Monthly Expenses to Cut to Save Money (Without Feeling Miserable)
I used to think I was struggling financially because I didn’t earn enough.
But when I really looked at my spending, I realised something uncomfortable:
It wasn’t just my income… it was where my money was going every single month.
Not on big, dramatic purchases, but on small, “normal” expenses that had quietly become part of my routine.
So here are the monthly expenses I’ve cut (or reduced) that have made the biggest difference — without making life feel restrictive. Revising these could save you thousands every month!
1. Expensive phone contracts
This is one of the easiest ways to free up money instantly if you are out of contract.
For years, I believed upgrading my phone regularly was just… what you do.
But the reality? Most phones last years.
A typical contract can cost £70+ a month.
I now pay around £10 on a SIM-only deal.
That’s a saving of £60+ every single month — for something I barely notice day to day.
2. Pre-cut & convenience food
Convenience food feels small, but it adds up fast.
Pre-cut fruit, sliced veg, ready-made burgers — you’re often paying double for a few minutes saved.
Now I:
- Buy whole ingredients
- Batch prep where it makes sense – For example I buy a large pack of beef mince and use it to make meatballs and burgers, then freeze whatever I don’t need now for another day
- Use frozen options when they’re genuinely cheaper
I still choose convenience sometimes — but now it’s intentional, not automatic.
3. Weekly takeaways & meals out
I didn’t cut this completely, I changed how often I do it.
It used to be:
“It’s the weekend, let’s order something.”
Now it’s:
“This is a treat.”
We save it for birthdays, celebrations, or when we really feel like we deserve a treat.
And honestly? I enjoy it more now than when it was just routine.
4. Disposable period products
This was a simple swap with long-term impact.
Reusable options cost more upfront, but over time they save hundreds of pounds.
And once you get used to it, it just becomes normal, not a big lifestyle change.
There are so many budget options now compared to five years ago when I got started with these.
5. Cinema trips
For a family, the cinema can easily cost £50+ with snacks.
We haven’t stopped going but we’ve made it occasional.
- We’re selective about what we see
- We go less often
- We don’t treat it like a default activity
- We wait for movies to come out on streaming services
6. Fast fashion “top-ups”
I used to constantly buy new clothes because I felt like I had “nothing to wear.”
But the real issue wasn’t lack of clothes, it was:
- Items that didn’t go together
- Things that didn’t suit my lifestyle
- Impulse buys that didn’t last
Now I:
- Wear what I already own
- Pay attention to what I actually reach for
- Buy fewer, better pieces that work together
It’s not quite as exciting as getting brand new boxes of stuff, but far more effective (and cheaper).
7. Buying replacements before finishing things
This used to drain money without me noticing. I would always be susceptible to marketing promising that this product would be the best thing I had ever used.
Now I follow one simple rule: Use it up before replacing it
It sounds obvious, but it’s saved me a surprising amount over time.
8. Duplicate items
At one point, I had:
- Multiple water bottles
- Too many beauty products
- More clothes than I actually wore
Now I aim for “one of everything” where possible. It doesn’t apply to everything – you need more than one pair of underwear. With things like bed sheets, I aim to always have a spare, similar story with towels.
But wherever I can, I will opt to just have one thing, especially when buying a duplicate is purely for aesthetic reasons.
This means less clutter, less waste, and far less spending.
9. Unused subscriptions
Subscriptions are sneaky because they feel small.
£10 here. £12 there.
But together? It can easily hit £100+ a month.
Now I:
- Cancel anything I’m not actively using
- Rotate streaming services instead of stacking them
- Review subscriptions regularly
It’s one of the fastest ways to cut monthly costs.
10. Extended warranties & “add-ons”
These are often pushed at checkout and are rarely worth it.
Most people:
- Forget they have them
- Never use them
- Or find it too complicated to claim
Retailers make huge profits on these for a reason, so I just say no.
11. Banking fees
This one may surprise you as you potentially don’t realise where it’s causing a leak in your budget.
Many are still paying:
- Monthly account fees
- Overdraft charges
- Transaction fees
Switching to a fee-free or lower-cost account can save hundreds per year — with almost no effort.
12. “Treat yourself” spending
This was probably the biggest one for me.
Bad day? Buy something.
Bored? Scroll and shop.
Feel like you deserve it? Spend.
Individually, it never felt like much.
But over time, it became a regular monthly expense.
Now I still treat myself, but I make a plan for what they treat will be. I take a look at what I want, and see how it can fit within my budget. My big priority now is travel, which makes it so much easier to say no to sudden impulse urges to buy something new.
13. Auto renewal insurance
Unfortunately, insurance companies save their best deals for new customers. I find this so frustrating but we have to work with what we’ve got, and so I always set myself a reminder for one month before my insurance expires to shop around for a better deal.
This applies to car and home insurance. I have always found a better deal elsewhere, sometimes by hundreds.
A Final Thought
If your money feels tight right now, it’s not just you.
Costs have gone up, and it is harder.
But sometimes, it’s not about drastic changes. It’s about quietly removing the things that are draining your money every month, so you can use it for what actually matters to you.
