If your money feels tight every month—even when you’re careful—it might not be your grocery bill or your rent.

It’s often the small monthly charges you forgot you’re paying.

Streaming services you don’t use. Apps you downloaded once. Memberships you meant to cancel. All quietly draining your account.

The good news? You can usually find and cancel these in less than an hour.

Here are 12 monthly bills many families forget about—and exactly how to get rid of them.

1. Streaming Services You No Longer Watch

Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, Peacock… it adds up fast.

How to cancel:

• Log into the service directly (not your TV)
• Go to Account -> Membership -> Cancel
• Take a screenshot of confirmation

Frugal tip: Keep just one service at a time and rotate monthly.

2. Free Trials That Turned Into Paid Subscriptions

Fitness apps, editing apps, meditation apps, kid learning apps.

How to cancel:

• iPhone: Settings -> Your Name -> Subscriptions
• Android: Google Play -> Payments & subscriptions
• Or check your email for “receipt” or “subscription”

3. Old Gym Memberships

Even inactive accounts often keep billing.

How to cancel:

• Check your bank statement for the company name
• Call or cancel online
• Ask for written confirmation

4. Cloud Storage Plans

iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox upgrades often go unnoticed.

How to cancel:

• Check phone or email settings
• Downgrade to free tier if possible

5. Kids’ App Subscriptions

Games, learning apps, and video platforms quietly renew.

How to cancel:
Check under your phone’s subscription manager.

6. Credit Monitoring or Identity Protection Services

Often bundled after data breaches or free trials.

How to cancel:
Search your bank statement for companies like:
LifeLock, Experian, Aura, Identity Guard.

7. Subscription Boxes You Forgot About

Beauty boxes, snack boxes, pet boxes, craft kits.

How to cancel:
Log into the company website -> Account -> Cancel or Pause.

8. Magazine or Digital News Subscriptions

Even $5–$10/month adds up.

How to cancel:
Check email for renewal notices or your Apple/Google subscriptions.

9. Website or Domain Fees

Common for bloggers and small businesses.

Hosting, domain renewals, Canva Pro, email services.

How to cancel:
Check PayPal and credit card statements for annual or monthly tech tools.

10. Bank Account or Card Fees

Maintenance fees, overdraft protection, identity monitoring add-ons.

How to cancel:
Call your bank and ask: “Are there any monthly fees on my account I can remove?”

11. Delivery Memberships

Amazon Prime, Walmart+, Instacart+, DoorDash, Uber One.

How to cancel:
Go to account settings in each app.

12. Forgotten “Grandfathered” Subscriptions

Old software, music services, or apps from years ago.

These are the hardest to notice.

How to find them fast:

• Download last 2 months of bank statements
• Highlight anything under $20
• Investigate every unknown charge

How to Find Hidden Monthly Bills in 10 Minutes

Step 1: Open your bank app

Step 2: Filter by “recurring”

Step 3: Search for small charges ($2–$15)

Step 4: Check PayPal & Apple/Google subscriptions

Step 5: Cancel immediately

How Much Can This Really Save?

Most families find:

• $20–$50/month in forgotten bills
• $240–$600 per year

That’s groceries, gas, or a utility bill—without changing your lifestyle.

You don’t need a complicated budget to save money this year.

Start by keeping what you already earn.

Canceling forgotten monthly bills is one of the fastest wins for any frugal household.

Don’t Forget Another Bill!
To make saving money even easier, I created a free “Monthly Bills Tracker” you can print and fill in at home. Keep track of all your subscriptions and hidden charges so nothing slips through the cracks.

Sign up below to get your free tracker delivered straight to your inbox and start saving today!

If you’re looking to save money, reset your spending habits, or take control of your finances, a no spend challenge might be just the thing you need.

Whether you’re on a tight budget, trying to pay off debt, or just want to curb impulse spending, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—especially how to tell the difference between wants and needs during a no spend month.

What Is a No Spend Challenge?

A no spend challenge is a commitment to not spend money on anything outside of essential needs for a set period of time.

Common time frames include:

• A no spend week
• A no spend 30 day challenge
• A no spend weekend
• A no spend month
• Even a no spend year (for the truly bold!)

The goal? Break bad money habits, become more aware of your purchases, and find contentment with what you already have.

Who Should Do a No Spend Challenge?

