7 Things To Avoid Spending Money on This Month, According to Rachel Cruze

An unrecognizable coffee shop customer stands across the checkout counter from an unrecognizable barista and reaches out to put a paper bill in the tips jar.
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It’s easy to blow your budget on things you don’t even realize are sneaking into your monthly finances. To help you stay on track, finance guru Rachel Cruze pointed out seven things you should avoid buying this month in a YouTube video. Here’s where she said you can stop overspending and keep more money in your wallet.

Unused Memberships

Chances are, you have a membership you’re not using — a gym, a streaming service or an iCloud account. Cruze said ditch anything you’re spending money on that you’re not using.

“Even if it’s not very expensive, if you’re not using it consistently, get rid of it,” she said.

Dollar Aisle

When you check out at the store, there’s typically an aisle packed with cheap trinkets that tempt you, but Cruze advises you to resist the temptation.

“Let’s be honest, we don’t need it,” she said.

Unnecessary Groceries

With food prices soaring, buying groceries you don’t need can add up quickly. According to Cruze, ways to reduce sticker shock at the register include shopping when not hungry and always having a list.

“If you don’t have a list, you are going to see things that look enticing and maybe in the moment they sound good and they look good,” she said.

Little Treats

If you visit your favorite coffee shop daily and treat yourself to items like cake pops or other goodies, Cruze encouraged to cut back for a month.

“Four weeks of just like these little things here and there, honestly, can add up to so much money that you can put back in your budget or use to pay off debt or to save,” she added.

New Clothes and Shoes

Adding new clothes and shoes to your wardrobe is fun, but costly. While Cruze said she hates to include this one, scaling back on retail therapy is a good way to save money.

“You see a new jacket or coat you want on the 17th, just wait till the 30th,” she said. “You’ll be fine.”

Guilt Tipping

These days, everyone wants a tip. From concert vendors selling merchandise to the cashier ringing up your coffee order, everyone asks for a tip and Cruze reminded viewers it’s perfectly fine not to tip all the time, especially if you’re not waited on.

“Every time an iPad is flipped around, you don’t necessarily have to tip,” she said.

Convenience Food

Services like UberEats save time and offer a convenient option when you don’t feel like going out. But those costs can put a big dent in your wallet.

“If there are places you need to save and tighten up, this may be an area that you say no to for a bit,” she added.

By skipping these purchases for now, Cruze said you can avoid unnecessary spending and stay focused on your bigger financial goals.

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