17 Genius Ideas To Help You Stop Spending Money!

It’s easy to get caught up in the habit of spending without thinking.

But the good news is, it’s totally possible to break the cycle.

In this article, we’re going to share simple, practical ways to stop spending money and start saving.

These strategies come from real experience and expert advice, so you know they actually work.

One of those experts is Jen Smith, co-host of the Frugal Friends podcast and co-author of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke.

Jen has spent years helping people rethink their spending habits, embrace frugality in a sustainable way, and make smarter financial decisions.

Whether you’re just trying to stick to a budget or you want to save up for something big, these tips will help you get there without feeling deprived.

What do you say? Let’s dive right in.

1. Track Every Expense

Let’s start with the basics: tracking every penny.

Before you can build wealth, you have to understand what you’re spending.

It sounds tedious, but honestly, it’s the secret to seeing where your money is vanishing.

You can use:

• An app like Rocket Money (I’ve tested it, and I still use it to compare my credit card balances to the amount of cash I have on hand).
• Monarch Money, YNAB, or Copilot. Monarch even offers a new customer discount using code: NEWYEAR2025
• A spreadsheet.
• Or even good old-fashioned pen and paper!

It doesn’t matter — just take action.

You’ll be amazed at how much you’re spending on small, “harmless” thingslike that daily coffee or random impulse buys at the checkout.

Once you start logging your expenses, you’ll get a real eye-opener.

You might find that you’re leaking money on things that don’t even add value.

Once you’re aware, you can start making smarter choices.

It’s like getting a behind-the-scenes look at your money habits—time to take the reins.

2. Set a Strict Budget

Now that you know where your money’s going, it’s time to set a budget.

Remember Rocket Money that I mentioned?

It’s a great tool for this.

But not just any budget—set a strict one.

Or, as Jen puts it, a spending plan.

One of the best methods is zero-based budgeting , which means assigning a job to every dollar. Think of it like “Profit First” but for personal finance. Even if you leave some money in a “miscellaneous” bucket, every dollar is accounted for.

If you prefer automation, consider setting up a direct deposit system where only your essential expenses stay in checking, and the rest is moved automatically to savings or investments.

3. Identify and Avoid Emotional Spending

Emotional spending can sneak up on you when you’re feeling stressed, bored, or even happy.

It’s that moment when you buy something to cheer yourself up or reward yourself.

But deep down… you know it’s not really what you need.

The trick to stopping this type of spending is recognizing when it’s happening.

Next time you’re tempted to make a purchase, check in with your emotions.

Are you trying to soothe anxiety, fill boredom, or celebrate a small win?

If the answer is yes, put the item down.

Find healthier ways to cope with your emotions, like:

• going for a walk
• calling a friend
• taking a few deep breaths

Jen suggests focusing on the “big three” expenses: housing, transportation, and food.

Those make up about 60% of our monthly budget according to study.

For example, negotiating rent or considering a more affordable living arrangement can save thousands.

Or opting for a used car, carpooling, or even temporarily going down to one vehicle can lead to significant savings.

As for food, meal planning, bulk shopping, and cutting back on takeout can drastically reduce monthly expenses.

Emotional spending may feel good in the moment, but it won’t provide long-term satisfaction.

And it hurts your budget in the process.

Making intentional decisions can create the most financial breathing room without sacrificing quality of life.

A note: Once you start perfecting how to spend less money, you can focus on building wealth. Watch below (or bookmark it) for 10 rules to grow your wealth.

Ok, let’s keep going.

4. Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions

Speaking of things you don’t need…

How many subscriptions do you have that you never use?

You probably forgot you even signed up for some of them.

Maybe it’s a streaming service you only used once, or a gym membership from a failed New Year’s resolution.

But if you’re not actively using them, they’re just draining money from your account.

One way to cut costs is to let subscriptions lapse and see if you even miss them.

Like if you’re only visiting the zoo or science center a couple of times a year, an annual membership might not be worth it. Instead, pay per visit and reassess whether you need the subscription next year.