A no spend challenge is great for anyone trying to save money fast or get back on track financially. It’s especially helpful for:

• Families on a budget
• People trying to cut unnecessary spending
• Those working toward financial goals like paying off credit cards, building an emergency fund, or saving for a big purchase
• Anyone who feels like they’re constantly asking “Where did my money go?”

When Is the Best Time to Start a No Spend Challenge?

You can start a no spend challenge anytime, but here are popular times for starting a no spend month:

• After the holidays (to recover from overspending)
• At the beginning of the year (as a financial reset)
• Back-to-school season (to limit shopping temptation)
• During a specific savings goal (like planning a vacation or paying off debt)
• At the start of a new month (starting at the beginning is a great way to reset spending habits)

Pro tip: Avoid starting during major life events, birthdays, or holidays unless you’re confident you can stay focused.

Why Do a No Spend Challenge?

There are many benefits of doing a no spend challenge:

• You’ll identify your spending triggers
• You’ll learn how much you actually need vs. want
• You’ll become more resourceful
• You’ll save money without needing to increase your income
• You’ll gain a better understanding of your financial habits

How Does a No Spend Challenge Work?

It’s simple in concept:

1. Set your time frame – decide how long you’ll challenge yourself.
2. Define your rules – what expenses are allowed (needs), and what aren’t (wants)?
3. Track your progress – write down every time you avoid a purchase.
4. Reflect at the end – review how much you saved and what you learned.

The Heart of the Challenge: Wants vs. Needs

The most important part of a no spend challenge is being honest about what’s truly a need and what’s a want. It’s the foundation of your success.

What Are Needs?

Needs are essential to survival and basic well-being. These are non-negotiables in your spending.

Examples of needs during a no spend challenge:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage
• Utilities: Electricity, water, gas, internet (if required for work or school)
• Groceries: Basic food to feed yourself or your family
• Transportation: Gas, bus fare, car maintenance (only if needed)
• Healthcare: Medicine, doctor visits
• Basic hygiene items: Soap, shampoo, toilet paper

Think: Can I live without this right now? If the answer is no, it’s likely a need.

What Are Wants?

Wants are non-essential items or experiences that bring convenience, comfort, or entertainment—but aren’t required.

Examples of wants during a no spend challenge:

• Eating out or fast food
• New clothes or shoes (unless replacing essentials)
• Streaming subscriptions
• Makeup and beauty products beyond basics
• Coffee shop drinks
• Toys, books, or hobby supplies
• Home décor or seasonal decorations
• Delivery or takeout fees

Wants are often disguised as “needs,” but remember—if you can pause the purchase without serious consequences, it’s probably a want.

Tips to Help You Stick to Wants vs. Needs Rules

• Make a “pause list”: If something tempts you, write it down and revisit after the challenge.
• Meal plan: Avoid “I don’t feel like cooking” takeout traps.
• Avoid browsing apps and stores: Out of sight, out of mind!
• Unsubscribe from sales emails: Don’t get lured by “limited-time” offers.
• Remind yourself of your goal: Keep your “why” front and center.

Frequently Asked Questions: Wants vs. Needs During a No Spend Challenge

1. Can I buy something if it’s on sale during the challenge?

If it’s a need and you truly can’t wait, yes. But if it’s a want, the answer is no—even if it’s 90% off.

2. What about buying gifts for others?

This depends on your rules. You might plan ahead before your challenge, DIY a gift, or give your time or service instead.

3. Are toiletries considered needs?

Basic hygiene items are needs. But luxury bath bombs or new skincare products you don’t need yet fall into the “want” category.

4. Is internet a want or a need?

It depends. If it’s required for work or school, it’s a need. If you only use it for streaming or social media, reconsider.

5. What if I already paid for something ahead of time?

That’s okay. The challenge is about new spending decisions—not punishing yourself for the past.

You’re Ready to Take the Challenge

Now that you know how to spot the difference between wants and needs, you’re in a strong place to start your no spend challenge with confidence.

You’ll learn more about yourself and your habits than you expect—and your bank account will thank you for it.

To help you stay on track, I’ve created a free printable no spend challenge tracker you can use to monitor your progress and stay motivated.

Click here to download the No Spend Challenge Tracker now!

