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.

Bottled water is a criminal waste of money, not to mention all those single use plastic 500mil bottles that end up in a landfill abroad need recycling.

You'd need a check-up-from-the-neck-up to buy water (that might have been hanging around in a warehouse for months) than spend 0.05p on it from the tap.

What do I used to buy that I no longer do? Eating out mainly. Was never that mad on it anyway. I find that whole hanging around waiting to be served, waiting for drinks, more hanging around waiting for the bill a bit uncomfortable tbh. Also portion sizes are never big enough, members of the public generally wind me up, and over the past 2 years the prices have got silly. So as Duncan Bannatyne would say, "For tha' reason, aam oot"

I went to the supermarket on Monday evening and a couple had a large trolley filled with big bottles of water.

Growing up, we used to wash our hair twice and I don’t remember conditioner being a thing. I’m trying to think when I started using it- late eighties? Now conditioner helps on my hair as hair dye has made it really dry. Usually get cheap and cheerful conditioner, and better quality shampoo.

Alcohol? 😮

@Riverlee , I think we had it at home in the 1970s because I can remember using a lot because it wasn't lathering. It wasn't bought after that one bottle (Palmolive in a blue sort of triangular bottle).
I use it occasionally but other than my wet hair combing out more easily, I don't see an improvement in condition, but some of them seem to make my hair more wavy.

Expensive grain free cat food. It might be healthier than the cheap shite but neither of my cats will eat it. Not any brand, so it all ends up in the bin.

Fake tans - cost a lot , hassle to do and looking back I always looked dirty ! Now I buy a cheap instant tan and put it on when I feel my outfit choice requires it ( I’m so pale ! ) and it washes straight off !

Ive recently made the switch from long nail extensions to gel polish on my natural nails . I always thought they were too short but they look lovely and I can actually use my hands now 🤣

Make up! I used to spend so much ! I still stick with an expensive foundation as it’s worth it , looks good and lasts and the same with my lipstick but everything else I get the cheaper brands and it makes no difference !

Also another thing we've cut back on massively as an extended family is Xmas presents expenditure. The kids get presents obvs, but siblings, adult neices/nephews, parents etc...nah. We each get assigned one person as a secret Santa and that's it. No point in buying adults shit they don't need or want with money we ain't got. There's only so much moisturizer sets and scented candles one can own. Waste of money and stress.

Yes. I don’t really like eating out as much any more. Also the theatre. I find other people spoil it.

Real difference in hospitality quality since brexit/covid.

im not a demanding customer at all btw but long waits and stuff missing from the menu. I dunno. Maybe I’m just getting old and grumpy.

Most beauty treatments done at a salon. Facials, nails, hair colouring etc. It's lovely for a spoil now, but not a regular thing like it used to be.

I don't drink alcohol anymore.

Pet insurance is vital for me though, as I have used it a lot. It costs the same per year as annual vaccinations so this is a no brainer for me.

I drive a lot for work. I bought a decent thermo water bottle which I fill in the morning, and I top up at clients water machine (I always ask first). It's amazing what shit you can buy if just stopping off for a bottle of water.

Don't shop hungry. Another disaster way to buy unnecessary stuff.

I always felt I had to have a full and flowing fruit bowl. When half the fruit got tossed as it didn't get eaten. I don't even have a fruit bowl now, just buy berries etc when they are in season. Why I bought bananas for years when they didn't get eaten, I have no clue.

Clothes. Reuse or buy preloved. The only new items I've bought is white t-shirt and underwear.

I used to buy OPI nail polish, I had about 60 at one point! Ridiculous.

Coffee at Starbucks Costa etc

Sometimes 2ce a day when working away

We'll never be a 'civilised café society' like those nice Europeans with that attitude!

.

Those who mentioned clothes - I agree on using Vinted and Ebay to sell and to buy.
But I got a colour and body shape analysis from a local school mum and it's saved me £100s on clothes. I used to buy things, especially in the sales, and not wear them because they did not suit me. I now have a capsule wardrobe, and if replace stuff on a one in, one out basis. Best £60 I ever spent.

Cocaine

Vodka

Fabric conditioner: a total waste of money and horrible on towels, they feel slimy when you use them if they’ve had fabric conditioner on them.
Bottled water is completely unnecessary in the UK.
Fizzy drinks. Bad for you and a waste of money.

School fees.
Paying someone to clean my home
Car boot purchases.
Direct debit to some charities.
Semi skimmed milk.
Margarine.
Cheap kettles and toasters.
Buying a cheap cooker.
Buying fashionable clothes for work instead of traditional business clothes that just don’t date.
Wasting money on Passport.
Buying expensive bras.
The optician that tells me I need new specs then discovering later it’s the same prescription for the last 5 years.
Buying a TV license when none of the neighbours have one.
•••Biggest regret - paying ULAS and congestion charges. We don’t now live in a free country when we have to pay to enter the English capital. A disgrace!

Union subscription might feel like wasted money- but you won't thi k that if you need them. And you Never know when you might. No matter how fab you might be- sometimes other ppl are dreadful.

I agree with this. Two of my four were expelled from the sixth form of an outrageously expensive boarding school. Would rather have had a fleet of Mercedes estates.
Another dropped out of an expensive London independent day school six months before her A levels.
My most difficult son made it all all the way through the comprehensive and ended up with a good degree. He still has a chip on his shoulder that we spent nothing on his education (except the three years of University, which he forgets!).

Oh.. another thing mentioned that I find actually saves me money is a good tinted moisturiser.. I rarely need to use ordinary moisturiser, don’t bother with foundation, and it contains an spf, so it’s one product instead of three.

Expensive foundation - much cheaper high street brands are just as good.
I've never really been one for having my hair coloured in the salon, but I use Superdrug's own ultra light blonde to cover the greys and I then do my own bright colours on top.
Expensive moisturiser - I use Simple.
Fabric conditioner and the fragrance beads.
Cheap furniture.

I washed some towels yesterday and decided not to use fabric conditioner as I keep reading that it is not good for their absorbency.

After they’ve been on the line, I swear they were like sandpaper. Back to the fabric conditioner for me

Coffee !!
buy really good beans and grind to make my own. Love the process and is now oart of my routine