Things you could afford but choose not to spend on?

[Netcurtainnelly]

Things you could afford but don't bother with/choose not to spend on.

Inspired by the cleaning thread.
What could you afford but don't have/do?

A cleaner, just do it ourselves.
A long haul holiday. No interest.

Cleaner
Alcohol
Take aways
Regular meals out
Clothes over £50
Branded make up and lotions (except for foundation)
Perfume
Jewelry
Nails
Hairdresser colouring
Xmas/Easter/Halloween etc...decorations
Taxis

Writing it all down, I realise I wouldn't be able save much if I did spend on all those things!

A new car mine is 13 years old I’ve had it since new it’s reliable and cheap to run. I’ll keep it going as long as I can.
Buying lunch every day at work most of the time I bring my own in.
A cleaner I had one years ago when my children were little but now I’d rather do it myself.
I’d rather spend the money on travel.

I have a very low mortgage I could easily triple it and get a much bigger home in the area I am but we don't want to. We value freedom to do pretty much within reason what we want when we want to.

yeah I did a bit of an eyeroll at that

Private education. We chose this area because of the good schools, yet many people we know send their kids private.

I just don’t see the point and feel they’re getting a well-rounded experience in the state sector, but concede that we’re privileged to be able to live here.

people are always asking me what car I have.

No interest at all!

Make up.
Alcohol.
Pets.
Expensive cars.
Subscriptions.
Fads.
Flights.
Hair dye.
Unnecessary tech.
Obviously anything from Israel.

Same here. 😳

The whole consumer thing feels pointless now.,

I use Eylure Dybrow, it’s very easy and the results are good too.

Interior design or home improvements that aren’t necessary, as we love our long haul holidays twice or three times a year

Hair dressers -quick wet cut and my fringe done in between but get my nails , lashes and brows done

Any Botox or filler -Sod that , I wouldn’t piss about with my face even if were free but am going to have a boob reduction and uplift to sort out back pain

Takeaways -I like my food searing hot and would prefer beans on toast if can’t be arsed to cook - love eating in nice restaurants though and don’t begrudge a penny of that

Overpaying on mortgage -we are almost empty nesters and downsizing soon so no need

New or designer clothes -I love Vinted, car boots and Charity shops kids - always had new though when younger

Perfume -happy with boots body spray or anything linen /coconut smelling

Helped with driving lessons and initial car insurance as a life skill - but all 6 kids self funded own cars when they all started work ( Getting mobile is a perk of working in our house not a right)

Center Parcs

Posh coffees
Frequent take aways
Flashy car/s
Frequent hair cuts/colour (do this only a few times a year)
Designer clothes, shoes, bags

With more money I spend more than I otherwise would on holidays, eating out, theatre/gigs, xmas and bday presents. But otherwise not bothered about spending, definitely try to avoid over consumption.

No ‘cheeky lines’?!

Retail psychology is a fascinating thing isn't it.
I've seen the odd thing on television about it and think it's really interesting.
I did look at books on it but they seemed very text book rather than interest IYSWIM.

Regular expensive hair salons. Gyms and nail bars.

The class difference in priorities wheh it come to retail spending/consumerism is absolutely fascinating also

I’m proudly working class but got a few bob now and I know I definitely fit into certain boxes.

Really like this thread!

More like this and de influencing threads

It’s great isn’t it !

A newer car - mine is 10 years old and is fine
A bigger/posher house - mine is a 2 bed ex council house and does me fine
Nails/eyebrows/grooming - I get my hair trimmed 3-4 times a year, don't dye it. Don't have nails or eyebrows or anything beauty procedures

I don't fly business class for short flights. I live in the US, so domestic flights can still take a few hours, but business class is usually just slightly larger seats. It isn't worth it.
I do fly business or first for international, as having a lie-down bed-seat is worth it (and I tend to pay for this with points).

I often don't have my nails done. I like the way they look (natural, gel, not something long with decorations) but don't like the commitment to maintenance and the hour at least sitting in the seat, able to do nothing.

the train to work - I enjoy the cycle instead which is free

i I could afford lunch at work but prefer home brought

i haven’t bought new clothes at all this year - all second hand - not a cost thing - I just prefer it and think it’s better for environment

could afford a cleaner - don’t feel i need one

we keep all the spare money for big holidays which I value more

I don’t go to spas, have my eyebrows or nails done, have massages or treatments or indulge in any alternative therapies. It just seems like a dreadful waste of travel money.

Nothing! I spend my money like water! If I want something then I’ll have it, after bills, a bit of savings and making sure there are provisions for when our son grows up then the rest is mine! I’ll be a long time dead.

We always go business long haul or where it’s available- love it and my back is terrible sitting for long periods
but my kitchen and bathrooms are ancient and we need the whole of the downstairs flooring /carpets done
Also every stick of furniture we own is either second hand or hand me down from my mum (who lives for John Lewis and home/garden improvement , or Facebook marketplace place

Cinema snacks. Huge mark-ups and I don’t understand why people need to be eating just because they are watching a film.