10 Purchases You Need to Stop Making to Save Money

Let’s be real: we all spend money on things we don’t really need. Sometimes it’s out of convenience, sometimes it’s out of habit, and other times it’s because we just didn’t realize how much it was adding up. 

But if you’re trying to save money (or just stretch your dollars a little further), trimming the fat from your spending is one of the smartest things you can do.

The good news? You don’t need to become a minimalist or skip every coffee run to make a difference. It’s all about identifying the sneaky purchases that drain your wallet without bringing much value in return.

So here it is—10 purchases you should consider cutting back (or cutting out entirely) to save some serious cash, without sacrificing the good stuff in life.

1. Daily Coffee Runs

Let’s start with the classic: your daily Starbucks, Dunkin’, or local café stop.

Now, we’re not here to shame coffee (we love coffee too!), but if you’re spending $4–6 every weekday, that’s $100–$120 a month on caffeine alone. Over a year? That’s over $1,000. 😳

Save Instead:

• Brew your own at home with a French press, drip maker, or even a single-serve machine.
• Invest in a quality travel mug so your drink stays hot.
• Save coffee shop visits for weekends or special treats.

A homemade coffee routine can be just as cozy—and far more affordable.

2. Constant Takeout and Food Delivery

Ordering food is convenient, but those delivery fees, service charges, and tips sneak up fast. A $12 burger can easily turn into a $25 order by the time it hits your doorstep.

Why it adds up:

• Hidden fees: delivery, service, and small order fees
• Tipping: you should tip generously, but it adds to the total
• Markup: menu items are often more expensive online than in-store

Save Instead:

• Meal prep a few simple meals each week
• Keep some frozen or quick-prep foods on hand for “lazy” nights
• If you do order in, pick it up yourself and skip the delivery fees

Cook at home 4–5 nights a week, and your savings will add up fast.

3. Name-Brand Household Products

From laundry detergent to dish soap, those big brand names are often way more expensive than generic versions—with the same ingredients.

Save Instead:

• Compare labels and try store-brand or generic options
• Buy in bulk at warehouse stores or discount retailers
• Look for refillable options that reduce cost and waste

You don’t have to sacrifice quality—you just need to skip the label premium.

4. Fast Fashion Hauls

Buying clothes on a whim (especially super cheap, trendy items) can feel fun in the moment… until you realize half of it ends up stuffed in the back of your closet, unworn.

Fast fashion might seem affordable, but it often costs more long-term because:

• It wears out quickly
• It goes out of style fast
• You buy more to compensate for quality

Save Instead:

• Build a capsule wardrobe with timeless, versatile pieces
• Shop secondhand—thrift stores, Poshmark, and Depop have hidden gems
• Buy less, but better-quality items that last

Your closet (and your wallet) will thank you.

5. Unused Subscriptions

Streaming services. Monthly apps. Gym memberships. Magazines. If you’re like most people, there’s probably at least one or two subscriptions you forgot about—and they’re quietly draining your account every month.

Save Instead:

• Audit your subscriptions monthly
• Use tools like Truebill or Rocket Money to find and cancel unused ones
• Share streaming services with family (most allow this within a household)

Ask yourself: “Would I miss this if it disappeared tomorrow?” If not, cancel it.

6. Premium Gas (If You Don’t Actually Need It)

Unless your car specifically requires premium fuel, regular gas is totally fine. Many people assume premium means better performance, but that’s not true for most vehicles.

Save Instead:

• Check your car’s manual to see what fuel it actually requires
• Use gas comparison apps like GasBuddy to find cheaper stations nearby
• Avoid topping off your tank—it doesn’t help and can damage your car’s vapor system

Even saving 50¢ a gallon adds up—especially if you drive often.

7. Bottled Water

Buying bottled water regularly is one of the sneakiest money drains around. It seems cheap at $1–2 per bottle, but if you’re drinking a couple a day, you’re looking at $60+ a month on something you can get almost free from the tap.

Save Instead:

• Get a reusable water bottle and fill it up at home or at refill stations
• Invest in a water filter if your tap water isn’t ideal
• Keep bottles in your bag or car so you’re not tempted on the go

It’s better for the planet, too. 

8. Frequent Beauty Splurges

We all love a good self-care moment. But if you’re getting your nails done weekly, buying trendy makeup every month, or stocking up on every new skin serum—those beauty splurges can seriously pile up.

Save Instead:

• Stretch time between salon visits (biweekly or monthly instead of weekly)
• DIY some treatments at home—press-on nails and at-home facials have come a long way
• Set a “beauty budget” and stick to it monthly

You can still glow—without going broke.

9. Impulse Purchases at the Checkout Line

You know the ones—candy bars, travel-sized lotions, novelty gadgets, magazines. They’re inexpensive individually, but they’re designed to make you spend without thinking.

And they work.

Save Instead:

• Shop with a list—and stick to it
• Avoid browsing “just for fun” if you’re trying to save
• Use curbside pickup or delivery to avoid in-store temptation altogether

A little discipline at checkout = big savings over time.

10. Extended Warranties and Protection Plans

Retailers love offering extended warranties because they’re super profitable for them—but often unnecessary for you. Most products already come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and the odds of you needing that extended coverage (and actually using it) are pretty low.

Save Instead:

• Check your credit card—many offer free purchase protection
• Only consider extended warranties on big-ticket items (and read the fine print)
• Put the money you would’ve spent into your emergency fund instead

Most of the time, extended warranties = money you’ll never see again.

Let’s Recap: Cut These 10 Purchases and Watch Your Savings Grow

Here’s a quick cheat sheet of what to cut or reduce:

1. Daily coffee shop runs
2. Frequent food delivery or takeout
3. Brand-name household essentials
4. Fast fashion and impulse clothing hauls
5. Unused subscriptions and memberships
6. Premium gas (when unnecessary)
7. Bottled water
8. Over-the-top beauty splurges
9. Impulse buys at checkout
10. Extended warranties and pricey protection plans

Cutting just a few of these from your routine can save you hundreds—even thousands—of dollars a year.

Final Thoughts: Spend Less, Live More

Saving money isn’t about never spending—it’s about spending smarter. The goal isn’t to deprive yourself; it’s to cut what doesn’t matter so you can afford what truly does.

So look at this list and pick just one or two things to cut back this month. Notice how much you save. Then build from there.

You’re not just pinching pennies—you’re building a more intentional, confident, and stress-free financial life.

And that? That’s worth every penny saved. 

Here are 4 ways to track expenses and save more.