People Are Sharing The "Former Essentials" They Don't Buy Anymore In 2025 (And Don't Miss At All)
Recently, u/HorrorGradeCandy asked frugal people on Reddit, "What’s something you stopped spending money on that made zero difference in your life?" In response, people shared hundreds of comments about things they used to buy that they don't miss spending money on even one little bit. Here are some of the top comments:
1."Instead of paying $150/month for all the streaming services and watching a couple of things on each a month, we now pay for one streaming service a month and watch everything we want to see on it before moving onto another one."
2."Processed snack foods for my kids. If they are hungry for a snack they can have a piece of fruit or carrots and hummus. It’s crazy how expensive snack food is on top of other essential groceries."
3."Dryer sheets."
4."Books! Shoutout to the Libby app."
5."Manicures. I stopped getting them during the pandemic and picked up a mechanical manicure set and cuticle oil that I apply every morning. My nails look better than ever. I use a combination of traditional polish and nail wraps, and I just picked up the gel UV-cured stickers to try."
"I also go longer between pedicures with home care. Or make pedicures a special treat and upgrade to the better experience ones."
6."Salad dressing! We started making our own honey mustard dressing, and it’s so cheap and tastes better than any storebought stuff."
7."I bought some really high-quality handkerchiefs at a clothing store. Paper tissues just annoy me now. Like, who wants to rub microscopic wood fibers across a tender part of your face? Never do I have a 'chapped' nose after a cold."
8."Haircuts. It took a while, but now I cut my own hair better than any barber I’ve had."
9."Tampons. Switched to a menstrual cup and reusable pads, will never go back."
"I also love never having to worry about running out of tampons or having to go out to buy more at the last minute. I'm 36, got one of the OG Diva Cups at 23, and I think this sucker will see me right on through to menopause. Incredible."
10."Makeup wipes. I use reusable fabric cloths now."
11."Pop. I used to be a couple-of-Pepsis-a-day guy. Cut it out three years ago. It was a very hard first couple of months, but the cravings are long gone. Much cheaper and way better for my health."
12."Stopped driving and started biking everywhere or taking the bus or train. Unimaginable savings."
13."Going out to eat. We switched from our monthly night out as a family ($150/night) to Fancy Dinner night. We cook a big multi-course meal, set the table with full settings, dress up a little, and set the mood with music and decorations to match the food theme. Basically, create a pre-fix restaurant experience for the kids."
"To them, it’s super special and hopefully creating lasting memories. For us, it’s saving $90 and the stress of taking four kids out to 'eat,' which is always a production."
14."Candles! I was addicted to buying nice candles and would have at least five unused candles at all times. Now I purchase one higher quality candle every once in a while and really choose the moments when it’s worth burning!"
15."Napkins. We use cloth only."
16."Brand new clothes. I find it hard to pay $30 for a brand-new shirt when I can find something similar for $5. I love to buy them second-hand. I enjoy finding that perfect shirt for $5 from my local not-for-profit. They help me by having the right size, and I help them with money to help our community. Win/win for everyone."
17."TP. Went the bidet route during COVID-19 and cut consumption of TP by at least 95%. Basically, we just keep some around for guests who may not want to use a bidet."
18."Cotton balls and pads. I made reusable pads with an old T-shirt. For cotton balls that I usually use for my nails, I cut up old clothes or fabric scraps into little squares and keep them in a cute ceramic jar. I use them and toss them after because I use them for acetone and gel."
19."Fast food. It's so ridiculously expensive now, and I feel so much better now that I'm cooking at home and eating much healthier."
20."Make-up. I still have a couple of drug store items I use when I want a little something special, like if my husband and I are going out to dinner for our anniversary, but it is just like eyeliner, mascara, and eye shadow. I don't do a full face of products from Sephora anymore. What do I care what the 2nd graders I work with think. I've worn some eye makeup maybe three times all school year, and the kids are always in awe that I'm 'dressed up.'"
21."Ziplock bags. I switched to Stasher bags about four or five years ago. While they’re not perfect (I have had two bags bite the dust), I have saved so much money not buying plastic bags."
22."Desserts, specifically baked goods. I can't say sweets are a 'need,' so I try to hold myself to the standard of not buying sweet baked goods for home. If I want something badly enough, I'll make it. I don't make much."
23."Name brand things. I go for the generic brands now. Unless the name brand is on sale or something that makes it cheaper."
24."Disposable razors. I bought an old-school metal razor and about 500 single razor blades on eBay from around the world for about $20. I haven't spent any money on shaving for over five years now."
25."Contact lenses. I need dailies as my eyes are very sensitive, so I would go through one very expensive box a month. Now I just get a small box once a year to have on hand for very occasional use and got myself some very nice glasses."
26."New video games! I am a huge gamer. It’s all I do when I’m home alone. What I learned was that for every good new game, there are 10 games from 10+ years ago I haven’t played yet. Local CD and game exchanges have changed my life."
27."Takeout. I moved from NYC to Philly, and the food is subpar comparatively. It’s not worth it to spend my disposable income on food that might be good."
28."I gave up coloring my hair. I stopped during COVID and never looked back. It has saved me a ton of money."
29.And finally, "I’m 99% okay without paper towels. Every now and then, I have to clean something up, and I’d rather just have a disposable thing to toss than try to wash and sanitize."
Is there something you've stopped buying that you're perfectly happy to live without? Tell us all about it in the comments!
