Ever scrolled through an online store feeling like you needed that self-stirring mug or that glow-in-the-dark hat? Yeah, we've all been there. We've all come across that product that seemed to be the answer to all our problems only to end up being a colossal waste of money.
In the following paragraph, we'll list 28 so-called “necessities” that you'll be better off skipping the next time you come across them. Trust us, this list will save your money and maybe your life. Join us as we cut that consumer fluff and get clear about what you need and what you don't.
Single-use Kitchen Gadgets
Ah, the siren song of these little contraptions known as single-use kitchen gadgets. These tools promise to make your life easier but end up taking up valuable space in your drawer. Think about it for a second: do you really need an avocado or banana slicer when a regular knife can do the work just fine?
While being the proud owner of a pineapple corer may be one of your life goals, you need to admit that you only get to use it 2 or 3 times a year. Speaking of stuff that leaves you with less space and more regret, the next one looks better in ads than your kitchen.
Fancy Coffee Makers
Buying those fancy coffee makers when you mostly drink plain coffee is like buying a Ferrari when you only need to drive to the grocery store. Unless you need to make a cappuccino in zero gravity, do you really need that high-end coffee maker?
You'll save good counter space and cash by opting for a basic coffee maker or even a humble French press. If you agreed with us on this one, wait until you see the next on this list!
Extended Warranties
Next on the list is the security blanket of the shopping world—extended warranties. Investing in these is like paying extra for insurance on your toaster. At first, it sounds like a brilliant idea, but with a little scrutiny, you'll discover you're actually giving retailers money that should remain in your wallet.
You see, most products are built to at least outlive the warranty itself so that extra cash goes right down the drain. In the end, peace of mind is great, but using your hard-earned money for something worthwhile is even better.
Designer Phone Cases
I think we can all agree that that glittery phone case with your initials on it looks great, but is it really worth the price? Phone cases are there to protect your phone from water drops and falls, but these fancy cases are sometimes so impractical that they don't even do this right.
Not to mention, the trendier it is, the quicker it becomes outdated. Don't forget that the “new stuff excitement” soon wears off and you're faced with the reality of the impact of your decision on your wallet. The next time you see this next item on our list, you'll be better off looking the other way.
Trendy Diet Supplements
It's almost like there's always this new, trending “miracle” diet supplement that promises to melt pounds away in months or even weeks. Let's face it—if a miracle supplement that could do that existed, we'd all know about it, and it wouldn't go for $19.99 with a limited-time offer. Most of these products are all hype and no help.
Not to mention that they often contain questionable ingredients that do more for your imagination than your waistline. A balanced diet and consistent exercise routine remain your best bet. No. 6 is proof that many things we spend money on promise the world but deliver little.
Gym Memberships You Don’t Use
Signing up for a gym membership is one of those moments where you feel like you're finally taking control of your life. However, this only makes sense if you're actually showing up. If not, it's just a monthly donation to the fitness industry. If you're the type that pays for a gym membership only to say, “I'll go next week,” every week, then you may need to consider working out at home.
This way, you'd get the job done while saving a few hundred bucks. Next on our list is a kitchen superstar until you take a second look and discover it's just sitting pretty on the counter.
High-End Juicers
When you come across high-end juicers in online or physical stores, these shiny babies call out to you. They promise to become a gateway to a healthier lifestyle, as they can turn anything into a liquid dream. After some time, however, you discover it takes more time to clean than to make the juice.
Plus, the cost of organic fruits and veggies adds up fast, making your health journey an expensive one. Next on our list is one of those items that seem like a smart buy until you realize you're only paying for the name, not the results.
Name-Brand Cleaning Products
There are several name-brand cleaning products out there that promise sparkling clean and superior results. But do they really deliver? The truth is, those name-brand cleaning products you spend a ton on work the same as their generic counterparts.
Basically, you're paying for a fancy label, packaging, and marketing gimmick, not better cleaning prowess. So, save your wallet and surface the stress by opting for something simpler. Speaking of overpriced items that don’t do much more than their budget-friendly alternatives...
