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Hello Reader,

Have you ever looked at your bank account and asked yourself, “Where did all my money go?” You’re not alone. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into spending patterns that quietly chip away at your budget and hold you back from your financial goals.

But here’s the good news: you don't have to hold your breath every time you check your account balance.

Let’s talk about 8 things to stop buying to save money!

1. Clothes and shoes for your fantasy life

Let’s start with the biggest one: buying for the version of yourself who doesn’t actually exist. You know, the one who’s always going to elegant dinners, jet-setting to Europe, or living a completely different lifestyle? We’ve shopped for her, too.

But the truth is, those fantasy purchases rarely match our real lives, and they don’t move us any closer to our goals. Plus, we never or rarely ever wear those items!

So focus instead on shopping for the life you’re living now, and not the life that exists on a Pinterest board!

2. Viral trend items and fashion dupes

We’ve all been there. Something’s trending on TikTok or Instagram, and suddenly it feels like a must-have. But viral items often lose their shine quickly, and fashion dupes rarely hold up long term.

Before you click “buy,” ask: Do I actually want this? Or am I caught up in the hype?

Remember: trending isn’t the same as timeless! If you’ve found yourself falling for too many trends, it might be time for a shopping ban to recalibrate!​

3. Takeout every time you’re tired

We love a good takeout meal. But when it becomes the daily default or is your go-to every time you’re tired, busy, or “just not in the mood”, it adds up fast.

It easily can cost hundreds each month!

Instead, keep 2–3 easy, go-to meals in your back pocket. Think frozen stir fry, pasta with veggies, or pre-prepped salad kits.

​It doesn’t have to mean cooking gourmet meals; it just means planning ahead.

4. Subscription boxes you forgot you signed up for

Skincare, books, wine, clothes, you name it, there’s a subscription box for it. They seem fun at first, but over time, many of them just become automatic clutter.

Ask yourself: Am I still using what I get? Or does it go straight to a shelf, unopened?

Audit your subscriptions and cancel the ones that no longer bring real value. That $30–$60 a month could be going toward your emergency fund or debt payoff!

5. Books you don’t have time to read

Who can resist a good book haul? While they look pretty on the shelf or neatly tucked in a corner, unread books still count as clutter.

We know you’re planning to catch up on your reading, but if you haven’t made time for the books you already own, chances are those new purchases will just sit on the shelf for a while too.

So make a rule: No new books until you’ve read what you already own. Or better yet, start using your local library (it’s free!).​

6. Guilt gifts or “I’m tired” toys for the kids

Parents, we feel you. The guilt is real, especially when life gets busy or you’re too tired to be fully present. So we buy toys or treats to fill the gap.

But when this becomes a habit, it drains your budget and teaches the wrong lesson about love and connection.

Instead, aim for quality time over stuff. A walk, a game, reading together, those moments are what truly matter.

7. Seasonal sale items you don’t need

The sale trap is sneaky. You think you’re saving money, but really you just spent money on an unnecessary expense.

Before checking out, ask: Would I want this if it weren’t on sale? If the answer is no, then pass on the item.

Sales aren’t savings if the item was never on your list to begin with.

8. Productivity tools you don’t actually use

The new planner. The new app. The new journal. You tell yourself, This will be the thing that finally gets me on track.

But tools don’t work unless you use them. And buying new ones won’t change that.

Stick with one system that works for you and show up consistently. Your progress will come from action, not aesthetics.

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If you want to hit your financial goals, the first step is about spending smarter. The key is to cut the noise and focus on what actually matters to you.

So take a few minutes, look through your recent transactions, and ask yourself: What can I stop buying? Where can I make room for what really matters?

Progress starts with awareness, and you’ve already taken the first step.

If you're looking for other ways to save money, check out our free savings challenge course!

Check out the Clever Girl Finance Shop!

📺 On YouTube

Tune in to this YouTube video on 10 Things to stop buying if you want to hit your financial goals!

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Be sure to Clever Girl Finance YouTube channel for more great videos!

📖 On the blog

• ​Save more! Try a no spend challenge!​​
• ​The 100-day envelope challenge: Save $5000+ in months!​​
• ​How to do a 6-month savings challenge to save money fast!​​

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🎧 On the podcast

• ​How Keenya saved $30,000 and then moved to Paris!​

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Talk soon ❤️
Team CGF
(Kiersten & Bola)

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