Things that I stop spending money in my late 20s
Expecting to retire in my 60s made me realise that my late 20s aren’t about looking rich — they’re about building stability.
Things I slowly stopped paying for:
• ❌ Gel nails every month
→ I do basic nail care at home. Clean nails > fancy nails.
→ Mascara is cheaper, healthier, and I can remove it anytime 😌
• ❌ Following every trend
→ Just because it’s viral doesn’t mean I need it.
• ❌ Impulse shopping
→ I ask myself: Do I really need this, or am I just bored?
• ❌ Expensive café hopping every week
→ Coffee at home + meaningful conversations hit different.
• ❌ Buying things to impress people
→ People come and go, savings stay.
• ❌ Over-spending on things that don’t add value
→ preferred putting my money into assets, not liabilities. Things that grow with time, not things that lose value the moment I buy them.
Because real luxury in your late 20s isn’t trends or validation —
it’s financial peace, quiet confidence, and knowing you’re building something for yourself 🤍
In my late 20s, I realized the importance of shifting from spending on fleeting pleasures to focusing on long-term financial well-being. One key habit I adopted was cutting down on non-essential beauty treatments like gel nails and eyelash extensions. Instead, I embraced at-home care and simple makeup routines, which not only saved money but also promoted healthier habits. Another important lesson was resisting the urge to follow every new trend or indulge in impulse shopping. Trends can be tempting, but they often lead to unnecessary purchases that don’t add real value. By pausing and asking myself if an item or experience was truly needed, I avoided buyer's remorse and reduced clutter. Replacing café hopping with making coffee at home became both a monetary and emotional win. Not only did I save a significant amount of money, but sharing conversations in a cozy home environment brought deeper connections and joy. Most importantly, I learned to stop buying things to impress others. People come and go, but consistent saving and wise investments create lasting security. Redirecting money towards assets—like savings accounts, investments, or skills development—helped me build something that appreciates over time rather than depreciates. This journey taught me that real luxury in your late 20s is about financial peace, confidence, and having a purposeful approach to money. It’s empowering to know you’re building a foundation for your future instead of chasing temporary validation.
Don't take cab or Grab,learn to at least cook simple foods and pack your own meals(it's much more economical and healthy to make your own Mayonnaise or Popcorn),don't buy high end mobile devices unless related to work,invest in a foldable bicycle for a healthier lifestyle and reduce trunk bus service,no luxury holidays or just holiday in neighbouring Asean if you have to,dye your own tresses and do your own facials,only watch movies on weekdays or get Netflix and Amazon,dim or turn off lights you don't need at home(calming and romantic),if you have plants,learn to compost and use the castings as fertilisers for home grown plants you can grow like Ginger and Chillies.