What adult purchase really shocked you once you saw the price tag?

[AmbsPhillps]

like when you became an adult , what things surprised you with by the cost

Tree surgery

We are very lucky to live close to an Argos clearance warehouse so we can get virtually everything cheaper than normal. Some of our bargains have been an American style Samsung fridge freezer for 300 quid. My mam paid 1500 for the same one (it has a little dint on the bottom of the door but barely noticeable), a garden corner sofa set for 150 quid, the kids Christmas presents mostly come from there too.

Saves us a fortune.

Fitted bathrooms. Just been quoted £12,500 for a small en suite refit.

Hands down - solicitors fees.

Anything legal is eye watering.
If you have the brains and the will power study law! Less stressful than medicine and all win win ( mostly) is my take on that profession.
( wished I could have done but god didn't give me the brain power)

@LookMoreCloselier

Hands down - solicitors fees.

Actually apart from conveyancing. Or at least conveyancing when compared to estate agents fees. Every time I've moved, I find it ridiculous how little the solicitors receive compared to the EA, when are (or should be) hugely more qualified. Largely because EA fees are bloody ridiculous.

I'm not sure that things are actually much more expensive these days, it's just that housing eats up more of your income. Plus, very cheap clothing makes everything else seem wildly overpriced.

COVID will change the cost of a lot of things.

Mattresses
Dental
Plumbers
Shoes that actually fit
Nice restaurants
Towels

@thenightsky they’re ‘Avin a laugh’ as we had bathroom and new boiler for £6k a few years ago!

It's a long time ago now but when I was at uni I remember crying because I realised that if I bought washing powder and fabric softener, it would take more than a third of my money for the whole week.

Whoever said framing, go online to easy frame. Really nice frames and so much cheaper. I only go to framers now for specialist stuff like silk paintings which are a bastard to frame unless you know what you are doing.

Price of Gardeners/Trademen in general! Upward of £700 to take a tree down!

Cheese

Something which I have only realised this year when my own DM had to go into one, is the cost of care homes. Hers is approximately £92 a day which is around £2800 per month. I think this amount is absolutely staggering!

Our local tree surgeon has a huge farm and they are loaded! It's a money spinner for sure.

Window cleaner. I was quoted £88 for ours, outside only. I do not live in a mansion.

Care homes is the biggest expense you'll ever pay out for if you live for a long time and do end up needing 24/7 care.
My dad was in one for 18 months and the final bill was eye watering and the price increased every six months. He only had a pension and private pension as well and some savings.
It's so sad you pay in all your life and if you become ill with dementia you have to carry on paying for your care. ( All for Another thread though)

@WellTidy

Window cleaner. I was quoted £88 for ours, outside only. I do not live in a mansion.

My windows cost £8 a time. What on earth was £88 for?????

A garden shed/storage box.

Our kids our 6 & 4 and DH and I have been saying for a few years now we will buy them bikes. The cost of something to put them in (double what the bloody bikes will cost) is why we haven’t.

"the cost of care homes. Hers is approximately £92 a day which is around £2800 per month. I think this amount is absolutely staggering!"

It's not just rent and food though is it, it's 24-hour care. I can see why it's expensive.

Any job being done in house or garden always runs into 4 figures or so it seems
I always drummed into my sons if you want the same lifestyle you've had growing up Nothing fancy - say two holidays a year one UK one abroad , running a car and a 3 bedroom house . It all costs money . You need a reliable income . That's just to match our lifestyle not anything higher . So much so they call me moneymum !

Things are extortionate lately ; the last year or so I've seen a big increase in everyday things and building work of any kind is always thousands.
It's depressing really.

Glasses.
Car insurance/petrol/running costs.

@Dailyhandtowelwash I hope your Christmas guest brings you lots of fabulous presents, at least.

Mattresses, car running, building work, dog care and insurance, mortgages