How to Reuse and Repurpose Last Year’s School Supplies to Save Big This Year

Back-to-school shopping can get expensive fast, especially when you’re buying new supplies for multiple kids.

But before you head out to stock up on folders, markers, and lunchboxes, take a few minutes to shop your home first.

You might be surprised at how many items you already have from last year that can be reused, repurposed, or refreshed—helping you save a lot of money on school supplies.

Here are some practical, creative, and budget-friendly ways to reuse and repurpose school supplies you already have—and only spend money on what you truly need.

1. Take Inventory Before You Shop

Before you even think about heading to the store, round up all the school supplies hiding in your drawers, closets, backpacks, and even your car. Check:

• Old backpacks and lunchboxes
• Junk drawers
• Desk organizers
• Craft supply bins
• Closets and storage totes

Create or print a back to school supply checklist of what you already have.

This step alone can save you from buying duplicates of scissors, rulers, glue sticks, or composition notebooks you may have plenty of already.

2. Clean and Refresh Old Supplies

A lot of last year’s items just need a little TLC to be good as new. Try these simple hacks:

• Crayon and pencil boxes: Wipe them down with disinfecting wipes.
• Binders and folders: Remove old pages and add new label stickers or washi tape to give them a fresh look.
• Pencil pouches: Toss in the wash (if cloth) or wipe down with a cleaning spray.
• Markers and pens: Test each one and toss out dried items. Combine usable ones into a complete set.

3. Repurpose Supplies for New Uses

Thinking outside the box can help you save even more. Here are a few creative ideas:

• Empty notebooks with leftover pages can become scratch paper, homework trackers, or journal notebooks.
• Backpacks with minor wear can be cleaned and passed down to younger siblings or used as gym bags.
• Last year’s folders can be flipped inside out and redecorated.
• Broken crayons can be melted into fun new shapes using silicone crayon molds (great project for the kids too!).

4. Combine and Conquer: Create Sets

Do you have three half-used packs of colored pencils?

Combine them into one complete set and label it.

Gather spare erasers, glue sticks, or highlighters and assemble ready-to-go supply kits for each child. This is a great opportunity to teach kids about using what you have and being resourceful.

5. Use Extra Supplies for Homework Stations

If you have an overflow of certain supplies (like pens, loose paper, or rulers), set up a designated homework station at home.

This keeps essentials within reach and avoids scrambling to find things during study time.

Use old shoeboxes or mason jars to organize tools, or repurpose a utensil tray from the kitchen.

Consider affordable desktop caddies or organizers that make study stations neat and functional.

6. Reuse Last Year’s Backpack and Lunchbox

These are big-ticket items that don’t always need replacing. Unless they’re torn or completely worn out, many backpacks and lunchboxes can be spot cleaned or washed and look like new.

To freshen up:

• Use a gentle detergent or spot cleaner.
• Air them out in the sun to eliminate odors.
• Add a fun backpack patch, keychain, or pin for a new look.

7. Fill in the Gaps: Shop Smart for What You Truly Need

After taking inventory and refreshing what you already own, make a small shopping list of what’s actually needed. Stick to the essentials and don’t get caught up in flashy trends.

Frugal tip: If you do need to shop, Walmart offers a variety of back-to-school supplies for under $1—like glue sticks, notebooks, crayons, and pencils.

You can shop online and pick up in store or have them delivered, saving both time and money.

Final Thoughts

The back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank.

With a little creativity and a resourceful mindset, you can stretch your budget, avoid waste, and still send your kids to school with everything they need.

Start by shopping your home first, repurposing what you have, and filling in the gaps only when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if last year’s supplies are still usable?
A: Check for broken parts, dried-out markers, and missing pieces. If it still functions well, it’s good to reuse!

Q: What’s the best way to clean a used backpack or lunchbox?
A: Spot clean with soap and water or toss soft backpacks in the wash on a gentle cycle. Let them air dry completely.

Q: What should I do with leftover loose notebook paper?
A: Combine it into a binder or use it for homework, doodles, or scratch paper. No need to waste it!

Q: How can I make old school supplies feel exciting again?
A: Let your kids decorate with stickers, washi tape, or personalized labels. It gives older supplies a fresh new feel.

Q: What items are okay to buy new each year?
A: Items like glue sticks, dry erase markers, and erasers wear down quickly. If they’re dried out or nearly gone, replace them.