Avoid Waste:
There are various types of unnecessary purchases, from items that quickly end up in storage to products that could easily be rented instead of bought. To save money, steer clear of these things now and in the future.
Written by Gina Martinez.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Travel Insurance:
Many credit cards offer free trip protection, which includes features like trip cancellation coverage and trip delay protection. Before purchasing additional insurance, check if your card already provides these benefits.
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Single-Use Kitchen Appliances:
Appliances that serve only one purpose are often unnecessary and a waste of money. Devices for making specific dishes like quesadillas, paninis, or grilled cheese can easily be replaced by multi-functional kitchen tools. Save space and money by avoiding these single-use gadgets.
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Luxury Body Scrubs:
While expensive body scrubs may seem appealing, you can achieve a similar experience at a fraction of the cost. Create your own scrub using basic ingredients like brown sugar, salt, and honey, following online recipes that are readily available for free.
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Formal Attire:
Renting formalwear is a practical choice for occasions that require special outfits. Tuxedo and dress rentals offer a cost-effective solution and allow for a wider variety of wardrobe choices. Explore rental options from reputable online platforms and local outlets.
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Reusable Rags:
Rather than purchasing cleaning rags, repurpose old textiles like T-shirts or cloth napkins that would otherwise be discarded. Cut these materials into smaller pieces for use as cleaning cloths, saving money and reducing waste.
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Digital Books:
Access free digital books through your local library’s website or apps like Libby instead of buying e-books. Libraries often provide a wide selection of titles for borrowing, eliminating the need to purchase digital copies.
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Lottery Tickets:
While the allure of winning big may be tempting, playing the lottery is a costly gamble. Statistics show that the odds of winning are extremely low, making it a poor investment choice compared to other forms of entertainment.
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GPS Devices:
For everyday navigation, stand-alone GPS devices are generally unnecessary, especially with the widespread availability of smartphone maps. Unless you engage in remote wilderness activities, investing in a separate GPS device may not be worth it.
1. GPS technology has become more accessible with many owning smartphones equipped with GPS tracking, making dedicated GPS navigators costing $100 or more less necessary. Phone apps enhancing GPS capability are available for under $10, and newer cars often come with built-in GPS navigation systems.
2. Baby Shoes: Babies don’t actually need shoes as they are likely to kick them off and lose them. Infant booties and shoes may look cute but are unnecessary expenses.
3. Identity Theft Insurance: While credit card fraud and identity theft are concerning issues, paying around $100 annually for credit monitoring and fraud insurance may not offer significant protection. Many banks and credit card companies already monitor and safeguard accounts at no extra cost, issuing alerts and freezing accounts in case of suspicious activity.
4. Scented Trash Bags: Scented trash bags are pricier than unscented ones. Instead of paying extra for odor control, opting for smaller trash bags and cans or disposing of smelly garbage promptly can be more cost-effective.
5. Landline: With cellphone plans already being a major expense, the necessity of a landline is diminishing. Emergency services are now equipped with Enhanced 911 on most mobile devices, reducing concerns about mobile callers being located. Unless living in areas with poor cell service, landlines may not be essential.
6. Individual Magazines: While magazines may be tempting impulse buys near cash registers, the costs can add up quickly. Subscribing to magazines can be a more economical option, costing around $20 for 12 issues compared to $4-$5 per single issue. Additionally, magazines are often available for free at libraries.
7. Shopping Cart Cover: Disinfecting shopping cart child seats with wipes can be as effective as using a fabric cover, according to Consumer Reports. Fabric covers may harbor germs and be more challenging to disinfect, making them potentially more hassle than they are worth.
8. Digital Camera: Smartphones today often have high-quality cameras with various features, making standalone digital cameras redundant for many users.
9. Fancy Bath Products: Shower gels, creams, sprays, and balms with appealing scents can accumulate quickly, taking up space and potentially expiring before use. The scents may also be overpowering for some individuals.
