12 'Necessities' Frugal People Don't Buy (And A Controversial One)

The single biggest reason to why 70% of North Americans are broke and not frugal, is that they spend too much. We fall into the consumer trap and buy 'necessities' that we actually don't need.
So here are the BIG 12, the dirty dozen things you don't need to by, with their smart alternatives. And a controversial 13th. A bonus addition that most don't mention. This one can save you thousands a year!

[allen_p]

In 2004, I was approved for $175, 000 home loan as I made $53, 000/year. CRAZY!! I bought a modest, 1620 sq ft home for $101, 000 and still live in it today. Refinanced once at lower interest rate and took five years off loan. I have four years of payments left, but I pay extra every month. Been unemployed twice, but my mortgage payment is obscenely low. I always paid my mortgage.

[candywalker]

Excellent advice. I worked in healthcare for decades. The last 25 I noticed the minimum wage or lower tier employees bought expensive lunches EVERY day. Started planning where they were going to take out from by 10 am. The MD’s and myself (mid level masters degree employee) brought leftovers or frozen Lean Cuisine or similar meals.

[donnabrewer]

No way would i give up my two cats and my dog!

[TheScooterHoon]

The library lets you borrow lots of entertainment for free, cancel all subscriptions.
Don't bother with cars, walking and cycling are better for you and almost free.

[lindagrible]

Money was very tight for us when we were first married. Although difficult, we found ways to make ends meet (i.e. if it wasn't a TRUE necessity, we did without, which meant cheaper housing, little eating out and used cars). We couldn't afford fancy clothes or many toys for our kids (esp. our oldest), but libraries were free and books (at least then) could be purchased rather inexpensively, so that was much of our family entertainment, in addition to quality parental time, going to parks, etc. And what do you know? Our kids were all good students! Parental time and investments with books and education we could provide to supplement good schools all paid off!!! The lack of finances for us in the early years of marriage actually had a silver lining that it took us years to see ~

[Thomasr]

All good. Also for parents: as your children show maturity, start including them in on money decisions and financial planning. The best way for people to become good stewards of their money is when they learn by example. Help them to learn how to ask questions and find answers about money. It is especially important for them to learn how small amounts over a long period of time can accumulate into significant sums. Let them know of the money mistakes you have made, and especially let them know of all the money dangers and scams that can devastate their money.

[lindagrible]

Much of this is common sense. Also, so many two-income families say they NEED both incomes; and certainly some do w/exhorbitant housing cost markets, etc. However, there are those who, after factoring in the need for a second car, expensive clothes and lunches, not to mention daycare, what's left at the end of the paycheck? The jobs will ALWAYS be there, but your children will NOT always be little.

[bobbylibertini]

I bought a used mobile home (1000 sq. ft.) for $12K cash and put it on 27 acres that I bought for less than the price of a lower-end new car....I'm basically living for free in a beautiful place in the country, where a few hundred dollars a month covers utilities and taxes. I've managed to build a little wealth, but honestly, I'm not interested in money. We only pass this way once. Cherish the time you have and don't waste it working your all your days away. Live cheap and make your time your own to enjoy the finer, free things in life. And pets are absolutely worth every cent- cheap of the BEST investments. I've taken in 4 feral and stray cats, and a 120 lb. dog....if you're gonna spend your money on one thing to give you some joy (and you should!) let it be these wonderful animals. Couldn't imagine life without them. They are better than anything money can buy. Number one frugal tip: Move to a place where housing, taxes and cost of living is cheap...enjoy a much better quality of life- even if you make much less money there. It's not just about saving money or building wealth, or some retirement that you may never enjoy..it's about how you LIVE!

[grahamsneddon]

I'm poor, generationally poor, and this just made me laugh. You rich people are just funny. Every one of these are luxuries. Some of us live frugally to survive. Reevaluate your definition of success, and you and your family can live happy, fulfilling lives.

[KerryJames-lz]

Our vacations are off season and local stats

[KerryJames-lz]

When we go to specialist i bring my empty bottle container and fill it up with spring water there

[vmj]

Yay! I’m frugal! (Except for The Cat…🐈‍⬛🤷‍♀️)

[JamesUjai]

Very wise advice . Love it. That's the reality. Why pay for something you can do it yourself,

[virginialangford]

Same Galaxy phone bought 4 yrs ago…first cell phone…20$ a month for unlimited…if I could figure out how to change to MINT I would…wearing a second hand dress and shoes today…had a few compliments…$4.00 for dress and $ 5.00 for shoes…bought last summer so I am on year 2. Use a fan and only turn on A/C for company…the little things add up.

[renus]

House cleaning is good exercise and cures emptiness and depression. I can't eat out much because of my keto diet.
Am guilty of drinking coffee in fancy coffee shops and spending on clothes. I regret those - could have saved & invested that money...

[alexandrasmith]

My first husband and I bought an "expensive home" and made sacrifices. We also took second jobs to pay extra payments. That then become our financing strength for the second house .... Eventually, we had a portfolio of 18 upper middle class houses .... All of which were paid off. Houses appreciate. Difficult to do these days. I knew we had made it when six years in, there was a box under the Christmas tree A pair of Jimmy Choos!

[KerryJames-lz]

As i am getting my badic six month hair cut i get free coffee made by my hairxressor

[KerryJames-lz]

I have someone monthly cut grass hete because i am not able to manage a large block at age 56

[KerryJames-lz]

When i take my daughter to treatment i receive free coffee from their coffee machine

[FrenchTwist]

Ah wisdom and maturity with priorities equal a better life