9 modern expenses people are choosing to cut back on

In 2025, consumer spending patterns are shifting in measurable ways. Faced with persistent inflation and rising costs, households around the world are reassessing what’s worth paying for, and what isn’t. According to a McKinsey survey, three-quarters of consumers said they traded down in the first quarter of the year. Similarly, research from PYMNTS found that 67% of Americans now live paycheck to paycheck, intensifying scrutiny of discretionary expenses.

This growing financial realism is driving people to reevaluate modern conveniences that once felt indispensable, from streaming services and food delivery apps to premium brand loyalty. The motivation isn’t only about saving money; it’s about extracting real value and reducing waste in a world saturated with subscriptions, upgrades, and add-ons.

Streaming Subscriptions

What started as a money-saving alternative to cable has turned into its own maze of monthly fees. Between Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and countless niche services, streaming costs can easily rival the old cable bill.

Many households are now rotating services or sharing family plans to cut costs. A LendingTree survey found that 72% of streaming service subscribers believe they pay too much. As a result, about 31% have already cut back, and 29% have considered cutting back. 

Food Delivery Apps

Services like Uber Eats and DoorDash offer convenience. Still, the markups, delivery fees, and tips often add 30–50% to the meal price. A survey by personal finance site Personal Capital showed that 94% of respondents either ordered less delivery or dined out less over the past year.

People are increasingly opting to pick up food themselves or rediscovering the savings and satisfaction of cooking at home.

Gym Memberships

The pandemic normalized home workouts, and many found that bodyweight routines, YouTube fitness channels, or budget-friendly equipment provide similar results. For those not using a gym regularly, dropping the membership can save hundreds annually.

Brand-Name Products

From clothing to cleaning supplies, brand loyalty is losing ground to practicality. Store brands and generic alternatives often match or exceed name-brand quality at a fraction of the price. Shoppers are prioritizing function over label recognition.

Upgrading Phones and Gadgets

Tech companies release new devices annually, but the performance gap between generations has narrowed. Many consumers now keep their smartphones, tablets, and laptops for longer, choosing software updates and battery replacements over pricey new models.

“Depending on how often you’re using your phone every day, you might be able to stretch it out for six or seven years if you can get those software updates,” tech and lifestyle expert Stephanie Humphries told CBS News.

Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes are most popular with younger consumers, with those aged between 25 and 34 making up 22.9% of all subscription box subscribers.

Monthly boxes for snacks, clothes, or hobbies once felt like fun surprises. Still, many subscribers realized that the contents often go unused. As minimalism and intentional spending gain traction, recurring box subscriptions are among the first expenses to go.

Coffee Shop Habits

Balance Coffee reports that Americans’ spending on coffee shop purchases is approximately $21.32 per week. That $5 latte doesn’t seem like much, until it’s a $100-a-month habit. People are investing in home espresso machines or simply brewing better coffee at home, finding that quality and savings can happily coexist.

New Cars

According to estimates by Kelley Blue Book, in September, the average transaction price (ATP) of a new vehicle in the U.S. was above $50,000. The combination of high prices, rapid depreciation, and long-term loans has pushed more buyers toward used or certified pre-owned vehicles.

In urban areas, some are skipping car ownership entirely, relying instead on public transit or car-sharing services.

Designer Fashion

Fast fashion fatigue and sustainability awareness are changing how people approach clothing. Many are buying secondhand, repairing garments, or curating smaller wardrobes that reflect personal style rather than trends or status.

16 Best Jobs for Pregnant Women

16 Best Jobs for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a transformative and joyous period in a woman’s life, but it comes with unique challenges and demands. One of the most crucial aspects during this time is ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

Finding the right job during pregnancy is not just about earning an income; it’s about maintaining your health, well-being, and peace of mind.

Science Tells Us What To Expect As We Age: Strategies for Thriving in Later Life

Science Tells Us What To Expect As We Age: Strategies for Thriving in Later Life

How does aging affect our bodies and minds, and how can we adapt to those differences? These are questions that pertain to us all. Aging gradually alters people over decades, a long period shaped by individuals’ economic and social circumstances, their behaviors, their neighborhoods, and other factors. Also, while people experience common physiological issues in later life, they don’t follow a well-charted, developmentally predetermined path. Let’s take a look at what science has told us to expect.