10 Things I Stopped Buying My Husband To Save $250 a Month
You know how sometimes you look at your monthly budget and wonder, “Where is all my money going?” I had one of those moments not too long ago. It wasn’t that we were living extravagantly or buying flashy things; it was all the little purchases that kept adding up.
One day, I decided enough was enough, and I started evaluating all the things I was buying for my husband that we could totally live without. Let me tell you, the savings have been amazing—$250 a month, to be exact! Here’s what I stopped buying.
1. Brand-Name Clothing
My husband always looked sharp, but I realized a lot of his wardrobe consisted of expensive brand-name clothes. Sure, they were great quality, but when I saw how much we were spending, I knew there had to be a better way. We decided to switch to more budget-friendly options—hello, sales racks and discount stores! It turns out, you can still look great without the fancy labels.
We also started focusing more on quality rather than the brand name itself. There are some fantastic brands out there that don’t cost a fortune and still offer great style and durability. Plus, we started shopping smarter—waiting for seasonal sales or buying essentials in bulk. It really made a difference in how much we spent, without compromising how my husband looked.
And you know what? He didn’t even mind the switch. In fact, he liked it! Not feeling the pressure to buy those brand-name items has been refreshing for both of us, and it’s allowed us to allocate those funds toward things that really matter—like our next vacation!
We’ve also started secondhand shopping for brand names, you can find things online for cheaper than the original price secondhand which is much more fun. My husband loves the thrill of the hunt!
2. Expensive Grooming Products
Let’s be real: grooming products for men can be surprisingly pricey. My husband had a collection of fancy beard oils, special shampoos, and high-end aftershaves. While they were nice, I realized that a lot of that stuff was more about the brand hype than actual results. So, I started looking for affordable alternatives that still did the job.
We found that there are so many great products out there that work just as well for half the price. Some drugstore brands are honestly just as good, and my husband didn’t notice much difference, except that our bank account looked healthier at the end of the month. We even tried making some DIY beard oil with a few simple ingredients, and he ended up loving it!
This little change in our routine ended up being a big win for us. Not only did we save a chunk of money, but my husband also discovered that less really can be more. His grooming routine became simpler, and we both appreciated that!
3. Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes are so tempting! It’s like getting a little gift every month, and I thought my husband deserved that. But after a while, we realized that a lot of these boxes were filled with things he didn’t really use. Whether it was gourmet snacks, socks, or grooming products, it was fun at first, but the novelty wore off pretty quickly.
We had a conversation about what he actually liked and needed, and, honestly, most of the subscription boxes didn’t make the cut. We ended up canceling all of them except for one that he truly enjoyed. This change saved us quite a bit each month, and he didn’t even miss the others!
Instead of spending on subscription boxes, we now put that money toward something more meaningful. Sometimes, we use it to plan a special dinner or just save it for something bigger down the line. And honestly, the excitement of the subscription box was easily replaced by the excitement of reaching our financial goals faster.
4. Specialty Coffees and Drinks
My husband loves a good cup of coffee, and I always wanted to treat him to the best. That meant a lot of specialty lattes, cold brews, and unique flavors from the local coffee shop. But when I added up the monthly cost of these drinks, I was shocked at how much we were spending. It’s crazy how those little cups can add up!
So, we made a change. We started making more coffee at home, and I even bought a milk frother to recreate his favorite lattes. It became a fun morning ritual, and it was surprisingly easy to make those fancy drinks ourselves. Plus, it was so much cheaper than grabbing one from the coffee shop every day.
It’s been such a nice change to enjoy our coffee at home together, and it makes our mornings feel more relaxed. Not only did we save money, but we also got a new little ritual to share. And on the rare occasion that we do splurge on a fancy coffee, it feels like a real treat!
5. Tech Gadgets He Didn’t Really Need
My husband is a bit of a techie, and, honestly, I love that about him. But every so often, he’d get tempted by some cool new gadget that we really didn’t need—like the latest headphones or a smart home device. It wasn’t that he was buying these things all the time, but the occasional splurge was adding up more than we realized.
We decided to take a step back and prioritize our tech purchases. Instead of buying the latest and greatest just because it was new, we started really thinking about whether it was something that would truly make our lives better. More often than not, the answer was no, and that helped us cut back on unnecessary spending.
