10 minimalist rules that have helped me save thousands of dollars

Money slips through our fingers in surprising ways, right?

For years, I thought I was being careful—cutting out small luxuries here and there, grabbing discounts where I could. But it wasn’t until I started living with more intention that I realized how much I was actually wasting.

Minimalism has been my greatest teacher. Not in the sense of bare white walls and living out of a backpack (although I have done that!), but in the sense of questioning what really adds value to my life—and what doesn’t.

Over the years, I’ve come up with a handful of rules that have saved me not just a little, but thousands of dollars.

And the best part? They’ve given me more peace of mind than any sale or bargain ever could.

Let’s get into them.

1. The 24-hour rule

Impulse purchases are sneaky. That shirt you spotted on sale, the gadget you’re sure you’ll use, the scented candle you must have—these things often end up in the back of a closet.

My rule? If I want something that isn’t essential, I wait 24 hours before buying it. Almost every time, the urge passes. When it doesn’t, I know it’s something I’ll actually use.

This simple pause has probably saved me more than any coupon ever could.

2. One in, one out

Clutter costs money, even when it’s free. Every item you bring into your home has a hidden price—storage, cleaning, mental energy.

So I live by the “one in, one out” rule. If I buy a new pair of jeans, I donate or sell an old pair. If I bring in a new book, I pass along another. This keeps my spending intentional and stops me from stockpiling things I don’t need.

And here’s the bonus: selling items online has helped me recover money I would have otherwise considered “lost.”

3. Buy once, buy well

I used to buy cheap shoes and replace them every year. At some point, I realized I wasn’t saving money at all—I was wasting it.

Now I ask: Will this item last me years, not months? If the answer is no, I walk away. If yes, I’m willing to invest more upfront.

As I've mentioned before, cheap is not always frugal. Buying higher-quality essentials—like cookware, boots, and winter coats—has saved me thousands in replacements.

4. Audit subscriptions monthly

We like to think we’re immune to advertising, but the truth is—even when we don’t consciously act on it, marketing shapes our spending.

Seeing daily reminders of “flash sales” or “must-have deals” plants seeds in our minds. Later, when we’re out shopping, those products suddenly feel more appealing, as if the idea came from us.

That’s why I make it a monthly habit to audit my inbox. I scroll through my subscriptions and ruthlessly unsubscribe from anything that tries to push me into buying things I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.

The result? Less temptation, less subconscious nudging, and more control over my money. Out of sight really does mean out of mind. 

5. Make coffee and meals at home when possible 

It sounds cliché, but eating out really does add up. I used to justify takeout because I was “too busy.” Then I actually ran the numbers.

Cooking at home—even simple meals—cost me a fraction. For example, a week of homemade lunches equals what I used to spend on two or three restaurant meals.

Following this rule has saved me thousands over the years—and it’s healthier too.

6. Avoid “just in case” shopping

There’s a special category of purchases that look harmless: “just in case” items. A third winter coat, extra kitchen gadgets, or backup décor for holidays.

I used to buy them, thinking I was preparing for every scenario. But 90% of those items sat unused. Now, if I don’t see a clear and immediate use, I don’t buy it.

Oddly enough, when I do need something specific later, it’s rarely as urgent—or expensive—as I feared.

7. Track cost per use

When I consider buying something, I ask: How often will I realistically use this? Then I divide the cost by the number of uses.

For example, a $200 coat I wear 100 times costs $2 per wear. A $100 dress I wear once costs $100 per wear. Looking at things this way completely changed my spending habits.

This perspective shifted me away from chasing low sticker prices to valuing actual utility—and that has saved me from countless wasteful purchases.

8. Wait for replacement, not backup

It’s tempting to buy duplicates when something you love is on sale—two pairs of sneakers, two bottles of perfume, a spare phone case.

But here’s the trap: styles change, needs change, and sometimes we never even get to the backup.

Now I only replace an item once the old one is actually worn out or gone. It forces me to use what I have fully, and my money stretches further.

9. Don’t buy storage solutions until you declutter

At one point, I had bins, baskets, and shelving everywhere. I thought I was “organized,” but really I was just storing clutter.

Minimalism taught me to declutter first, then decide if I actually need storage. More often than not, I don’t.

Decluttering has not only saved me from buying extra storage furniture, but it’s also led me to sell items I no longer needed—bringing in money instead of draining it.

10. Use cash for discretionary spending

This one surprised me the most. Swiping a card never felt real, so I used to overspend on small luxuries—coffee, snacks, little trinkets.

When I started using cash for “fun money,” I suddenly became more mindful. Watching the bills leave my wallet made me stop and think: Do I really want this, or am I just spending because I can?

It’s old-school, but it works.

Final thoughts

Minimalism isn’t about deprivation—it’s about awareness. Each of these rules taught me to pause, question, and make decisions based on what I value most, not what I’m told to want.

Looking back, I can honestly say these ten habits have saved me thousands of dollars. But more importantly, they’ve given me clarity and peace.

Because in the end, the real savings isn’t just the money—it’s the freedom that comes when you stop chasing things you don’t need.