You should never spend money on some things if you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck. And come to think of it…even if you aren’t living paycheck-to-paycheck, you probably shouldn’t spend too much money on these things anyway.
Many of these things are just a waste.
While some indulgences may seem harmless, they can add up over time, leaving you with less financial freedom. Unless you’re among the elite few with endless resources, it’s wise to reassess your spending habits and eliminate unnecessary luxuries.
Let’s delve into 22 things you should stop spending on unless you’re super rich.
Designer Coffee
I love a fancy cup of coffee as much as the next person, but plunking down $5 to $7 a day for that “designer cup” adds up fast. That’s $25 a week just for the privilege of drinking coffee.
And most of us work at places that provide free coffee!
Opting for designer coffee brands regularly can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually. Consider brewing your coffee at home or opting for more affordable alternatives to save substantial money in the long run.
Brand-Name Clothing
I’ve never been a big fan of brand-name clothes. Sure, a lot of them are well made (which is good), but I don’t like paying the brand to advertise for them.
While brand-name clothing may offer prestige and quality, the price tags often outweigh the benefits. Choosing generic or store-brand clothing can provide similar style and functionality at a fraction of the cost. In fact, many generic versions of clothes are made in the same sweatshop factories as their brand-name alternatives anyway.
Reserve splurges on designer pieces for special occasions, and prioritize saving money by opting for more budget-friendly options for everyday wear.
Eating Out Frequently
I used to eat out for practically every meal. It was fun, but it also drained my wallet and packed about 70 pounds of unhealthy fat into my frame. Not good!
Dining out frequently drains your wallet and contributes to unhealthy eating habits. Cooking at home allows you to control ingredients, portion sizes, and costs.
There’s nothing wrong with going out to eat; just don’t do it all the time. Reserve restaurant visits for special occasions or as an occasional treat rather than a regular occurrence to save money and promote healthier eating habits.
Unused Subscriptions
From streaming services to gym memberships, unused subscriptions can quietly eat away at your finances each month without you knowing it.
That HBO Max subscription that you never use? Yeah, I’m looking at you!
Take stock of your subscriptions and cancel any that you rarely use or don’t need. Redirect those funds towards savings or investments to maximize their potential and reduce unnecessary expenses.
Impulse Purchases
Impulse purchases are often driven by emotion rather than necessity, leading to regret and financial strain. I’m guilty of impulse purchases, too, believe me. It happens.
Before making a purchase, evaluate whether it aligns with your long-term financial goals and is truly necessary. That means I literally stand there with the item in my hand, thinking about whether I truly need to spend money on this…thing.
Implementing a waiting period before buying can help curb impulse purchases and save you money.
Excessive Gadgets and Electronics
While gadgets and electronics can enhance our lives, accumulating excessive amounts can strain your budget, not to mention fill your closet and garage with junk you never use.
Remember, all that junk in your closet used to be cash.
Prioritize purchases based on necessity rather than novelty. Consider opting for refurbished or older models to save money without sacrificing functionality. Also, make a list before shopping to ensure you only buy what you need.
Trendy Home Decor
Trendy home decor items can quickly become outdated, leading to frequent replacements and unnecessary expenses. By all means, spend money to make your home comfortable.
Just be honest with yourself about smart purchases vs. fad purchases.
Instead of chasing trends, opt for timeless pieces that will withstand changing styles and retain their value over time. Focus on quality over quantity to create a stylish and budget-friendly living space.
Expensive Gym Memberships
I almost didn’t include this one because gym memberships can be a great investment if you use them! But too many people buy memberships and then never go to the gym.
Gym memberships at high-end fitness centers can come with steep monthly fees that may not justify the investment, especially if you don’t utilize all the facilities regularly. To stay active without breaking the bank, consider alternative fitness options such as outdoor activities, home workouts, or budget-friendly gym memberships.
Daily Takeout Lunches
Frequent takeout lunches can drain your budget faster than you realize. I should know. For many years, I ate out for lunch every day of the week, including weekends. I would spend hundreds of dollars a week for not cooking or packing a simple lunch.
Packing your lunch from home saves money and allows you to make healthier choices and control portion sizes. Invest in quality food storage containers and plan your meals ahead of time to streamline the process and avoid the temptation of eating out.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
While the occasional drink can be a relaxing indulgence, excessive alcohol consumption can take a toll on both your health and your finances. Keep your alcohol consumption in check.
Cut back on alcohol expenses by limiting your consumption and opting for homemade cocktails or non-alcoholic alternatives when socializing. You might be surprised at the non-alcoholic options on the market today. From N/A beer to mocktails like Gin & Tonics, a wide variety of tasty beverages can be enjoyed without the alcohol.
