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.

Muslin cloths are great for this. I buy big muslins from the baby department when they're reduced then cut too size and bind the edges with a zigzag stitch.

Shaving foam for shaving my armpits and legs. Shower gel does the job fine. For groceries the value brand is normally just fine, but there are a few things I don't skimp on as the branded version lasts longer and does a better job, such as Fairy Liquid and Domestos. I love to frequent charity shops and have picked up lots of new items for next to nothing.

I'm definitely guilty of impulse shopping and have unsubscribed myself from all mailing lists. Usually this is very easy to do as there is an unsubscribe button at the very top of the email, or else there will be a link at the bottom. This has really helped.

We use a Revolut vault for our grocery shopping money. We have a budget for the month and transfer it when we get paid, then use that to shop throughout the month.

I put a freeze on my credit card and gave the card to my partner with strict instructions to hide it, and removed it from Google Pay, Amazon etc.

I've cancelled all streaming services except NowTV. We don't have a Sky box, we stream NowTV through our smart TV. If you don't have a smart TV you can buy a Fire TV stick or similar for the cost of a monthly subscription to Sky.

It's worth seeing if you can get another card to do a 0% balance transfer, and cancel your old card. Those fees really mount up every month. Failing that, in the past I've gotten a lower interest loan from the Credit Union to pay off a credit card balance. This was about 10 years ago, and I cancelled my credit card and didn't get another until recently.

Best of luck!

Expensive hair cuts. If its a decent hairdresser then it looks the same. I spent £30 a couple of weeks ago and it was no different to £60-£70 cuts I've had before. I have had some really dodgy cuts, but they aren't always the cheap ones.

Babysitting. I've realised I should just make DH look after his kids so I can go out.

DH would say the gardener, but the garden is a total mess since he got rid of him. He would also say the cleaner. I've point blank refused to get rid of the cleaner.

@Hoogieflip , what do you use them for?
I use them for pressing clothing (i.e. dampen and iron it on a garment), and as a cheesecloth. Not the same ones obviously.

Our Dog and Cat.
Love them both but bloody hell, they are both nearly 16 and we have spent so many thousands on them over the years 😯. Probably enough to fund house deposits for the DC.
Microwave, our last one broke and we haven't replaced it, as realised we never used it.
Smoothie maker and spiralizer.....what was that all about?
Antique clock fixing. It's noisy, wished we hadn't bothered!

I've stopped buying milk.

I used to chug it and would easily get through 4 pints a day. As a result I no longer drink tea or coffee... No sugars that used to go in those teas and coffees.

I lost 2 stone in 6 months without trying. In fact my GP was very concerned!

You’re not meant to use it on towels, it makes them less absorbent.

We use Aldi dishwasher tablet for years, a recommended Which? Best buy. But they are not as good as premium brands. washes with Aldi tablets can’t get all the stains off tea mugs. Every few washes we have to use a premium tablet to get all the stains off

What gel kit did you get?

Exactly the same as us, two knee caps reset and pinned, countless bloods, xrays, scans and hydrotherapy. Along with a number of ear infections resulting in being put under and a full flush out and then two ops for cysts. Probably had 12-15k payouts in his lifetime so far

Agree. More recently I started borrowing magazines from the library, and buying used ones from there - homes and gardens and other ones don’t go out of date very quickly. But sadly my local libraries seem to have stopped magazines since COVID.

Also add books to the list. Libraries are free! Although I recently visited about 12 charity shops looking for a specific book which I finally found and bought for £1. Felt like winning the lottery!

I’m sure someone has pointed out, haven’t read the full thread but you don’t use fabric softener on towels, it stops their absorbency

@Ryeman it's not the same but lots of libraries have the digital version of the magazines to borrow which is quite convenient

Stains on tea mugs = washing soda. £2 a kilo.

Dunelm paint is brilliant

Agree wholeheartedly. Until 2 years ago, had older cars and was forever spending out on repairs. I spent over £500 getting a major engine repair on a Fiat - then a few months later, the water pump went, which was no longer manufactured. I scoured the net and scrap yards but couldn't get one anywhere.

Ended up selling the car to a scrap dealer for £30
I was bloody gutted!

@saveforthat My technician told me to stop using dishwasher tablets (they overload the sensors,of your dishwasher!) and to go back to the plain old powder, saltchrystals and rinse (preferably from the same brand) much better for your machine, much cheaper and really everything comes out perfectly clean!

You can add family to your Amazon Prime as long as you live at the same address. My husband added me, it still uses my bank details but his Prime account

We no longer buy furniture new. This year I've bought kitchen table and chairs, gorgeous garden table/chair/cushions/parasol, chest of drawers (which was the only thing that needed a lick of paint) for £115 in total! It's been reassuring to find out not everyone on FB marketplace is a scheming nut-nut 😜

Husband also buys replacement pieces for our Shark vacum from Ebay. Probably spent £50 maintaining it over the last 4 years, but we've not had to find a lump sum to replace it...I will be genuinely devastated when it does finally give up the ghost, best home appliance ever.

Booze (I don't drink anymore and most people don't care what you pour in their glass as long as you keep coming, I don't)

Freeloading friends. Related to the above. Rich drunks have lots of friends!

New designer anything. I gave away five bags last week. Shocking. I buy off ebay. Have done so for ten years. I wear corporate clothes. I am wearing stuff from 2001 but it's Max Mara.

Heinz beans, too sweet.

Farrow and ball paint, not £79 for 2.5 L. Craig and rose is thicker for crumbly walls. Crown is excellent especially breathe easy.

Biggest saving? Not buying a period cottage in a chi chi market town. I bought a modern house! No damp, £350 quarterly fuel bill and parking. I saved £250k!

Can I ask what nail things you brought? Ive got another baby on the way and I don't think I'll be able to to as much. Currently go every 3 weeks and have the gel builder but guess I can forgo that!

Sorry should have read the full thread x

Manicures - £30 every 3 weeks. I do my own with CND vinylux now and it’s great.

We’ve cut down on eating out and takeaways.

I get my cat’s medication from VetUK for a third of the price of the vet, exact same brand.

Negotiated the Sky right down.

Ah I love a designer bag. A Mulberry bag makes me very happy. But I choose wisely. I can’t wear fancy shoes, I wreck them. 😛