/ Saving Money

10 Things I Stopped Buying to Save Over $5,000 a Year

Hi friend,

Let me be super real with you for a second.

There was a time not too long ago when I’d stare at my bank account and feel…well, defeated. Like, where the heck is my money going? I wasn’t out here buying yachts or blowing cash at Gucci, but somehow, I was always broke by the 15th of every month. No savings. No backup. Just living paycheck to paycheck and hoping nothing went wrong, because one flat tire would’ve wiped me out.

Sound familiar?

That version of me thought the problem was that I didn’t make enough money. And sure, income matters. But what really changed the game was this one simple shift: I started paying attention to where my money was actually going. Not just the big stuff, but the sneaky little everyday purchases that added up faster than I ever imagined.

And when I finally sat down and made some changes, I ended up saving over $5,000 in one year. Yeah, five thousand freaking dollars. Just by not buying certain things.

So if you’re tired of feeling like your money disappears into thin air, let’s chat. These are the 10 things I stopped buying, and how that decision helped me breathe a little easier.

1. Daily Coffee Runs

Estimated Savings: $1,200/year

I used to be a “coffee shop every morning” kind of person. It started off innocent, just a latte here, a cold brew there. But five bucks a day, five days a week? That’s $100/month. And that’s not even counting the days I added a croissant “just because.”

When I finally bought a decent coffee maker and learned how to make my own oat milk lattes at home, I was shocked. My homemade coffee tasted just as good (okay, maybe not as Instagrammable), and the savings were immediate.

2. New Clothes for Every Occasion

Estimated Savings: $800/year

You know how it is. Wedding coming up? Gotta buy a new dress. Going out with friends? Gotta get a cute outfit. I told myself it was necessary, until I realized I had a closet full of clothes and still felt like I had nothing to wear.

Now, I shop my own closet first. I mix and match, accessorize, and even started borrowing from friends (bless their stylish souls). I also got comfortable rewearing outfits. Newsflash: No one cares. And if they do, they’re not your people.

3. Takeout Multiple Times a Week

Estimated Savings: $1,000/year

I used to grab takeout at least 3–4 times a week. And don’t get me wrong, I still love a good pad thai night. But back then, I was ordering food not because I wanted to treat myself, but because I hadn’t planned ahead.

Once I got into the groove of meal prepping (nothing fancy, just making enough food for leftovers), I cut my takeout budget in half. I still enjoy the occasional sushi run, but now it feels like a treat, not a necessity.

4. Subscription Boxes I Didn’t Use

Estimated Savings: $500/year

This one hurt a little.

I was a sucker for subscription boxes, beauty ones, snack ones, even a plant box (I wish I was joking). I loved the surprise of it all, but over time, I realized I wasn’t actually using most of what came. Half the samples sat in drawers, unopened.

Now, I ask myself: “Would I buy this item on its own?” If not, it’s a no. I still keep a couple subscriptions I truly love, but I ditched the rest, and my bank account thanked me.

5. Bottled Water

Estimated Savings: $300/year

Why was I out here buying water like I didn’t have a perfectly working tap at home?

I know, I know. Convenience. But the cost adds up fast, and it’s not great for the planet either. I finally invested in a good reusable bottle and a simple filter pitcher. Game-changer.

Now, I always have water on me, and it’s free.

6. Gym Membership I Never Used

Estimated Savings: $600/year

Oof, this one hits. I had a gym membership for a whole year and went… maybe ten times? I kept it because I thought having it would motivate me. Spoiler: It didn’t.

Eventually, I switched to home workouts. YouTube, resistance bands, long walks, and occasional yoga in my living room. No fancy equipment, no fees, and no guilt. And guess what? I’m actually moving my body more now.

7. Cheap Stuff from Dollar Stores or Target Runs

Estimated Savings: $400/year

Raise your hand if you’ve ever gone to Target for one thing and left with $87 worth of stuff you didn’t need

Those $1–$5 items are sneaky. Candle here, cute notebook there, random mug I might use. Before I knew it, these “cheap” purchases were blowing a hole in my budget. Now I ask myself, “Do I really need this, or is it just cute and $3?”

Saying no more often has saved me hundreds.

8. Name-Brand Everything

Estimated Savings: $500/year

I used to be brand loyal AF. If it wasn’t a name I recognized, I didn’t trust it. But when I actually started comparing prices and ingredients, I realized I was spending more just for a label.

Now I buy generic versions of everything from cereal to skincare. Half the time it’s the exact same stuff, just without the fancy marketing.

9. Random Amazon Purchases

Estimated Savings: $600/year

Amazon is dangerous, y’all. One click and it’s at your door in two days. I didn’t realize how often I was ordering things I didn’t really need, just because they were on sale or had great reviews.

So I made a new rule: I put stuff in my cart, then wait 48 hours before checking out. If I still want it after that, cool. But most of the time? I forget about it. And that alone has saved me hundreds.

10. Trendy Tech Gadgets

Estimated Savings: $400/year

At one point I convinced myself I needed every new gadget. Smart scale, wireless this, Bluetooth that. Most of it ended up gathering dust after the novelty wore off.

Now, I ask myself: “Will this improve my life long-term, or am I just chasing a dopamine hit?” If it’s the latter, I skip it. My bank account and my junk drawer are both better for it.

So… What Does That Add Up To?

Let’s do the math:
1,200 (coffee)

  • 800 (clothes)
  • 1,000 (takeout)
  • 500 (subs)
  • 300 (water)
  • 600 (gym)
  • 400 (impulse buys)
  • 500 (brands)
  • 600 (Amazon)
  • 400 (tech)
    = $6,300 saved in one year.

Even if your numbers are different, the point is this: you don’t have to make huge sacrifices to start seeing real changes. Sometimes, it’s just about being more intentional.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Deprivation, It’s About Direction

Look, I’m not here to tell you to live off rice and beans or never enjoy life again. I still treat myself. I still mess up. But now, I know where my money goes, and that simple awareness has changed everything.

It’s not about being cheap. It’s about being in control.

If you’re trying to get out of debt, build savings, or just stop feeling stressed every time you check your balance, start here. Pick one thing from this list. Just one. See how it feels. I promise, those little wins? They stack up.

And who knows? Maybe this time next year, you’ll be the one writing about how you saved $5,000, just by saying “no thanks” to the stuff that wasn’t serving you.

Before You Go…

If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your story. What’s one thing you’ve cut out that made a difference in your budget or your peace of mind? Drop it in the comments, or shoot me a message. We’re all in this together.