what did you used to buy that you now realise is a waste of money?

[overdrawn]

I’m trying to sort out a credit card debt and reduce my spending so wanted to ask what are things you used to spend money on that you’ve realised aren’t worth it?

For some reason, I used to buy the expensive Brabantia bin bags (I have no idea why!) and a few months ago realised it was a complete waste of money and now buy regular black bin bags.

I also bought a home gel nails kit and do my own manicures / pedicures (I did lots of research and bought a good brand, and follow all the advice) They look just as good (if not better) than what I was getting in an average salon and the cost per manicure is much less.

Waxing. No idea why I used to put myself through it! The pain and expense.

And clothes. I’ve spent a fortune on stuff I didn’t like that much and didn’t end up wearing. I just live in what I have now!

Cheap clothes and shoes - false economy
A new car
Lots of kitchen extras/gadgets
Expensive make up, perfume and lotions - cruelty free is my priority
Cut flowers
Gift sets as presents
Home decor shite and candles
Having highlights
Loads of different cleaning products
Anything to impress other people
Anything else that we don't really need

We spend our money on big stuff - holidays, motorcycles, socialising, days out.

Private education for my dcs.

Dyeing my hair.

@Zipps yes 100% to candles.... I bought a few expensive candles before cutting down on spending and whilst I love them, I definitely don't need them and wish I didn't spend the money!

@readbooksdrinktea agh... I know I spend too much on my hair cut and colour... but I really love it! It's taken me ages to find a hairdresser who does a good job (I have a very short pixie cut)... maybe I need to cut out the dye and just go for a cut...

@AtLeastThreeDrinks I buy most of my clothes from eBay and Vinted etc so was convincing myself that it was okay as I was getting high quality stuff for a bargain... but it all adds up! That's another thing I'm cutting out. I already have a wardrobe full of clothes and I don't really need anything else (no matter how much I would like it!)

Fabric softener for the washing machine. It seems totally useless.

Not buying, but a lack of selling. I’ve always sold my old clothes, mainly on eBay and moved to Vinted. But there was a time a few years ago when I decided I couldn’t be bothered any more, and gave a bag of stuff to a charity shop. I regretted it later as I could’ve got about £50 for it online. In fact, I’ve sold more stuff on Vinted because they don’t charge fees so there’s stuff I’ve sold for £1 each. It all adds up.

The cheapest dishwasher tablets work perfectly well

Tinted moisturiser, I'm just at the point now where I don't give a crap if I look pasty 🤣

I save up over the year to have my hair professionally cut (also short) but now haven't coloured it for a couple of years. It took me a significant while to be OK with the grey in there, so I understand your reluctance. I just cannot justify the expense.

A specific brand of toilet paper because my Mum always insisted it was better quality. Now buy supermarket's own brand or whatever is on offer. Works just as well!

@overdrawn what brand of gel nail polish would you recommend and where do you buy it from? DDs have a lamp and polish would be a great stocking filler. Thanks

@OMGitsnotgood I use Mylee – I think they are currently on sale in a lot of Boots (not online though) as I've seen a few people posting in the Mylee FB group that they have picked up new colours for about £2!

Great, thank you

@Devilsmommy I used to buy so much makeup – and now am just getting through what I've got. I stopped buying expensive foundation and just use one from the pharmacy (which I actually think is better than some of the pricey ones I used to use!)

New cars (especially if you are on finance) are an absolute waste of money. I used to always have a fancy new 4x4 every 3 years. Most of my friends spend £500-1000 a month on car finance and it’s just bonkers. One day we just decided to sell our expensive cars and buy two old run arounds. The money we used to spend on cars now goes into Isas and pensions. I thought I’d really miss the fancy cars……… but I just really don’t. We were pouring money down the drain.

Sky subscription. National Trust subscription. Magazine subscriptions. Union subscription. Pet insurance. Cheap bras and expensive jeans. Long haul holidays. Alcohol and especially wine. All Charity donation direct debits, apart from one.

@PRAMtran This is one thing I actually do think is worth the extra! I used to use the cheaper ones and we never had properly clean cutlery – I switched to the pricier ones and everything comes out sparkling now!

I don't actually wear any make up but used to buy tinted moisturiser because I felt like I looked to washed out because I'm very pale and wear alot of black. But just can't be bothered anymore 😆

Agree with all the subscriptions (and you've encouraged me to actually look into what I'm subscribed to!) but definitely don't agree with the pet insurance. We have a dog and without pet insurance we would have had to pay out thousands and thousands in vet bills... just this week I would have had to spend £200 for an ear infection, and £400 as she ate something she shouldn't have... I never want to be in a position where I can't afford treatment for her!

This is exactly what I did, cut out the dye and keep the good cut, my hair looks good as it is a sharp cut

air fryer
Don’t use it nearly as much as I thought

My tip re hair is to use henna at home. (If you colour it any shade of red or brown). It doesn’t ruin your hair like buying a box dye and then just get a good haircut.

I agree cheap tablets only work on very lightly soiled dishes.