What I Actually Buy When I’m Trying to Save Money

Saving money used to feel like I had to stop buying things completely. And to be real, that never really worked.

Eventually, I’d get tired of saying no to everything…and then overdo it entirely.

So I had to change the way I looked at spending.

Now, it’s less about buying less and more about buying better—and being more intentional about where I’m spending my money.

One of the biggest shifts for me has been thrifting. Not in a trendy, “let me dig for hours just to say I thrifted” way, but in a real, practical way that actually fits my life.

And honestly, it feels familiar to me.

I grew up thrifting with my mom. It wasn’t about trends or aesthetics back then—it was just something we did. Walking through the aisles, picking things up, putting them back, and finding little pieces we didn’t expect.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but those moments stuck with me.

Now, I find myself doing the same thing with my daughters. We’ll go together, take our time, laugh at some of the random things we find, and every now and then come across something we actually love.

I think that’s my favorite part of it now. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about the experience.

There are a couple of places here in Jacksonville that I find myself going to pretty often:

• City Thrift

• Jacksonville Humane Society Thrift Shop

Both can be hit or miss, but that’s part of the fun.

I don’t go in expecting to find everything. I go in looking for pieces that make sense for my everyday life.

Things like:

• Simple home decor that doesn’t feel overly styled

• Glassware, baskets, or storage that I’ll actually use

• Basic pieces I don’t want to pay full price for

And if I don’t find anything, I leave.

No harm. No pressure.

That alone has helped me cut down on buying things just because they’re available.

I’ve also gotten more honest with myself about what I actually use. If I’m not going to reach for something regularly, I probably don’t need it. That rule has saved me from a lot of unnecessary purchases.

I’ve stopped buying things just because they’re trending.

If it doesn’t fit into my real, everyday routine, it’s not worth it—no matter how good it looks.

Now, I focus more on versatility. Accessories I can throw on without thinking. Home items that make my space feel calmer, not more cluttered. Pieces that can work in multiple ways instead of just one.

And when it comes to bigger items—especially furniture—I’ve been leaning heavily on Facebook Marketplace.

Specifically, the “free” search.

You would be surprised by how many people are simply trying to get rid of things.

I’ve seen everything from dressers and mirrors to full furniture sets listed for free because someone needs them gone quickly. They might need a little cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, or a small update, but a lot of the time, they’re completely usable.

That’s been one of the easiest ways I’ve saved money while still creating a space that feels like mine.

I also try to stick to one rule:

If I wouldn’t buy it at full price, I probably don’t need it.

Sales can make anything feel like a good idea…until it’s sitting unused in your home.

These days, I’ve been leaning into simple, everyday pieces that don’t require a lot of thought—things I can grab quickly and know they’ll work.

And yes, that still includes a few of my handbags because they’re actually practical for everyday use—not just something that looks good.

At the end of the day, saving money hasn’t been about restriction for me.

It’s been about slowing down. Being more intentional. Paying attention to what I’m bringing into my life—and why I’m bringing it in.

And honestly, the small moments along the way—like walking through a thrift store with my girls—end up meaning more to me than anything I could’ve bought at full price.

Maybe that’s what I’ve really learned through all of this.

Saving money doesn’t have to mean going without. Sometimes, it just means learning what’s actually worth bringing home.

—Ashley