15 Ways to Spend/Want/Need Less (& Not a Single One Involves Budgeting)
Shifting from a cycle of consumerism to a more intentional, fulfilling way of living.
Pssst… my one year anniversary sale ends on Saturday, March 1st! Save 20% on all subscriptions!
It feels like there is a collective shift happening. Now that we’re all breaking up with Amazon, who wants to join me in extending that energy to our consumption habits as a whole? Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce clutter, prioritize experiences, help the environment, or vote with your dollar, I’ve got 15 tips (plus a few book recommendations and additional resources) to help you spend, want, and need less.
So, pour that pot of leftover morning coffee over some ice, add a splash of oat milk (maybe a drizzle of maple syrup and a pinch of flaky sea salt— frugal yum!), and let’s dive into ways to save money while fully enjoying the richness of life.
I Wasn’t Raised to Be Frugal
I didn’t grow up with a mindset of frugality or mindful consumption—no judgment, just fact. Credit cards were framed as a way to get whatever I wanted, and in my early 20s, I used them exactly that way. My spending revolved around a steady rotation of Victoria’s Secret PINK hoodies, beauty products, and Juicy Couture charms, swiping without a second thought. If I paid $100 off on a card, I saw it as a fresh $100 to spend again.
Looking back, I wish I could tell my younger self that fulfillment wouldn’t be found in a perfume-spritzed, tissue-stuffed shopping bag—but I was figuring it out in my own time. Over the years, I’ve shifted toward more intentional consumption and developed a deep sense of why that matters to me.
I could write an entirely separate post on my past spending habits, but today, I want to focus on what I’ve learned—things that feel good and might support you in your own journey toward spending and wanting less. I share all of this to remind you that we all start somewhere, and change is always possible.
15 Ways to Spend, Want & Need Less (And Not One of Them is Budgeting!)
(No shade to budgeting, there are already lots of resources out there on that subject, and yet… here we all are…)
1. Release the Guilt
We’re not here to dwell on past actions—just to move forward. Guilt won’t get you where you want to go, so let it go and celebrate that you’re making a change. Capitalism is a beast; our consumption habits didn’t happen in a vacuum. There’s lots of great insights out there on why we always want more (this podcast episode is a great listen), but for now, we embrace forward motion.
2. Then Start With Your Why
Knowing why you want to spend less will fuel your actions. Is it to save money? Reduce waste? Create a more peaceful home? Protect the environment? A form of resistance? Identify your core reason and carry it with you as you move through your personal course of actions.
3. Keep a Wishlist
In your Notes app, start a wishlist. Anytime you want something, add it—include a link if needed. Wait 48 hours before revisiting. You’ll be surprised how often the desire fades. I’ve done this for over a year, and 95% of what I once thought I “needed” no longer matters. And as a bonus— when someone asks you what you want for an upcoming holiday, you have some ideas ready to go!
4. Delete Shopping Apps
Amazon, Target, Sephora—whatever tempts you. Removing these apps creates a barrier that forces you to pause before making a purchase. If it’s important enough, you’ll go to a web browser later.
5. Limit Social Media
For me, less scrolling often equates to less spending. I use the Opal app to limit my social media time to a specific window and amount of time per day— 15 minutes (I even pay for the premium features to block apps completely). Unfollowing accounts that make you feel like you need more can be a game-changer, too.
6. Unsubscribe From Promotional Emails
Retailers know exactly how to lure you in. Unsubscribing removes temptation. Sales are predictable now—holidays, Prime Day, Black Friday. If you truly need something, you’ll seek it out, but otherwise, you won’t be constantly nudged to spend.
7. Shop Secondhand or Borrow First
Check thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing groups, PangoBooks, Poshmark, ThredUp, and eBay. You’d be amazed how often what you’re looking for is something someone else is trying to offload. And I’m making a conscious effort to text my friends about borrowing something instead of purchasing it— noise cancelling headphones for a professional sports game, a stroller bag for travel, camping gear— there are so many things we use infrequently that borrowing makes great sense for.
8. Declutter
I know this one can be controversial (the endless cycle of decluttering and refilling), but intentional decluttering makes me painfully aware of waste. It can be a powerful way to stop the cycle of overconsumption. And here is a great resource for ways to responsibly discard things you no longer need. Check out Trashie bags too!
9. Try a “Nothing New” Window
A week, a month, a year—whatever feels right. I recently did a year of no new clothes, and it completely shifted my perspective in so many ways— some expected and some unexpected. If an all-out ban feels overwhelming, set a spending limit instead (e.g., $50/month at Target). Make it a challenge and find the joy in rising to it. There is no dopamine hit like walking into Target for one thing and only buying that one thing—pinky swear!
