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.

I def regret buying cheap clothes/shoes for each and every social occasion I had! Now I am picky with what I buy and make sure I love it.

@Devilsmommy for tinted moisturizer I just put a dab of foundation into my moisturizer on the back of my hand and mush it tog and ta dah tinted moisturizer lol

Virgin Greedia. {Virgin media}

Just so sick of their price hikes.

£73 for internet per month for one person and a phone line I never use!

Fabric conditioner! Stopped using 2 years ago and much better laundry!!

God this thread is depressing!!!!

I do this and only have to colour it about 4 times a year as the henna fades nicely rather than giving you a horrible line. Costs me about £15 a year I reckon.

Also have a dry cut rather than wet with blow dry which costs £32!

I save money on lunches and takeaway coffee. Always make my own now and must save £150 a month

Why?

Why throw money down the drain?

Hair conditioner works well as an alternative to shaving gel - even cheaper own brands.

Agree with many of the previous suggestions re magazines, coffees, and subscriptions.

Yes the one I was using - cif - had the same ingredients minus water

Live in the sticks. No bus service so drive car to next village (about one mile), park in layby opposite bus stop (free), use bus pass to travel on bus to town. Get to talk to interesting people, admire the scenery, have a good gawp at other peoples' gardens from elevated height, read free Metro. Car is 20 years old, does less than 2k miles per year and only needs petrol every 3 months. But use it to drive to supermarket for big shop, but grow and freeze fruit and veg, batch cook meals and make lots of jam and chutney

Don't get me wrong that's a good idea but don't wear foundation so obv don't buy it. Just never bothered with make up really 😄

Take away coffees
Lunch (& often breakfast) from cafes or even the work cafeteria. Now I make my own, much nicer, I can control how much fat/salt/whatever, and saves me an absolute bomb.
When I think of all the money I have spent on them over the years I could weep 😂

Hair growth supplements/oils/whatever else, including for lashes and eyebrows. I finally realised that no amount of products will override my genes!

Pet insurance....I have a young dog and expensive insurance.

A friend's dog had 'Cheaper' insurance that only covered £5,000 per year.

Her dog was involved in a freak accident.

£12,000 to date. {Two weeks treatment}

Friend is 'fortunate' that she's well known in show circles so people who have this breed of dog rallied round, but for people who aren't in that scene - it's crucial to have decent accident cover.

No matter how vigilant and careful you are, or how well trained the dog, accidents can happen.

Not sure what to say to this. Almost every one I’ve ever worked with has advised against it. Everyone is different I guess.

I’d have to disagree with this but admittedly only have anecdotal evidence. Everyone I know who has Miele appliances says they outlive their pets.

I absolutely love painting with Farrow and Ball. It goes on beautifully!

😂I do this too! Saves a fortune in parking and fuel

DH did the hoovering today with a Miele that is at least 30 years old....

I'm working on this and actually managed to do it for my holiday this year (Italy so still important for me to look and feel well turned out). HUGE success

Every item was worn several times, all mixed and matched due to clever colour choices (colour added with bags, scarves) and I had so many compliments from DD and DH. I finally felt like my Grown Up Holiday Self

Best thing is all items although new this year (but not expensive) all look great work at home too, so no garish fluorescence Flimsy dresses which only work "on holiday " IYSWIM? I can see me getting so much use of them. And I finally know what looks great when I need to replace.

Bonus was it made packing much quicker too

Magazines
Newspapers
Bottled water
Individual yoghurts
Air fresheners
Cleaning wipes
Lip balms

Would second use of libraries for free books, online reosurces such as FindMyPast, audiobooks, ebooks , emagazines and newspapers via Pressreader

Pet insurance

Goodness. Pet insurance is vital IMO. I've saved a fortune with it.

This thread is really eye opening for me because I’ve never done half of the stuff that people used to do.

I always dye my hair at home, paint my own nails, bought cheap candles, shampoo and toilet roll etc, never bought coffees out, never had an expensive car etc etc.

Although this is due to finances I can’t see how my life would be improved by buying a £20 candle and I’ve always thought that people paying for expensive things when there are cheaper alternatives that are just as good, were getting played by the companies that sell them.

It should be that the more you pay, the better quality it is but it isn’t always the way.

I have a very large breed dog and a cat.
I wouldn’t be without my insurance for my dog, as even simple procedures often cost hundreds and the insurance has more than paid for itself.
Whereas my cat is lazy and has only ever needed to go to the vet once and I put it on my credit card which worked out a lot cheaper than insurance.
So I think pet insurance depends on the size of animal you’ve got and if it’s a breed that is prone to any issues.

One thing I don’t buy anymore is lint rollers for pet fur.
I now use sellotape (preferably wide or parcel tape) as I find this is cheaper and does the job way better (it does take longer though).

New clothes, cling film, kitchen roll, anything branded in the supermarket. Rarely have haircuts or beauty treatments.