Also, don’t forget that nothing is permanent. If you cancel a service and realize you need it later, you can always re-subscribe.

Many companies even offer discounts to lure back previous customers, meaning you might end up paying less in the long run.

Take a look at your bank statements and cancel anything you haven’t used in the last few months. It’s one of the easiest ways to free up extra cash.

5. Shop with a List

Shopping without a list is like trying to bake a cake without a recipe.

You’ll probably end up with a disaster.

When you go shopping—whether it’s for groceries or clothes—make a list and stick to it.

It’s a way of keeping temptation at bay.

Having a list helps you stay focused and avoid picking up things you don’t need.

It’s also about being intentional with your purchases.

Trust me, that pack of chips or random decorative pillow will look much less enticing when you have a clear purpose for your trip.

Bonus points if you stick to your list without any last-minute additions.

You got this!

Take Advantage of Smart Shopping Tools

• Target Pickup & Walmart Grocery Pickup – order what you need in advance and avoid the temptation of browsing aisles in-store. A tool that we find helpful to do this is WalMart Plus. By getting delivery and not going to the store, I literally can’t make any unplanned impulse buys.
• Meal Planning Services – Platforms like CookSmarts help plan meals in advance, so you only buy what you actually need.
• Meal Kit Deliveries – If meal planning feels too much, services like Factor or HelloFresh can help you stay within a set budget for food without overbuying.

6. Use Cash Instead of Cards

Paying with cash might feel old-school, but it’s one of the best ways to stop spending mindlessly.

When you use credit or debit cards, it’s easy to swipe without thinking.

The transaction feels “invisible”— until you check your bank balance later and realize you’ve overspent.

That’s why studies like Dun & Bradstreet’s show people spend 12-18% more with cards than with cash.

And look, we love to use credit cards and have earned thousands in free money over the years.

Below is proof of our credit card love!

But if you’re not a savvy credit card user, you can easily spend more by using credit.

But when you use cash, you physically see the money leaving your hands, making the purchase feel a lot more “real.”

Set a specific amount of cash for certain expenses (like groceries or entertainment) and once it’s gone, you’re done spending.

This is also a lesson for kids. If you hand them a credit card, they’d think money is endlless. Given them $20 and suddenly they get picky about what they buy.

Same thing happens with us adults. When the cash is gone, it’s gone.

7. Wait 24 Hours (or Longer) Before Making Non-Essential Purchases

You’re walking through a store, or maybe you’re online shopping, and something catches your eye.

You’re sure you need it, right?

Hey, not so fast! Practice delayed gratification, please.

Implement a 24-hour waiting rule.

Before making any non-essential purchase, pause for a day.

Give yourself the time to think about it and assess if you really need it.

You can push it even longer if you prefer.

I personally have a 3-day purchase rule – I’ll wait at least three days before a large purchase.

And I will go as long as 30 days before moving forward with a large purchase!

That motivation to buy often fades, especially when you recognize you’ve been living a perfectly happy existence without the item.

This strategy works wonders when you’re feeling tempted to splurge.

It will definitely help you spend less money.

And if after 24 hours (or 30 days!) you still want it, then go ahead and make the purchase.

But most of the time, you’ll find that you can live without it, and your wallet will be better off for it.

8. Automate Savings

One of the easiest ways to stop spending money is by saving automatically.

Be sure to use a high-yield savings account like Wealthfront (one of my favorites).

It ties to your existing online bank, and you can transfer funds back and forth as needed.

You also may want to set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account right after payday.

This way, you’ll never see that money in your regular account, reducing the temptation to spend it.

Out of sight, out of mind!

The best part is that you’re automatically building your savings without thinking about it.

Over time, it becomes a habit, and before you know it, you’ll have a nice cushion saved up.

Whether for emergencies, retirement, or a big purchase, automating your savings is a simple way to prioritize your future while cutting down on impulsive spending.

9. Go For The Best Deals

If you do have to spend, comparison shopping is your friend.

