Things I No Longer Buy to Save Money & Time
Less is more… and when I buy less of these things, I find myself with more money and time. Here are the top 20 items I no longer buy:
Snack Foods
These lack nutrition and bulk up the grocery bill.Specialty Superfoods
They don’t provide much of a nutritious boost, especially if your diet is balanced fruits and vegetables and keeping up with supplements.Upgrades at Restaurants
Eating out occasionally is fine, but when Chipotle wants to charge $3 for extra guacamole, thanks, but no thanks! I also skip appetizers, drinks, and sauces to save a bundle.Food Delivery
Grocery stores offer affordable, pre-made foods that taste homemade and have fresh ingredients.I Buy in Bulk as much as possible
Buying things like grains, protein powder, or beans in small packages, the costs add up. Instead, I look for items I know I’ll use, buy them in bulk, and save money exponentially.Things on Sale
This is an easy mistake to make because it seems like saving money. If the clearance sign is flashing but this is not something on the “needs” list, I skip it.Spice Jars
Spice jars can cost anywhere from $3-$10 each. Instead, I buy bulk spices. If I only need a specific spice, I only buy enough for that recipe. I save a lot of money by only buying what you need.Insurance & Extended Warranties
I don't buy these things unless the item itself is too costly to replace. If the insurance costs more than 30% of the price of the item, then it's probably not worth it.Dry Clean Only Clothing
I save time and money by avoiding items that need special cleaning. I skip the hassle of going to the dry cleaners or dealing with dry cleaning bags at home.Free Movies & TV Shows
If it's not free or for rent (and no, not those $19.99 rents that you see on Disney when a movie first comes out), don't buy it. One great way to save money in this category is Amazon Prime. When I opt for delayed shipping speeds, they give digital credits, which I can put toward digital purchases like kindle books, movies or TV rentals.Save on Hair & Nails
I do my nails at home and have even become the family hair cutter! If you’re not ready to take that step, just find a low-cost option for quick trims rather than spending a bundle on expensive hairdos.Don’t Buy New Clothes
I shop on sites like Poshmark or Mercari before buying something new. Thrifting is fun, inexpensive, and you find some awesome deals.Say Goodbye to Plastic Wrap
I use glass containers with lids or cloths dipped in beeswax for items that need to be wrapped.Say Goodbye to Paper Products
There’s nothing wrong with keeping paper towels for occasional messes and toilet paper for guests, but I find that most cleaning towels, napkins, and even toilet paper can be replaced with towels and reusables.Find Sustainable Feminine Hygiene Products
I swapped out bulky pads and tampons and instead invested in a few good pairs of menstrual underwear and a menstrual cup. Another great option are small tampons without an applicator, which are great for swimming or exercising.Pass on Gift Wrapping
I call “pass” on the fancy wrapping paper and instead, save things like brown paper bags or packing paper to wrap around a gift. The crinkles give a rustic, homemade look, and you can even add a splash of paint and tie a bow to it so it looks unique and cute.Skip Fashion Jewelry
Choosing timeless, high-quality pieces that are perfect for everyday use rather than pieces to match specific outfits saves me tons of money and decision fatigue.Avoid Individualized Bottled Drinks
I avoid bottled water and drinks and instead, purchase these things in bulk or make them at home.DIY Cleaning Products
I make most of our home cleaning products with vinegar or alcohol, water, and essential oils. I have an awesome video of the 5 Ingredients I use for Complete House Cleaners Recipes. Check it out!DIY Greeting Cards
Instead of purchasing new birthday cards, I use nice stationery and handwrite personalized notes. For special occasions, I often create a beautiful design online in Canva and simply text the card. This saves time, money, and energy – and it's sustainable.
Those are the top 20 things I no longer buy to shrink my budget and gain more time. How many are you currently doing? Let the community know.