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.

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).
• 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.

Yeah, it might feel like a buzzkill at first, but it’s your golden ticket to controlling your spending.

Not spending is all about discipline.

Start by categorizing your expenses: groceries, entertainment, bills, savings, etc…

Then, assign a realistic amount for each category.

The key is to be firm.

You’re setting boundaries for your spending, and just like any healthy relationship, your money deserves limits.

Don’t be afraid to get creative.

You’ll be surprised how much more control you feel when you’ve got a solid budget in place.

If you’d like more personal finance tools, you can also try Monarch Money, YNAB, or Qube Money.

I looked at each of these and settled on Rocket Money.

But personal finance is just that — personal.

So find a tool that works for your unique situation!

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

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

And it hurts your budget in the process.

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.

RocketMoney does this too…

Canceling those recurring subscriptions is an easy win for saving money.

Go through your bank statements and identify everything that gets automatically charged.

If it’s something you haven’t used in the last month or two, cancel it.

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also feel like a weight’s been lifted.

And hey, that extra cash could go toward something you actually use or want.

Another cool thing Rocket Money can do is negotiate your subscriptions that increase in price.

They only charge you a portion of what they save you.

I had them negotiate my Comcast bill at a rental property back down to a promotional rate — the savings I received were worth it!

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!

A tool that we find helpful to do this is WalMart Plus.

We’ve used this service for 3-4 years now – and it’s worth every penny.

There’s a fee of about $100 per year, but by getting delivery and not going to the store, I literally can’t make any unplanned impulse buys.

If you’re like my wife and I who don’t love grocery shopping, then the savings in your time and energy alone is worth it.

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.

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 limits the temptation to go overboard.

Using cash also forces you to plan ahead and think about whether or not the purchase is necessary.

It’s a powerful way to control your spending and helps you stay disciplined with your budget.

It’s tangible, simple, and surprisingly effective.

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 Nick Loper, owner of Side Hustle Nation, 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.

Use tools like Google Shopping or apps that track deals.

Sometimes, the exact same item can be significantly cheaper at a different store.

It might take a few extra minutes, but those minutes can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Price checking doesn’t just apply to big-ticket items either—small purchases add up too.

Whether it’s groceries, clothing, or tech gadgets, a little comparison can make a huge difference in what you end up paying.

You’ll also end up learning more about the products you consume.

(And whether or not they’re worth it!)

And once you find the deal, check to see if you can purchase it via a portal like Rakuten, which will pay you back a percentage of your purchase!

If you’d like to learn more about Rakuten, you can read our review here.

10. Track Your Progress and Celebrate Small Wins

When trying to stop spending, it can feel a lot like addiction withdrawal.

It’s easy to get discouraged, especially if the changes feel slow.

That’s why it’s important to track your progress.

Celebrate the small victories—whether it’s:

• paying off a credit card balance
• sticking to your budget for a week
• saving a certain amount

These wins build momentum and keep you motivated.

Plus, when you see your progress in black and white, it’s a reminder of how far you’ve come.

So don’t just focus on the big goal enjoy the little milestones along the way.

Reward yourself (within your budget, of course) when you reach a goal.

Better yet, find creative ways to reward yourself that don’t cost a thing.

Have a relaxing evening — maybe a movie night at home or a long bath.

Positive reinforcement can help solidify your new habits!

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!

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.

When temptation isn’t constantly in your face, resisting becomes way easier.

12. Set Your North Star

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. Do Things for Yourself When Possible

We’re often quick to pay for conveniences, but many of them can be done just as easily on our own.

Instead of paying for house cleaning, set aside time each week to tidy up yourself.

You’ll save money and get a sense of accomplishment while doing it.

Instead of eating out, plan meals and cook at home.

Not only will you save money, but you’ll have more control over what you’re eating.

Instead of hiring a dog walker or paying for grooming, take a walk yourself and learn to pamper your pet at home.

You be the one to make money dogwalking!

Skip the expensive coffee runs and make your own brew in the morning.

Doing these things not only saves you money, but it also gives you a greater sense of control and satisfaction.

15. Make Yourself Accountable to Someone Else

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

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.

By talking openly about your budget and savings plan, you’re also teaching them important lessons about financial literacy that will benefit them in the future.

Plus, knowing someone is counting on you to follow through will motivate you to stay committed to your goal.

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.

Occasionally, you can challenge yourself to not spend moneyin certain categories.

I think one of the easiest items to reduce is your food budget.

Every 3-4 months, our food pantry gets backed up with items we haven’t used for a while.

The freezer has lots of frozen items we’ve been meaning to cook.

Well? Here’s the perfect chance to spend less money!

For one week, aim to use all of this food in your meals for the week.

I like to play games to see what sort of meals I put together.

You can fill in the gaps with a mini shopping trip for the week.

But you’ll easily reduce your grocery bill by 50% plus for the week.

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!

Serious About Making More Money?

• 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.