13 Purchases to Cut Back On to Keep More Money in Your Pocket

Trimming these everyday expenses can make a surprisingly big difference to your budget.

Cable TV

Consider dropping cable. With streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, you can watch most things right away for far less than a cable subscription.

If you still want live programming, HDTV antennas and YouTube TV are alternatives worth looking into.

Plastic Baggies

Plastic baggies are convenient, which is why people keep buying them by the box. But reusable baggies usually cost about the same as a large pack of sandwich bags and can be washed and used again.

They seal well and are biodegradable, while ordinary plastic bags can take 500 to 1,000 years or more to break down in a landfill.

Impulse Purchases

This is about more than just grabbing something while hungry or waiting in line, though those moments count too.

Constant online browsing makes it easy to discover something you never meant to buy and have it on the way within minutes. A helpful rule is to leave every online item in your cart for at least a day before checking out.

As a bonus, some retailers may offer a discount if you linger. Just make sure your decision is based on actual need, not the coupon.

Cleaning Products

Many store-bought cleaners sitting in your cabinet can be replaced with a few basics from the pantry, including cleaning vinegar and baking soda.

Making your own is simpler than it sounds, and the right mixtures really do work. Start by swapping out one regular cleaner for a homemade version, then build from there.

Unnecessary Groceries

One study from the University of Vermont found that the average American throws away nearly a pound of food each day. That hurts both your budget and the environment.

To reduce waste, plan meals for the week with your current food supply in mind, then shop from a list and stick to it.

Leftovers and freezer storage can help too. Fruits and vegetables that are close to turning, for example, make excellent smoothie ingredients.

Paper Towels and Napkins

A 36-pack of microfiber cloths can cost about the same as a 12-pack of paper towels, but it lasts much longer. It also helps to keep cloth napkins on hand.

Store dirty cloths in a small hamper under the sink so paper products stay out of the kitchen.

Dryer Sheets

Try reusable wool dryer balls instead. They can reduce the need to keep buying dryer sheets and may also shorten drying time by as much as 40 percent, according to the manufacturer, which can lower energy use as well.

You can also make your own dryer sheets if you prefer.

Greeting Cards

Those $3 and $5 cards add up quickly. Choosing free e-cards instead also saves on postage, and services such as Smilebox, justWink, and Paperless Post are popular options.

If you want something physical, try making your own cards and keeping a stash ready, or buy an inexpensive box of all-occasion cards that will last for years.

New Clothes

Before buying new, look at thrift and vintage options, which are often cheaper and more eco-friendly. For more current styles, check local thrift shops or online resale sites like Poshmark and ThreadUp.

Vintage pieces, generally 25 years old or more, are especially useful for standout looks and special occasions. Local vintage stores and sites such as Etsy's vintage section are good places to search.

Meals Out

Dining out costs American households more than $3,000 a year on average, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Few people want to give it up entirely, but there are plenty of ways to reduce the total.

Bring lunch more often, make it more enjoyable so it feels less like sacrifice, and choose cheaper options like happy hour, lunch meetings instead of dinner, or an appetizer-style gathering at home.

Apps and In-App Purchases

Set aside time to review your app subscriptions and cancel the ones you no longer use. Monthly charges are easy to overlook.

For the apps you do keep, look for free or lower-cost alternatives if they encourage a lot of in-app spending. You can also set a spending cap and turn off in-app purchases once you reach it.

Another option is to use apps that help you save money, such as You Need a Budget and Mint.

Bottled and Canned Water

If you have not already, stop paying nearly $4 for bottled water when tap water at home costs almost nothing. If taste or quality is a concern, use a water filter and a reusable bottle.

Canned sparkling water is not cheap either. If fizzy drinks are a habit, try alternating them with regular water, or use a SodaStream to make your own.

Name-Brand Items

It is true that some generic products do not match the quality of more expensive brands, but many store-brand items are essentially the same.

This applies to hundreds of products, including medicines, food, and household goods. Read the labels carefully before you buy.