buy bottled water that’s an easy thing to let go. If your water is safe to drink from your tap than it’s more than good enough.
2. Paper towels
Oh, I love the ease of being able to grab disposable paper towels. However, A cloth will do just fine in almost any circumstance.
3. Pre-cut fruits and veggies
I’m not going to lie, I have a weakness for baby carrots. But a bag of whole carrots is cheaper and will go further. The same goes for pre-cut fruit.
4. Travel-sized toiletries
They are convenient, for sure, but you can buy reusable travel-sized bottles and just fill them with what you have at home before you travel. It’s cheaper, trust me.
5. Instant oatmeal packets
If you have teenagers at home like me you’ll know those packets won’t fill them anyways. Buy oatmeal in bulk, add some raisins and cut up apples to it and it will go a lot further.
6. Subscription boxes
Yep, I said it. Rarely have I found a subscription box for a good price. And usually it’s stuff I wouldn’t normally buy anyways.
7. Books
It pains me to say this one, and I’m not suggesting you NEVER buy another book. However, the library is full of free books. Sometimes I’ll go to the bookstore, see what interests me, and ask the local librarian if I can get it there. I’m not always successful, but sometimes I am. I’ve also found free audiobooks online at times.
8. Single use coffee pods
It’s much cheaper to go the old route and just brew your coffee in a good ole’ fashioned coffee pot.
9. Multiple travel mugs or water bottles
I’m just gonna say it – you DON’T need a Stanley in every color. You need ONE water bottle. JUST ONE.
10. Pre-made baked goods
I love the baked section in a grocery store. The muffins, the cookies, the brownies – they all look so good. It’s like I can hear them calling my name. However, it’s a lot cheaper to make them at home myself. And it really doesn’t take all that long.
11. Napkins
You can make cloth napkins, but if you don’t want to make them you can buy reusable ones that just need to be washed after being used.
12. Dryer sheets
I don’t use dryer sheets at all, but if you need some you can make your own or even buy reusable ones.
13. Ziploc bags
Reusable containers work just as well and can be used again and again.
14. Name brand products
Generic brand items are so much cheaper and really, many of them are pretty good quality.
15. Pop or Juice
We are a mostly water (and coffee) house. It’s healthier, and cheaper because we don’t regularly buy pop or juice. We save those purchases for special occasions.
16. Meal kits
Companies like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Purple Carrot definitely created a unique and interesting concept, and their meals do look appetizing. However, it’s a lot more costly to buy your meals in this way.
17. Flavored coffee creamer
Oh man, I love this stuff. But I’ve noticed that we go through it a lot faster than when we buy a carton of half and half coffee cream. And it’s more expensive. This is another thing I save for special occasions. It makes Christmas that much more special.
18. Coffee filters
Why buy disposable coffee filters when you can buy a reusable one? We’ve had the same one for years.
19. Air fresheners
Air fresheners aren’t really good for you anyways, so you’d do well to let them go. Essential oils or candles periodically are a better, affordable option.
20. Energy drinks
Again, another product that you are better off not having in your life. They aren’t good for your health, but also not good for your budget. Energy drinks are not cheap.
21. Wrapping paper
I always keep gift bags to reuse when I can. If you don’t want to use gift bags there are creative alternatives you can use to wrap gifts.
22. Food Delivery Services
Sure, it’s convenient, but services like Door Dash will quickly add up. It just isn’t worth it.
23. The newest phone
We don’t need a new phone every year. I use my phone as long as I possibly can – until it’s broken or not running well. It’s still crazy that a phone often only lasts for a few years now, but stretching it as long as possible is much more cost effective than buying a new one every year just because.
24. Cleaners for every single purpose
You don’t need too many cleaners, just some basics. An all-purpose cleaner will cover many cleaning needs, and if you add baking soda, vinegar, and some essential oils to that list of cleaners it’ll keep it even more within your budget.
25. Fabric softener
I’ve never ever used fabric softener and my clothes have been just fine. It’s just not necessary.
Stop Making Purchases you Can do Without
So many items have increased in price far too quickly and if there is a way you can just cut it out of your budget completely, that’s your best option. We are so used to buying whatever we want that we often don’t stop and think about whether we really need it or can do without.
Personally, I go through seasons where I buy some of the things on this list (I’m looking at you, paper towels) but other times I know I need to buckle down and stop buying many, if not most on this list. You don’t need to be perfect, but even taking a few things out of your budget can help.