Before you buy anything, take the time to check prices at multiple stores or online.

• Google Shopping or Cashback Monitor – tracks cashback rates across multiple shopping portals
• Rakuten – earn cashback automatically on online purchases (If you’d like to learn more about Rakuten, you can read our review here)
• CNET Shopping – price tracking and coupons in one place
• Beni Browser Extension – finds secondhand or resale options when you shop online
• Gem – a must-have for vintage and high-end fashion deals.

10. Use the “Substitution Game”

Instead of cutting things out completely, find cheaper alternatives to what you’re already paying for:

• Switch cell providers → Mint Mobile can save you a ton compared to big-name carriers.
• Re-evaluate insurance → Shop around every year to get the best rate.
• Streaming services → Let them lapse for a few months and re-subscribe when you actually need them.

11. Remove Temptation

One of the easiest ways to stop spending money is to eliminate the constant barrage of temptations. Playing defense with willpower is exhausting!

Unsubscribe from marketing emails that flood your inbox with “limited-time” offers.

These sales are designed to make you feel like you’re missing out.

But when you stop receiving them, the temptation to buy will fade! Use tools like Unroll.me to mass-remove yourself from marketing lists or set up a filter to send promo emails straight to a folder you never check.

Similarly, unfollow accounts on social media that promote products you don’t need or show off flashy “deals.”

The more you expose yourself to ads and promotions, the harder it is to resist spending.

Instead, surround yourself with content that aligns with your goals—whether that’s saving money, living simply, or focusing on other areas of your life.

Lastly, set up new cues. If you usually shop out of boredom, swap that with something else: read a book, go for a walk, or even just step away from your phone.

12. Set Your North Star/Have a Goal

We might be at the part of this list where everything is starting to feel restrictive and overwhelming.

Well, this is where your “North Star” will come in handy…

This is the thing that keeps you motivated and focused.

Maybe it’s:

• saving for a dream vacation
• building an emergency fund
• paying off debt
• putting money aside for your kids’ tuition

Whatever it is, having a specific goal gives your efforts meaning.

When temptation strikes, remind yourself of what you’re working toward.

Picture the satisfaction of reaching that goal—the freedom of being debt-free or the excitement of a much-needed trip.

A strong goal will help you stay on track and push through distractions.

It’s not about depriving yourself it’s about investing in something far more rewarding down the road.

13. Take Time for Self-Reflection

To truly master your finances, you need to understand what truly makes you happy and healthy.

Take some time to reflect on your life and what you really need.

Sit down and think about what brings you joy and fulfillment.

Chances are, it’s not the latest luxury item or trendy gadget.

The key to managing your spending is realizing that happiness doesn’t come from accumulating more stuff.

Maybe it’s:

• time with loved ones
• a regular workout routine
• a peaceful evening with a good book

Understanding what you truly need will help you let go of the constant urge to buy things for temporary satisfaction.

The more you focus on the things that genuinely contribute to your well-being, the easier it becomes to stop spending on things that don’t.

14. Use the “4 Questions Rule” Before Buying Anything

Before making a purchase, ask yourself:

1. How can I get this for free? (Buy Nothing groups, borrowing, etc.)
2. How can I get it for low cost? (Secondhand stores, Poshmark, eBay, etc.)
3. How can I get a deal on it? (Coupons, sales, cashback apps)
4. How can I buy it full price without guilt? (If none of the above options work, but it aligns with your values and budget, go for it.)

This simple process can drastically reduce unnecessary spending.

15. Get an Accountability Partner

One of the best ways to stick to your spending goals is to have someone hold you accountable.

Money managing isn’t a solo sport. It takes a village, so share your financial plans with a partner, a friend, or even your kids.

Having someone to check in with can help you stay on track, especially when temptation strikes.

If you have kids, involve them in the conversation about income and spending.

Not only does this help them understand the value of money, but it also creates a shared responsibility for your financial goals.