New cars lose value quickly after purchase, so consider buying used cars that have been on the market for a year or more. They are priced lower and offer more information on safety, maintenance, and reliability. Avoid unnecessary car decorations like headlight eyelashes and focus on practical accessories instead. RV towels may look cute, but they are not very absorbent; opt for microfiber towels for better functionality. Multivitamins are often unnecessary as it’s better to get nutrients from food. Skip single-use kitchen gadgets and stick to basic tools like knives and forks for food prep. Exercise clothing designed for specific activities may end up unused; opt for comfortable old clothes for workouts. Bottled water is environmentally wasteful and no safer than tap water; filter tap water and use a reusable bottle instead. Avoid unnecessary baby products like wipe warmers, which are costly and not essential. Lastly, be cautious of in-app purchases that can lead to unnecessary spending.
Frequently found in games, in-game purchases tend to lose their appeal quickly. Whether it’s “Candy Crush Saga” or “Clash of Clans,” that lollipop hammer or pile of gems may soon become useless. Don’t fall for developers’ tricks. Most apps are free, and there are comparable alternatives available at no cost.
Extended Warranties: Save your money by skipping extended warranties and other insurance options, as they often aren’t necessary. Many products are covered by manufacturer warranties or existing insurance policies. The cost of repairs might even be lower than the warranty price. Consumer Reports advises against purchasing extended warranties.
Pre-Portioned Produce: Avoid pre-cut fruits and veggies to save money and reduce packaging waste. ShopSmart magazine found that these convenience foods can be marked up by over 350%. Opt for whole produce and prepare it yourself at home for a more budget-friendly option.
Toys: Limit the number of new toys purchased for kids, as they often lose interest quickly. Consider toy rental services or organizing toy swaps with other families to keep things fresh and cost-effective.
Novelty Toasters: Skip the novelty toasters with fancy features and high price tags. These toasters often lose their novelty quickly, leaving buyers with unevenly toasted bread and clutter. Stick to a basic toaster for your toasting needs.
Cable TV: With the rise of streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix, cutting the cord on cable TV can save you money. Cable rates are often high, while streaming services offer more affordable unlimited plans. Just be cautious not to subscribe to too many streaming services and exceed the cost of cable.
Paper Plates and Cups: Avoid disposable dinnerware to save money and reduce waste. Instead, invest in basic ceramic plates, bowls, and glasses that can be reused for years to come. Dollar stores are a great place to find affordable reusable dinnerware.
Pee-Pee Teepee: Don’t be swayed by the cute name; the Pee-Pee Teepee is an unnecessary baby product that often disappoints. Designed to protect against baby boys’ diaper changes, it tends to be ineffective according to online reviews and surveys. Save yourself the $10 and skip this purchase.
Gym Membership: Unused gym memberships can drain your monthly budget. The average cost of a gym membership ranges from $40 to $70 per month, so consider whether you are maximizing the value of your membership before committing to one.
However, a significant portion of members, about two-thirds, never attend. Is this the case for you? If so, there are numerous ways to exercise at home instead.
Butter Bell, also known as a butter crock, is a fancy French pottery dish that claims to maintain butter at a perfect spreading consistency without refrigeration. This is achieved by filling the base with water and placing an inverted cup of butter inside. However, feedback on these devices suggests that they often fail to separate the butter from the water and can foster mold growth. Therefore, it might not be worth the investment or effort. Ultimately, this could end up being an unnecessary expense that may likely end up at a yard sale.
Designer Pets, such as labradoodles or toygers, are specially bred pets that come with hefty price tags. The designer pet industry is surrounded by controversy due to issues such as overbreeding and irresponsible breeding practices, leading to pets with health problems. Claims of hypoallergenic properties may not hold true, especially in the case of cats. Instead of spending a significant amount on a pedigree pet, consider adopting a shelter animal that is not only more affordable but also helps reduce the number of euthanized dogs and cats each year.
While many individuals, including children and some adults, express interest in learning to play a musical instrument, that enthusiasm often diminishes quickly in the face of lessons and practice. Instruments like guitars or violins can be pricey, and the investment may not be worthwhile if interest wanes. Consider renting or rent-to-own options to test the waters before committing financially.
Infused water, enriched with vitamins, minerals, and sometimes sugar alcohols, can be costly at around $2 to $3.50 per bottle. However, the health claims associated with these beverages are largely unverified, and the synthetic vitamins may not offer the same benefits as those derived from a balanced diet. Additionally, many flavored waters contain high sugar content. Opt for cost-effective and healthier alternatives by infusing water with fresh fruits at home.
