10 Things We Gave Up To Get Out of Debt Quickly
When we first looked at our debt, it felt overwhelming—like a weight pressing down on us every single day. We knew something had to change, and fast. After many late-night conversations and even a few tears, we decided to take control. But taking control meant making sacrifices, and that wasn’t easy. Giving things up wasn’t just about saving money; it was about proving to ourselves that we were capable of living differently.
This journey wasn’t about deprivation; it was about prioritizing our future. Each thing we gave up taught us something valuable about discipline, creativity, and even joy. Surprisingly, we found ourselves more grateful for what we had and less focused on what we didn’t. If you’re ready to crush your debt, here’s a list of things we gave up and how it helped us get to the other side faster than we ever thought possible.
1. Dining Out
One of the first things we cut was dining out. It was a big one for us because, let’s face it, eating out is fun and convenient. Whether it was a quick coffee, lunch at work, or a fancy date night, those small trips added up to hundreds of dollars a month. It wasn’t easy at first, but we committed to cooking more at home. We turned it into an adventure by trying new recipes and even planning themed dinner nights.
What surprised us the most was how much we began to appreciate our meals. Food became less about convenience and more about connection. Sitting down at the table together, without the distractions of a noisy restaurant, brought us closer. And let’s not forget the health benefits—our waistlines thanked us, too!
Cutting dining out saved us so much money that we wondered why we hadn’t done it sooner. Sure, we missed the occasional splurge, but knowing we were putting that money toward our future made it all worth it. Now, eating out feels like a real treat, not a habit we take for granted.
2. Cable TV and Streaming Services
We were shocked at how much we were spending on cable and streaming subscriptions. Between the main cable package, Netflix, Hulu, and a few others, it added up quickly. Cutting the cord was a little scary at first—what were we going to do without our favorite shows? But after the first month, we hardly missed it.
Instead of zoning out in front of the TV every night, we started finding other ways to unwind. We played board games, went for walks, or just read books. It might sound old-fashioned, but those activities brought us so much peace and joy. We didn’t realize how much time we had been wasting on mindless scrolling until we stopped.
If you’re on the fence about cutting your TV services, I promise you won’t regret it. You’ll save money and discover how much more there is to life outside the screen. Plus, with so much free content available online, you might not even notice a difference.
3. New Clothes and Accessories
Shopping for clothes used to be one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday. There was something so satisfying about adding a new outfit to my wardrobe. But when we realized how much we were spending, it was a wake-up call. For a while, we simply stopped shopping. If it wasn’t essential, we didn’t buy it.
At first, it was tough. I worried about looking outdated or missing out on trends, but it turns out, no one really notices. I started shopping my own closet, mixing and matching what I already had. It became a game to see how creative I could get with what I owned. And when I really needed something, I learned to wait for sales or shop secondhand.
Not only did this save us a ton of money, but it also made me appreciate the clothes I had. I stopped buying just to buy and started focusing on quality over quantity. Honestly, it was freeing—and it’s a habit I’ve carried with me even after paying off our debt.
4. Vacations and Weekend Getaways
This one hurt the most. We loved getting away for a weekend or planning a big trip every year. But the costs of flights, hotels, and eating out while traveling were impossible to justify. Instead, we found ways to create “vacations” at home.
We explored local parks, hosted movie nights, and even camped in our backyard. At first, it felt like we were missing out, but those little adventures became some of our favorite memories. We learned that you don’t have to spend a fortune to relax and enjoy yourself. Sometimes, the simplest things—like a picnic or a long drive—can be just as rewarding.
Of course, we missed the excitement of big trips, but staying home gave us a fresh perspective. Travel will always be there, and once we were debt-free, we knew we could enjoy it guilt-free. In the meantime, we embraced the beauty of slowing down and appreciating what was already around us.
5. Gym Memberships
We used to justify our gym memberships as a “necessary expense.” But when we crunched the numbers, it became clear that we could work out for free. We canceled our memberships and started using what we had at home—dumbbells, yoga mats, and good old YouTube workouts.
It was a big adjustment at first. The gym had been a routine, and losing that structure felt strange. But we quickly realized how much more flexible home workouts could be. I didn’t have to drive anywhere or wait for equipment—I could just roll out my mat and get started.
Looking back, this was one of the best changes we made. Not only did it save us money, but it also saved time. Plus, the money we saved went directly toward our debt, and that felt better than any gym class ever could.
