Way before I started my online business, which has become a fun and profitable hobby for me, I was burdened with debt. I totally get what it feels like to struggle with spending habits. I used to constantly ask myself, “Why can’t I just stop buying things?” Luckily, over the years, I picked up some valuable habits and reached a point where I successfully kicked the habit of excessive spending and finally started saving money instead!
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Why Side Hustles and Smart Spending Go Hand in Hand
Saving money got to a point where my family and friends started considering me a money-savvy person, often seeking my advice on how to save money and resist unnecessary purchases, and started asking me for my advice.
I usually tell them that I’m always having fun with my business, and that learning how to make some passive income streams will make saving feel a little easier. That includes investing all the money I saved from the things I stopped buying.
However, aside from finding side hustles and diligently investing my money, I would still say that bad spending habits and being more mindful about my spending helped a lot.
The Hidden Costs Behind Our Everyday Purchases
You see, I realized, when I spent some time thinking about my past purchases, that many of these unnecessary purchases are related to eating out, unhealthy food disguised as “healthy,” clothing, home expenses, beauty products, and random things I don’t even use. These items often take a toll on your finances.
Honestly, I started to realize that businesses are keeping us in the dark about the harm their products can do, just to keep our money flowing their way. Especially with synthetic clothing, which can mess with your hormones, I now try to buy only natural clothing. It’s one of the reasons I started my own sustainable fashion label, New Angels. One of my side hustles that I’m very proud of!
How I Stopped Falling for Clever Marketing Tricks
When I realized that so many major companies had been feeding us nothing but nonsense, I dove deep into learning more about things like money management, food, clothing, health, and skincare. And honestly, I was angry with myself… only to discover that I had wasted thousands of dollars over the years, just like so many of us do without even realizing how quickly it adds up.
These are exactly the things I’ll be talking about in today’s post, and I hope they help you not only improve your personal finances but elevate your overall lifestyle as well! The truth is, once I became more mindful and intentional about where my money was going, I ended up saving far more than I ever expected.
How to Break the Habit of Unnecessary Spending
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you already know I’m not a fan of cutting out the things I genuinely enjoy. Definitely not. What I did instead was take a closer look at the unnecessary purchases that weren’t adding any real value to my life.
So, here’s the list of things I stopped buying to save money, and live a whole lot better because of it! And since one of my favorite hobbies is affordable self-care and skincare, without spending thousands, you can check out this article on how to make your own skincare products (recipes included!).
How I Stopped Overbuying Clothes and Built a Capsule Wardrobe
Fashion trends change at lightning speed. One day, it’s all about skinny jeans, and the next, everyone’s rushing for loose-fitting pants. Keeping up can feel impossible.
I was guilty too! I bought tons of clothes just to fit in, thinking I needed the latest trends. Sales everywhere made me believe I was “saving money,” but in reality, I was spending more than ever.
Eventually, I realized I wasn’t even wearing half of what I owned. My closet was overflowing, yet I always reached for the same five comfortable pieces. That’s when the solution hit me: a capsule wardrobe.
You don’t need endless clothes, just around 40 (or fewer) high-quality pieces you can mix and match. Start by examining your closet and identifying what you actually wear. Focus on neutral essentials, because they’re the foundation of a versatile wardrobe.
Go for simple silhouettes and timeless colors: a classic white button-down, black trousers, and a simple black dress. These are staples every woman should own.
Think of your clothes as an investment. High-quality pieces might cost more upfront, but they save you from constantly buying unnecessary items, and they last much longer.
Here are more tips for building a minimalist wardrobe, so you can start today.
Save Money by Earning Free Starbucks Gift Cards
You do not have to stop buying your favorite drinks from Starbucks!
Did you know you can save money and reduce your spending with money-saving resources like Swagbucks? They allow you to earn free gift cards by watching videos, surfing the web, shopping for things you normally buy, completing surveys, and playing games.
All small and quick wins make me happy, so I’m always so excited when it comes to redeeming those FREE $50-$100 Starbucks gift cards! Not only Starbucks gift cards, but they also offer other gift cards like Amazon, Walmart, and more!
