The reason you are poor is because modern life tricks you into spending your money on things you don’t really need.
Here’s a big list of stuff you can avoid.
Cutting these out will save you time and money and could even make you happier:
Subscriptions and Services
- Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+)
- Music streaming (Spotify, Apple Music)
- Premium video platforms (YouTube Premium, HBO Max)
- Software subscriptions (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office)
- AI chat services (ChatGPT Plus, Grok Premium)
- Social media premium tiers (X Premium, LinkedIn Premium)
- News or magazine subscriptions (NYT, The Economist)
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Fitness apps or gym memberships (Peloton, ClassPass)
- Delivery services (Amazon Prime, Uber Eats, DoorDash)
- Email newsletters and marketing lists
- Book clubs or audiobook services (Audible)
- Gaming subscriptions (Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus)
Technology and Gadgets
- Smartphones (could rely on landlines or none)
- Laptops or computers
- Tablets or e-readers
- Smartwatches or wearables (Apple Watch, Fitbit)
- Wireless headphones or earbuds
- Gaming consoles
- Smart home devices (Alexa, Google Nest, Ring doorbell)
- Drones or remote-controlled toys
- Cameras beyond basic point-and-shoot
- External hard drives or backup devices
- VR headsets
- Electric scooters or e-bikes
Consumer Goods and Habits
- Bottled water (tap or natural sources instead)
- Fast food or takeout
- Coffee shop runs (brew at home or skip caffeine)
- Designer clothes or fashion trends
- Makeup and beauty products
- Jewelry or accessories
- Multiple pairs of shoes (stick to one functional pair)
- Excess clothing (beyond basics)
- Sunglasses or non-essential eyewear
- Bags, purses, or backpacks (use pockets or nothing)
- Watches or timepieces (use sun or public clocks)
- Vitamins, supplements, or energy drinks
- Excess cleaning supplies beyond soap
- Fancy toiletries (shampoos, lotions)
- Kitchen gadgets (blenders, air fryers—stick to knife and stove)
- Furniture beyond a bed and table
- Decorations, art, or knick-knacks
- Indoor plants or greenery
- Books or magazines beyond essentials (libraries help)
- Toys or games for adults/kids
Financial and Obligation Dependencies
- Credit cards (use cash only)
- Multiple bank accounts or apps
- Investment apps or stock trading (Robinhood, etc.)
- Retirement savings plans (live day-to-day mindset)
- Car ownership (walk, bike, or public transit minimally)
- Car insurance (none if no car)
- Health insurance (self-care/community reliance - extreme risk)
- Life insurance
- Homeowners or renters insurance
- Pet ownership (and vet/food costs)
- Lawn care or gardening services
- Trash or recycling services (compost/minimize waste)
- Utility bills: electricity (go off-grid with solar or minimal use)
- Water bills (rainwater collection)
- Internet service (no home Wi-Fi)
- Cable or satellite TV
Social and Lifestyle Norms
- Social media accounts entirely
- Email accounts beyond one basic address
- Calendar or planner apps
- Alarm clocks (wake naturally)
- Gifts for holidays or birthdays
- Vacation travel or trips
- Parties or social events
- Hobbies requiring gear (golf clubs, instruments)
- Sports fandom or tickets
- Collecting items (stamps, coins, etc.)
- News consumption (avoid daily updates)
- Podcasts or audio entertainment
- Brand loyalty or advertising influence
- Trends (fashion, tech, food—stick to timeless basics)
What did I forget?