Cutting back sounds great… until you’re staring at your bank account wondering what exactly you’re supposed to cut. Rent? Not happening. Electricity? You kinda need that.

The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your whole life to make a difference. Here are five everyday expenses you can trim without feeling like you’re living in a cardboard box.

1. Subscriptions you forgot you had and don’t use

That free trial you meant to cancel? Still charging you. That app you downloaded once and never opened again? Also still charging you. Go through your bank statement with a fine-toothed comb (or a flashlight and a sense of dread) and cancel anything you’re not using. Bonus: it feels kind of satisfying.

2. Food delivery

Ordering out is convenient, but all those fees? Sneaky expensive. Delivery, tip, service fee, ‘temporary fuel surcharge,’ emotional damage fee—you get the picture. Even cutting back by one or two meals a week can save you serious cash. And no, you don’t have to become a five-star chef—just learn one meal that doesn’t come from a takeout box.

3. Impulse shopping (aka the Target trap)

You went in for toothpaste. You left with throw pillows, a jumpsuit, and a limited-edition candle you can’t even bring yourself to burn. We’ve all been there. Make a list before you shop, set a spending cap, and try not to browse ‘just to look.’ That’s how they get you.

4. Your energy bill

You don’t have to live in darkness and silence to save on utilities. Use LED bulbs, unplug energy vampires (looking at you, phone charger that’s not charging anything), and adjust your thermostat a few degrees. Small changes = lower bills over time.

5. Name brands that aren’t doing you any favors

From pantry staples to paper towels, the store brand version is often just as good—and way cheaper. Start by swapping out one or two items and see if you even notice. Spoiler: you probably won’t.

TL;DR

You don’t need to give up fun, flavor, or functioning electricity to cut back. A few small tweaks can give your budget some breathing room—and make it easier to afford the stuff that actually matters. Like rent. Or snacks.

Brigit does not provide personalized financial, investment, or legal advice. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial advice.