I know, I know.

This might sound like the financial equivalent of “just be happy” — overly simple, borderline annoying, and a little too obvious.

But seriously — not spending money is a massively underrated way to “make” money.

You’re not cutting corners. You’re not denying yourself joy. You’re just… being a little more intentional. And in a world of $7 muffins and $28 avocado toasts, that’s basically a superpower.

☕ Fast Food, Fancy Coffee & Financial “Oops”

Let’s set the scene: it’s your lunch break. 

You head to your favorite café or coffee shop. You grab:

• A mocha ($7)

• A sandwich or muffin ($8–$10)

• Maybe a sparkling water, because why not ($3)

• A tip, because you’re a good human ($2)

💥 That’s $20. Just like that.

Now multiply that by five days a week… for a whole month… That’s $400.
Just on lunch. That’s basically a car payment. Or a plane ticket. Or half a new couch.

Still with me?

Phantom Facts: A 2022 consumer study found that people underestimated their monthly subscription costs. Many thought they spent $86/month, but the actual average was closer to $219/month. That backs up your $10–$15/month on forgotten apps and shows hidden savings hiding in plain sight.

🎯 The Real Reasons We Overspend (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Coffee)

Let’s be honest: most of the time, we’re not paying for just the food or the drink — we’re paying for:

• The convenience

• The routine

• The atmosphere

• The “I’ve had a long day and deserve this” feeling

• The socializing (or, let’s be real, the people-watching)

• That tiny moment of joy that comes with a barista spelling your name right for once

And all of that is okay. Seriously. I get it. I’m not here to tell you to go full hermit and grind your own coffee beans in a cave.

But here’s the thing — we can still have those little joys without letting them drain our wallets dry.

🧠 Not Spending Isn’t “Depriving” — It’s Redirecting

It’s not about saying no. It’s about saying yes to what matters more.

That $20 sandwich-and-coffee moment might bring 15 minutes of joy…
…but what if that same $20 went toward:

• A cozy dinner at home with a friend

• A new book you’ll actually finish

• Savings for that weekend getaway

• Or honestly, just not feeling broke by Thursday?

🔄 How to Keep the Vibe & Ditch the Expense

Let’s talk strategy. You don’t need to give up your café ritual — you just need to remix it.

Here’s how to keep the same lifestyle (and feel like a genius doing it):

• Buy a case of your favorite bottled coffee drinks (Starbucks, La Colombe, whatever makes your soul sing) from Costco or Target

• Keep a couple in your fridge or work bag — still caffeinated, still fancy

• Pack a snack you actually love (homemade breakfast sandwich, energy bar, mixed nuts — the snack of legends)

• Still go to your favorite café if you love the space — but grab a water and smaller size coffee, or tea and plug in your laptop, and vibe like a minimalist boss

Suddenly, you’re saving $10–$15 a day… without giving up anything that truly matters.

💼 Social Butterflies & Solo Flyers — We Got You

Whether you’re the life of the party or prefer solo time with a Spotify playlist and your cat (hi, me too), here are two tailored approaches:

🥂 If You’re Social:

• Suggest picnic-style lunches at work (everyone brings something — it’s fun and adorable)

• Host low-cost hangouts at home — BYO snacks, music, and zero pressure

• Pre-eat before going out (you’ll order less, and your wallet will thank you)

☕ If You’re More Low-Key:

• Turn solo café trips into mini money-saving rituals

• Bring your drink/snack from home, still sit at the café and people-watch

• Get creative with free or low-cost outings: library, park, farmer’s markets

🧃 The Secret Sauce? Water

Seriously. Water.

Order a sparkling water instead of a $9 drink.
Drink water before you leave the house.
Bring your own cute reusable water bottle and feel like an eco-conscious trendsetter.

Hydration = happiness. And guess what? It’s free.

🧠 Reminder: It’s Not About Deprivation.
It’s About Intention.

You don’t have to stop living. You don’t have to stop treating yourself.
You just need to get a little creative — and realize that sometimes, not spending is actually self-care.

Think of it like this -

• You’re saving money without selling your soul

• You’re still enjoying life, minus the financial hangover

• You’re doing something your future self will thank you for (with interest)

🎉 Bonus Wins When You Spend Less:

• Less clutter

• Less impulse regret

• More peace of mind

• More actual money in your account

• More confidence knowing you’re running the show

Final Thoughts: 

Keep the Joy, Lose the Receipts

No one’s asking you to skip joy, social time, or delicious lattes.
Just notice where your money’s going — and ask if it’s giving you the kind of life you want.

Sometimes, making money is just deciding not to waste it.
And honestly? That’s kind of empowering.