Decluttering, minimalism, and essentialism share a common thread: having less. Less equates to purchasing less; purchasing less means more money in our pockets. Well, isn’t that a phenomenon that should be talked about more?
As Thomas Sowell says, “A great idea needs to be repeated.” As a tribute to the -live with less community, I will share the things we no longer buy or buy into.
This is a list of 20 items we used to buy and over time, we have learned they are costly and often unnecessary. I began to feel overwhelmed and cluttered, and the excess in our home was becoming increasingly overwhelming; we were renovating our condo while living there, and managing our belongings felt daunting. Our expenses were increasing, and I wanted to rid us of the burden of managing stuff and increase our income. We began donating and selling our belongings and quickly felt the benefits of having fewer possessions. At the same time, we decided to lower our expenses; our car payment was our highest fixed expense. Although we could afford our vehicle, we had no peace with the additional monthly cost.
A spark was lit during this time of change, and it has helped us achieve our financial goals. Side note, this is not to diminish anyone’s purchases or desires; this is just a list to spark some thought about the things we could live without.
20 Things We Stopped Buying & Buying into
1. Car Leases & New Cars
A new car is typically much more expensive than a used vehicle. New vehicles lose up to 20 percent of their value as soon as you drive off the lot. Leasing a car comes with expenses, from the upfront fee to the monthly payment and additional costs when the lease ends. At the end of a car lease, you end up with nothing tangible after months of paying the lease fees. There are several benefits to purchasing a car in cash, including avoiding car payments, paying lower sales taxes, and incurring lower costs over time.
2. Home Décor: The Pinterest Look
I love a cozy home; décor can be warming and create a wonderful atmosphere, but trying to achieve the Pinterest look and having the perfect cohesive décor can be costly. Putting on blinders when viewing trending décor and prioritizing atmosphere and practicality can save money in the long term. If it’s a meaningful and practical purchase, I am less likely to experience buyer’s remorse and enjoy the item in the long term. We purchase pieces we love, so we are not stuck with them later. I also appreciate antiques and vintage items, which can often be priced less than buying new items.
3. Excessive Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories
Here is one of the biggest secrets of all time: there is no such thing as the best. You can search for days, weeks, or years; still, there will always be something better and newer. I no longer seek the perfect wardrobe and have simplified my own. It took me many years to realize that I like the classic ’90s style, which is somewhat timeless, and I stick to that. It is easier to get dressed in the morning, saving money on not purchasing clothing I don’t wear.
4. Excessive Makeup
I have only what I use; once I finish it, I replace it. I keep it simple and use about three items: foundation, mascara, and lipstick. I also stick to the brands I like.
5. Hair Salon
I no longer dye my hair and now cut it myself. My standards are much higher when I pay for a haircut, and my critiquing skyrockets. I am more satisfied when I’m not looking for perfection; that’s far too much responsibility for a hairstylist.
6. Dermatologist
No Botox, fillers, or lasers. It’s freeing to be content with the way I look and to embrace each year as it comes.
7. Social media
I now say no to advertising schemes and want to be a famous lifestyle; it’s not so social after all.
8. Complicated workout plans
I have tried various workouts and supplements over the past 13 years. I have spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in this industry. While it was not in vain, it was part of my fitness education, but keeping it simple works best. Whole, nutritious foods, staying active, and tried-and-true workouts are the simplest form of healthy living.
9. Supplements
Supplements are often expensive and often contain synthetic ingredients. They are not required.
10. Books
We borrow a book from the library and read a lot more now that we can access such a wide variety. Here is an update for 2025: We are building our home library. Therefore, we are purchasing books.
11. Dining out
Most of our meals are cooked at home, including our lunches. We budget for our dining-out meals and enjoy them as a form of entertainment.
12. Coffee
I have never been much of a mocha, chocolate Frappuccino $7 coffee person, but I wanted to add this to the list. If we go to Starbucks or Dunkin’, I stick to a small black coffee for $2; somehow, I feel I’m winning with this selection.
13. Latest phone
Our phones will only be replaced if necessary. No, thank you, on financing a phone, or whichever way the phone companies phrase it now.
14. Complicated recipes
Recipes will need to include ingredients that we regularly use for me to cook them; we are no longer purchasing one-time use ingredients.
15. Point system
No, I’m not giving out my information to get free ice cream or coffee; I’ll happily buy it. If it’s free, we are the product.
16. Dry Cleaning
If we can’t wash it ourselves, we won’t buy it.
17. Dream Anything
A dream house, dream wardrobe, dream vacation. Yes, I still use the word; it’s an easy way to express something we aim for or a goal. However, we no longer think this is the thing that’s going to be the thing.
18. Jewelry
A Rolex watch, a Cartier watch, diamond-studded earrings, and a diamond necklace were once part of my jewelry collection; I no longer have them and no longer have to care for them.
19. Manicures & Pedicures
Manicures and pedicures can add up quickly, as they only last about two weeks. Instead, I do this in the comfort of my own home.
20. Streaming Services or Cable
We have Hulu, which is included with our phone plan; we also use an excellent old-fashioned TV antenna. Additionally, we borrow movies from the library and occasionally rent them. We have more options than needed at no additional monthly cost.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these may not all be absolutes; we have removed them and feel lighter. Something extraordinary about having less is that it expands a sense of calmness and time. If you’re looking for more time and eliminating unnecessary expenses, this list was created to spark some thought about the things we could live without.