What did you used to waste money on in the past and now find incredible?

[Fortunefavours1]

I'm trying to cut out unnecessary spending (have cut down massively already) and would really appreciate some inspiration.

My question is, are there things that you used to buy in the past that you wouldn't dream of now? In fact, things that now horrify you when you think of how much you spent over the years?

Mine are:

clothes, shoes

perfumes

crap from eBay cos it was so easy to PayPal and buy

Serving bowls (goodness knows why)

kid's toys

Toiletries. I could go on but will stop there.

What's yours?

Counsellor told me to forget about the past and things you can’t change but just concentrate on the now and future but is difficult to do. They told the truth though in that you shouldn’t over dwell on things you can’t change. Is past tense. Sorry to be serious if this was supposed to be a laugh! I’m talking more money than an expensive perfume though. Stop! Listen to the advice!

@TheClitterati

Cigarettes Magazines Daily takeaway coffee.

I buy very little now. If I need something I write it down in my diary & try and wait 30 days. If I still want it I buy it.

I've been using YNAB for a few months. It's really fantastic. There is a fee but it's more than paid for itself. I am ending the year debt free after paying off my credit card today, and already have provisions towards many of my big bills coming up in the next six months. As well as money put aside for a holiday. I just never used my money this way before - it's fantastic

YNAB has changed my life and brought me so much peace of mind. I think it’s easily saved me 1.5 grand this year.

So many meals out 🙈

Cigarettes
Weed
Alcohol
Magazines
Takeout lunch
University

@Plussizejumpsuit haha, I wish I could stop buying entirely! But no, I've cut down, massively, on everything, except stuff off ebay which is what I'm struggling with atm. It is stuff that's useful, or rather useable, but could do without just fine. I think it's just too easy that's my problem. Also now have ds who is loves looking for bargains on eBay...

Cigarettes.

Costa - large mocha and cake of some kind daily - call it £5 a day, that £1,820 a year and I was on minimum wage when I did this. I liked walking in to work with the drink....I dont even drink Costa.

I still buy a meal day 3 or 4 times a week, that's my new year resolution for 2021. I get free meals in work for fuck sake.

My phone bill in the early naughties was eye watering.

Me and dh spent a lot of money pre-kids. No idea what it went on. We just pissed it away.

Smoking. I only quit a week ago (for the last time) but I’m 😦 at the amount I was spending. £11 every other day = around £200 a month.

It’s not just the money I spent but the opportunity cost of it as well when looking at house price rises. I actually lost more in real estate capital appreciation than the money even if the latter is theoretical. On the latter basis I consider it more or just a completely lost chance to achieve what many people have done on the same wage or less than me. I reckon I lost £150k on spending shit but £400k in terms of what I could have done with the money. Before you think I’m bragging about the numbers I’m not loaded. I could have been though

Actually it's not wasted really. Circumstances change, priorities evolve. Being young sometimes involves being frivolous and making memories for the future. I was a raver. I spent probably £70 per week going out to raves with all that raving involved. I had a blast and while I would not do it now, I will remember it forever. I also bought loads of magazines in my twenties but looked forward to them and enjoyed reading them. Again, I would not do this now. Its never a waste if you can afford it and enjoy it

Also used to buy estee lauder double wear foundation, horrible stuff which dried my skin out. Now I'm happy with rimmel lasting finish one, and even the primark foundations. Generally I do find higher end make up better quality, but EL foundation was just all wrong for me.

I pay more in rent on my one bed flat than my mates mortgages for a 5 bed monster house due to interest rates

Coffee. I work In a college with a Starbucks so I buy at least 2 coffees a day when I’m at work. I’m on mat leave atm and I’ve really noticed how much I used to spend on it. I’m talking up to £50 a week on coffee. I currently spend about £5 a week on decent coffee for my machine.

I haven’t included smoking and alcohol but consider the cigs more of a waste. I can several thousands on top now

When I was a younger 20 something in London I used to just love being out with friends. We’d often decide to go for a drink after work on a Tuesday night and end up spending £100 on drinks and dinner.
It sickens me to think of the amount of money I wasted during those years on nights that weren’t even that fun in hindsight

I’m a member of a gym I don’t use either. Cheers for the reminder. Need to get a grip and seem to have just given up and pressed the fuck it button down permanently

Move my comments to the addiction / mental health bit as have derailed it I suspect

Sanitary towels.
I have a mooncup now.
Saves me a few quid a month plus avoids a whole load of unnecessary and vile blood-soaked plastic going to landfill. Plus it feels more hygienic.

I don't regret a penny spent on weed or horses. Have quit the weed for a few years while I have kids but intend to enjoy it again some time in the future. Have scaled back the horses but can't quit those altogether.

Clarins face cream.

E45 is just as good and SO much cheaper!

@ClarenceBoddicker, I really hope it doesn't come across as patronising what I'm about to say.

You must be so proud of yourself for having conquered such monster addictions.

You did waste a lot of money, it's true. You did waste a lot of opportunities. That's also true. However, you SAVED the rest of your one precious life. That's equally true.

I'm dealing with my own addictions at the moment, and I hope to have your strength one day and be able to conquer them.

Cheap clothing I’ve only worn once (or even never worn )
Cheap shoes that hurt my feet - never to be worn again.
Sooo much skincare that I have been influenced to purchase by a blogger/influencer (that doesn’t work - normally makes me spotty).
Perfume
I took 3 bags to charity today and my New Years resolution is to stop buying so much rubbish!

My worst wastage of money was on a car. It was just over £2000 and I could have paid the lot in one go but decided on monthly finance over 4 years. What it actually cost me in the long run was the price of a much better car and I vowed never to do that again.
Too many handbags was also a weakness but none were designer labels so minimum cash damage although I think I only regularly used 4 out of the 20 or so bags. I have more sense now but! I own at least 200 pairs of knickers. All cheapies but even so, I only really need one drawer full instead of 3. Don't I ?

200 pairs of knickers Were you addicted to buying them or something? And do you think you’ve actually worn every pair??

Domino's. It's addictive.