As inflation tightens its grip on household budgets, Americans are rethinking what truly matters. A staggering 92% are slashing expenses, according to a CNBC and Morning Consult survey, trading convenience and luxury for smart, cost-conscious choices.
Here are 14 items and services people are increasingly ditching to save money—without sacrificing their quality of life.
1. Multiple Streaming Services
The golden age of streaming has turned into subscription fatigue for many households. While having access to endless entertainment seemed worth it during lockdowns, families are now critically examining whether they need Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more simultaneously.
Many are rotating between services seasonally or sharing accounts with family members to cut costs. Streaming service stacking has become an expensive habit, with the average household spending over $100 monthly on subscriptions.
Smart consumers are learning to be selective, keeping only their most-watched service and using free, ad-supported alternatives for supplemental content.
2. High-End Coffee Makers
Those gleaming espresso machines that promised barista-quality drinks at home are increasingly gathering dust. Complex coffee makers with expensive pods and high maintenance needs are traded for simple drip machines or pour-over setups.
The math is compelling – between machine maintenance, specialty pods, and replacement parts, premium coffee makers can cost hundreds per year. Budget-conscious consumers find that basic brewing methods can still deliver a satisfying cup at a fraction of the price.
3. Paper Towels
The household staple that seemed indispensable is facing a reckoning. Reusable cleaning cloths and washable napkins are coming back as families realize how quickly paper towel costs add up.
Environmental consciousness is accelerating this shift, with many households discovering that cloth alternatives work just as well for most cleaning tasks.The initial investment in reusable options quickly pays for itself through reduced paper product spending.
4. Cable TV Packages
Traditional cable subscriptions continue declining as consumers reject bloated packages filled with unwatched channels. Even sports fans, long considered cable’s most loyal customers, are finding streaming alternatives for their favorite teams.
The average cable bill now exceeds $200 monthly in many markets, making it an obvious target for cost-cutting. Households increasingly rely on digital antennas for local channels and selective streaming services for specific content.
5. Food Delivery Services
The convenience of meal delivery apps is losing appeal as service fees, delivery charges, and inflated menu prices strain budgets. Consumers are rediscovering the cost benefits of cooking at home and picking up their takeout orders.
What started as an occasional indulgence became an expensive habit during the pandemic. Now, many households are limiting delivery services to special occasions, finding that the premium prices aren’t justified for routine meals.
6. Gym Memberships
The era of expensive fitness club memberships is facing a reckoning as budget-conscious consumers discover effective alternatives. Home workouts, outdoor activities, and affordable fitness apps provide comparable results without the hefty monthly fees.
The gym membership costs over $50 per month, not including initiation fees and annual commitments. Smart fitness enthusiasts are creating home gyms with basic equipment or utilizing free community resources like parks and trails for their workout routines.
7. Brand Name Clothing
Consumers are increasingly questioning the value of premium clothing labels as quality alternatives become widely available. The rise of secondhand shopping, clothing swaps, and affordable fashion has made expensive brand names feel more like an unnecessary luxury than a necessity.
Fast fashion fatigue leads to more thoughtful purchasing decisions, with shoppers focusing on versatile basics and timeless pieces rather than trend-driven branded items. Many are discovering that mid-tier and store brands offer comparable quality at a fraction of the price.
8. Premium Smartphones
The allure of flagship smartphones is dimming as mid-range devices offer increasingly impressive features. Consumers question whether the latest premium models justify their four-figure price tags when more affordable options provide similar functionality.
Many users are extending the life of their current phones or opting for previous-generation models that offer significant savings. Keeping phones longer and choosing mid-tier options reflects a growing awareness that annual upgrades aren’t necessary for most users.
9. Alcohol
The cost of regular alcohol consumption is prompting many households to reassess their drinking habits. Between restaurant markups and retail prices, alcohol expenses can quickly consume a significant portion of discretionary spending.
Budget-conscious consumers are limiting alcohol purchases to special occasions or eliminating them, discovering both financial and health benefits. Some are exploring alcohol-free alternatives or focusing on quality over quantity when they do indulge.
10. Window Treatments
Custom curtains and blinds have become a luxury many can no longer justify, with prices rising by 10% over the past year. Creative homeowners are turning to DIY solutions, using bedsheets, repurposed fabrics, or simple roller shades to cover windows at a fraction of the cost.
The shift from premium window treatments reflects a broader trend of prioritizing function over fashion in home decor. Many discover that simple window coverings can be aesthetically pleasing and budget-friendly when chosen thoughtfully.
11. Storage Solutions
Premium storage containers and organizational systems are being replaced with more economical alternatives as prices have increased by 6% annually. Households are repurposing existing containers, using cardboard boxes creatively, and finding innovative ways to maximize space without expensive storage products.
The focus has shifted from matching aesthetic storage solutions to practical alternatives that serve the same purpose. Many are discovering that basic bins from discount stores work just as well as their premium counterparts for most storage needs.
12. Personal Care Products
Rising costs of shampoo, razors, and moisturizers have led to a significant shift in personal care routines. Consumers increasingly turn to DIY alternatives, bulk purchasing, and simplified grooming routines to manage expenses.
Many households are discovering that store brands and basic formulations often work just as well as premium products. Some are embracing natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar for hair care, finding that these simple solutions can be both effective and economical.
13. Small Kitchen Appliances
Specialty kitchen gadgets and high-end small appliances are increasingly seen as unnecessary luxuries. Households are returning to basic cooking methods and multi-purpose tools rather than maintaining a collection of single-use appliances.
The trend reflects financial prudence and a desire for simplicity in the kitchen. Many find that a few quality, versatile tools can replace numerous specialized gadgets, reducing costs and kitchen clutter.
14. Designer Home Decor
Expensive home accessories and decorative items are increasingly seen as unnecessary splurges. Budget-minded consumers are embracing DIY decor, thrift store finds, and seasonal updates using natural elements instead of costly store-bought items.
The shift away from designer decor reflects a broader trend toward practical, personalized spaces rather than magazine-perfect rooms. Many are finding that creativity and thoughtful curation can create equally appealing interiors without the hefty price tag
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.