6. Brand-Name Products
We never thought we were “brand snobs,” but looking at our grocery and household bills told a different story. It’s amazing how those small markups on name-brand items add up over time. Switching to generic or store-brand products was one of the easiest ways we started saving money right away.
At first, I was skeptical. Would generic products really measure up? To my surprise, most of them were just as good, if not better. From pantry staples like rice and pasta to cleaning supplies, we found that the store brands did the job just fine. And let’s be honest—who’s really checking your ketchup brand when they come over for dinner?
This one change cut our grocery bill significantly, and it didn’t feel like much of a sacrifice at all. In fact, it became fun to discover new, affordable options. Now, I don’t even think twice about skipping the name-brand aisle—I’ve got bigger financial goals to crush!
7. Subscriptions and Memberships
Before we started cutting back, we had subscriptions for everything—magazines, meal kits, beauty boxes, you name it. It seemed harmless to pay $10 here and $20 there, but when we added it all up, it was shocking. So, we canceled everything except the absolute essentials.
At first, it felt strange to let go of those little luxuries. I loved getting those packages in the mail or logging into a subscription app to find something new. But over time, I realized I didn’t miss them as much as I thought I would. If anything, I appreciated the simplicity of having fewer things to keep track of.
Cutting out subscriptions was a wake-up call about the power of automatic payments. When you don’t see the money leaving your account, it’s easy to forget how much you’re actually spending. This change alone saved us hundreds of dollars a year, all of which went straight to paying off our debt.
8. Buying Coffee or Drinks on the Go
Oh, the sweet siren call of a latte! Giving up our daily coffee shop habit was tough, but it was also one of the most effective changes we made. Spending $5 here and $7 there doesn’t feel like much in the moment, but over time, it adds up to hundreds of dollars.
We invested in a good coffee maker and started brewing at home. To make it fun, we experimented with different roasts and syrups to create our own “coffeehouse” experience. It wasn’t quite the same as having a barista make it for us, but it came close enough—and the savings made it even sweeter.
This change taught us a valuable lesson about mindfulness. It’s not that coffee is bad or indulgent; it’s just about being intentional with how you spend your money. Now, when we do treat ourselves to a coffee shop visit, it feels special instead of routine.
9. Impulse Purchases
If you’ve ever gone to Target for toothpaste and left with $100 worth of “essentials,” you know exactly what I’m talking about. Impulse buying was a habit we didn’t even realize we had until we started tracking our spending. The solution? A strict shopping list and a 24-hour rule for any non-essential purchases.
This change wasn’t just about saving money—it was about retraining our mindset. Instead of grabbing things on a whim, we started asking, “Do we really need this? Will this help us reach our goals?” Most of the time, the answer was no. And when we did decide to buy something, it felt more intentional and satisfying.
Saying no to impulse purchases also made us more grateful for what we already had. We stopped trying to “buy happiness” and started focusing on finding joy in other ways. It was a small shift with a huge impact, both financially and emotionally.
10. Gifts and Celebrations
Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries—they all come with a price tag. While we didn’t want to stop celebrating, we knew we couldn’t keep spending the way we had been. So, we got creative. Instead of buying expensive gifts, we focused on thoughtful gestures and DIY projects.
For holidays, we set strict budgets and stuck to them. We also started giving experiences instead of things—like a homemade dinner, a picnic, or a heartfelt card. It wasn’t about being cheap; it was about showing love and appreciation in ways that didn’t break the bank.
This change was a blessing in disguise. It reminded us that the best gifts aren’t always bought—they’re created. By focusing on what really matters, we were able to celebrate without guilt and still make progress on our debt. Now, we look back on those moments with pride, knowing that we prioritized our future without sacrificing our relationships.
Every sacrifice we made brought us one step closer to financial freedom. At first, it felt like we were giving up so much, but over time, we realized we were gaining something far more valuable: peace of mind, control over our future, and the confidence that we could accomplish anything we set our minds to.
The journey wasn’t always easy, but it was absolutely worth it. Each dollar saved and each debt paid off was a reminder that we were in control. And now, looking back, we wouldn’t change a thing.
If you’re working to get out of debt, remember this: every small change adds up. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Start where you are, make the sacrifices that work for you, and trust that the rewards will be worth every effort. You’ve got this!
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