Most of us want to save more, but it’s easy to underestimate how much small, everyday expenses add up. If you’re looking to save $500 a month, the answer often isn’t making more money—it’s stopping certain purchases. By identifying things you don’t really need, you can redirect that cash toward your financial goals. This approach can help you build an emergency fund, pay off debt, or simply have more breathing room in your budget. If you’re ready to take control, here are ten things you should stop buying to save $500 a month, starting right now.
1. Daily Coffee Shop Drinks
Grabbing a latte or cold brew every morning can quickly eat away at your budget. If you spend $4 a day, five days a week, that’s $80 a month—just on coffee. Instead, make your coffee at home. You’ll not only save money but also avoid the temptation of pastries and snacks at the register. Stopping this one habit can make a noticeable dent in your spending each month.
2. Takeout and Food Delivery
Ordering food for convenience is a major culprit when it comes to overspending. Delivery fees, tips, and inflated menu prices add up fast. Skip the delivery apps and cook more meals at home. Even replacing just two takeout meals a week with home-cooked alternatives could save you $100 or more a month.
3. Bottled Water and Single-Use Beverages
Bottled water and fancy drinks from the store are not just bad for the environment—they’re expensive. A family buying bottled water regularly can spend $30–$50 a month without realizing it. Invest in a reusable water bottle and a good filter. Over time, this small change can save you hundreds of dollars a year and help you save $500 a month faster.
4. Name-Brand Groceries
Many shoppers reach for name brands out of habit, but generic options offer the same quality for less. Switching to store brands for staples like cereal, pasta, and cleaning supplies can cut your grocery bill by 20% or more. Compare prices and don’t be afraid to try new brands. This adjustment alone can save a family $50–$100 each month.
5. Unused Subscriptions
Subscription creep is real. Streaming services, digital magazines, apps, and gym memberships you rarely use can quietly drain your wallet. Take an hour to review your statements and cancel anything you don’t use regularly. Even dropping two or three services can save you $30–$60 a month, bringing you closer to your goal of saving $500 a month.
6. Impulse Clothing Purchases
It’s easy to justify a new shirt or pair of shoes, especially with constant sales and ads. But buying clothes you don’t need is a quick way to blow your budget. Set a clothing budget or commit to a “no-buy” month. Use what you have, and only replace items when truly necessary. This can save you $50 or more every month, and you’ll still look great.
7. Premium Cable or TV Packages
Are you paying for hundreds of channels but only watching a few? Premium cable packages often cost over $100 a month. Switching to a streaming service or even using a digital antenna can cut this cost dramatically. There are plenty of affordable entertainment options that won’t sabotage your goal to save $500 a month.
8. Salon and Spa Treatments
Regular manicures, hair coloring, or spa visits feel great, but they’re expensive. A monthly salon trip can easily run $50–$100. Try at-home treatments, stretch the time between appointments, or look for student salons for discounted rates. Cutting back here can provide significant savings without sacrificing self-care.
9. Convenience Foods and Snacks
Pre-cut fruit, packaged snacks, and frozen meals are convenient but come with a hefty markup. Buy whole ingredients and prep snacks at home. Taking a few minutes to portion out your own snacks can save you $30–$60 a month. Over time, this small habit change will help you save $500 a month and eat healthier, too.
10. Tech Upgrades and Gadgets
It’s tempting to have the latest phone or gadget, but frequent upgrades are costly. Unless your device is broken or truly outdated, hold off on upgrades. Skip unnecessary accessories and extended warranties. Waiting an extra year or two between purchases can save you hundreds and keep more money in your pocket each month.
Start Saving $500 a Month Today
Reaching your savings goals doesn’t have to be complicated. When you stop buying these ten things, you can easily save $500 a month—or even more, depending on your habits. The money you free up can go toward paying off debt, investing, or building the life you want. Small changes add up faster than you think.
Remember, the key is to be intentional with your spending and keep your goals in focus.
What’s one thing you could stop buying this month to save money? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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