How Often Do YOU Splurge On Everyday Items

When it comes to saving money, everyone’s plan is different. While some prefer discounts, others would like to swap out big spenders with more affordable options. When it comes to your personal finances, there is no right or wrong way of approaching your savings as long as you do it for the right reasons and with the right mindset. 

It’s important to, above all else, come to terms with one obvious fact: saving money means, first and foremost, not wasting money. You needn’t despair. Just because you haven’t thought of these things before doesn’t mean you should abandon any attempts at being mindful. Any step in the right direction is a good one. Starting on this path also doesn’t mean you have to radically change your habits.

Remember, any of these tips should be incorporated into your daily routine. Eventually, they’ll come as naturally to you as breathing. Forcing yourself to dramatically change your ways and NOT splurge will also most likely lead to pushback, and setting extravagant goals will dampen your mood for change. 

These tips should help you on your way to saving money without feeling overwhelmed.

You Don’t Need To Splurge To Have Fun

You finally have some free time on your hands. Now, what to do with it? As enjoyable as leisure activities are, there are times when the mere thought of them can bring us more stress than we would like. Just thinking about putting together a plan or a get-together to fit everyone’s tastes can distract us and lead us toward an unfavorable outcome for our wallets. 

Spending time at home with friends or family doesn’t have to be boring, and you don’t have to splurge! You can organize a potluck, a movie marathon or a game night. You don’t have to dish out top dollars for an enjoyable dinner with your loved ones, you can do it from the comfort of your own dining room. 

Think of all the formidable movies you haven’t had time or money to catch at the cinema. Save money on transport and tickets. Not to mention you also get to avoid the pesky, overpriced concession stand in the process. 

Game nights aren’t just for kids, either. Plenty of board games offer fun and satisfying outcomes for all ages. Don’t have any? What about a pack of playing cards? Friendly competitions don’t have to be elaborate, just fun! 

Don’t Splurge! Seek Adventures Around Your City

If you need a change of scenery, your city probably has plenty of opportunities to offer on a dime or even for free. When is the last time you took a leisurely walk through the park? If the weather is right, you can even have a picnic. 

Museums are a great way to have fun and learn something new at the same time, and you don’t have to splurge. If you don’t particularly feel like visiting all the exhibits, chances are you’ll discover events and courses instead. If your local museum has an entrance fee, check online for discounts or free days, just in case. Either way, you’ll end up with an interesting activity at a very small cost. 

Finally, a tour of the city might be just what you need. You never know what you might find if you start exploring outside your usual boundaries. A favorite new cafe? A cute little boutique store? Cities are ever-changing, and you might be surprised by the plethora of new things and places you can now enjoy. Don’t forget about the pop-up art exhibitions in the form of murals that are so popular nowadays! 

Don’t Splurge On Cable Deals

Why splurge and pay for an elaborate cable plan when you know you won’t have the time to watch everything it has to offer? Massive packages come with plenty of options to pick and choose from. They sound exciting, and they lure you in with thoughts of ‘’what if I ever want to watch this?’. It’s time to be honest with yourself and take a good hard look at expenses in this area. 

The internet is also a fantastic source of entertainment. With more and more movie platforms coming out, it’s almost impossible not to find one for your taste.  If you’re a fan of watching the news, keep in mind that most networks have clips on their own platforms so you won’t miss out on what’s happening either. 

Last but not least, by using these platforms, you can generally avoid lengthy commercial breaks that are designed to convince you to buy their products. By avoiding these in general, you’re also more likely to not waste any money. 

Don’t Splurge On Books

Who doesn’t love a good book? Organizing your library, color-coding it, and making sure you have the latest edition of your favorite book is a fan’s biggest dream. But let’s be honest, this hobby isn’t exactly cheap. 

Try not to splurge. Avoid buying limited edition books or even hardcover copies altogether if you have to. You can take it one step further and visit your local library as renting out books is absolutely free. If your friends are bookworms just like you, it also doesn’t hurt to ask to borrow theirs or do a swap. That way, both of you get something out of it, and you also win by sharing your experiences at the end of your reads! 

Don’t Splurge On Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper feels like a must all year round, but we especially feel the pressure of buying it around the holidays. What about birthdays, though? If you feel the need to decorate your presents with colorful paper, we don’t blame you! But the good news is…you don’t have to splurge!

 If you pick the simple paper, you not only come out on top, but you also have the possibility of adding a personal touch to your wrapping. Well wishes and fun messages that cater to your friend’s personality and needs will most definitely make a bigger impact than the generic, store-bought alternative. Add a simple bow on top, and you’re all done!

Don’t Splurge On Stationery

It’s so easy to purchase stationery that we sometimes go above and beyond. Oftentimes this leads to buying too much of something you only use very rarely. If you’re in the habit of misplacing your pens and various refills you use around the office, it’s definitely easier to take some time to organize your working station first.

That way, you know exactly what you’re missing, what you can avoid buying in the future, and what you have multiples of- I’m looking at you, various boxes of staples!

If you have kids that love to draw, saving up is a tenfold issue. Instead of using too much paper and buying too many crayons, we recommend investing in a whiteboard and a set of markers. Once your child finishes an art piece, you can snap a picture of it instead and display it on a digital frame. Did we mention this is also fantastic for the environment? 

