If you're trying to save more money but feel like you've cut all the "big stuff," the real answer might be hidden in the small, everyday purchases.
When I finally sat down to track my expenses, I realized I was bleeding money—little by little—on things that didn’t bring long-term value. So, I made a change.
Here are 10 things I stopped buying to save over $5,000 a year, and how you can do the same—without feeling deprived.
1. Daily Coffee Shop Drinks
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Saved: ~$4/day × 5 days/week = $1,040/year
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What I Do Now: Make my own with a French press and frother. Same taste, 10x cheaper.
☕ It’s about routine, not Starbucks.
2. Streaming Subscriptions I Don’t Use
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Saved: $10–$40/month = $480/year
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What I Do Now: Rotate 1 service per month, cancel the rest.
💡 Tip: Use free trials or library streaming apps like Kanopy or Hoopla.
3. Fast Fashion & Trendy Clothing
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Saved: $100/month = $1,200/year
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What I Do Now: Capsule wardrobe, thrift stores, high-quality basics.
🧥 I wear more of what I own—and feel better doing it.
4. Food Delivery & Takeout
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Saved: 1–2 orders/week = $1,300/year
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What I Do Now: Meal prep on Sundays, use grocery delivery instead.
🍱 Convenience is great—but cooking saves you serious cash.
5. Name-Brand Grocery Items
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Saved: ~$25/month = $300/year
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What I Do Now: Generic/store-brand staples taste the same (sometimes better).
🥫 Beans are beans—no need to pay for the label.
6. Tech Upgrades I Didn’t Need
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Saved: ~$600/year
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What I Do Now: Use devices until they stop working. Skip annual upgrades.
📱 A 3-year-old phone still works just fine for emails, maps, and calls.
7. Excessive Beauty Products
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Saved: $20–$50/month = ~$600/year
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What I Do Now: Use multi-use products, finish what I have before buying more.
🧴 Less clutter, more money, same glow.
8. Impulse Amazon Purchases
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Saved: $50–$100/month = ~$900/year
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What I Do Now: Use a 48-hour rule and keep a wishlist.
📦 Waiting helps separate want from need.
9. Paper Towels & Disposable Products
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Saved: $10/month = $120/year
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What I Do Now: Switched to washable cloths, reusable storage bags, etc.
🌍 Better for your wallet and the environment.
10. Souvenirs When Traveling
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Saved: ~$100/trip × 3 trips/year = $300
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What I Do Now: Take photos, journal, and buy one meaningful item max.
🎒 Memories > magnets.
Total Estimated Annual Savings: $5,240
And the best part?
I don’t feel deprived—I feel more in control, intentional, and free.
FAQs
Q1: Did you cut everything at once?
No. I started with 2–3 habits and built from there.
Q2: What did you do with the savings?
Built an emergency fund, paid down credit card debt, and started investing small amounts monthly.
Q3: Do you still splurge sometimes?
Yes—mindfully. But now, it’s a choice, not a habit.
Final Thoughts｜Cutting Back Can Actually Feel Empowering
You don’t have to give up everything. You just have to stop paying for things that don’t actually make your life better.
Start with one small change, and you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up.
Because sometimes, saving money isn't about sacrifice—it's about alignment.
