10 Things I Refuse to Spend Money On

Frugal, Frugal Cheap

There’s a big difference between being frugal and being cheap.

Frugal means you’re intentional. You spend where it matters and skip what doesn’t. Cheap means cutting corners — even if it costs more in the long run.

As someone who values both financial freedom and quality of life, I’ve learned to say “no” to a lot of things people assume are necessary. I don’t feel deprived. I feel empowered — because I’m choosing what I value most.

In this post, I’ll share the 10 things I refuse to spend money on — not out of sacrifice, but on purpose. You might find a few to steal for your own frugal (but abundant) life.

1. Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets

Avocado slicers. Popcorn makers. Electric egg boilers. These things solve problems that didn’t need solving.

What I do instead: Use a knife. Use a pot. Use what I already have.

Why I skip it: They take up space, break easily, and rarely save time.

2. Trendy Clothes That Don’t Last

Fast fashion is tempting — it’s everywhere and cheap. But those impulse buys usually end up unused in the back of the closet.

What I do instead: Stick to timeless basics and rewear with pride. Thrift when possible. Quality over quantity always.

Why I skip it: My wallet, my closet, and the planet all thank me.

3. Bottled Water (Except When Traveling)

In most cases, bottled water is an unnecessary expense and a plastic problem.

What I do instead: Carry a reusable water bottle. Use a filter if needed.

Why I skip it: Convenience shouldn’t cost the earth — or R$10 per bottle.

4. Overpriced Beauty Products

I used to think higher price = better skin. Not true. Many drugstore products have the same active ingredients as luxury brands.

What I do instead: Learn what ingredients actually work and simplify my routine.

Why I skip it: I’m investing in skin health — not branding or fancy packaging.

5. Extended Warranties

They sound smart, but are rarely used — and often already covered by consumer law or credit card protections.

What I do instead: Take care of what I buy. Read the return policies. Use a card with purchase protection.

Why I skip it: It’s usually just an extra cost that gives a false sense of security.

6. Constant Home Decor Updates

Every season brings a new “must-have” — but constantly refreshing your decor adds up fast and clutters your space.

What I do instead: Decorate slowly, with items that are meaningful or multi-seasonal.

Why I skip it: I’d rather my space feel calm and personal than trendy.

7. Subscriptions I Don’t Use (or Forget About)

It’s easy to lose track of streaming, apps, or trial services that quietly renew each month.

What I do instead: Regularly audit my subscriptions. Cancel ruthlessly. Share accounts when it makes sense.

Why I skip it: I’d rather spend on one or two services I love than 10 I don’t use.

8. Delivery Fees (Most of the Time)

Ordering in is easy — but between delivery, service fees, and tips, one simple meal can double in cost.

What I do instead: Cook at home, batch meals, or do pickup when I want convenience.

Why I skip it: Delivery is a treat, not a default.

9. Name Brand Pantry Staples

For basics like flour, rice, oats, or canned beans, I go generic. They taste the same — or close enough — and cost far less.

What I do instead: Compare ingredients, not labels. Sometimes even find better quality from small brands or bulk bins.

Why I skip it: Branding isn’t worth a 30% markup on a grocery staple.

10. Anything That Creates More Work Than Value

This is my personal golden rule. If it takes more energy to maintain, clean, store, or manage than it gives me in return… I pass.

Examples: Complicated juicers, white clothes that stain instantly, apps I need to babysit daily.

Why I skip it: Peace is part of the price tag. I protect it.

Extras:

11. Expensive Beauty Products That Do the Same Thing as Drugstore Brands

I used to think a $60 serum had to be better than a $12 one from the pharmacy. But after years of trial and error, I realized many “luxury” skincare items are just repackaged versions of affordable ingredients.

Dermatologists agree: it’s not the price tag that matters — it’s the formulation. According to Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), basic skincare with ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, and ceramides is just as effective when found in affordable brands.

So now I skip the $90 jars and stick to what actually works.

Bonus tip: Check out INCIdecoder.com to compare formulas — you’ll be surprised how often the ingredients are identical.

12. Daily Takeout Coffee

Let me clarify: I love coffee. But I don’t love spending R$15–20 a day on it.

A few years ago, I invested in a good French press and a milk frother. The total cost? Around R$200. It paid for itself within a month.

Now I make a latte at home every morning — and when I do go out for coffee, it feels like a treat, not a reflex.

💡 Want to save over R$3,000 a year? Skip the café and brew at home.
(Based on R$15 coffee x 5 days/week x 50 weeks.)

13. Gift Wrap and Greeting Cards

This one might sound petty, but hear me out: most people rip off the wrapping and toss it within seconds. Instead of buying new paper or cards, I reuse kraft paper, scrap fabric, or even newspaper. And I write personal notes instead of buying pre-written cards.

It’s not just frugal — it’s meaningful. And honestly, no one has ever said, “Wow, your gift wrap looked cheap.”

What I Choose to Spend On Instead

Being frugal doesn’t mean saying “no” to everything. It means saying a louder yes to what matters most.

Here’s where I happily spend:

• Good food
• Health and wellness
• Tools that save me time or energy
• Learning and personal growth
• Moments of joy — even if small

Also, read our article on simple tips where you can save up to $300 per month here >

🧠 Why This List Matters More Than Ever

In an age of endless subscriptions, “upgrades,” and impulse buys delivered in 2 days or less, it’s easy to feel like frugality is outdated. But for many of us, intentional spending is the real luxury.

Saying no to things isn’t about deprivation. It’s about values. It’s about protecting your time, space, and energy from stuff that doesn’t actually improve your life. And research backs that up — a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people who spend on experiences and essentials report greater long-term happiness than those who spend on material goods.

So if you’ve ever felt guilty for not “keeping up” with trends, influencers, or tech — consider this post your permission slip.

✨ A Shift in Perspective: Spending ≠ Value

Let’s be real: just because you can afford something doesn’t mean it’s worth it. One of the most freeing things I’ve done in my 30s is stop spending money just to meet some invisible lifestyle standard.

I started asking myself:

1. Will this improve my day-to-day life?
2. Is this something I’ll still use or enjoy in 6 months?
3. Am I buying this for me — or to avoid judgment?

More often than not, the honest answer was: I don’t need it. That mindset shift alone has saved me thousands.

Here is a good article to expand on the subject by the NerdWallet >

🧘 Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Being Cheap — It’s About Being Free

The goal isn’t to hoard money or avoid joy — it’s to make space for what actually matters.

When I stopped spending on things I didn’t value, I suddenly had:

• More savings
• Less clutter
• Fewer regrets
• More freedom

And perhaps most importantly: I started spending more intentionally on things that bring real joy — like travel, education, time with loved ones, and a slower, less anxious lifestyle.

Frugal Isn’t Less — It’s Smarter

You don’t have to cut everything. You just have to cut what doesn’t serve you.

Let your values, not trends, guide your wallet. You’ll spend less, stress less, and feel more aligned every time you swipe.

Frugal isn’t being cheap — it’s being clear.