I used to think I didn’t spend that much — until I tracked it. I tracked everything I bought right down to the penny, and that’s when it hit me.
There were some things that were racking up my monthly expenses that I realized I simply just didn’t need.
Is life a little easier with certain items? Absolutely. But the savings of cutting them out is worth so much more than I could have imagined!
Once I started cutting just a few small things from my weekly habits, I started saving over $500 per month.
These were small, automatic expenses that added up almost in plain sight that I simply just didn’t realize I could substitute or go without.
Here are the 10 things I stopped buying — and what I do instead.
1. Single-Use Cleaning Products
Savings: $20/month
I used to buy wipes, sprays, and different cleaners for every surface. I’m talking bathroom cleaner, tub cleaner, kitchen counter spray – you name it. I think we all have multiple that pile up under our sink.
Now? I make my own cleaner with vinegar + water + a few drops of dish soap. It works JUST as well, if not better. It’s cheaper, lasts longer and is non toxic, and does the job perfectly.
2. Paper Towels
Savings: $10/month
We went through rolls like crazy, and honestly they really are such a waste. I switched to washable microfiber cloths a (or you can cut up old cotton T shirts into rags!) and haven’t looked back since. It’s a hard habit to kick – but the best way to get out of using them is to simply not buy them. Problem solved.
3. Bottled Water
Saved: $30/month
Once I bought a good reusable water bottle and a filter, we stopped buying cases of water every week. The bottle and filter do come at a small cost, but the savings on bottled water stack up FAST. And its so much better for the environment which is a bonus.
4. Name Brand Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheets
Savings: $15/month
I now buy a concentrated off-brand version (or use detergent sheets — cheaper & zero-waste). I also rip my dryer sheets in half, but eventually I bought a wool dyer ball and now I don’t buy dryer sheets at all anymore!
Shop around for better alternatives, you’d be surprised how much cheaper laundry detergent can be and how much extra we are spending.
5. Takeout Coffee
Savings: $60–$80+/month
$4–$6/day adds up fast. Now I use a $10 milk frother at home and make my favorite drinks. I bought myself a $2 fancy glass cup from the dollar store to make it feel extra special when I leave the house so I’m not tempted to go through a drive thru!
6. Streaming Subscriptions
Savings: $30/month
We used to have 3+ platforms. It can feel hard when shows you love are on different platforms, but now we rotate one per month and use YouTube the rest of the time. It truly isn’t worth it to pay so much per year for options you never use!
7. Impulse Grocery Add-Ons
Savings: $40–$60/month
This one is tough, and requires planning, but is totally worth it. If it’s not on the list, I don’t buy it. That means no extra snacks, no new sauces “just to try.” And if you must? Give yourself a “1 extra” rule during each shop, and make it count!
8. Clothes for Myself (Temporarily)
Savings: $50+/month
Unless I need something, I don’t shop for clothes. Most of us already have enough. I try to mix and match items I already have and try new combinations. If I really need something, I’ll look at a thrift store or marketplace first before I buy brand new.
9. Beauty Products I Don’t Finish
Savings: $25/month
I only buy skincare or makeup when I’ve used something up fully. No more “trying” random things. I know what works for me, and I stick to the basics. If I do want to splurge I make sure I do my research, save up and use it until its completely finished!
10. Pre-Cut Produce
Savings: $15–$20/month
It’s convenient, but so expensive. I started buying whole lettuce, carrots, onions, and fruit — and prepping it all once a week.
Everything Adds Up
Most of these things felt small when I first cut them — a paper towel here, a snack there — but together, they added up to over $500 every single month.
It turns out I didn’t need to use coupons or live in total deprivation of certain things.
I just started paying attention to what I was buying by default, and swapped it for something simpler or skipped it altogether.
If you want to start saving without feeling overwhelmed, pick 2 or 3 items from this list that apply to your own spending.
Try going without them for just one month. Then add a few more. Then look deeper into what you’re spending on and really ask yourself, do I need this? Can it be replaced?
You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to get intentional. And that’s where the savings start!