Too Expensive: 9 Everyday Items We’ve Stopped Buying and Affordable Alternatives

With rising prices affecting nearly everything we buy, many people are rethinking their spending habits to With rising prices impacting nearly everything, many are rethinking spending habits to cope with the rising cost of living in 2024. Groceries, dining out, and daily essentials are all climbing, making some items feel simply too expensive to justify—things we once added to our carts without a second thought..

If you’ve found yourself wondering, Why is everything so expensive right now?, you’re not alone. For those focused on financial independence, budgeting, or just making ends meet, understanding where we can cut back and identifying affordable alternatives is essential. Below, we’ll explore nine common items that have simply become too expensive to justify and suggest budget-friendly swaps that can help anyone save.

Why Is Everything So Expensive Right Now?

Inflation and supply chain disruptions have impacted nearly every category of spending. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices have increased by 6.5% since early 2023 alone, and food-related inflation has influenced everything from dining out to energy drinks. High prices are prompting people to reassess their spending and prioritize essentials. The key to maintaining financial wellness in this landscape is finding affordable substitutes and letting go of non-essential items that no longer fit the budget.

9 Things That Have Become Too Expensive to Justify Buying

Many people are cutting back on products that once seemed affordable but are now simply too expensive. Here’s a look at nine everyday items people have stopped buying, along with cost-effective alternatives.

1. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks have become a luxury item, with some costing upwards of $2 or more per can. For those looking to save money, caffeine pills or at-home coffee provide affordable alternatives. Both options can deliver a similar energy boost without the high cost or sugar overload associated with energy drinks. Making a switch like this can add up to significant savings over time.

2. Coffee Shop Purchases

Buying coffee from a cafe every day quickly adds up, especially with some specialty drinks now priced at $5 or more per cup. Making coffee at home is a simple yet powerful way to save hundreds annually. By investing in a quality coffee maker and experimenting with home-brewing methods, coffee lovers can enjoy a satisfying caffeine fix without the steep price tag.

3. Grocery Staples Like Cereal

Grocery items, including cereal, have seen a major price hike, making even breakfast a pricey affair. A single box of cereal can now cost as much as $5 or $6, leading many to look for alternatives. Grains like oatmeal, which can be bought in bulk, offer a cost-effective and nutritious substitute for cereal, allowing people to keep breakfast affordable.

The Cost of Eating Out: Too Expensive to Justify

Dining out has become one of the most noticeably expensive habits, and the costs of both restaurant meals and food delivery services are prompting many to change their routines. From high menu prices to delivery fees, eating out is becoming an occasional treat rather than a regular habit.

4. Dining Out and Fast Food

With restaurant prices rising, even simple meals can feel unaffordable. Many report spending $14 or more on a basic breakfast out, prompting a shift to more home-cooked meals. For those who enjoy restaurant-style dining, recreating favorite dishes at home offers both savings and satisfaction, helping to reduce spending while still enjoying quality food.

5. Alcohol and At-Home Cocktails

The cost of drinks in bars and restaurants has also skyrocketed. A single cocktail can cost upwards of $10, whereas making the same drink at home costs just a fraction of that. For anyone trying to cut back on expenses, making cocktails at home is an easy way to save while still enjoying a night in with friends. Just a few ingredients can yield bar-quality drinks without the high markup.

6. Food Delivery Apps Like Uber Eats and DoorDash

Food delivery apps add convenience but often tack on high fees that make them too expensive to justify. Many people are choosing to cook at home or opt for pick-up instead of delivery. Even a simple meal can end up costing double when delivery fees are factored in, so those looking to save can benefit from putting on their chef’s hat and cooking at home more often.

Everyday Essentials and Their Affordable Substitutes

Beyond groceries and dining out, other basic items have seen substantial price hikes, leading people to find more affordable substitutes.

7. Fresh Fruits vs. Frozen Alternatives

Fresh fruits, especially berries, are nutritious but come at a high cost, particularly when they’re out of season. Frozen fruits, on the other hand, offer the same nutritional value but are significantly cheaper. By opting for frozen alternatives, it’s possible to keep fruit in the diet year-round without the high cost. This choice is ideal for smoothies, baking, or adding to breakfast bowls.

8. Chips vs. Popcorn

Chips have become pricier, and as a result, many snack lovers are switching to popcorn as a budget-friendly alternative. Popcorn can be bought in bulk and made at home, offering a versatile, customizable snack that costs far less than a bag of chips. Not only is it more affordable, but popcorn is also lower in fat, making it a healthier choice as well.

Are Subscriptions Still Worth It?

As subscription costs rise, more people are reconsidering the value of services like Amazon Prime and streaming subscriptions. By assessing the actual usage of these services, many have found that canceling or rotating subscriptions can save hundreds annually.

9. Amazon Prime and Streaming Services

With Amazon Prime’s subscription fees increasing and streaming services costing upwards of $15 each per month, managing entertainment expenses has become crucial. One approach that many people are using is rotating subscriptions—keeping only one or two services at a time and switching them out each month. This method allows for a variety of entertainment without racking up costs. Taking advantage of free trial periods is another effective way to enjoy streaming content without making a long-term financial commitment.

How Smart Spending Fits into Financial Independence

For those on a path to financial independence, cutting back on items that are too expensive and finding affordable alternatives is essential. Small savings on everyday items add up over time, allowing for more funds to be invested or set aside for future expenses. By actively reducing spending on non-essential items, individuals can work toward achieving financial goals more quickly and with less financial stress.

In the pursuit of financial independence, every choice to save—even on small items—contributes to a larger goal of financial security and freedom. By taking control of spending and opting for alternatives when possible, people can build a more sustainable lifestyle that supports their financial ambitions.

Final Thoughts

In a time of rising prices, reevaluating our spending habits is a practical way to combat the high cost of living. Items once considered everyday staples are now too expensive to justify, and adopting affordable alternatives is a straightforward way to keep spending in check.

Whether it’s choosing to make coffee at home, cooking restaurant-style meals, or opting for frozen fruit over fresh, these small adjustments offer significant savings. For anyone feeling the pressure of today’s prices, remember: small changes in everyday spending can make a big difference over time.