An upmarket bread maker may seem like a convenient solution for fresh-baked bread, but homemade loaves baked in a regular oven can be just as delicious. Machine-made bread can often be denser and coarsely textured, with irregular shapes. Experiment with beginner recipes using a conventional oven for satisfying results without the need for a specialized bread maker.
Sending save-the-date cards for weddings can be a costly affair, with expenses running into hundreds of dollars based on the event size. While some view these cards as essential and practical, others find them unnecessary. Explore alternative methods such as sending email notifications or creating private Facebook event pages for guests to stay informed about important dates. Focus on sending out formal invitations with RSVP instructions closer to the event date to streamline the process.
Deli meats come with a premium price tag due to processing and high sodium content. Opt for purchasing larger cuts of fresh meat, roasting, and slicing them at home for
Reduce the cost of household chores by following these tips. Add baking soda to the washer before starting the cycle to keep clothes soft, and dry them on low heat to prevent static cling. When it comes to gas, most cars do not require premium gasoline, so stick to the lowest recommended octane level to save money. Avoid unnecessary expenses like buying a popcorn popper by making your own popcorn on the stovetop or in a brown paper bag in the microwave. Declutter your home by getting rid of nonfunctional knickknacks and avoid purchasing sentimental items that only collect dust. Skip the costly diaper pail and use grocery-store plastic bags to dispose of diapers in a regular trash can. Instead of buying DVDs and CDs, consider subscription services for movies and music, which often cost the same as a single purchase. Don’t waste money on party favors that are often impractical junk; unless they are edible and the occasion is extravagant, skip them altogether. Save money on shaving by opting for subscription services that provide replacement blades at a lower cost. Avoid buying a deep fryer as they can be messy and take up counter space; opt for frying in a cast iron skillet instead. Lastly, consider whether newspaper subscriptions are worth the cost, as they can be expensive and many people now get news online for free.
In the digital era, newspaper websites offer free content or allow limited access before requiring payment, while TV news websites typically offer free access. Subscribing to web services or e-reader versions for full content is much cheaper than traditional home delivery. For instance, The New York Times charges $4 per week for web and mobile access compared to $10 or more for home delivery.
Companies like Béaba, Baby Brezza, and Cuisinart sell baby food makers for over $100, but making baby food at home doesn’t necessarily require an expensive gadget. Simple kitchen tools like a food processor, blender, potato masher, or fork can easily prepare baby-friendly meals.
When it comes to detoxes and cleanses, our bodies naturally detoxify through organs such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs. Expensive juice cleanses, whole-body detox kits, and colon cleansers sold at health food stores are often unnecessary and based more on marketing tactics than actual medical science.
The air freshener industry profits from products like scented-oil refills, which can be costly and potentially trigger health issues for some individuals. Natural odor neutralizers like baking soda and essential oils are effective alternatives to commercial air fresheners.
Instead of buying books that often end up unused, consider borrowing from the library or opting for textbook rentals for students. Cookbooks can be replaced by the vast array of online recipes available, which often come with helpful tips and reviews from other users.
Spending a significant amount on a wedding dress, which is usually only worn once, may not be the most practical choice. Explore trunk shows, sample sales, mass retailers, or secondhand options to find a more budget-friendly dress.
Be cautious with artisanal liquors marketed as “craft” or “small-batch,” as some products may actually come from larger factories rather than small distilleries. Ensure that the alcohol you choose is genuinely artisanal and not just mass-produced and rebranded. There are plenty of high-quality liquor options available without falling for fancy marketing tactics.
Power and Specialty Tools
Having a basic tool set at home is useful, but power tools that are only used occasionally can be expensive and take up limited storage space. Sometimes it’s more practical to skip buying a tool and instead borrow or rent it when needed. Many major cities have tool lending libraries where members can borrow hand and power tools for basic yard or housework at no cost. Big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer tool rental services at certain locations, as do some independent operators. Additionally, look for free workshops and instructional resources like DVDs and books available at the library.
