Lately I’ve been re-evaluating my spending habits and noticing just how much money goes into things. I feel that so much stuff today doesn’t last like it used to, whether it’s clothing, electronics or appliances. Today it just feels like I’m being sold problems and then being sold solutions to those problems, it’s an endless cycle. I’m curious as to what you all think is a complete waste of money that people overlook today. Especially purchases that trap you in a repeat purchase cycle.
Things you absolutely do not buy since you’ve become frugal?
byu/Known-Row-7778 inFrugal
Posted by Known-Row-7778
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Kleenex!! – I have cloth handkerchiefs for daily use. My nose is never “chapped” anymore after a cold.
TP in bulk. Bidet is life changing and TP lasts forever now
Gum. I know it’s a small thing but it’s such a non-necessity that it forces me to keep other purchases in line.
I don’t shop as an activity. I don’t “go shopping”. I only go to buy things i need or have decided i want, and i go with a list.
New clothes. I would say 95% of my wardrobe is secondhand. I enjoy thrifting and finding unique pieces. It’s cheaper and also just more environmentally friendly to buy secondhand!
Anything from the gas station other than gas
A huge number of disposable products can be avoided by either repurposing existing items or investing slightly more into a washable / reusable version of that thing. I try to apply this mindset to everything possible around the house and at work.
Anything that is packaged or processed food from the store or restaurant or fast food, and only fresh produce and poultry meat, dryer sheets since I can let my clothes dry outside, cookware since I can cook my food outside with a light bulb, electronics since I keep finding CRTs on the road for free, no soda or anything, even bottled water from anywhere and only drink water at home, home internet since I can just use my phone data for just about anything, my list only goes on.
Brand new phones. Even 1 year after release is a good deal. I got my S25 in excellent refurbish condition for half price of new.
Cleaning products as I make my own, new clothes, and anything else I try to get during a sale.
Beef
Tipping. And no, I’m not a monster who doesn’t tip at restaurants. I simply order to-go if I’m eating out, I haven’t sat down and been served at a restaurant since before Covid. I’ve also cut my own hair since then.
Eating out, fancy drinks, alcohol, most name brand stuff (there’s a few things I insist on name brand for.) Sweets are a rarity. Magazines, books, CD’s. New anything if the old one still works fine.
Cleaning products. Once you know how to make your own, there’s no reason to go back.
It’s been a process for me. But – last couple of years – uber/lyft. We’re walking or waiting for the next bus/train, unless it’s an emergency situation.
Holiday decorations.
Food delivery
Trendy decor.
I thrifted most of the furniture and decor in our new house. I’ve saved thousands of dollars. I have high-quality pieces that will last decades. And nothing “goes out of style” cuz it’s technically all out of style already!
Bread or buns. So quick and easy to make homemade.
Eating out / getting coffee
Soda
Anything beef or fish or chicken
Manicures/pedicures. Not only are they unsanitary, you can paint your nails at home for free.
Cheap stuff. No buying junk, no cheap clothes, no trinkets.
I save for nice things that I know will last and can be repaired. I don’t have a lot of “stuff” but the things I do have have lasted and will last and still look good.
Hair cuts. I do it myself. I also just buy $10 semi permanent hair dye and do that myself now, too.