10 Things I Stopped Buying to Save $500 a Month (Without Feeling Deprived)
When I first decided to get serious about our finances, it wasn’t about restriction, it was about alignment. I wanted our money to reflect what mattered most: planning for the future, peace in our home, purpose in our spending, and margin for the things that truly bring us joy. Cutting back wasn’t about punishment; it was about choosing better.
Here are 10 things I stopped buying to free up over $500 a month—without sacrificing our values or joy.
1. Random Target Runs
You know the ones. You walk in for toilet paper and walk out with a candle, a mug, two throw pillows, and somehow a new toddler outfit. I started shopping with a list and sticking to store pickup when possible. Savings? Around $75/month (and way less clutter).
2. Multiple Streaming Services
We were paying for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and Prime Video. I realized we didn’t need all of them every month… and didn’t even use them regularly. We chose to cut back on screen time and got intentional with which streaming service we used the most. Total saved? About $60/month.
3. Name-Brand Cleaning Supplies
I switched to making a few of my own cleaners (hello, vinegar + baking soda) and buying store-brand basics in bulk. My house is still clean, and we save around $25/month.
4. Drive-Thru Coffee
This one was hard. But when I calculated how often I was swinging through for a treat drink “because I deserved it,” I realized it was adding up to $40+ a month. Now I’ve got a DIY espresso routine at home that actually feels like a treat.
5. Convenience Groceries
Individually packed snacks, pre-cut produce, and freezer meals were costing us more than I realized. Don’t get me wrong… pre-packed snacks are sometimes a sanity saver. We’re just more intenional about when we use them. Meal planning and buying basics in bulk helped us cut our grocery bill by $100/month, easy.
6. Fast Fashion + Impulse Clothing Buys
Now that I’m past 4th trimester insecurity and the post-baby wardrobe shift, I now plan intentional clothing refreshes and stick to a budget instead of grabbing a $20 tee or $30 dress “because it’s cute.” Savings? Around $60/month, plus less closet chaos.
7. Toys + Treats “Just Because”
It’s so easy to grab a small toy or sticker book every time you’re out with kids, but they add up fast. We created a reward system and budgeted “fun money” for the kids. That saved us $20/month, and they actually appreciate new things more and are motivated to earn them.
8. Unused Subscriptions
From apps to memberships we forgot we had (or didn’t fully utilize like my Ipsy bag), I did a full audit and found over $40/month in stuff we weren’t using.
9. Takeout on Busy Nights
Instead of defaulting to takeout on a chaotic evening, I now keep a few go-to, 15-minute meals on hand. Think frozen pizza, rotisserie chicken tacos, or pasta + jarred sauce. We’ve cut takeout down to once a week (if that) and saved about $100/month.
10. Full-Priced Amazon Buys
Amazon is so easy, but easy doesn’t always mean smart. I started using my cart as a 24-hour “cooling off” zone and checking for discounts, coupons, or alternatives before clicking buy. This simple shift saved $30+/month.
What I learned:
Cutting $500/month wasn’t about deprivation. It was about intentionality. I didn’t stop spending money, I just stopped spending it on autopilot. That margin now goes to savings, investing, family fun, and goals that actually bring us joy.
If you're feeling overwhelmed with expenses, take a step back and ask:
“Is this helping me build the life I want… or just filling space?”
You don’t need to cut everything all at once. Start small. Choose one or two swaps that feel doable. You might be surprised how quickly it adds up—and how much lighter you feel when your spending reflects your values.
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