7 Ways to Stop Unnecessary Spending

Addressing unnecessary spending is like gardening. For something to grow to its full potential, it should be pruned from time to time. 

To prune is to cut out that which is unnecessary, to eliminate the areas that are using energy but aren’t producing fruit. 

You can prune many areas of your life - eliminate the suckers to maximize your growth and reach your full potential - including your expenses.

Before you consider expenses what to cut, you need a budget to know exactly where your money is going, and how you can better allocate it. Choose a budget that works for you without being so restrictive that you set yourself up for failure. 

Having a budget should make you feel better about spending. You can treat yourself without guilt, because you already allocated money to living expenses, savings and retirement accounts, etc. Now, back to pruning. 

7 Ways to Stop Unnecessary Spending

1. Cut the Cord 

I’m aware that most things are cordless now, but you know what I mean! Cable, streaming and subscription services. If these aren’t things you can eliminate completely, can you scale back on your current services? At the very least, shop around for better deals. 

Contact your service provider to tell them you’re considering canceling, and see if they offer an incentive to stick around. Maybe you and a friend can subscribe to different streaming services and have little viewing parties! 

Also, consider unsubscribing to automatic deliveries of products you use often. Even with a savings offer, a subscription service won't always offer the best deal. You'll likely end up with a surplus of product you don't yet need if you don't remember to skip delivery at times. 

2. Cut Connections 

Sellers want you plugged in - that’s why they offer incentives to sign up for email and text notifications, download the app and join the VIP group. You’re likely following on multiple social media platforms. 

Our FOMO (fear of missing out) is capitalized on by offerings of VIP exclusive or early access deals, limited edition releases and surprise flash sales. Free items to the first 50 shoppers and additional percent off for X amount of time. I could go all night! 

These tactics influence us to make impulse purchases and get a thrill from the “deal.” 

3. Cut Screen Time 

The less screen time you have, the less notifications you’ll receive. Yes, I know you can turn off notifications. But any time we’re scrolling, we’re constantly seeing curated ads and influencers. 

We’re exposed to something we just want to check out, prompted to set reminders, and respond to events. There are so many cues for us to shop when we’re using screens. 

Your “mindless scrolling” is being monetized! Check out this post for more mindful use of social media. And this one if you want to join a 30 day social media detox challenge.

4. Cut Convenience 

If you can afford convenience, then it is a great little luxury. But it’ll cost you! I save $40 on average per grocery trip if I shop in store rather than have groceries delivered. When using services such as Instacart, you are paying a higher price per item in addition to service and delivery fees and tips. 

Same goes for food delivery services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats and GrubHub. If you can physically go to the store or restaurant, then great! If you still want to order online, then can you pick up/drive up/drive through? 

Not to mention the likelihood of unwanted (often more costly) substitutions or refunds on items you need right away - this could trigger placing yet another costly convenience order. 

**If you do not have the capacity or capability of going to get things, then please disregard this recommendation. You may be in survival mode, grieving, recovering from injury or surgery, in the fourth trimester, struggling with welcoming a new family member or juggling multiple, etc. 

If you're in a season of life such as this, then do what you have the bandwidth to do. If you plan to continue to utilize these services, then factor them into your budget. 

5. Cut Clutter  

I’m a big fan of decluttering and embrace minimalism, though it can be easier said than done. How can you spend responsibly if you don’t know what you already have?! Get cut throat about eliminating things that no longer serve you (you may even make a few bucks in the process). 

Consider taking inventory of your closet, pantry, garage, basement and other storage areas. I can’t tell you how many times I purchased food items I already had stocked. You may say that you use certain items all of the time, but try to avoid stocking up for the future if you're trying to reduce expenses now. Same goes for clothing. 

We don't wear most of our wardrobe, and select a small percentage of clothing to wear on repeat. We're drawn to the same patterns and styles, tempted to purchase when we likely already own something similar. Ditto for holiday decor. 

Seasonal shelves are like eye candy and on display long before we dig out our storage bins. Avoid purchasing anything new before you re-examine what you already have. Make it a fun game and challenge yourself to use items you already own!

6. Cut Coupons 

This one has a dual meaning! You can actually “cut coupons,” or you can disregard them! Coupons tend to be offered on brand name products that are often still more costly than generic equivalents after savings are applied. Shop high and low for generic items, as more costly branded products are typically stored at eye level. 

Furthermore, promotions such as “bonus cash” are a gateway to get us thinking about our next shopping trip. You probably don’t need anything, but you’re just going to look because you have “bonus cash.” But seek and you shall find, and may justify an unnecessary purchase to use “bonus cash.” 

Oh, and you’ll earn more "bonus cash" with this transaction, and on and on. You see?! It’s a vicious cycle! Get rid of it! Throw it out, or give it to someone who can genuinely use it.

7. Cut Conspirators

In this instance, a conspirator is anyone who goes against your wishes. At best, if you’re serious about curbing spending to better serve you and your goals, this could mean having a conversation with your inner circle. Maybe you can’t always say yes, or do all of the things. 

Someone who’s truly in your corner will cheer you on and come up with suitable alternatives to help you meet your goals. At worst, it could mean cutting ties. But hey, you’re most like those with whom you spend the most time. So hopefully, you’re surrounded by people who uplift and inspire you, and hold you accountable. 

Conclusion

Avoiding overspending can be challenging but not impossible. To stop unnecessary spending, do the following: 

1. Cancel unnecessary services and subscriptions.

2. Disengage: unsubscribe to emails, send "stop" to text messaging, silence notifications, unlike/unfollow/unfavorite, and leave groups if you must.

3. Limit screen time to reduce exposure to ads and notifications that encourage impulsive spending.

4. Shop in store/order at restaurant > curbside pickup/drive through > delivery to reduce cost per item and service/delivery fees and tips

5. Declutter and take inventory. Shop your pantry, closet and other storage areas before making new purchases.

6. Buy generic and be leery of coupon and bonus cash offerings.

7. Involve your inner circle for accountability and encouragement.

If you’re struggling with overspending, you’re not alone. Give yourself grace. Times are tough and the temptation to treat oneself is strong (and you absolutely should as long as it doesn’t cause more financial hardship and emotional distress - include it in the budget or create a sinking fund for that ;) ). 

Inflation may remain at record levels, but I believe people have more grit and resiliency. I hope you found some helpful tips to prune your expenses. You can do this. I’m rooting for you!

What unnecessary expenses have you cut back on?