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.

Clarks school shoes - back in the 8O’s I had very little money but used any birthday money Christmas money my parents gave me for myself on getting three boys fitted “ properly”. I had fitted clarkes shoes as a child ( my feet are awful now though with bunions!) so thought I should do the same.
None of my grandchildren have set foot in a Clark’s shop and they are all surviving well!
I now think it was one big rip off

I'm so glad it's not just me who rarely buys new clothes and uses Aldi skincare!

The best stuff for a naughty horse.
Spent a fortune, literally money was of no concern to me so long as he needed/wanted/looked good in it.

He didn’t give 2 sh*ts about any of it.

Buying food and coffees when I'm out.
I have a Contigo and a supply of kind bars. Healthier and so much cheaper.

Fresh fruit and veg - I've moved approx 1/2 to the freezer and saved a lot in time and money.

The gym - got myself a set of weights and some decent trainers.

A new one - making my own butter. My kenwood chef is proving itself even better value for money.

@overdrawn

i do a freezer shop from Iceland every 5/6 weeks, and get it delivered… you can get big bottles of fabric conditioner from there and solve your delivery issue!😀

Iceland pretty good for cost if you buy the things on offer, delivery sometimes free, too!

Fabric conditioner and magazines. I still get the occasional magazine subscription when they work out at £1 a copy, but always cancel before the full price kicks in.

We buy bread and put it in the freezer and when we want some we just pop it in the fridge and it lasts for over a week with no mold. Previously, we kept it in a cupboard and it went hard and moldy in 4 days.

Candles, diffusers, nice smelling handwash, posh soap, nice shampoo, branded tissues, technical running socks (complete con), magazine subscriptions, posh moisturiser (still buy the serum and a cheap sunscreen instead), fake eyelashes, spending more than £10 per teacher gift, new summer dresses, new sandals.

I was told that fabric conditioner shouldn't be used on towels (or nappies) as it reduces absorbancy.

I don't buy new clothes and am pleased DD has got into Vinted.

Kitchen paper and glass cleaner. I got a Marigold Glass cloth and I've never looked back. Bought 2 friends them and converted them too.

Saving a fortune consider the amount of glass we have and 2 bulldogs.

@Thebigblueballoon Why would a decorator not thank you for buying Farrow & Ball paint? (I've never spent money on that kind of paint so I'm intrigued! )

Yes

Shaving cream. Neat shower gel does the same job.

Curly hair products - couldn't be arsed with the curly girl routine in the end!
Fake tan and gradual tanners - similarly, could not be bothered with the upkeep
Clothing that requires too many alterations to fit properly
Clothing that's for my fantasy self and not what I actually reach for
Home decor - so much clutter!
Several random home appliances, including a carpet cleaner and an air purifier. Definitely don't regret my dehumidifier and air con though!

Seven years ago, our dog cost the insurers over £7000 in one year. The insurance had cost us about £400 that year.

We would never be without it.

Definitely kitchen gadgets

If you are a member of your local library, you will never need to buy a magazine subscription again! Our online library has a free pass to an app called BorrowBox. You put in your library card details and then you can borrow ebooks, audiobooks and, new addition, e magazines. I've read Prima, Woman, Closer, Radio times, Empire and Simply Crochet this week...all for free.

Also, with your library card log in, you can also get pressreader. You can then read pretty much every daily newspaper for free. Saves so much money if you buy newspapers regularly.

I agree. I think I read that tip on mn many years ago.

Because the coverage is nowhere near as good as many other paints. You’re looking at extra coats on your walls, it’s frustrating and costly. I work in the interiors industry, and decorators shriek in horror when they find out it’s an F&B job.

AHH I'm going to try the not using fabric conditioner! I've never attempted a wash without it so will see
Expensive bleach- always get Tesco own brand for a few pennies now
Any fancy cleaning product really except Dr Kaufman's carpet cleaner
Getting a coffee every morning on the way to work- got a small coffee machine and milk frother a couple of Christmas' ago and just take one with me in the mornings- saved a fortune!

Christmas cards, I send very few now postage is expensive. Just the oldest family members who actually appreciate them. Its cheaper to text and phone.

And I'm happier getting fewer in return so that I don't constantly rearrange them when they fall over.

Car washes. I'm less frequent, I think most car washes must be quite eco unfriendly anyway.

Stopped buying clothes in high street shops.
I buy my clothes from Amazon. Usually buy cotton , linen clothes at half the price of the shops. I was so sick of having to buy so much polyester , which is found in a lot of high street shops and is often expensive

Dh prefers to buy newer cars as any time we have bought an older car it would have issues which was a pain.

Stopped buying magazines a few years ago.

Gym membership - just makes you feel guilty when you don't use it. Have found wild swimming, at home treadmill running and online yoga works probably better for me.

Dishwasher tablets - was advised by chap who came out to fix ours that they are not very good for the machine, better to use powder and rinse aid it is much cheaper and things come out cleaner. They are however getting harder to find but some supermarkets do their own brands.

Expensive loo roll - ASDA loo roll is way superior

Heinz baked beans - LIDL baked beans are better (not as sweet) so much cheaper

Never bought fabric softener as I hate the smell on other peoples clothes, used to always but the same washing detergent but now buy whatever is on the best offer.

Multi surface cleaner in spray bottles - the big (think for floor) bottles are the same ingredients but undiluted so now I keep refilling a spray bottle with a couple of inches and add water. Saves loads.

Hi OP, I am probably about 5years into the process of trying not to buy any unnecessary crap and investing money elsewhere/ reducing clutter and waste. I started slowly and couldn’t imagine not buying certain things but with every year I was getting better at reducing my spend.

I can now honestly say that about 90% of crap people tend to buy is a waste of money. I mean physical things- I do believe in spending money on experiences.

Definitely: new cars, most clothes, shoes, accessories, magazines, books (libraries are so good nowadays), home decor, toys, new models of phones, cosmetics, fabric softener, make up, branded food, meat, alcohol, sugary products, ready made sauces, specialist sports clothing, advent calendars, candles, mugs, cards…the list just goes on.

Just a quick reminder to anyone that you cannot put normal hair dye on it for some time after so don't think about quick correcting. Always mention to hairdresser you had henna on in previous months.
But yes, it's way better!