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.

Cling film
Kitchen roll
Fabric conditioner
Cleaning products
Brand new clothes,buy second hand
Shower gel

Skin products and brand new things. Also TV licence as I never watch it

Likewise to all of these

no shower gel since dc left home

Completely agree. Each to their own but having things like kitchen roll does not make my life easier in anyway - we’ve never used it so there’s nothing to miss.

If I stopped having holidays to save money, it would drastically reduce quality of life for me so it’s not something I will compromise on unless we simply can’t afford it at all. Lots of other tips on this thread are great - I’ll just take what works for me

Confess I haven't RTFT, it's very long, but have to say that buying cat baskets, except igloos, is a complete waste of dosh and effort. More or less a guarantee that it will sit untouched in the corner while the ungrateful little so-and-so continues to sleep on the windowsill, top of the fishtank, TIVO box, bathmat or whatever other bizarre place they favour. Saw a neighbour's cat sleeping on a pile of rubbish in a skip recently. It's what they do.

Our cata have 'baskets' but we paid £0 fir them. They are cardboard boxes ( although not just any cardboard boxes. They are M and S cardboard boxes)

Some tips are, yes. But it's all about a sense of proportion, and not being 'penny-wise; pound foolish'.

But then you are having to wash them all the time which also costs loads of money instead of one small sheet of kitchen roll?

@Trixiefirecracker , Kitchen rags and teatowels just go in the washing machine with other things. If the rags are minging I soak them first. I don't use the teatowels on dishes.

Drying outdoors or washing in vinegar are supposed to restore the fluffiness to towels. I just put up with crunchy towels rather than buy fabric conditioner tbh

That is because some people’s finances are pretty bleak after bills

I don’t think it’s depressing but I see it as saving money on items that are not important to me so I can spend money on those items that are.

I spent about £4 on an iced coffee in Costa today. It was utterly revolting. I'd forgotten how bitter Costa coffee is. Another one to add to my list.

Agree with expensive bras. I always used to buy silk bras but they don't wash well. Who on earth has time to hand wash their bras?! 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also, anything with a 'dry clean only' label in it. I never have time to faff about going to the dry cleaners. Unless you have a maid to do it for you, dry clean only items are pointless.

I think it's washing on a too high temperature that makes towels hard. I used to wash them on a 60 and end up with rough towels. Now I wash on a 40 and use dettol laundry cleanser and they are much better. The dettol also keeps the dispenser drawer clean.

My friend owns a vintage store. She washes everything except tailoring. She washed a Dior dress. Nowt wrong with it.
I wash bags and gloves.

Dry Clean or Hand Wash only are both out for me

So image is quite a big one (the dopamine hit of shopping).
So things like getting any beauty treatments - hair, nails, brows ect.
New clothes.

So it is useful to get your hair cut.
And it is useful to have clothes to enable you to have a positive self image and feel comfortable and also be able to partake in sports/hobbies.
But you can cobble together a lot of stuff. And usually if youre buying fancy occasion stuff, you will barely wear it, so second hand is great.
Heeled shoes. Most makeup.
I think using spf and having the basics. But you don't need a lot of options. Like more than two lip colours. Or more than one eyeshadow palette.

Other areas are fancy bedding. Branded food (although fresh/healthy food is definitely worth it)

Accommodation (ie rent somewhere cheap)
Meals out/takeaways. Usually keep things in freezer for 'takeaway' craving nights. Ie when you're too busy.
If eating out, go for a main course. Have dessert at home. Not drinking alcohol saves a lot!

Fancy holidays. You do not need to stay in a hotel. Camping is amazing. Best holidays I've had are camping or hostels or sharing holiday cottage with friends or family. You can go for longer, and have more trips this way.

_
Things to spend money on. Health and experiences. Not lavish, but things that get you out into the world.
Think will I look back on this fondly. Will I be proud of myself. Is this something I've always wanted to try.
Or do I need to relax/how can I take care of myself.
How can I save time.
How can I enjoy my everyday life more.

Its about what you use often
Ive found this year that having a nicer home environment makes a huge difference.
I bought some fancy mugs, and I really enjoy my hot drinks now! And I have tea several times a day.

You will probably get more joy being playful and adventurous, than being fancy.

Having a picnic in the evening with friends is much nicer than going to a fancy restaurant.

Its realising how you feel after something.
Like when you have a salad vs a pizza craving.

Have less things, but the things that you interact with, have those as things that you love.

@Lalalalala555 agree with most of those except the camping one.

Decent sleep and a toilet I don't need a flashlight to get to, matter a lot to me.

Perfectly happy with cheaper accommodation though. Now we're holidaying without DS we're trying to work out what really matters to us and location is the biggest thing- being able to walk to attractions is better - and usually cheaper - than a fancy room.

I think you wanted to say that YOU don’t need to stay in a fancy hotel 🙄 certainly that doesn’t apply to all people. Whereas I could probably live with occasional camping trip (maybe 🤣), having this as the only accommodation option is my idea of hell.

@Lalalalala555

NOOOOOoo!
staying in a hotel is NOT a waste of money.
camping wouldn’t be any sort of holiday for me

I’d never leave home again if I had to camp.

Oh and just to say Airbnb can often be a false economy these days by the time you've added in cleaning costs, admin fees and transport to and from city centre. Often cheaper to stay in a hotel, and no worries about being charged for breakages or leaving the room dirty.

Sorry, I missed this. I use the muslin squares as face wipes with witch hazel. We also use them as kids' face/hand/nose wipes - store them in a wee box on the side so they're always handy. They wash great and dry quickly.