How to Stop Spending Money on Unnecessary Things

You may have read some articles on how to save money, but you’ll love these practical tips on how to stop spending money on unnecessary things so you can finally start saving!

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.   As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Check out my privacy policy for more info.

I love Pinterest! I love getting new recipes and other ideas. This time of year there are tons of pins that talk about saving money- how to save $5000 this year, save a $1000 emergency fund, or other money-saving challenges. I bet half the people out there have some sort of plan to save or spend less every new year. I know you’ve seen these articles too and many sound great.

Most tell you to stop buying coffee at the coffee shop and just make a cup at home.  Another tip is don’t go grocery shopping on an empty stomach because you’ll buy more while hungry.

 I know you’ve heard those and seen calculations.  If you save the money from the coffee, you’ll have saved over $1000.  Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Does that really work though?

People try not to spend money for all kinds of reasons. They may be trying to pay down credit cards and get out of debt. They may be trying to reduce expenses because of an upcoming vacation or car purchase.

Here are some real life tips on actually not spending money!

Ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”.  For example, our drill broke and we use it about six times a year. Right now my husband and I are working hard to save money for our summer vacation.  We’re trying to decide what to do.

• Do I buy a cheaper drill?  

• Do I buy the more expensive drill that I really want?  

The question is-

Can I just use a screwdriver or borrow a drill this time?  You may realize that a screwdriver works fine.  Yes, a drill would be nicer, but do you actually need it. In fact, you could go an entire year without needing to use one!

My kids are always telling me they need more pants or shirts.  I wrote a post on the KonMari Method (I’m sure most of you have heard about this) and after changing a few things, we realized they didn’t need anything. They just couldn’t find what they were looking for.

There will be things you need- gas, tires, insurance, food, etc.  However, most things you really don’t need.  Wait three days before you click that  ADD TO CART button on Amazon.

Here are some Practical Tips on How to Stop Spending Money

Buy groceries online using your list.  

I use Walmart Grocery. I know people like to pick out their meat and fruit but try it once. I’ve had good luck and you could be really surprised.

If you’re not at the grocery store, then you can’t add any unnecessary items to your cart. You’ll be able to stick to your shopping list.

Check your checking account often

To reach your financial goals you need to keep an eye on your bank account to keep your budgeting accurate. Don’t wait to balance your checkbook. Keep it up to date so you always know how much money you have.

Don’t use credit cards

I had a lot of my monthly bills go out on my credit card. I would also use it to go out to eat and go to the grocery store. Because it was on my card I didn’t pay close attention. When I stopped using my credit cards I realized I was paying more attention to my purchases because it was coming out of my bank account. I spent less.

It took me over 6 months to gradually transfer everything over to my checking account. Update: I actually have one bill that goes out on my credit card and that’s my Apple store because I am on a family plan and my husband has to do that!

Do a monthly budget audit.

This is something my husband and I do once a year and where we save the most. We go through our bills and see what we can cut back on. This past year we reduced our cell phone and XM bill and cancelled a sports subscription channel and saved over $70 a month!

Don’t go to stores like Target or Walmart until you need at least 5 things.  

You can spend a fortune just running into bigger stores and buying things that you don’t need.

Wait three days to buy to make sure you really need it.

I found that this works. My daughter had a flat bike tire and I needed to buy a new one. I had it sitting on the table before I went searching for a replacement. I realized that I’m not really in a big hurry to replace this. School has started and she’s barely outside riding it. I’m putting this on hold for a few weeks until payday.

However, our air fryer broke and I realized almost immediately that we needed a new one. We leave it out on the counter and someone uses it almost every day.

Unsubscribe from store emails.

Stores like Kohls, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Ulta, Shutterfly and PetSmart send out those emails to remind you to shop.  Out of sight, out of mind.  Just seeing these makes you want to shop.

Unfollow businesses and hide friends that make you want to buy.  

I have a ton of friends that are always trying to sell essential oils or clothes. I also have friends that like showing off new boots, cars and other items. I hid them on social media because I didn’t want to be tempted by them.

Do NOT subscribe to subscription boxes.

Subscription boxes like Fabletics and Stitch Fix and fun, but will encourage you to spend on items that you don’t really need

It’s awesome to get them because it’s like getting a gift, but they are a waste of money and you will spend money on items you don’t need.

Don’t go to a store or mall if you’re bored!

Just don’t! Don’t go out to the stores just to browse or kill time. You will be tempted to buy something.

Buy pet supplies online from a place like Chewy.com so you can set up autoship.  

You get a small discount, save on gas and it stops you from picking up other items you may not need at the pet store.

Use the cash method.  

When it’s gone, it’s gone.

What tips do you use to stop you from spending money?  Comment below so people can see it!