Many frugal individuals swear by avoiding certain purchases altogether, knowing that these little habits can lead to substantial savings over time. But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that these items are worth splurging on in certain situations. Still, for the majority trying to stretch their dollar, steering clear of these things can make a big difference. Curious to see what they avoid? Let’s dive in.
They avoid buying anything at gas stations except for fuel itself. Typically, snacks, drinks, and convenience items come with inflated prices that can add up quickly.
Instead of brand new phones, many opt for refurbished models. For example, getting a gently used or factory-refurbished device, like the latest Samsung Galaxy S25, can cost half as much as buying new, yet function just as well. This approach is especially popular among tech-savvy savers.
— SoSavv (https://www.reddit.com/user/SoSavv/)
The majority of their wardrobe is secondhand. Buying pre-owned clothing through thrifting not only cuts costs but also benefits the environment by reducing textile waste. They find unique, vintage pieces that stand out and don’t contribute to fast fashion’s wastefulness.
For holiday decorations, many newcomers to thrifting discover astonishing deals. Instead of buying new at stores like Target, they find vintage or gently used holiday decor at thrift shops for a fraction of the price—sometimes just a tenth of the cost—and plan to never buy new decorations again.
— ImpressScary2303 (https://www.reddit.com/user/ImpressScary2303/)
Instead of going to salons or paying professionals for hair coloring, some choose to do it themselves. For example, performing balayage at home can cost around $100 a year—covering multiple sessions—compared to $250–$300 when done professionally. With a bit of patience and practice, many get compliments on their DIY hair styling.
Trendy home decor and furniture are frequently sourced secondhand. Thrifting most of their house furnishings saves thousands of dollars. Plus, they select high-quality pieces that are durable enough to last decades. Since styles continually evolve, many of these thrifted items are ‘in style’ precisely because they don’t follow fleeting trends.
They steer clear of low-quality cheap items, fast fashion, or trinkets. Instead, they focus on investing in well-made, repairable products that last longer. This results in fewer possessions overall but ensures that what they own remains functional and attractive over time.
— Cats-on-Jupiter (https://www.reddit.com/user/Cats-on-Jupiter/)
- Shopping isn’t treated as a hobby or leisure activity. Instead, they go out with a strict shopping list, purchasing only what’s necessary or what they genuinely want, rather than browsing aimlessly and buying on impulse.
— schokobonbons (https://www.reddit.com/user/schokobonbons/)
To reduce waste and save money, many replace disposable items with reusable or repurposed alternatives. Investing in washable or refillable versions of products — whether at home or work — helps cut down on throwaway items and long-term costs.
Reusable cleaning supplies are also popular. For instance, some buy washable mop pads online, use them with a mixture of water and a bit of cleaner, like Mr. Clean, and eliminate the need for constantly purchasing disposable replacements.
— FantasticGolf7154 (https://www.reddit.com/user/FantasticGolf7154/)
- In recent years, many have shifted away from ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, opting instead to walk, bike, or use public transit whenever possible, reserving rides for emergencies. This change significantly cuts transportation expenses.
— Hold_Effective (https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1q5wl7d/comment/ny38mw1/)
Having learned from retail experience, they avoid paying full price on clothing and other items. If they really love a style, they might buy it at full price, but generally, they wait for sales and discounts. They also dislike the manipulative scarcity tactics brands often use to pressure people into quick purchases, suspecting that if a product is great, it will be available again.
They also avoid purchasing excessive quantities of personal care products like chapstick, shampoo, conditioner, makeup, or cleaning wipes until current supplies run out. For example, using up half-empty bottles over nearly two years allows them to buy less often, saving money and reducing clutter.
— VariousCrow5435 (https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1q5wl7d/comment/ny42f4v/)
- Store brands and generics almost always beat name-brand foods in cost, and often in quality as well. Choosing store-brand items is a simple yet effective way to save significantly on groceries.
— Daddygamer84 (https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1q5wl7d/comment/ny3dfwz/)
Lastly:
- Instead of shelling out for expensive greeting cards, they prefer creating handmade cards or upcycling received cards. When giving gifts in person, they often write a heartfelt message on a simple tag rather than buying a costly card.
So, what about you? Is there something you never buy because it just doesn’t make sense to spend money on it? How much have you managed to save by sticking to this rule? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below—let’s start a conversation on smart saving habits! Remember, small changes can lead to big savings over time.
