8 Simple Ways I Cut Down spending on luxuries and I am Growing My Savings

In a city like Dubai, where luxury is abundant and the pace of life is fast, it’s easy to lose track of your spending. Whether it’s the temptation of frequent brunches at trendy spots, shopping sprees in designer malls, or the allure of spontaneous weekend getaways, these small indulgences can quickly add up. With the high cost of living and the pressure to keep up with a lifestyle of excess, it’s easy to let your finances slip. But if you’re looking to take back control of your money and boost your savings, here are 8 practical ways I've learned to cut down on spending—without compromising too much on the things I enjoy in this vibrant city.

1. Cut Back on Dining Out

Eating out is one of my biggest weaknesses when it comes to overspending. While it’s nice to enjoy a meal at a restaurant or order takeout, these expenses can add up quickly. I often try to meal prep or cook at home more. You don’t have to cook elaborate meals—simple, healthy recipes can save you money and still be delicious. Careem delivery ran my life for a solid 6 month period, unlimited options delivered to me at low low prices with everyday deals and offers. Meaning I didnt have to cook, or worry about what I would have and it wasnt until I checked my total spend on the app to see id built up a heft amount I really didnt need to spend.

2. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Subscription services have become the norm to have, but many people end up paying for ones they hardly use. Taking a close look at your monthly subscriptions, including streaming services, gym memberships, and software or app subscriptions. If you haven’t used something in a while, consider cancelling it or asking a friend if you can hop onto their subscription and share one, only then paying half the cost. Sometimes you dont need to cancel a subscription but you need to find the best option, paying for netflix, disney+, amazon and all your channels required can build up. I swapped mine for an amazon stick- 1 time purchase and a kodi subscription which means i had a 1 time purchase of £40 for the stick itself and £50 for the stick subscription which cuts down my costs for the others are the stick has more than i can ever imagine.

3. Shop Smart and Use discounts

Shopping can be one of the easiest ways to overspend, but there are simple strategies to reduce costs. Always looking for discounts, waiting for sales, and taking advantage of loyalty programs. For bigger purchases, I wait for sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday to score better deals.

Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it's something you truly need, or if it's an impulse buy. This can help curb unnecessary spending.

4. Limiting Impulse Purchases

The absolute best way to cut down spending on luxuries is by limiting on Impulse purchases, they can add up very quick. A quick stop at a the shop I dont really need maybe harmless, but it can eat away at my money fast. One way to prevent this is by sticking to a set shopping list. Dubai shopping is amazing, the way you can order and have direct to your door in even 1 hour sometimes, Apps such as noon, careem and instashop make it so simple to find absolutely anything you can wish for in no time at all. When i first arrived the novelty didnt wear off quick. Everyday ordering something new i probably didnt need. Cutting this out and looking at my savings from this was wild to me.

5. Buy unbranded or the cheaper option.

When it comes to groceries or household items, consider opting for generic or store brands instead of the named items i miss from home can make all the difference. In most cases, they offer the same quality for a limited cost. This small change can make a significant difference in your monthly spending on food items that will taste the same and all go to the same place. In Dubai, its so easy to miss things from home. Branded items you know and love but shopping in Spinneys and Waitrose can build up. I changed my supermarket shopping to a more local UAE store and buying items to try out here, saving myself big lump sum each month.

6. Negotiate Bills and Expenses

You’d be surprised how much you can save just by negotiating. Contact your service providers—whether for internet, insurance, or even your rent—and ask if they can offer you a better rate. Sometimes, simply mentioning that you're thinking about switching to a competitor can get you a discount or offer for a period of time meaning you can cut the cost here and move the additional to savings. Recently i negotiated my wifi bill, just simply by telling my provider i was shopping around. They offered me 3 months reduced rate and it gives me sometime to put aside a the additional amount month by month- every little bit helps in some ways.

7. cut down spending on luxuries and spending

We all have things we like to indulge in, whether it’s a monthly treatments, buying designer clothes, or keeping up with the latest gadgets. While these things can add to our lives with small amounts of joy they can also create a financial drain. If you’re trying to save, consider reducing how often you splurge on non-essentials. Previously my luxuries included getting my nails done, and facials every 2 weeks. Finding long lasting items that I can use at home for my skin and nails have saved me a great deal.

8. Downsize or Share Expenses

If you're living in a large apartment or house, consider downsizing to save on rent, utilities, and maintenance costs. Alternatively, think about sharing living costs with a roommate or moving into a more affordable area. Additionally, sharing costs with friends or family for things like travel or childcare can also reduce your financial burden.

Currently im living in a less expensive part of Dubai, still close by 10 minutes away from Dubai Marina, but with 1/3 of the rent cost, and actually more space. This means im able to cut my living expenses down greatly.

Final Thoughts:

Looking back on my journey to reduce spending in Dubai, one of the most impactful changes I made was limiting how often I ate out. While Dubai’s food scene is world-renowned and tempting, cutting back on dining out not only saved me money but also made me more mindful of my health and choices. Another significant change was creating a timeless wardrobe. By investing in a few high-quality, timeless pieces rather than chasing after every new trend or designer item, I’ve found that less really is more—and my wardrobe feels more versatile and sustainable. Lastly, rethinking my living situation was a game-changer. Moving to a more affordable space that still offered comfort and convenience allowed me to allocate funds toward my savings without sacrificing my lifestyle. These changes weren’t drastic, but they’ve helped me feel more financially empowered, and most importantly, they’ve given me the freedom to enjoy life in Dubai without constantly worrying about overspending. It all makes or smarter saving.