Looking for ways to save more and spend less when shopping?
Do you often wonder where your money has gone and why you are not saving more?
Do you look for ways to earn extra money so you can save more?
The truth is that sometimes we don’t need to work extra to save money. Sometimes we need to cut back on our spending to be able to save.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Saving money doesn’t always mean making huge changes or completely giving up the things you enjoy. Sometimes, you just need to look at the things you regularly spend money on and check whether you need to cut back on some of them.
I am not giving you a 100-item-long list that you will forget it as soon as you close my page. Instead, I am giving you a list that I have narrowed down to some of the most common things we spend money on.
These are things that some of us don’t even realise we spend money on regularly, but they can make a big difference to our budget if we make a few small changes.
We live in a world where we are constantly urged to buy new things, to spend more on vacations, to keep upgrading our lifestyle and to keep up with the latest trends.
Many of the items we buy throughout the year are not necessary, and sometimes we buy them simply out of habit.
In this post, I will share with you a list of 10 things you should stop buying (or cut back on them) to save money.
They could be things you buy on a weekly or monthly basis that you probably can live without or substitute with something else.
Some of the items may seem easy for you to cut back on, while others may be things you feel you can’t live without.
Whatever you choose to do, remember that it is not perfection we are looking for. It is about making smart choices and making decisions that are right for your budget and your future.
The list I am sharing with you may seem irrelevant or include things you don’t think you can cut back on, but just trying a few of them or picking the ones that work for you can be a great beginning to your savings journey.
Bottled water
Buying bottled water regularly can quickly become expensive, especially when you have access to tap water.
Also, we don’t really know how the water is stored, and water that has been stored incorrectly or exposed to extreme heat may not be safe to drink. For example, leaving bottled water in a hot car for a long time is not recommended.
Rather than buying bottled water, why not explore other options to make your tap water safe and enjoyable to drink.
With a little research, you could invest in a water filter system that attaches directly to your kitchen tap, or choose a filter jug with replaceable cartridges.
Daily takeaway coffees
While it may be very tempting to stop on your way to work and buy a hot beverage from the local coffee shop, it can also be a very expensive habit.
If you are a coffee or hot beverage lover, why not make your own drink at home?
There are so many options in the shops, from different takeaway cup to different flavoured syrups, so you can easily create your favourite drink at home.
It will be cheaper, and you can start your day with a drink you enjoy without spending money every morning.
Weekly Takeaways
I know a few families who have takeaway every week. Now, I personally find that it can be a waste of money.
Yes, it is faster, easier, and maybe some people find it relaxing as a way to end a busy week. But it can cost a lot, especially when it becomes a regular habit.
Branded Cleaning Products
Something I discovered not long ago is that when it comes to cleaning your house, you don’t always need expensive branded products.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on branded products to have a clean home. White vinegar, water and bicarbonate of soda can be useful for some household cleaning jobs. For a nice smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil, provided it is suitable for the cleaning product and surface.
Pre-cut fruit and vegetables
Do you remember the manual vegetable chopper that went viral on social media and now seems to be in nearly every house?
Well, if your house has one, it is time to use it!
You don’t need to buy pre-cut vegetables that can cost more than fresh vegetables just because someone has cut them for you.
I use mine to chop peppers, carrots and onions, and put them in containers in the freezer to use for my stews and sauces.
Lottery Tickets
If you are spending money every week on lottery tickets it might be worth checking how much you are actually spending over the course of a year.
Buying just one or two tickets here and there, might not seem like a lot, but doing it regularly, can add up over time.
The chances of winning are very low, so you could consider putting that money into your savings account instead.
Seasonal Home Décor
Spring, autumn, Halloween, Christmas … there always seems to be a reason to decorate your home.
Do you know how much you are spending on home décor?
Home décor can be very pricey.
Stores are constantly bringing out new seasonal collections, and it is easy to convince yourself that you need something. Whether it is because last year’s décor feels too dated or you simply like the new seasonal colour, it can be tempting.
If you really want to buy something, consider buying it when the items are on sale, or simply check your local charity shop.
Buying something just because it is a different colour or you want something new? Let me tell you, last year’s décor is totally fine!
New phone
Now, I know quite a few people who buy a new phone every year. As soon as the new model is released, the phone is in their basket.
Even if their current phone is still working, they feel the need to upgrade it.
Phones can be expensive, especially new models, and if your phone is still working, there may be no real need to upgrade simply because there is a newer model available.
Meal Deals & Ready Meals
Meal deals and ready meals can be very practical, especially when you are busy, tired, or simply don’t want to cook from scratch.
They can also become expensive, especially when you are buying them often.
Instead, try making your own ready meals. When cooking from scratch, prepare extra portions and put them in the freezer for those nights when you are too busy or tired to cook.
Single-Use Kitchen Items
Single-use kitchen items can be incredibly convenient, but that convenience can become costly.
Things like paper towels, disposable plates, cutlery, paper cups, kitchen foil, plastic sandwich bags, and similar products are designed to be used once and then thrown away.
Instead, look for reusable alternatives that you can buy once, wash and use again.
This can save you money because you buy the item once and use it repeatedly, while also reducing waste.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to dramatically cut back on your spending to be able to save money. Simply looking at these ten items and making a few small changes can make a big difference to your budget over time.
Some of these things will be easy for you to cut back on, and others will be more difficult, or you may not want to cut back at all. That’s okay.
You don’t have to stop spending. The goal is to be more careful about what you are spending your money on.
Whatever you choose to do, remember that it is not perfection we are looking for. It is about making smart choices and making decisions that will work best for your future.