10. Shift to Less
Big changes don’t have to be all-or-nothing. Scaling things back just a little can make an impact. For birthdays and holidays, we keep gifts minimal for our four young children—1-3 gifts each plus a couple of books, sometimes re-gifting within the family (especially for younger kids).
11. Make It Aesthetic—or Don’t
We live in a chronically online world where everything is curated and sometimes we may feel the desire to adhere to those standards, but there’s a noticeable shift happening. If aesthetics matter to you, get creative with what you have—paint, repurpose, rearrange. Enjoy $0 makeover videos on YouTube for a new frame of mind or show off your thrifted gems. And fill your social media feed with creators like Nicole from Begin at Home, who reminds us we don’t need the latest and greatest to live well.
12. Explore Free Local Resources
Start with your local library! My local library offers a “Library of Things” where you can borrow power tools, board games, even kitchen gadgets— amazing! Look into community swaps, free events, and tool or seed libraries, these resources exist for us— use them and support their continued existence in the process.
13. Gamify It
Love checking off lists or setting challenges? Apply that mindset here. Track no-spend days, set mini-goals, or reward yourself with a free treat (a cozy night in, a DIY spa day, a long FaceTime talk with a friend). Okay I said budgeting wasn’t part of these tips but it could also be great here— gamify budgeting! Saving money doesn’t have to feel like deprivation. Here are some gamifying tips to inspire you.
14. Make Use of What You Have
Many everyday items we already own can serve multiple or entirely new purposes with just a little creativity. For example, a fine mesh sieve can double as both a flour sifter and a strainer. Instead of buying expensive storage solutions, repurpose clean plastic takeout containers or sturdy electronics boxes to organize small items around your home. And when putting together a costume, start by searching your home for accessories and craft the rest from cardboard. I also love to use Pinterest to find outfit inspiration using pieces I already own— it’s a fun way to mix things up and shop your closet.
15. Keep a Gratitude Journal
There’s power in recognizing what we already have. Grab a notebook (one of those partially used ones lingering on a shelf will do just fine!) and jot down five things you’re grateful for. Do this every night before you go to bed and try to identify different things each time. Contentment grows when we focus on abundance rather than lack.
Want to Dive Deeper? Some Book Recs:
The Art of Frugal Hedonism by Annie Raser-Rowland & Adam Grubb— This book is fantastic! A hilarious, practical guide featuring 51 ways to spend less while enjoying life more.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer— An exploration of reciprocity, gratitude, and our relationship with the natural world told through Kimmerer’s beautiful story-telling.
Consumed by Aja Barber— A deep dive into fast fashion and consumer culture that raises important questions— the perfect resource for fueling your personal why.
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman— This is one of my all time favorite books and it works here too— when we focus on what matters most and our finite time here on earth, consumption seems dull in contrast.
No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity by Ashlee Piper— I loved Ashlee’s first book Give a Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet. (which also has some great tips for spending less and using what you have!) so I’m eagerly anticipating this guide. Pre-order or request a copy at your library now.
The Day the World Stops Shopping by J.B. MacKinnon— I recently discovered this and I’m excited to give it a listen. This book challenges the assumption that endless growth is necessary for human well-being.
And A Few Other Gems:
will bring you all the cozy feelings through her thoughtful lifestyle, she shares great insights for what frugal living actually looks like.This YouTube video has some clever ways to save money in 2025 and the creator’s entire YouTube channel has even more guidance and thought-provoking notions about how and why to stop shopping.
Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy (Netflix)— Sometimes a sense of what our actions contribute to is a great motivation to shake things up, at least, I know that’s what works for me.
Add Nicole from Begin at Home to your social media feed, she will serve you important reminders about contentment and caring for what you have.
I also love
’s Substack which is full of reflections and tips for how to resist consumerism in your daily life.A Final Thought
When we approach anything with more mindfulness, the benefits ripple outward. Less stuff means more time for what truly matters—laughing with our kids, noticing the impressive way an inchworm climbs up your arm, feeling the sensation of crisp sheets as we climb into bed at night.
It’s never just about spending less—it’s about making space for more of what matters most and using the power of your dollar to vote for the world you want to live in.
Tell me— in what ways have you found the joy in frugal actions or what tips do you have for curbing consumption in 2025?
P.S. Coming soon— What I read in February, March Lovin’ Lately, lots of spring energy (y’all—it’s light out at 5pm!!), and heaps of fun bookish content, including “How to Think Like a Bookseller in Your Own Home” and books my husband has loved. See you soon!
Yes. yes. yes.
I can't remember if you have already recommended previously but The Serviceberry : An Economy of Abundance by Robin Wall Kimmerer is also perfect for this topic. One of my favourites so far this year.
Great thoughts and love the books recs too!