Brand New Cars
The allure of a brand-new car often comes with a hefty price tag and rapid depreciation. One of the worst money mistakes I’ve ever made was buying a brand-new Cadillac CTS in 2010. When I drove that car off the lot, it wasn’t worth what I paid for it.
Consider purchasing a quality used car or opting for certified pre-owned vehicles to save money on upfront costs and depreciation. Prioritize reliability and fuel efficiency over flashy features to get the most value for your money.
Expensive Cable Packages
Cable television is so 2010, isn’t it? With the rise of streaming services, expensive cable packages may no longer be necessary.
Evaluate your viewing habits and consider cutting the cord for more affordable streaming options. Many streaming services offer a wide range of content at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable subscriptions.
However, be careful not to subscribe to so many streaming services that you pay just as much or even more than you did for cable or satellite.
Lavish Gifts
While it’s natural to want to spoil your loved ones, lavish gifts can strain your budget unnecessarily. And sometimes, handmade gifts make a much bigger impact anyway.
Instead of focusing on extravagant gestures, prioritize thoughtful gifts with sentimental value without breaking the bank. Consider DIY gifts or experiences that create lasting memories without the hefty price tag.
Luxury Beauty Products
Luxury beauty products often come with premium price tags that their efficacy may not justify. There’s a reason why you’ll find aisle after aisle of beauty products at the store.
People spend a LOT of money on them!
Explore more affordable alternatives and prioritize skincare and beauty products based on their ingredients and effectiveness rather than brand name. Look for budget-friendly options that deliver similar results without the inflated cost.
Excessive Dining Out
Like I said, I used to eat out all the time. While it was fun, it was an unhealthy habit that prevented me from building real wealth.
Frequent dining out will quickly deplete your savings and hinder your progress toward financial goals. Instead of dining out regularly, reserve restaurant visits for special occasions and focus on preparing meals at home to save money and promote healthier eating habits. Get creative in the kitchen and explore new recipes to make cooking at home more enjoyable and budget-friendly.
Designer Handbags and Accessories
While designer handbags and accessories may be tempting splurges, they often come with exorbitant price tags that don’t align with their practical value.
Consider investing in quality, versatile pieces with longevity and timeless style without the hefty designer markup. Look for classic designs and durable materials that will withstand changing trends and retain their value over time.
I promise that nobody is judging you because of your handbag.
High-End Coffee Machines
Investing in high-end coffee machines may seem wise for coffee enthusiasts. Still, the savings may not justify the hefty price tags compared to simpler alternatives.
Opt for more affordable coffee makers or manual brewing methods to enjoy quality coffee without breaking the bank. Experiment with different brewing techniques and coffee beans to find a budget-friendly option that satisfies your taste preferences.
Check eBay or Facebook Marketplace for used options if you need something more complicated. You’ll save hundreds of dollars by picking up gently used coffee-making equipment.
Excessive Entertainment Expenses
I love attending sporting events but only allow myself one a season. It keeps costs down and I enjoy the experience that much more.
Excessive entertainment expenses can quickly add up and strain your budget, from concerts to sporting events. Prioritize experiences that offer the most value for your money and look for budget-friendly alternatives such as local events or free activities. Get creative with your entertainment choices and explore new hobbies that enrich your life without breaking the bank.
Excessive Online Shopping
The convenience of online shopping can lead to impulsive purchases and unnecessary expenses. Avoid falling into the trap of constantly browsing online stores and adding items to your cart without careful consideration.
Implement strategies such as creating a shopping list and sticking to it, setting a budget for online purchases, and deleting saved payment information to curb excessive online shopping habits and save money.
Designer Watches
While designer watches may be considered status symbols, their exorbitant prices often outweigh their practical value.
Instead, look for quality, affordable timepieces with style and functionality without the designer markup. Look for reputable brands prioritizing craftsmanship and durability to ensure your watch stands the test of time without draining your bank account.
Luxury Vacations
While luxury vacations may offer indulgent experiences, they often come with extravagant price tags that may not align with your budget.
Consider budget-friendly travel options such as road trips, camping, or exploring local destinations to satisfy your wanderlust without breaking the bank. Look for deals and discounts on accommodations and activities to maximize your vacations.
Expensive Haircuts and Salon Services
Regular visits to high-end salons for haircuts and salon services can quickly add up and strain your budget. On average, haircuts can set you back $60 to $80 or more per visit.
Not including tips, of course.
Find more affordable options, such as local salons or beauty schools that offer quality services at a fraction of the cost. Consider experimenting with DIY haircuts and grooming techniques to save even more money without sacrificing style.