Accountability keeps you honest. It’s easy to justify impulse buys in your head, but when you have to explain them to someone else? Suddenly, that random purchase doesn’t seem so smart.

16. Embrace Minimalism and Use What You Have

Challenge yourself to live with the bare essentials for a month.

Extreme times call for extreme measures!

Sell, donate, or store away everything that isn’t absolutely necessary, and focus on using what you already own.

Don’t upgrade or replace items until they’re no longer functional.

Whether it’s your phone, shoes, or furniture, extending the life of your current possessions helps you realize how little you actually need to be happy and satisfied.

This experiment will teach you to appreciate what you already have, making it easier to resist the urge to buy new things.

Eventually, you’ll save money and start to shift your mindset toward sustainability and contentment.

17. Take on a “No Spend Challenge”

This is a fun one.

Why not try a 30-day no-spend challenge? Think of it like a financial fasting where you give yourself a temporaty break from unnecessary spending.

Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke talks about how abstaining from certain behaviors can help reset your brain’s reqard system, which also applies to spending — when you pause mindless purchases, you start to appreciate what you already have.

Week 1 feels exciting and easy so you’re more motivated not to spend. Week 2, on the other hand, is the hardest phase because your usual spending triggers start creeping back in, and it kinda becomes tempting to justify purchases.

But your mind should start to shift in Weeks 3 and 4 and become more aware of your spending habits.

Yeah, it’s easy to say but hard to do, but the technique is finding what Jen calls the radical middle, a balance between mindful spending and financial freedom.

You don’t have to live like a monk forever, but spending less for a short period can help reshape your habits and priorities.

OK, So Where to Next?

As you enter each new year, embrace a fresh approach to money management.

By rethinking your spending habits, you’ll free up resources to invest in the things that truly matter to you.

With some focus and the right tools, you can transform your financial future and create the life you want—one smart decision at a time.

The power to change is in your hands!

And if you want to dig a bit deeper, look at doing a 30 day money cleanse!

Episode Links

• Frugal Friends Podcast
• Pre-order: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke
• Rocket Money
• Monarch Money
• YNAB (You Need a Budget)
• Copilot Money
• Poshmark
• Ebay
• Rules to Get Rich – Side Hustle Nation
• Brooks Conkle’s Personal Finance Rules
• 10 Rules to Grow Your Wealth
• Walmart+
• CookSmarts (Meal Planning)
• Factor (Meal Kit Delivery)
• HelloFresh (Meal Kit Delivery)
• Cashback Monitor
• Rakuten Review
• CNET Shopping
• Beni Browser Extension
• Gem (Vintage & High-End Fashion Deals)
• Mint Mobile
• Unroll.me (Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails)
• Buy Nothing Project
• Selling on eBay
• Clothing Consignment Business
• Credit Card Rewards
• Do Credit Cards Make You Spend More?
• Wealthfront (High-Yield Savings)
• 30-Day Money Cleanse
• Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke
• 10 Rules to Get Rich (Youtube)

Looking for More Side Hustle Help?

• Start Your Free $500 Challenge. My free 5-day email course shows you how to add $500 to your bottom line.
• Join the free Side Hustle Nation Community. The free Facebook group is the best place to connect with other side hustlers and get your questions answered.
• Download The Side Hustle Show. My free podcast shares how to make extra money with actionable weekly episodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I track every expense effectively?

To track every expense, you can use apps like Goodbudget or YNAB (You Need a Budget), or simply use a spreadsheet.

The key is consistency—log every purchase, no matter how small, and review your spending regularly to spot patterns.

How can I deal with emotional spending?

Recognizing it is the first step. Whenever you feel the urge to buy something impulsively, take a moment to check your emotions.

Are you anxious? Are you bored? Find a healthier outlet, like exercising or talking to a friend, and pause before making a purchase.

What are easy ways to start saving money right now?

Start by canceling unused subscriptions, automating savings, and using cash for purchases instead of credit cards.

You can also implement a 24-hour wait rule before making non-essential purchases to avoid impulse buys and save for your goals.