5 Things Frugal People Stopped Buying in 2026, According to George Kamel
Finance expert George Kamel, a cohost of The Ramsey Show, swears certain purchases are standing between you and sustained wealth.
On an Instagram post from earlier this year, Kamel laid out “12 Rules for a Frugal Life.” Some of those rules included purchases that are messing up your finances. Here’s a look at what Kamel said to stop buying.
1. Fast Fashion
Though cheap clothes might seem like a better deal because they cost practically nothing, Kamel said they will cost you in the long run. Instead, he suggested investing more up front, so you don’t have to repeatedly buy items.
“When it makes sense, buy it for life," he said. "Paying more upfront for quality can save you money over time.”
2. Items Meant To Show Off
If you’re buying something because everyone else has it, Kamel said it’s best to skip it:
“Before you buy, ask: If no one ever sees this, would I still buy it? If the answer is no, abandon cart. Minimalism isn’t trendy for no reason. Less stuff, fewer expenses, more peace.”
3. Stuff Bought With 'Buy Now, Pay Later' or Credit Cards
If you can’t pay cash for it, Kamel said not to buy it.
“Even if you pay [credit cards] off perfectly, every study shows you spend more when you use them. MIT researchers using brain scans found that credit card users spend more and tend to buy more impulsively,” Kamel said.
For purchases that you can’t currently afford, he recommends making a plan to save up for them.
“Set aside monthly until you can buy it outright, whether it’s tires, trips or a big purchase. Delayed gratification is a core frugal skill.”
4. Things Not in the Budget
Kamel said that it’s important to establish a budget and “give every dollar a job.” This can include discretionary spending—up to a point. Once you reach the maximum spend for your discretionary spending, don’t spend over that.
“When every dollar has a job, nothing gets mindlessly spent," he said, "unless you planned for it. A budget isn’t restriction. It’s permission to spend, on purpose.”
5. Unresearched Purchases
If you’re looking to spend money on something, Kamel said you should be 100% confident in your purchases. Kamel said doing this will not only help ensure you buy something you’re happy with, but it can also alert you to promos or deals so you can save money.
“Frugal people aren’t impulsive," he said. "They take time to compare options, retailers and prices. Spending time researching can save you serious money. Search for promo codes, compare prices and read reviews.”
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.