This is one of the most well-known and popular surveys and cash rewards programs in North America. It’s absolutely free to use! Swagbucks is 100% legitimate and has paid out its members over $673,385,410 to date! Will you try it?
How We Stopped Impulse Grocery Buys and Started Saving Big
We all know how quickly money disappears when you constantly order takeout or dine out. The food fills your belly, the bill is paid, and suddenly your hard-earned cash seems to vanish into thin air.
That’s why, once we cut unnecessary spending and reduced takeout, we started making more trips to the grocery store. You’d think cooking at home would automatically save money, but at first, it didn’t.
I love grocery shopping, but often I’d wander the aisles without a plan, picking up items on impulse based on whatever caught my eye. The result? Food went to waste before we could eat it, and we weren’t saving any more than we did when eating out.
The solution? Meal planning. We sat down, mapped out a weekly meal plan, and listed only the items we would actually consume. Using a cute printable I created, we stopped buying on impulse. Suddenly, grocery shopping was saving us real money, and our meals were healthier and more satisfying.
To help you master your savings, I’ve created a fail-proof budget plan just for you! You can find a free budget template here. This free printable is made to give you instant results to boost your confidence in your financial journey.
How Quitting Unhealthy Foods Transformed My Health and Savings
I stopped buying unhealthy foods. Yes, I know it sounds cliché, but here’s the thing: many of us don’t even realize we’re eating unhealthily and wasting money on junk. Sometimes even those of us who think we’re “health-conscious.” That was me too!
I used to mindlessly spend on snacks labeled as “healthy,” falling for clever marketing tricks. I had no idea that hidden sugars and processed ingredients in things like 70% dark chocolate-covered nuts or trail mixes could harm my body.
Once I became aware, I stopped buying unhealthy snacks and junk food altogether, like chips, cookies, sugary baked goods, salted or roasted nuts, you name it. Instead, I invested in whole foods that truly nourish the body.
Affordable, nutrient-rich options include bananas, berries, apples, carrots, hummus, sweet potatoes, avocados, raw unsalted nuts and seeds, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
I also learned how to make genuinely healthy baked goods at home, not the “fake healthy” foods. This way, I control the ingredients, save money, and enjoy treats that actually benefit my body. Because at the end of the day, health really is wealth. Try this frugal recipe I made for Cinnamon Apple Muffins (also amazing as a little gift for school or work!)
Why I Stopped Buying Prepackaged and Ready-to-Go Meals
Let’s be honest… those grab-and-go pizzas from the grocery store do seem cheap compared to your usual pizza place. That ready-to-eat quinoa salad or pre-made lasagna looks tempting. Even those frozen meals marketed as “healthy” can feel like a quick fix.
Sure, they’re convenient. And yes, they might cost less than takeout or dining out. But here’s the catch: they’re still far more expensive than cooking your own meals at home, and just as unhealthy as a typical takeout or restaurant meal, no matter how “healthy” they’re marketed to be.
Once I realized this, I started meal prepping for five days a week. I created a simple system that doesn’t require much time in the kitchen but ensures I have nutritious meals ready to go.
The results? I’ve saved thousands of dollars over the years and avoided countless doctor visits. After all, medical bills and health issues end up costing far more than investing a little time and effort into cooking your own meals, and they directly affect the quality of your life.
From Saving to Earning: How to Take Control of Your Finances
Here’s my #1 tip for stopping unnecessary spending and saving more money!
Up until now, you’ve read about the things I’ve stopped buying to save money. I won’t lie, saving can sometimes feel restrictive, especially if your income is limited (trust me, I know how that feels!). But life doesn’t have to be that way. With a little effort to earn extra money, you can ease the pressure and make saving feel much more achievable. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing, and I want to help you do the same!
While there’s a limit to how much you can save, there’s no limit to how much you can earn.
To help you boost your income and save more comfortably, I’ve written posts packed with practical money-making ideas, most of which require little to no experience. I sincerely hope these articles inspire you to reach your full earning potential. Dive in and start exploring!
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