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

Washing powder/liquid/tabs. I ran out during lockdown, couldn't get any so washed them without. Just as clean and feel the same as usual !

Vets. Why does pet insurance have so many loopholes?

Furniture generally, especially if you want to get something comfortable/that lasts!

Also, the number of items needed for running a home all add up to much more than you'd expect - hoover, iron, lawn mower, mop, bins (they are very expensive for what they are!)

Fruit! Especially exotic fruit.

Basically everything.

When I first started working as an office junior at 18, national insurance.

Decent tyres! First thing I check on buying a car is the tyre size- a nice popular size means cheaper tyres.

Fueling the car, £70 to fill up.

Anything that you have to remember to add the VAT to.

Where do people go for the next stage up from IKEA? Our house is a mix of IKEA and auction, but we do need to replace our sofas next year.

Holidays that are per person when you have kids. £1000 for a couple sounds ok out of school holidays, £3000-5000 for an equivalent for four in August. Ouch.

Yes to glasses!

School uniform!

@MamaGothel try £57.50! Two coastlines in my county = lots of money on water rates!

My new sofas. I have never bought good quality top end sofas before in my life. They have always been £200 jobs off ebay which I've covered with throws and cushions.
It's because I always had multiple cats but now I have one very elderly cat who isnt destructive I've treated myself.

Floor tiles,
dishwasher tablets,
glasses,
Good winter coat,
Curtains,
Blinds,

Boiler service fees. £70 quid a year for what exactly.

Plastering, tempted to train in that trade.

Funerals, have paid for two, both 4K. It can break you financially if the deceased had no plan. Luckily for me they had left money specifically for that.

School uniform!!!! £25 for a plain jumper for a 4 year old! Not even got the school logo on it! 😭

Rugs!

We had our new front door fitted last week. It's been 8 months in the making as we baulked at the price initially. But now we're glad we went for it as the house is already warmer, and there's no fear of it coming in with one kick! £1400 for a composite one with super secure keys.

Re furniture. We recently redid DS1s bedroom and I planned to replace his massive triple wardrobe that dominated the room with two Ikea small Stuva units that would slot under his cabin bed.
My DH moaned that he didn't understand why I liked IKEA so much, that it was 'tat'. Then I pointed out that all the naice furniture we've bought over the years has fallen apart. Wardrobe doors and drawer fronts falling off are the main issues. The only furniture that lasts is IKEA. I carried on as planned.
The only chest of drawers we have that's not fallen apart is a Victorian one. Because it was made properly (and that was a bargain from our local auction house, £60 and free delivery).

I rarely go out to bars these days but when I do I remain at the price of a glass of wine often being £10 or more.

For those of you who think that the council charges you £2k a year to empty your bins or that your council tax pays my wages...

my council tax is spent

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-to-save-money-on-your-council-tax-bill

I can’t get over the fact that a posh pushchair / travel system can cost more than a second hand car!

@daysofpearlyspencer

Funerals, have paid for two, both 4K. It can break you financially if the deceased had no plan. Luckily for me they had left money specifically for that.

I organised a direct cremation for my late father , hired village hall for wake with food and open bar , the whole thing including fees etc a celebrant not more than £1500

Funerals can be such a rip off as most people are very vulnerable but the directors do not advertise or recommend a direct cremation as an alternative

Our was driven by wanting to do that not as a cost saving exercise but I was surprised at the outcome

Hosting Christmas dinner for the whole family.
I felt it was a bit of a right of passage once I had kids and a house big enough to accommodate grandparents, siblings and other close family. But my god the price soon adds up 😳
I love having it at mine though so wouldn't have it any other way 😁

Magazines
Over the counter medicine

Now I understand why my parents had me gargling salt water for sore throats etc and the dreaded bottle of TCP was the go to, for just about everything.

@GnomeDePlume I discovered the hard way not to buy cheap paint - did a room with B&Q own brand and you could still see through it 3 coats later. Valspar all the way!

When I first moved out - cheese! Used to nick it from my parents' fridge before going back after holidays.

Now - a new roof! 20k to buy something that's basically the same as before... Although without the leaks

Eating out for a family of 4

Printer ink - I only got a printer last year for the first time. I was beyond shocked!

How much you'll actually pay for your house over the term of your mortgage vs how much you bought it for. I'll pay around 500k for a house bought for 150k over the course of 25 years.

Raspberries
Vets' bills. Even for the most basic treatment.
Boots No 7 skincare and makeup (I don't buy it).
Bras.

Carpet! £45/metre!

This Friday I went into the fishmongers and asked for 2 pieces of monkfish for 2 people. It came to €22. I just tapped my card and hoped I misheard but no it was real, I checked by bank account later. It was nice but it was just for Friday tea.