5 Things I Don’t Spend Money On — Even Though Social Media Says I Should
Every time I scroll through Instagram or TikTok, it feels like there’s a new “must-have” trend. Perfectly manicured nails, seasonal home décor hauls, matching product jars, and aesthetic everything. And honestly? It can be exhausting — and expensive.
But over time, I’ve learned something important:
Spending intentionally isn’t about following trends — it’s about choosing what actually matters to you.
There are plenty of things I could spend money on if I followed social media’s version of “normal,” but I’ve realized I don’t need to. Here are 5 things I don’t do — and why skipping them helps me stay focused on my bigger financial and lifestyle goals.
1. I Don’t Get My Nails Done Every Two Weeks 💅
I used to feel like I was missing out when I’d see endless nail transformation videos on Instagram. But the truth is, regular salon visits add up — and they’re just not a priority for me right now.
That doesn’t mean I don’t care about self-care — I just choose different forms of it. Sometimes I’ll do my nails at home, but most of the time I leave them natural, which saves me hundreds of dollars a year without taking away from my confidence.
2. I Don’t Buy New Cars 🚙
I chose to stop leasing and purchase my car used a few years ago. I proudly drive my 2012 Nissan Rogue, and guess what? It gets me where I need to go.
Social media loves to glorify luxury SUVs and the latest tech-loaded cars, but the truth is, a car is a tool. I’d rather put my money toward debt payoff, savings, and experiences with my family than upgrade just because it looks good in photos.
Driving an older, reliable car is one of the biggest ways we’ve been able to stay on track financially — and I don’t regret it one bit.
3. I Don’t Buy Into Fast Fashion or Constant Clothing Hauls 👗
If you spend five minutes on TikTok, you’ll probably see a “$500 Zara haul” or “everything I bought from Amazon this week.” It’s normalized to constantly shop for new outfits just to keep up.
But here’s my reality: I wear what I have. I build outfits from my existing closet, mix and match pieces, and only shop when I truly need something.
Not only does this save money, but it also reduces decision fatigue and keeps me focused on buying pieces I actually love — not just chasing the next trend.
4. I Don’t Buy New Holiday Décor Every Year 🎄
I love making my home cozy and festive, but I’ve been reusing the same holiday décor I’ve been collecting or hand-making for over seven years.
Do I still add a small new piece here and there? Absolutely. But I don’t feel pressured to completely transform my space every season the way Instagram sometimes makes us feel we should.
There’s something special about pulling out the same ornaments, wreaths, and little holiday touches year after year — it creates traditions, saves money, and keeps my home intentional instead of cluttered.
5. I Don’t Decant All My Products into Aesthetic Jars 🫙
This one’s for my fellow organization lovers — I get it. Those matching acrylic bins and labeled glass jars look amazing in videos. But for me? Spending hundreds on containers to repackage products I already own just isn’t necessary.
I focus on keeping things organized and functional rather than “Pinterest perfect.” My home can still feel calm, clean, and intentional without the extra cost of decanting everything into matching jars.
The Bigger Picture: Intentional Living Over Instagram Living ✨
Here’s the thing — I’m not anti-luxury. I spend on the things that matter to me, like travel, books, and small conveniences that make my life easier.
But I’ve learned that just because something is normalized on social media doesn’t mean it has to become my normal.
I’d rather save, invest, and spend on what truly aligns with my values — while skipping the trends that don’t serve me or my family.
Intentional living isn’t about depriving yourself. It’s about making choices on purpose and creating a budget that supports your priorities, not someone else’s.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to do what Instagram says is “normal.”
You get to choose where your money, time, and energy go — and that freedom is powerful.
If you’ve ever felt pressured to keep up, I hope this encourages you to pause and ask:
“Does this actually matter to me, or am I just doing it because everyone else is?”
Because spending intentionally isn’t about restriction —
it’s about building a life you don’t need to escape from. ❤️
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