Once the new year rolled around, I had one resolution for myself, and one resolution only: Enough with the frivolous spending, already! I was so sick of the ridiculous heaps of clutter collecting dust in my living space, to the point where it was taking a toll on my mental health. The mountains of unworn clothes and the ironic garden gnomes I thought would be a reasonable purchase were all glaring me down, berating me for my poor decision-making skills. Everywhere I looked throughout my home was another item I’d spent way too much on, that brought no value to my life other than to add clutter.    

Something had to change. So after wiping away my tears with my embroidered Snoopy washcloth — thrifted, thank you (I am trying to change, ok?) — I decided to adjust my spending habits once and for all. Now, I’m saving thousands on purchases that I (seriously) don’t need. Ready to fatten up your wallet by swapping out these pricey purchases for cheaper — and more rewarding — alternatives? I know I am. Here are the wallet-draining activities and products that I’m skipping out on in order to save-save-save:

Trips To The Movie Theater

Calling all Letterbox sons and daughters: if you’re a cinephile like me and can’t get enough of the latest film releases, there’s a good chance you’re spending far too much at your local cinema. Plus, those $15 buckets of popcorn don’t do much to help your case. 

While there’s no denying that going to the theater is a fun experience, it’s sometimes a whole lot more fun — not to mention cozy — to watch movies at home. Think about it: at home, you don’t have to worry about overspending on high-caloric sodas and candy. At home, you don’t have to worry about people on their phones or that guy in the row behind you yapping with his buddy right throug the climax of the film. Those dudes should be criminally charged.

It’s a whole lot more convenient to just cuddle up in your coziest pajamas while watching the film in the comfort of your own living space. Plus, have you guys noticed how Amazon Prime Video is releasing movies just about immediately after their theatrical release? I was able to watch all the Oscar darlings this year like Anora, The Substance, and A Complete Unknown via Amazon Prime Video, while they were still very much playing in theaters. 

Not having to pay for the costs of transportation and gas, on top of your movie ticket and snacks, simply waiting for the film’s streaming release can save you so much in the long run.      

Skin Care Products

In 2024, I became a major skincare junkie. But much like Icharus flying too close to the sun, thus causing his wings to melt, I went way overboard with my acne treatments and broke out like never before. (Not fun.) 

What sucked about my cystic breakouts was the fact that I’d just overspent so much money on acne products — only for it to totally backfire in my face. Literally, in this case. 

I talked to a dermatologist who advised me that the best thing to do is to just let my skin breathe. She told me to wash my face daily with a clean washcloth and water, while steering clear of added products. Turns out, when it comes to skincare, less truly is more… because in a matter of weeks, my face was squeaky clean. I threw all my acne products in the trash bin, and I’m never looking back. 

Haircuts at Upscale Salons

The other day I was watching one of my ultimate comfort movies, Reality Bites. Winona Ryder stars in the 1994 classic alongside Ethan Hawke and Ben Stiller. Peak cinema, y’all. But the real star of that movie, if we’re gonna be honest, is Winona Ryder’s haircut. It’s so unique, so ‘90s, so effortlessly indie. 

After a quick Google search, I learned that Ryder cut her own hair for that film (12:05). I was shocked, considering her pixie is still marked as “Pinterest haircut goals” to this day. So, following the queen of cinema’s footsteps, I took the leap and snipped off several inches of my own hair. At first, I was terrified because I’m used to going to high-end salons that I pay hundreds of dollars for every couple of months. But this time around, when I put all the faith — er, scissors — into my own hands, I managed to give myself the cutest haircut I’ve ever had! Plus, I’ve saved hundreds in the process. #WinonaForever.  

Dining Out

Opting for home-cooked meals over fast food helps you save in more ways than one. While you may think that a $5 combo meal from Burger King is a total steal now, down the line, these poor dietary choices can take a significant toll on your health and your medical bills. While I’m a massive advocate for moderation, I’m also super passionate about my home-cooked meals. It’s just so much more nutritious, and honestly more delicious when it’s naturally cooked, without all the added chemicals and preservatives. With the host of physical and mental health benefits that come from organic eating vs fast food, I’m never going back to my old diet of Chipotle and Shake Shack. Then there’s the fact that clean eating saves me hundreds per year. 

Gym Memberships

I’m what TikTokers call a “cardio bunny.” I love running as a part of my daily routine due to the endless physical and mental health benefits exercise brings. But want to hear a shocking truth? When I have a gym membership, I work out way less than usual. I guess it’s the whole process of schlepping to the gym only to be surrounded by sweaty strangers that puts a stake in my motivation. 

It’s so much easier to just lace up my running shoes and take a jog on my trusty treadmill. For only $200 bucks, it’s well worth it. Because I get to run in the comfort of my own space whenever/wherever I want — unlike the gym, where there’s generally a 30-min limit.  

Designer Clothing

Who’s gonna know the difference if it’s a real Burberry scarf or a fake one? I sure can’t tell! And wanna know a secret? Neither will most people. Plus, fashion trends come and go like the wind. It’s better to buy clothes for the purpose of self expression than to simply buy designerwear in an effort to prove to yourself — and others — that you can afford it. 

During a time when everything else in my life felt out of control, I overspent on designer clothes.

In order to find some grounding, I bought a bunch of Burberry products that I didn’t need. My mindset was, “How could my life possibly be a chaotic mess if I’m strutting about in designer clothing? Sure, everything is falling apart, but at least I’ve got this Burberry scarf to keep me cozy! *laughs in denial.* 

Although the clothes were undeniably beautiful (they’re designer, after all,) I felt like a fraud wearing them. They were lovely, but they weren’t me. Now, I only buy outfits that align with my overall aura.

Makeup Products

I used to subscribe to the whole “seasonal shades” marketing campaign, where I’d buy a bunch of warm colors for the fall and cooler shades for winter. While it’s fun to play with seasonal looks, investing in classic makeup saves money in the long run. AKA “timeless” products, like bold red lipstick and the best foundation for your skin texture. Taking this “timeless” approach is a fantastic way to avoid overspending on junk you don’t need. (Do you really need that $35 brow highlighter? Put it down, sis.) 

Judiciously select the makeup products that best match your overall appearance, and turn this into your “signature look.” You’ll be amazed how much you save with just this teeny switch-up alone. 

Are you ready to start saving big? I know I am. With just a few mindful shifts in your daily habits, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the savings add up.