What I No Longer Buy to Live More Frugally

Ever feel like your money just disappears, even when you don’t buy anything big? That used to happen all the time—until things had to change.

The truth is, saving money doesn’t always mean making more. Sometimes, it’s about cutting back on the stuff that doesn’t really add value to your life.

Once you figure out what you can live without, the savings start to add up fast. Here’s a look at what I stopped buying to save money—and how it made a big difference in my budget.

Would You Like to Save Easy Money?

If that is a resounding yes, then you are in the right place. Sometimes it just takes a fresh look at what you spend on every day. If you’re tired of always feeling behind, cutting a few small things can help you get ahead faster than you think.

This is about finding simple ways to stretch your money without giving up everything. It’s for anyone who wants more breathing room in their budget. If you’re ready to stop wasting cash and start saving for what really matters, this is a smart first step.

Paper Towels

This is one of the biggest wastes in a home. Paper towels used to end up in the trash faster than anything else. They’re expensive for something you only use once.

Switching to reusable cloths or microfiber towels was one of the easiest money saving tips. They do the same job and last a lot longer. It’s also one less thing to constantly replace at the store

To Learn More: How to Be Frugal Green: 91+ Tips to Save Money and Environment

Soda

Soda might seem cheap, but buying it regularly adds up fast. It was an easy habit to drop once it was clear how much it cost each month. Water is free and better for you anyway.

Quitting soda became part of a no spend challenge and helped cut out impulse buying too. It’s a small change, but it made a big difference.

To Learn More: 20 Must Know Grocery Items Not to Buy to Stop Wasting Money

Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets always felt like a waste. They smell nice, sure, but they get used up after one load and don’t do anything that dryer balls can’t.

Buying wool dryer balls once was cheaper in the long run. They last for years and cut drying time too, which lowers the electric bill. That’s a win for extreme frugality. Skipping dryer sheets is a smart way to trim down grocery spending.

To learn more: Top 22 Frugal Living Tips From Grandma

Deodorant

Store-bought deodorant got expensive and didn’t last long. Making homemade deodorant turned out to be simple and much cheaper. It uses basic ingredients and works just as well. Plus, no more running out and making emergency store trips.

This swap helped stretch every dollar. For frugal living, quitting deodorant from the store made a lot of sense.

To Learn More: 13 Insider Secrets to Thrift Store Shopping from an Expert

Air Fresheners

Air fresheners were one of those things that just ate up money without much thought. They’re full of chemicals and need to be replaced often. Instead, using vinegar, baking soda, or even simmering citrus peels made the home smell good for almost nothing.

That little switch saved more money over time than expected. For anyone trying a no spend challenge or just cutting back, this one is easy to quit.

To Learn More: 90+ Best Consumable Gifts These Ideas You Need to Know

Supplements

Buying vitamins and supplements every month started feeling like a waste, especially without a doctor saying they were needed. Most of the time, healthy food gives the same benefits. Cutting them out was part of a smarter way to manage money. It meant fewer trips to the store and more money left over.

It’s not about skipping health—it’s about not spending on things that aren’t necessary. That’s why dropping supplements worked for extreme frugality.

To Learn More: 15 Ridiculously Overpriced Grocery Items Making You Broke

Canned Food

Canned food seems cheap at first, but the cost adds up when buying it regularly. It’s also not the freshest option and has extra sodium. Cooking from scratch with dried beans or fresh veggies is often cheaper and goes further.

This change took more effort, but the savings were worth it. For a no buy year or anyone cutting back, skipping canned goods is a smart money saving tip.

Learn More: The Only Canned Food to Stock in the Pantry Now

Pre-Packaged Anything

Pre-packaged snacks and meals are convenient, but they cost more than cooking at home. A single frozen meal can cost as much as ingredients for a whole dish. Making meals from scratch became a key part of frugal living.

It takes more planning, but it saves a lot of money over time. Cutting out these items helped build better habits too. For anyone wanting to stop spending on things that don’t last, this is a strong move.

To learn more: What is the Best Cheap Food to Buy When Broke?

Shaving Cream or Gel

Shaving cream seemed like a small cost, but it adds up month after month. A simple bar of soap or conditioner works just as well.

Once that switch happened, there was no reason to go back. It’s one of those quiet savings that builds over time. For extreme frugality, this was an easy win. Skipping it means one less thing to buy at the store.

Learn More: 20 Simple Ways on How to Save Money on Groceries

Potato Chips

This is a want and not a need. Chips don’t last long and are gone in just a few handfuls. They became one of those mindless snacks that cost more than they were worth. Quitting chips helped save money and cut down on junk food.

Popping popcorn at home or slicing potatoes into fries turned out cheaper and more filling. For a no spend challenge, this was a clear choice. It’s a small cut, but it adds up fast when you’re serious about saving.

To Learn More: 15 Daily Habit for Eating Healthy on a Budget

Skip Paying Full Price

Quitting these everyday items can really add up and make a big difference in your budget. It’s not about giving up everything you enjoy, but about making smart choices that help you keep more money in your pocket.

These money saving tips show how small changes can lead to big savings over time.

If you want more ideas on how to skip paying full price and keep your spending low, follow Money Bliss for simple, real advice that works.

To learn more: 12 Things I Quit Buying to Save Money

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