Pizza Gadgets
There are countless online retailers selling pizza-related gadgets such as pizza makers, pizza toaster ovens, pizza peels, pizza kettle grill attachments, pizza cutting shears, and more. However, all you really need to make pizza are ingredients, an oven, and standard kitchen utensils. Consider picking up a round pizza slicer at a dollar store if necessary, but most other pizza gadgets are unnecessary.
Superfluous Pet Products
Americans spent over $95 billion on pets last year, according to the American Pet Products Association. While fun indulgences like gimmicky clothes, luxury beds, feeding stations, and pet strollers exist, it’s important to prioritize essential expenses like vet care. Instead of splurging on unnecessary pet paraphernalia, consider making DIY toys to spoil your pet.
Professional Groomer
Professional grooming services can be a luxury for both pets and pet owners. However, you can find numerous instructional videos on YouTube that cover everything from bathing to nail trimming. For breeds with continuous hair growth like poodles and bichons, learning how to do minor touch-ups between professional grooming sessions can help save money in the long run.
Fancy Underwear
Feeling comfortable and confident in your clothing, including undergarments, is important. However, spending a significant amount on a single pair of underwear is unnecessary. Instead, invest in your health and fitness to feel good in any clothing. Opt for affordable, basic cotton underwear options for both men and women.
Holiday Decorations
Rather than purchasing new holiday decorations every year, get creative with items you already have at home to make your own DIY decorations. This can be a fun family activity and also helps declutter your space by repurposing materials.
Carbonated Beverages
Buying carbonated beverages such as soda and seltzer can be costly and contribute to environmental issues associated with plastic bottles. Consider using a SodaStream machine to make customized carbonated water without the need for a new bottle each time, ultimately saving money in the long term.
Wine Gadgets
While aerators and decanters may seem essential for wine enthusiasts, they are not necessary. You can aerate wine by swirling the glass or pouring it between two glasses a few times. A mason jar can serve as a decanter alternative and offer a modern touch.
Flower Vases
Rather than focusing on the vase, let
Save money by investing in a low-cost popsicle mold set, available for $13 at Target, which allows for creating endless customized popsicles. Consider purchasing organic avocados as they are often found on the “Clean Fifteen” list for foods with low pesticide residue. Skip buying body lotion with chemicals and opt for natural oils like almond, olive, and coconut. Invest in glass food-storage containers to avoid concerns about chemicals in plastic. Ditch buying impractical suede shoes and opt for more durable footwear. Instead of splurging on expensive fine art, seek out paintings or frames at thrift shops or display sentimental pieces made by loved ones. Avoid overspending on a big home and opt for a size that suits your actual needs. Say no to disposable straws and invest in reusable ones to save money and reduce environmental impact. Choose high-quality furniture from thrift stores over low-priced, low-quality new furniture that may need frequent replacement. Cook homemade meals instead of relying on takeout or prepared foods to save money. Explore domestic destinations to avoid the high costs of international travel.
Embark on a Cruise Again
Designer Brands
Ditch the high-fashion clothing labels that come with exorbitant price tags and opt for bargain brands that offer similar looks and styles at a fraction of the cost.
Related: Affordable Alternatives to Tory Burch Sandals
Full-Price Groceries
There is a certain finesse to grocery shopping and meal planning. Let sales guide your shopping lists and weekly meal plans, rather than shelling out full price for your food items. Savvy consumers who familiarize themselves with the sale cycles of local stores can effectively tailor menus to maximize savings.
Expensive Wine
Enjoying a good bottle of wine doesn’t have to break the bank. Cultivate a relationship with your local wine shop, where the staff can get to know your preferences and suggest bottles that suit your taste for $20 or less.
Manicures and Pedicures
While spa treatments may be a well-deserved indulgence for special occasions, getting manicures and pedicures is certainly not a necessity. Invest in a nail kit and make it a routine to pamper yourself at home, or organize a fun DIY spa day with friends.
Brand-Name Prescription Drugs
A 2019 study revealed that generic drugs have collectively saved Americans over $1 trillion in the past decade. Given that generics are identical to their brand-name counterparts, opt for off-brand pills whenever they are available.
Related: Tips for Spending Less on Prescription Drugs
This article was originally featured on Cheapism
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