12 Purchases to Cut When Money Gets Tight

Reduce expenses by avoiding these common spending traps

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of generic brand cereal boxes, repeated in a tight grid pattern to represent the shift away from name-brand products.As inflation drives up the cost of everyday goods, consumers are finding creative ways to trim their budgets and prioritize essential purchases.Wilmington Today

As inflation drives up the cost of everyday items, many older adults are feeling the financial squeeze. Cutting back on premium gas, unused gym memberships, and brand-name groceries can help trim your budget without sacrificing necessities.

Why it matters

With concerns over inflation, outliving savings, and potential Social Security cuts, finding ways to reduce discretionary spending has become a top priority for middle-income Americans. Small changes to common purchases can add up to significant savings.

The details

Experts recommend several easy ways to cut costs, including using regular gas instead of premium unless your car requires it, canceling unused gym memberships, and opting for generic grocery brands over name-brand products. These adjustments can help offset rising prices for essentials like food, gas, and utilities.

  • The average price per gallon for regular gas hit $4.108 on April 15, 2026, up from $3.699 a month earlier.
  • A 2025 survey by CNO Financial Group found that inflation is the top financial concern for middle-income Americans.

The players

Mike LoCascio

Regional service director of Kunes Auto Group, a dealership in Delavan, Wisconsin.

Jon Jon Park

An international personal trainer based in Los Angeles.

Kiki Jacobson

A licensed mental health therapist in Wilmington, North Carolina, who specializes in financial therapy.

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What they’re saying

“Most drivers don't actually need premium gas, even though some assume it's better for their cars' long-term durability.”

— Mike LoCascio, Regional service director

“Start with walking. It's one of the most effective and accessible ways to improve heart health, build endurance and stay consistent, especially if you can walk or hike with a friend.”

— Jon Jon Park, Personal trainer

“It can be helpful to try and build tolerance and confidence with this by starting with alternatives that are low-risk, allowing for gradual exposure to uncertainty.”

— Kiki Jacobson, Financial therapist

The takeaway

As inflation squeezes household budgets, making small adjustments to common purchases like gas, gym memberships, and grocery items can add up to significant savings without drastically altering one's lifestyle.