How to Save Money Shopping: 6 Habits to Unsubscribe and Subscribe To

Want to know how to save money shopping without cutting out everything you love? The truth is, companies spend millions of dollars in marketing to get you to buy more than you actually need. Every flashy email, subscription box, and “limited-time sale” is designed to drain your wallet.

But by unsubscribing from bad habits and subscribing to smarter shopping strategies, you can keep more money in your bank account and still enjoy the things that matter.

These six simple tips will help you stop impulse buying, cut spending, and shop smarter.

Unsubscribe Habits

1. Unsubscribe from Email Mailing Lists

Email promotions are one of the biggest culprits for impulse spending. Companies offer discounts to get you hooked, then send daily emails tempting you to shop.

I

personally saved over $1,000 in one year just by unsubscribing from one store’s emails.

Smart shopping tip: If you want to keep signup deals, create a separate email account for promotions. Don’t sync it to your phone, and make the password something you don’t remember easily—you’ll only check it when you really want to.

2. Unsubscribe from Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes sound like a deal (“$400+ value for only $49!”), but most items end up unused, donated, or forgotten.

Here’s how to make them work for you:

• Try it once with promo codes for the best deal.

• Cancel auto-renew immediately.

• Sell unused items on Poshmark, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace.

This way, you enjoy the experience without draining your budget.

3. Unsubscribe from the “Sale” Mentality

If you wouldn’t pay full price, don’t buy it on sale.

Yes, you might save 30%, but you’re still spending money on something you don’t need.

Instead, focus on items you truly want—then track sales and buy strategically.

Bonus money-saving tip: Many retailers offer price adjustments if something you bought goes on sale shortly after. Always ask!

💡 By following these 3 “unsubscribe” shopping habits, you’ll stop impulse buying and save money while decluttering your life.

Subscribe Habits

4. Subscribe to the 48-Hour Rule

Impulse shopping often leads to regret. The fix? Wait 48 hours before buying.

If you still want it after two days, go for it. Most of the time, the urge fades—and you save money by skipping an unnecessary purchase.

5. Subscribe and Save (the Smart Way)

“Subscribe & Save” programs can be a win—if you use them correctly.

✅ Use them for essentials you always need (toiletries, pet food, pantry items). ❌ Avoid using them for things you buy occasionally—you’ll just end up with too much (and wasted money).

This strategy turns auto-ship into a true money-saving shopping habit.

6. Subscribe to Grocery Lists

One of the best ways to save money on groceries is simple: always shop with a list.

Walking into Costco or the grocery store hungry and without a plan is the fastest way to overspend. A quick 5–10 minutes writing a list on paper or your phone can save $10 or more per trip.

Stick to the list, and you’ll stop impulse buying snacks and extras you didn’t plan for.

Final Thoughts

Small changes in your shopping habits can make a huge impact on your finances. By unsubscribing from habits that encourage overspending and subscribing to strategies that help you shop with intention, you’ll:

• Save money shopping

• Cut back on impulse purchases

• Feel more in control of your spending

Start by picking just one unsubscribe habit and one subscribe habit this week—you’ll see results faster than you think.