This change hasn’t just saved us money—it’s also helped us appreciate the gadgets we already have. It turns out, we don’t need the newest model to be happy. Plus, it’s pretty rewarding to see that money staying in our account instead of disappearing on another gadget.
6. Trendy Sports Equipment
At one point, my husband was really into trying new hobbies, which was great—but not so great for our wallet. Whether it was tennis, golf, or kayaking, the equipment could get pricey. We realized that he didn’t always stick with a hobby for long, which meant that we ended up with barely-used gear taking up space and draining our finances.
To save money, we decided to rent or borrow equipment instead of buying it right away. If it turned out to be a hobby he truly loved and stuck with, then we could consider buying the gear. But for those first few tries, renting was the way to go. It saved us from spending hundreds of dollars on things that we might not use again.
This approach also made it easier for him to explore different interests without feeling guilty about the cost. He could try things without pressure, and we both enjoyed the flexibility. Plus, our garage is a lot less cluttered now!
7. Gourmet Snacks
My husband loves a good snack—who doesn’t? I used to grab all sorts of gourmet snacks for him when I went grocery shopping. Things like fancy jerky, artisanal chips, and special chocolates would always find their way into the cart. It seemed harmless enough, but those little extras really started to add up.
We decided to make a change and stick to more affordable snack options. Instead of the high-end, fancy stuff, I started buying regular chips or making our own popcorn at home. And you know what? He didn’t mind one bit. It turns out, the simple snacks were just as satisfying, and we were saving a good chunk of money each month.
Making this switch was easier than I expected, and it reminded us that we don’t need the fanciest version of everything to be happy. Sometimes, a classic bag of chips is all you need to satisfy those cravings!
8. High-End Footwear
My husband had a thing for nice shoes, and I loved buying him a new pair whenever there was a special occasion. But when I looked at how much we were spending on high-end footwear, I knew we needed to cut back. It wasn’t that he needed new shoes that often—it was just that when he did, they were always expensive.
We decided to focus on practicality and comfort instead. We started looking for shoes that were affordable but still good quality. Honestly, there are so many great brands out there that don’t come with the high-end price tag but still look amazing and last a long time.
This change made a big difference in our budget, and my husband still looks great without the hefty price tag on his feet. It was a win-win for both of us—more money in our pockets and still stylish shoes for him to wear.
9. Fancy Date Night Plans
We both love a good date night, but we were spending way too much on fancy dinners and expensive activities. It felt great in the moment, but when we looked at the cost of those date nights, we realized we could be just as happy doing something more low-key and affordable.
Now, we plan date nights at home or do budget-friendly activities like going for a walk, having a picnic, or cooking a nice dinner together. We also started getting creative with movie nights at home, complete with homemade popcorn and cozy blankets. It turns out, the quality time was what really mattered—not the price tag of the experience.
Making this change didn’t just help our budget; it also made our date nights feel more relaxed and fun. We’re no longer worried about spending too much, and we get to enjoy each other’s company in a way that feels genuine and meaningful.
10. Collectible Items
My husband has always had a love for collectibles, and over the years, I would buy him little things that fit his interests—whether it was limited-edition figurines, comics, or memorabilia. It was fun, and it made him happy, but it also started to feel like a bottomless pit of spending. There was always something new, something limited, something “must-have.”
We decided to take a break from buying collectibles. Instead, we focused on finding other ways to celebrate his hobbies that didn’t involve spending a lot of money. Sometimes that meant visiting a museum or watching a documentary about his favorite topics. It was just as enjoyable, and it saved us a significant amount of money each month.
Not buying collectible items didn’t take away from his joy—it actually made it more special when we did decide to splurge a little for a truly meaningful piece. Plus, the extra savings have helped us work toward other goals, like travel, which we both enjoy.
Cutting back on these ten things wasn’t always easy, but the savings were totally worth it. It’s funny how little purchases can add up without you even realizing it. By making these small changes, we managed to save $250 every month, and that extra money has gone a long way toward other goals—like our dream vacation fund!
If you’re looking to save a bit more each month, I’d definitely encourage you to take a closer look at those “little things” you’re buying. You might be surprised how much you can save just by rethinking a few habits. And remember, it’s not about giving things up—it’s about finding new ways to enjoy life while keeping your finances in check.
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