I remember the first time I looked at my bank statement and realized how much I was spending on stuff I didn’t really need—like that daily latte or yet another streaming service I barely used. It was a wake-up call. In 2025, with prices still climbing, finding ways to cut back feels more important than ever. The good news? You can save a surprising amount by deciding to stop buying certain things. This isn’t about living like a hermit; it’s about being smart with your cash.
In this guide, I’m sharing 10 items you should stop buying to save money right away, with practical tips to make it stick. Think of me as your friend who’s been there, ready to help you keep more money in your pocket.
Read More: Avoiding Tax Scams: How to Protect Your Identity During Tax Season
Why Cutting Back Matters Now
Before diving into the list, let’s talk about why it’s worth rethinking what you buy. The average American household spends about $61,000 a year, and a chunk of that goes to non-essentials. By choosing to stop buying things that don’t add real value, you can free up cash for what matters—whether it’s paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or just feeling less stressed about bills. Each item on this list is something you can cut or replace with a cheaper alternative without feeling deprived. Ready to see where your money’s sneaking off to?
1. Bottled Water
Every time you grab a bottle of water at the store, you’re paying for something you can get almost free at home. Americans buy 50 billion plastic water bottles a year, and the cost adds up fast.
Why Stop Buying It
A single bottle might cost $1–$2, but if you’re buying one daily, that’s $365–$730 a year. Plus, it’s rough on the planet—only 30% of those bottles get recycled. Tap water, especially with a filter, is just as good and costs pennies.
How to Make the Switch
Invest in a reusable water bottle (around $15–$30) and a home water filter like a Brita pitcher ($20–$40). If you love fizzy water, a SodaStream ($100) pays for itself in a year if you’re skipping canned seltzer. I started carrying a glass water bottle after hating the metallic taste of some metal ones, and it’s been a game-changer. Check your local tap water quality at EPA.gov to feel confident about the switch.
2. Daily Coffee Shop Drinks
That morning latte or iced coffee is a ritual for many, but at $3–$5 a pop, it’s a budget buster.
Why Stop Buying It
If you’re spending $4 on coffee five days a week, that’s $80 a month or nearly $1,000 a year. Brewing at home costs about $0.50 per cup, even with decent beans. I used to justify my coffee runs as a “treat,” but once I did the math, I couldn’t unsee it.
How to Make the Switch
Get a good drip coffee maker ($30–$100) or a French press ($20) and buy quality beans in bulk. If you love the coffee shop vibe, make your own lattes with a $30 milk frother. Try cutting back gradually—maybe limit shop visits to once a week. Apps like Mint can track how much you save.
3. Disposable Paper Products
Paper towels, napkins, and plates are convenient, but they’re a recurring expense you can easily avoid.
Why Stop Buying It
A 12-pack of paper towels costs $15–$20 and might last a few months, but reusable cloths are a one-time buy. Paper products also create waste—Americans toss billions of pounds of paper goods yearly. Switching to reusable options saves money and feels better for the environment.
How to Make the Switch
Buy a set of washable dishcloths ($10 for a pack) and cloth napkins ($15 for a dozen). For picnics, use ceramic plates instead of disposables. A friend of mine switched to flannel “un-paper” towels and hasn’t bought paper towels in a year. They’re durable and wash easily.
4. Brand-Name Groceries
Name-brand cereal, snacks, and pantry staples often cost double their generic counterparts, with little difference in quality.
Why Stop Buying It
Studies show many generic products are identical to brand names, sometimes even made in the same factories. Switching to store brands can cut your grocery bill by 20–30%. If you spend $400 a month on groceries, that’s $80–$120 saved.
How to Make the Switch
Start with one category, like cereal or canned goods, and compare ingredients. I swapped brand-name peanut butter for a store brand and couldn’t tell the difference. Use apps like Ibotta to find deals on generics. Shop at stores like Aldi or Costco for even bigger savings on quality off-brands.
5. Fast Fashion Clothing
Cheap, trendy clothes from fast fashion brands seem like a steal, but they don’t last and keep you buying more.
Why Stop Buying It
Fast fashion items often wear out after a few washes, costing you more over time. The average American spends $1,800 a year on clothes, much of it on low-quality pieces. Plus, fast fashion’s environmental toll is huge—textile waste fills landfills.
How to Make the Switch
Invest in a few high-quality, versatile pieces from thrift stores or brands like Everlane. I scored a $10 wool sweater at a consignment shop that’s lasted years. Check ThredUp or Poshmark for gently used clothes. Unsubscribe from retailer emails to avoid impulse buys.
6. Unused Subscriptions
Streaming services, gym memberships, and app subscriptions can pile up, especially if you’re not using them.
