With the rise in prices, I curb my spending habits while still maintaining the same quality of life.

I don’t consider myself to be super frugal. I like having nice things, but I’ve learned how to spend money wisely during the pandemic. I realized that it’s easy to let unnecessary expenses pile up if I’m not really paying attention.

Setting a rule about my spending allowed me to reduce wasteful and unnecessary spending and save more money.

Here are 20 things I quit buying to save more!

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#1 Cell Phone Insurance

Ask yourself how many times you’ve used your cell phone insurance. The answers may be “not-so-much.” I have never bought cell phone insurance in my life. Still, I have never had a problem. But if you feel more secure paying for cell phone insurance, get the right package. For example, cell phone insurance that covers accidental damage like water-related issues.

#2 Bank Fees

Checking and savings accounts should be free of fees because we rent our money to the bank. Unfortunately, some banks and ATMs are not free. They will charge you maintenance fees and transaction fees. To avoid these fees, pay attention to monthly maintenance fees or monthly service fees. ATM fees are also completely avoidable. You just need to use your bank’s ATM or go to the bank during open hours.

#3 Computer Software

Adobe Creative Cloud costs a pretty penny, but there are lots of cheaper options, such as Canva Pro. Canva is a free online-based graphic design tool, used to create a wide variety of graphics such as logos, presentations, posters, documents, and more. It’s very easy to use and includes so many free templates, free photography, clip arts, etc. Canva Pro is paid version of Canva. It’s $12.95 a monthly subscription, or $119.40 an annual subscription ($9.95 a month). It’s a great alternative to Adobe Creative Cloud.

#4 Full-Price Tags

It’s not that I will never pay full price, but I’m trying to find a way to save money on whatever I’m buying. Most stores have a sales cycle every 4 to 6 weeks. Some stores offer cashback at online stores. I usually wait until the sale or use the cashback website for my shopping.

#5 TV Cable

I have had no Cable TV for 10 years. I have no problem with it. Instead of Cable TV, I watch YouTube or Amazon Prime Video. YouTube offers free best News channels such as local news, CNN, The New York Times, BBC News, FOX News, etc. Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership for $13 a month or $119 a year. My favorite free Amazon Prime show is HANNA.

#6 Unnecessary Subscription Services

I used to pay for UPS My Choice Premium Service. ($19.99 per year at first) However, the price went up after using a year. I only use “Deliver to a UPS Access Point” and some brands, such as Dior, do not allow customers to use that service. In that case, I don’t feel the benefit of being a member anymore. I highly recommend reviewing your subscription services once a year because they may raise the monthly fees. Is it worth paying for it even though the price went up?

#7 Home Décor

I used to buy cute knick-knacks and a variety of scented candles. Many of these items bring me a smile at first but ended up collecting dust and taking up space in my home.

#8 Hair Dye

Salon hair color costs more because it is of better quality. But if you can get good quality hair color at home, it is much cheaper than a salon. I use Madison Reed’s at-home hair color because it’s ammonia-free hair dye that results in salon quality. It not only saves my money but time.

#9 Going Out to Eat

I saved money by not going out to eat since the pandemic started.

#10 Life Insurance

Life insurance has a very specific function, financially, and it often just doesn’t make sense to pay for it if you don’t have kids or a mortgage. Instead, I’m saving money for an emergency fund, which will cover any potential unexpected expenses.

#11 Makeup

I used to love makeup products a lot! Every time Sephora launched a sale event, I grabbed something. Now, I stopped buying makeup for no reason. I only buy what I need, not what I want.

#12 AAA

AAA can be a great investment if you use the additional discounts and perks associated with membership. However, I only use roadside assistance. I thought paying for AAA is maybe overkill because I can get roadside assistance from many other companies.

#13 Kitchen Appliances

I did not use a waffle maker and air fryer very often. Some kitchen gadgets last for years, but some end up forgotten and collecting dust in the corner.

#14 Nice Coffee Travel Mug

I used to buy a nice coffee travel mug, but my husband lost them all. Sometimes he forgot and lost it at the office or parks, sometimes he broke it while driving, etc. So, I decided not to buy a nice coffee travel mug. Lol

#15 Jewelry

Jewelry is wildly expensive, but I don’t have occasion to wear it often. I own some pieces that are meaningful, like a wedding ring or gift by a loved one, but that’s all.

#16 Lottery Tickets

My sister loves lottery tickets, but I personally think it’s a waste of money. If I have money to spend on lottery tickets, I would buy some stocks.

#17 Late Charges

I personally think it is better to pay off the entire balance on a credit card each month. Since they are entirely avoidable, I chose not to pay for the late charge.

#18 Nice Tableware

I used to buy cute tableware, but my husband broke it quite often. Because of that, I started to buy cheaper plates and cups.

#19 Stationeries

I had fewer opportunities to buy stationery since I went to an online college. Although it was not my intention, I am gradually living a life without paper and pen.

#20 Shaving Cream and Disposable Shaver

I bought an electric shaver and laser hair removal that can be used dry.

Wrapping Up

Now, it’s your turn. Have you planned to save money and cut things from your budget? If so, what things do you quit buying to save money? How to stop buying stuff and spend wisely?