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.

Except for vit D (my GP tells me). In the winter it’s not possible to get enough from the sun in the UK, or from food sources. Very grateful for the massive packet I got from the govt during Covid.

Yup - Lidl are better than Finish!

I also use an ecoegg for laundry (unless it’s really stinky) and I don’t bother with fabric conditioner.

Using a mobile hairdresser has saved us literally ££££.

A friend recommended her a decade ago and she's better than any salon I've ever been to (she's ex-top London salon).

A cut and colour for me costs £75 and haircuts for the rest of the family are £25.

I'm sure there are great mobile hairdressers everywhere if you look.

I use a home dye now for £6-£7 and it looks just as good! Might not work if you want highlights though…..

I have a very short pixie cut and now have a dry cut which is £5 cheaper. Haven't dyed my hair for years as I developed a reaction. So much cheaper every 4 to 6 weeks. I once paid £75 for a very similar cut with a salon (that later went through) and it wasn't any better. Quids in now.

Going out for dinner just because I don't feel like cooking.

These days, we might nip out to a local coffee shop for lunch/ wrap but tend to plan our restaurant nights in advance.

Would be more likely to get a take away or have something from the freezer if I just cba to make supper.

@Pigeon31 Yes to this! I used to order lunch in even if I worked from home 😐I now keep tins of tuna and salad stuff in the fridge and force myself to make lunch. It's cheaper but also so much healthier! I've also started making more dinner than I need so I have leftovers

Oh yes to the leftovers also - that's actually something I got much better at during lockdown.

Expensive skincare. I now buy 3 products for what I used to spend on one pot of moisturiser. The Style & Beauty board has been v helpful for this.

Meat. Better for your health & planet. We do eat it occasionally, but much more likely to have a veg curry or pasta with veggie sauce.

Cheese. I've stopped buying 'snacking' cheese and now just buy 'main course cheese' like mozzarella, feta and halloumi, or parmesan for flavouring - it's expensive but lasts a long time and goes a long way.

I’ve done loads of swaps with Lidl own brands . Deodorant, washing liquid, shaving gel , toilet roll especially . Clothes is now all vinted . Haven’t had my nails gelled for 3 years now . Don’t miss it . Do my own for special occasions .

I will not swap foundation brands or make up or skin care/ moisturisers

Oh . Very rarely eat out now. Not worth the money

How are people getting Lidl home delivery?? When I look it up online, it says they don't offer it in the UK! (Or are PP from the US?)

Does anyone have any recommendations for cheap supermarkets that deliver? We currently use Waitrose and I did an item by item comparison with Ocado and Waitrose actually came out cheaper (which I wasn't expecting...) Are there any others? I do like the idea from a PP of going to a Lidl and the getting an Uber back, but I've looked it up and there isn't a close Lidl to me, meaning it would negate any savings to get a taxi (I also don't have loads of free time and would rather not spend it in the supermarket!)

moisturiser.

cleaning products. Now realise vinegar and water does the job better than anything else.

@overdrawn

As mad as it sounds I alternate Asda with Waitrose. The branded goods are always better priced in Asda so stock up on household, tins etc on those weeks.

This is me! I do indigo plus henna so get a dark brown. Plus I tint my eyebrows. I don't have a nice cut though. I trim it myself maybe once every two years. After menopause it hardly grows at all so I try to just leave it.

Not worth the money and honestly so much of it is really disappointing. My partner and I splurged on a takeaway recently and it was just like...ew.

Stopped buying little treats at the cosmetics stands. Stick with tried and trusted products now.
Only buy seasonal, cheap flowers occasionally: daffs in spring, asters now. £3 or less a bunch and just as lovely. Only buy once a month unless it's daff season.
Stopped buying clothes new and have sought out more decent brands in charity shops. Also started WFH and doing an outside job a fair chunk of time so wearing work gear. Loads cheaper
Don't buy expensive perfume any more, dupes seem to be fine for my needs and a few quid.

I make my own soap, lip balms, bath bombs etc. Yes it's also my business but I can justify making myself a nice one for the odd use and it's way cheaper than lush, obviously!!!!

Home hairdresser much cheaper, never going back to a salon!

Oh and given a choice I will never buy a turkey at Christmas time. Overpriced and never nice so why?

Asda are pretty good. Used them for 10+ years.

Milk delivered in glass bottles to my door. I accepted paying a bit more for the convenience and sustainability (the glass bottles get cleaned and reused dozens of times). Then something happened that made me question their ethics and I found I could get organic milk at nearly half the price from the supermarket instead. I just wash up the plastic bottles for recycling now. I realised that trying to reduce my plastic for this one thing isn't going to make a shed load of difference.

This is a brilliant idea @declutteringmymind !