To refuse to pay current prices?

[Blusteryskies]

I'm probably unreasonable for asking such a question, but has anyone else reached the point where they just won't buy things anymore even though they can afford to? I no longer see the point of buying things. Clothes, meals out, house items etc. Everything seems so overpriced and quality no longer correlates with price. I've decided I literally don't need to buy anything. I have enough clothes to last me years, furniture, homewares etc. Unless something dies, I won't be replacing it. Why do we need new clothes because someone has decided style has shifted massively in the past few years? Interiors likewise. I'm stating the bleeding obvious, but it all just feels like a con to fleece us out of our money and now brands are ever increasing their prices and their profit margins. I'm just fed up of it, and no longer feel like it's worth participating in mass consumerism. It's a never ending cycle of pointless, unfullfilling consumption.

Yes, but lots of people buy into it. Feeling the need to have a new set of pjs every Christmas, just because. Yes it may be because the kids have grown a bit, but it seems to be just for the sake of it sometimes, imo.

I partly agree. I can afford things, but some stuff is just absolutely not worth it to me.

Like eating out/takeaways. Ordered one couple of months ago, got sucked in with some deliveroo code or the other. 40 quid-ish for two. It was SHIT. Just substandard. Tasteless meat, overcooked chips, oversalted. Supermarket ready meals are better. Even the 'value' range ones. Same goes for eating out. Crap(ish) food for ridiculous money. Just no.

Hairdressers. The prices are insane and again, the end result usually ranges from crap to 'meh' to 'well...that'll do'. I changed plenty of them, and the best I've got after paying 200 was 'ummm...ok, I guess..'. Just no.

Some food items, some clothing, etc - same. All the seasonal decorations changed every year, 'colour schemes' and so on - same. Changing tech just because a new model just came out - same.

Though I do spend a lot on travelling, experiences (selective), books, jewelry and shoes, so not all is lost.

I don't think what I'm saying is revolutionary, of course it's not. I'm just saying I'm fed up with the constant cycle of consumption, the constant price increases, and the societal pressure to participate in it all.

I've been looking for my next book. Thank you for the recommendation!

Stuff isn't that expensive though.

Petrol was £1.39 a litre back in 2012.

A breakfast bap, with egg, sausage, bacon, and a hash brown, including unlimited hot drinks, is £3.80 in Wetherspoons. And you can get pints for £2.10 there as well.

A coffee in Macdonalds is £1.98, and way better than that £5 Starbucks rubbish.

A meal deal in Tesco, with a really good triple chicken sandwich, a large twixt and a Costa Latte is £3.85.

It's more about where you buy, not what you buy.

Basically the only clothes I buy new nowadays are underwear, unless there's a bargain at the supermarket. My first stop for almost anything else I need is a charity shop or local sale/freebie groups.

My late mum who would be approx 95 if she was still alive told me that her grandmother wore the long black dresses you see in films and they never even washed them(it wasn't a thing) and that they absolutely stunk😟

Life is to be enjoyed, but that enjoyment does not need to involve spending much money.

If I think of things I love to do, most of them (with the notable exception of travel) are not so expensive.

Making music with others who also play.

Going for a long country walk with a friend, the dog, a flask of tea and a packed lunch.

Embroidery, visible mending, craftivism with friends, macrame.

Some purchases still happen of course, but they are usually not big brands.

This is where I'd like to get to. Buying things because I genuinely need them. Needs not wants, especially not wants that marketing and social media is trying to convince me that I need. I don't intend to be a miser, but I've had enough of pointless spending - particularly when the prices just keep going up and up.

YABU. I'm sure retail and hospitality workers will be thrilled that you're stopping spending! Is your job safe?

FFS plenty of us have been living like this for a long time, through ethical choice.

You cannae take it with you dude!

Well you'll be doing the planet a favour. We all need to learn to live on less consumption if there's to be a fighting chance of limiting climate change.

I wish I could be like this with clothes, but I’m not there yet.

It is quite satisfying to walk through a department store and realise you don’t want anything from there.

I don’t buy much stuff as I simply don’t need anything but I’m still spending a lot on experiences, meals out and holidays. I haven’t cut down at all.

@Blusteryskies Prices are skyrocketing because the staff who make those things need to be able to afford their bills.

Bills are skyrocketing because of house prices.

If house prices came down, everything would be more affordable. Instead, politicians and bankers decided to reframe property as an "investment," thinking this would not cause any problems. Instead, it caused many problems.

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

Heavy sigh from Trump’s America where tariffs are raising the price of everything here and they even featured the price of cars on the news.

And the farmers (who stupidly voted for him - again, and got screwed - again) are crying for yet another bailout (again) while Trump bombs random boats in the Mediterranean against the law and ignores the Constitution, we here in the United States are planning a big fat NO KINGS DAY this coming Saturday, 18 October 2025.

I hope you’ll be joining in.

Totally agree. I’ve deleted all food delivery apps as the prices are ridiculous and the food is hit and miss. It was our treat to order sometimes as we don’t go out much. I also think 10 times before buying any clothes as the prices are very high for bad quality products.

My wages have certainly not increased as much as inflation. Totally agree op. We used to go out for dinner all the time. Not so much anymore. And If I do go out it had better be bloody nicer than what I can cook at home!

The only things I’ve ever been “influenced” into buying, be it from friends/family or online are:

• Dyson air wrap — really like but not changed my life in the slightest. Done begrudge the cost as it’s gone but wouldn’t buy again),
• Bread maker — stopped using regularly as I got annoyed that I have to cut all bread for my children (who can make their own sandwiches/toast but can’t cut bread). Like the bread but nah to being held to cutting every slice.
• ninja air frier - get one and get one now, it is the best purchase I’ve ever owned.
• a hat I saw on Pinterest which said “Make asparagus great again” that cost nearly £30….i thought it was hilarious.(this is outing if you know me)

I'm sure there are a few more brands and things that I buy because my family always have/had those but I think that’s more tradition than influencing.

I wish more people had your mindset

Live like a stingy old tramp then. You do you!
Simultaneously rude and funny at the same time. 😆

But it isn’t ‘just’ pasta…. Rent, rates, salaries, (shocking) hike in NI, rise in energy prices for heating, aircon and cooking. Before you’ve bought raw ingredients which may well only account for a couple of quid, and after all that there’s v little profit. That will be made from wine and drinks sales if they’re lucky. It’s not easy.

It did actually make me chuckle a little.

I understand that (i work in finance - totally get that) but some pasta and a few drinks for 3 people, one being a 3 year old, and portions so small that we left still hungry for £70 imo is too much