If You Want to Get Rich, Just Stop Buying These 8 Things

“Most Broke People Have These in Common — And Don’t Even Realize It”

Here’s a stat that might punch you in the gut:

Nearly 60% of Americans making over $100,000 still live paycheck to paycheck.

(Source: CNBC, 2024)

That’s right. Even people earning six figures are struggling.

Why?

Because getting rich isn’t just about how much you earn. It’s about how much you keep — and where your money leaks without you even noticing.

The truth is: You might already make enough money to build wealth… you’re just spending it in the wrong places.

If you want to get rich, one of the most powerful things you can do isn’t to earn more. It’s to stop buying the things that secretly keep you broke.

Let’s break it all down — real talk, no guilt trips, no judgment.

First: I’m Not Here to Shame You — I’ve Bought All These Things Too

Look, I’m not better than you. I’ve spent money on stuff I didn’t need, bought things to impress people I don’t even like, and swiped my card just to feel something.

But everything changed when I realized one thing:

Getting rich starts with what you stop doing.

So if you're tired of feeling like money slips through your fingers — even when you work your butt off — this is for you.

Here are the 8 things you need to stop buying now — and 12 tips to help you stop fast.

1. Trendy Tech You Don’t Really Use

That smartwatch you wore for two weeks?

The Bluetooth earbuds collecting dust?

The newest phone that cost more than your rent?

Why It Hurts:

Depreciates FAST

Adds zero real value to your financial goals

Creates the illusion of productivity

What To Do Instead:

Use what you have until it truly breaks. Then upgrade intentionally.

2. Fancy Subscriptions You Forgot About

$14.99 here, $9.99 there... before you know it, you’re spending $200/month on stuff you don’t even notice.

Common Culprits:

Fitness apps you don’t use

Streaming services (do you really need all 7?)

“Free” trials that turned into quiet money drains

Real Example:

James cut out $180/month in forgotten subscriptions. That’s over $2,000/year — gone.

3. Daily “Little Treats” That Add Up Big Time

I’m not here to bash your lattes — but do you know how much your habits are costing you?

$8 coffee

$18 lunch

$9 snacks

= $35/day

= Over $12,000 a year

The Real Problem:

You’re trading long-term wealth for short-term hits of dopamine.

4. A Home That’s Too Expensive

Just because you can get approved for a big lease or mortgage doesn’t mean you should.

Signs You’re Over-Spending:

Housing takes more than 35% of your income

You can’t save because your rent eats your paycheck

You’re “house poor” and broke everywhere else

Smart money isn’t about having the biggest place — it’s about having breathing room.

5. A New Car With a Huge Loan

That $700/month car payment is holding you back more than you think.

Cars lose value as soon as you drive them off the lot. Wealth doesn’t come from what you drive — it comes from what you own outright.

Better Move:

Buy used, buy reliable, and pay it off fast. Let your future self thank you later.

6. Fast Fashion and “Retail Therapy”

You don’t need another outfit — you need a strategy.

The Hidden Cost:

Clothes bought on impulse rarely become staples. And you usually don’t even feel better afterward — you feel guilty.

Try This:

Wear what’s already in your closet. Create a capsule wardrobe. Shop intentionally.

7. Constant Takeout and Delivery

Cooking might not be glamorous, but it’s profitable.

Real Numbers:

Eating out 3x/week = ~$150/week = $600/month

Home cooking = ~$75/week = $300/month

Savings: $300/month or $3,600/year

Think about what you could do with that money.

8. Gifts You Can’t Afford (Especially for People Who Wouldn’t Do the Same for You)

We’re not saying “don’t be generous.” We’re saying don’t go broke trying to prove your love.

Give from the heart — not from guilt.

Make homemade gifts. Give time, not stuff. Or set a budget and stick to it.

Why Cutting These 8 Things Works — Even If You’re Still Earning the Same

Because money isn’t just numbers. It’s behavior.

If you can learn to control your spending, you’ve already won 80% of the battle.

These changes add up fast. You could go from $0 to $10K saved in under a year — without even making more money.

Now let’s talk about how to stop — for real.

12 Actionable Tips to Break the Cycle and Save More Money FAST

1. Track Every Dollar for 30 Days

Before you can cut, you need to see where your money actually goes.

Use:

Rocket Money

YNAB (You Need A Budget)

A simple spreadsheet

You’ll be shocked by what you find — and empowered to make change.

2. Delete Saved Cards From Your Phone

Yes, seriously. Remove Apple Pay, Google Pay, and autofill.

Why?

Friction = awareness. If buying takes more steps, you’ll pause and think.

3. Unfollow Influencers Who Trigger Spending

If they make you want to spend money you don’t have — unfollow.

Your feed shapes your habits. Curate it like your future depends on it.

4. Try a 72-Hour Rule for Every Purchase Over $25

Wait 72 hours before clicking “Buy Now.” If you still want it, go for it.

Most of the time? You won’t.

5. Use “Wishlist Shopping” Instead of Checkout

Save items in a wishlist. Screenshot them. Walk away.

Review in a week — or month.

Wanting something doesn’t mean you need it right now.

6. Set a Monthly “Fun Budget” You Have to Stick To

Don’t cut everything. That’s a fast track to burnout.

Instead, give yourself a spending cap (ex: $150/month for eating out or fun), and stick to it.

Freedom within boundaries.

7. Sell What You Don’t Use

Declutter and build your emergency fund.

Sell:

Old phones

Clothes

Home gym gear

Electronics

Use Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Mercari. Fast money, less junk.

8. Make a “Don’t Buy” List and Stick It on Your Fridge

It’s a visual cue — and it works.

Mine used to say:

No Amazon

No shoes

No online food delivery

Having it visible makes the habit conscious.

9. Plan Your Spending Days

Impulse buys love chaos. Plan ahead.

Pick 2 days/month when you’re allowed to spend — and be disciplined the rest of the time.

Structure saves money.

10. Get an Accountability Partner

Tell a friend or partner: “Hey, I’m cutting out dumb spending. Can you help keep me in check?”

Check in weekly. Celebrate wins. Share failures without shame.

11. Celebrate Every $500 Saved Like It’s $5,000

Milestones matter. They motivate.

Every time you hit a new level, treat yourself creatively — not financially. Think:

A night off

A homemade dinner with friends

A vision board session

12. Use Mindset Tools to Rewire Your Relationship With Money

Here’s where it gets interesting.

If you feel stuck — like you know what to do, but still self-sabotage — the problem isn’t just spending.

It’s your money beliefs.

That’s where tools like Billionaire Brain Wave come in.

It’s a simple, 7-second audio ritual designed to shift how your brain sees money — from fear and lack, to growth and abundance.

I've used it. And honestly? It helped me stop feeling like money was “hard” or “not for people like me.”

If you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, try this. What do you have to lose?

Click here to try Billionaire Brain Wave now — and reset how your mind handles money.

Final Thoughts: Getting Rich Isn’t About Hustling Harder — It’s About Spending Smarter

You don’t have to:

Work 3 jobs

Hit the lottery

Get a magic raise

You just need to stop bleeding money where it doesn’t serve you.

The rich don’t buy everything. They buy wisely.

They don’t impress — they build.

And now, you can too.

Last Reminder Before You Go

If you’re struggling with money, it’s not because you’re dumb or lazy or broken.

It’s because you were never taught how to win.

But today? You just took the first step.

So go clean up those subscriptions. Pause on the shopping carts.

And give your brain the backup it needs with Billionaire Brain Wave.

Because...

You’re not alone. You’re not lazy. You just need a little help to get moving — and that’s okay.