6 Things I Need to Stop Buying in 2021
By: Daniela Singlel
Tags: Consumerism, Personal Finance, Saving Money, Sustainability, Money

At the start of the pandemic, I thought to myself: “Wow, even though life sucks right now, I’m going to save a ton of money since everything is closed.”

Sadly, my bank account would prove otherwise.

That’s not to say I regret all my lockdown purchases. In fact, this Hydro Flask I spent $150 and 18 hours bedazzling is one of my proudest lifetime achievements:

But despite normally being good with money, the pandemic caught my finances by surprise. Without a doubt, there are more than a few unnecessary splurges I could stand to cut back on.

With the New Year, New Me mentality firmly instilled in my psyche, I’m on a mission to reverse some of my recent bad habits.

So here are the six things I need to stop spending money on this year.

1. Clothes

Photo by Hannah Morgan on Unsplash

During lockdown, I have online shopped-till-I-dropped way more than I should have. Despite not having anywhere to wear them, buying new clothes was a form of escapism for me.

As a matter of fact, I don’t think I would have survived multiple lockdowns if it weren’t for the occasional splurge during a Zara sale. Online shopping was not just a way to pass the time, it was a quick serotonin boost when the clothes arrived, and I could have some fun playing dress-up. Plus, it lets me dream about where I might wear these cute new outfits of mine one day.

But after months of mindless online shopping, I’ve decided it’s finally time to put this bad habit to rest. I don’t feel great about supporting the fast fashion industry in my time of need, so to try and make up for it, I’m trying to buy a lot less in the year ahead. And if I do need — or want — to buy something, it will be from more sustainable brands and second-hand stores.

2. Takeaway food

Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

I know this one is super obvious and on every other ‘Things I No Longer Buy to Save Money’ list so that I won’t dwell on it for too long. However, takeaway food and coffee are probably the biggest reasons I unnecessarily threw money down the drain during the lockdown.

With so many of us having additional time on our hands due to working from home, I can no longer justify ordering takeout multiple times a week. Therefore, 2021 will be my year of meal prep and home cooking. It’s healthier, cheaper, and infinitely more satisfying.

If I get takeaway food at some point this year (let’s be real, I’m only human), it will be a treat and not a normality. Ideally, it will also be ordered from a local joint instead of a chain restaurant.

3. Beauty products from influencers

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

I’m looking at you, Instagram and YouTube!

Being a millennial woman, these platforms naturally love to push ads for gimmicky makeup, hair, and skincare at me. And I’m the sucker that ends up impulse purchasing these nicely packaged products. It’s not that I have anything against influencers — simply put, their sales tactics are just too convincing at times.

It will be $9 for a new nail polish here, $30 on an eye cream there, and next thing I know, I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on products that end up cluttering my bathroom shelves.

That’s why in 2021, I’m going back to basics when it comes to anything beauty-related. The goal is to use up what I have and not buy more until it needs replacing. Considering how many beauty products I have collected over time, it may even take me all year.

4. Workout classes

Photo by David Marioni on Unsplash

Pre-Covid, you could find me at my local hot yoga studio multiple nights a week. So once lockdown started, I greatly mourned the loss of my regular workout classes.

With no other options available, I started working out from home like everyone else. And I freaking hated it. The thing about in-person workout classes is, everyone is in it together. Personally, I need that motivation to keep me going.

But one day, I discovered the joys of Instagram Live dance workout classes. And I haven’t looked back since. They’re now one of my favorite ways to exercise, and best of all, they’re completely free.

That’s not to say I won’t splurge on the occasional Sunday morning yoga class once studios re-open again. Still, I am grateful to have found an enjoyable and free way to exercise without having to leave my bedroom.

5. Single-use kitchen gadgets

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

I had a big house move earlier last year. To keep moving costs low, I tried to sell or donate as many of my possessions as possible and only keep the things I really needed.

I got rid of many random items and knick-knacks, but what came as a complete surprise during the de-cluttering process was how many useless kitchen items I had acquired over the years.

Not only that, but most of these items only had one very specific purpose in the kitchen — gadgets like avocado slicers, a garlic press, and of course, a lemon squeezer. Fortunately, I was sensible enough to pass on the purchase of pizza scissors and onion goggles, but I did come very close on more than one occasion.

Fortunately, my house move made me realize I rarely use these things. The only purpose they served was jamming my drawers at least once a week. Therefore, when it comes to single-use kitchen gadgets, I can no longer justify having them in my life. Multi-tools for the win!

6. Souvenirs

Photo by thom masat on Unsplash

This one shouldn’t be too hard to resist, given that none of us are traveling right now. However, not buying souvenirs is more of a lifelong philosophy of mine that will extend beyond 2021.

Don’t get me wrong, we all like to bring back memories from our travels for ourselves and close friends, but let's at least hold ourselves to some higher standards for the things we buy on vacation.

Going forward, I will no longer buy souvenirs when traveling unless they meet the following criteria:

They are made in the country I’m visiting and not a Chinese sweatshop. They serve a purpose beyond collecting dust on a shelf.

Sounds simple enough!

Instead, I’ll look to spend my travel money on local foods and experiences while abroad because I know I will enjoy them infinitely more. My only exception will be postcards. These, I will always pick up from tacky souvenir shops.