Why Stop Buying It
Americans spend an average of $133 a month on subscriptions they don’t use, according to CNBC. If you’ve got Netflix, Hulu, and a gym pass you haven’t touched, that’s hundreds wasted yearly. I once realized I was paying for a music app I hadn’t opened in months—ouch.
How to Make the Switch
Audit your subscriptions with a tool like Rocket Money or PocketSmith. Cancel anything you use less than weekly. Share streaming accounts with family to cut costs. For fitness, try free YouTube workouts or a $20 jump rope instead of a gym pass.
7. Pre-Cut Produce and Convenience Foods
Pre-washed salads, cut fruit, and packaged meals are handy but cost way more than doing it yourself.
Why Stop Buying It
Pre-cut produce can be 2–3 times pricier than whole fruits and veggies. A $5 bag of chopped salad is $2 if you buy a head of lettuce. Convenience foods like Hamburger Helper add up too, and they’re often less healthy. Meal prepping saves both money and calories.
How to Make the Switch
Buy whole produce and spend 30 minutes prepping on Sundays. A good knife ($20) makes it easy. Batch-cook meals like chili or stir-fry for the week. I started making my own salads, and it’s become a relaxing weekend ritual. Check sales flyers for deals on fresh ingredients.
8. Extended Warranties
Extended warranties on electronics or appliances sound smart, but they’re rarely worth it.
Why Stop Buying It
Most products come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers common issues. Retailers bank on you not using extended warranties, which often expire before problems arise. Skipping them can save $20–$100 per purchase. I passed on a $50 warranty for a TV and never regretted it.
How to Make the Switch
Check your credit card—many offer purchase protection for free. Save the warranty cost in an emergency fund instead. Research product reliability on sites like Consumer Reports before buying to avoid lemons.
9. Single-Use Cleaning Products
Fancy cleaning sprays and wipes are pricey and often no better than simple alternatives.
Why Stop Buying It
A bottle of brand-name cleaner costs $4–$8, while vinegar and baking soda cost pennies per use. Americans spend about $40 billion a year on cleaning products, much of it on overhyped items. DIY cleaners work just as well and are safer for your home.
How to Make the Switch
Mix vinegar, water, and a drop of essential oil for an all-purpose cleaner. Use baking soda for scrubbing. I’ve been using a $2 vinegar spray for years, and my kitchen’s never been cleaner. Check Greatist.com for DIY recipes. Buy reusable cleaning cloths to pair with your homemade mixes.
10. Impulse Purchases
Those little buys at the checkout line or online “deals” you don’t need are sneaky budget killers.
Why Stop Buying It
Impulse buys account for 20% of retail spending, per a 2023 study. A $5 candy bar here and a $10 gadget there can add $50–$100 a month. I used to grab snacks while waiting in line, and it was shocking how much it added up.
How to Make the Switch
Use the 24-hour rule: wait a day before buying anything non-essential. Make a shopping list and stick to it. Disable one-click buying on Amazon and unsubscribe from sale emails. Try a “no-spend” week to reset your habits. Apps like You Need a Budget can help track these sneaky costs.
Tips to Stick to Your Plan
Cutting out these items is easier with a strategy. Start small—pick one or two things to stop buying and track your savings for a month. Use a budgeting app like Mint or PocketSmith to see where your money’s going. Set a goal, like saving $500 for a vacation, to stay motivated. If you slip up, don’t sweat it—just refocus. I found that keeping a reusable water bottle in my bag stopped me from grabbing bottled water on the go. Little habits make a big difference.
Wrapping It Up: Take Control of Your Cash
Deciding to stop buying these 10 items—bottled water, coffee shop drinks, paper products, brand-name groceries, fast fashion, subscriptions, convenience foods, extended warranties, single-use cleaners, and impulse buys—can save you hundreds, maybe thousands, a year. It’s not about giving up everything you love; it’s about swapping costly habits for smarter ones. Try picking one item, like ditching bottled water, and see how it feels. Use the savings to pay down debt, build a rainy-day fund, or treat yourself to something meaningful. What’s the first thing you’re going to stop buying?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I stop buying bottled water?
It’s expensive ($365–$730/year) and wasteful, with only 30% recycled. A reusable bottle and filter save money and help the environment.
How much can I save by brewing coffee at home?
Skipping a $4 daily coffee shop drink saves about $1,000 a year. Home brewing costs $0.50 per cup with good beans.
Are generic groceries really as good as brand names?
Often, yes—many are identical in ingredients. Switching can cut your grocery bill by 20–30%, saving $80–$120 a month.
How do I avoid impulse buys?
Use the 24-hour rule, stick to a shopping list, and disable one-click buying online. A “no-spend” week can reset your habits.
Can I still clean effectively without store-bought products?
Absolutely. Vinegar, baking soda, and water work as well as pricey cleaners for pennies. DIY recipes are easy and safe.