Don’t Splurge On Clothes

Having a stylish wardrobe is hard work, but it can also be incredibly expensive. With all the changing trends, it’s especially easy to get swept up in spending big. 

Next time you go shopping, keep an eye out for the newest collection but try looking for alternatives instead. For long-term saving, take note of what looks suspiciously like what last year’s catalogs had to offer. Think ahead, and as soon as the season changes, chances are that stores will offer items at a discount.

This is especially true for summer and winter wears. If there are any products still left over, stores will most definitely sell them for incredibly cheap! 

Don’t Splurge On Makeup

There is no shortage of makeup options out there. New pallets and formulas are coming out every day, it seems, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

When looking for new eyeshadows, for example, don’t immediately reach for the biggest pallet available. Look at it critically and ask yourself if you’re ever going to use all the available colors. If not, then it’s time to look for cheaper alternatives or even single items. That way, you know you’ve bought something you love without feeling guilty over the stuff you don’t feel like using. 

Instead of buying every shade of lipstick under the sun, consider mixing a few shades with various lip pencils. Lip pencils are a great way to make sure your makeup stays in place, and they also offer you the option to change colors. Use a red pencil with red lipstick for a vibrant color, but use a brown pencil with the same red lipstick for a more earthy tone. 

Don’t Splurge On Kitchen Gadgets

If cooking shows have taught me anything, it’s that I definitely don’t own enough kitchen gadgets. From stand mixers to frosting tips to cookie cutters, there is an abundance of things we think that we need but that we only use once in a blue moon. The truth is you don’t have to break the bank for so many items, and chances are, if you actually buy that breadmaker, it won’t see the light of day as often as you’d like. 

Of course, there are things that will make cooking a lot easier, like a hand mixer instead of a whisk. We’re not saying don’t ever buy these gadgets, just be mindful of what you’ll actually use versus impulse buys. 

Don’t Splurge On Maintenance

Taking care of your house is extremely important! Many things can break or go wrong over the years, and we’re not saying you shouldn’t reach out to professionals for big fixes. When it comes to sprucing up, however, it’s definitely cheaper to do it yourself.

Painting rooms or cabinets should only cost you time and materials, and with the help of a loved one, it would also be a fun activity if you tackle it in just the right way.

Housekeeping can also be really expensive, especially if you rely on outsourcing. If you do it yourself regularly, then you’ll come out cheaper. A little goes a long way, too! Just a few swipes here and there every day will save you time and energy so that you won’t have to rely on deep cleaning every few weeks. 

If you’ve got a lawn to worry about, consider doing that yourself too. Pop on some earbuds and listen to music or an audiobook while you’re at it! 

Don’t Splurge On Manicures

Spending a few hours at a salon getting your nails done does sound relaxing, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. With the overabundance of tutorial videos on how to paint your own nails, all you need is time and patience to save up money. 

You don’t even need the latest stickers, stencils, or dotting tools either. For example, ombre nails are incredibly easy to achieve with just a sponge, acetone, and your favorite nail polish colors.

You can use simple shades and top them up with glitter for various effects, too, saving up on bottles upon bottles of nail polish. You don’t have to splurge when you mix and match what you already have.

If you maintain your manicure periodically, you don’t even have to go to the salon at all. Cuticle oil can go a long way. Just a few minutes a day while you’re busy watching a movie or a video, and your wallet will thank you for it!

Don’t Splurge On Fitness

Going to the gym can be extremely beneficial to your long-term health, but if you find it to be too expensive, consider other options. Running is a great way to stay fit, and it only costs as much as you’re willing to spend on a good pair of running shoes.

Consider following online exercise videos when you’re at home and find a routine that works best for you. 

Better yet, find a group of friends willing to exercise in the park and organize an activity surrounding health and fitness. That way, you’ll motivate each other and keep pushing forward while also staying mindful of your spending. 

And don’t forget, you don’t have to buy the latest gadgets either. A yoga mat or a few dumbbells are more than enough, you don’t have to buy anything you’re unsure if you’re going to use. 

Don’t Splurge On Cleaning Products

Whoever said you need different cleaning solutions for every surface in the house was only out to make a quick buck. And it’s no wonder the cleaning industry is huge! But don’t worry about clearing out a whole supermarket aisle just to clean your home.

You can get away with just one or two cleaning sprays, and you’re all set. Reading the instructions on the back should give you a good idea of just how similar they are!

Paper towels are also a bad investment. Consider buying a few more kitchen towels instead. You can always throw those in the washing machine once you’re done since reusability means saving. 

Don’t Splurge On Personal Hygiene

Now, we’re absolutely not encouraging anyone to avoid personal hygiene. We simply think that you don’t have to splurge. There are ways you can save money through careful purchasing.

Ask yourself if you truly need a body and hand lotion or if you need a conditioner and a hair mask at the same time. If you find that you use both, then consider cheaper alternatives by checking out their ingredients and comparing them to more affordable brands. 

We’ve been conditioned to think that in order to stay clean, we need tens of items, but the truth is a little goes a long way. If you’re unsure, then we suggest cutting down on the usage of certain items one at a time.

Like that, you can check and see what you really can’t go without and what needs to stay. We think you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to change our habits while not avoiding being clean! 

Do you tend to splurge often? We have the perfect solution for you! Check out: Ultimate Guide to Saving: 55 Ways to Save Money Every Day!