Overpriced Workout Gear
Trendy, high-tech workout gear may impress your crush, but does it really make a difference in your sweat session? Those fancy leggings and designer gym wear are not necessary. They often end up sitting in your closet or getting lost under a pile of laundry, so you're wasting money that could've been spent on something useful.
Not to mention that basic, comfortable clothes are often good enough for the purpose. The next item is hailed as a “game changer,” but in reality, it just adds a dose of buyer’s remorse to your kitchen.
Specialty Cookware Sets
Just like single-use kitchen gadgets, most specialty cookware sets end up cluttering up space and collecting dust. Those ultra-specific baking pans for the perfect-shaped cupcakes or waffle-shaped brownies are not necessary unless you're hosting a baking competition.
Your basic pans and utensils are often versatile enough to handle a wide range of recipes. So, save yourself the cash and clutter. You're probably guilty of the next one on this list.
Seasonal Decorations You Rarely Use
Sure, those eye-catching lights, themed garlands, and other seasonal decor look quite inviting, but they turn out to be a waste of money after a critical look. Most people go overboard spending on these items only to use them at a certain period in a year and then pack them up in the attic till the next year.
After being packed for months, these decorations are often not in prime condition the next time they're used. Isn't it better to opt for versatile pieces that can be adapted for various seasons or holidays?
Luxury Skincare Products
When it comes to skincare, simplicity often wins. Don't think you have to break the bank to achieve flawless skin. Luxury skincare products with heavy price tags typically contain the same active ingredients as regular ones.
So, you're essentially paying for the marketing costs and hype rather than efficiency. Regular skincare products work just as well at a fraction of the cost, especially if you stick to essential ingredients that address your specific skin needs.
Excessive Tech Accessories
It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of tech accessories– extra chargers, fancy stands, and gadgets that promise to make your digital life exciting. In the end, however, you are left with a drawer full of tech gadgets that you may or may not use in your lifetime.
Stick to buying tech accessories that solve your tech needs. No need to go overboard. The next on our list may leave your jaws dropped.
Subscription Boxes You Forget About
Subscription boxes are marketed as the gift that keeps on giving, but they forget to tell you these items may end up as a neglected collection. The idea of a monthly surprise sounds appealing until you realize that the subscription is more of a burden than a treat.
So, the excitement of unboxing quickly wears out when placed side by side with the growing stack of unopened packages. Before paying for the next subscription, decide whether it is useful or another colossal waste of precious cash.
Personalized Novelty Items
Personalized novelty items like that custom mug with your name on it or that monogrammed towel add a unique touch to your life. However, after the initial thrill wears off, you realize it's just another towel or mug with a higher price tag. The towel is a towel no matter what's written on it, and the mug will always be a mug. Nothing so special.
These items make for a cute Instagram post, but after one look, they join the list of items that are overpriced and don't really improve your life. Next on our list seems fun too but adds no value.
Cable TV Packages
First of all, why pay for cable TV when you can get streaming services that offer more tailored and affordable options? Yes, cable TV packages promise never-ending entertainment, so you pay a hefty amount for 500 channels. But how many of them do you really watch?
More often than not, you end up sticking to your favorites while the rest become an echo of wasted cash and terrible choices. If you're in this boat, it may be time to cut the cord and save the extra money.
High-End Stationery
Sure, there's something undeniably charming about high-end stationery. The thick paper, elegant design, and satisfaction that writing something more personal gives is great. But in a digital age where the same thing can be done in a matter of minutes at no cost, high-end stationery is a bit obsolete.
Those fancy notepads and letters often end up sitting on the desk collecting dust. So, unless you're a letter writer, stationery collector, or enthusiast, you could probably live without it. If you think you're not guilty of this one, let's see if you can say the same for the next.
Trendy Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are in vogue now as they are marketed as the ultimate tool to help you stay on top of your health goals. But most people stop checking the data a few days after purchasing the item. No doubt, it's great to know your heart rate or how many steps you've taken, but if you're not actively using the data to improve your health, it's just another waste of money.
A number of people start out with good intentions only to forget to charge, sync, or even look at it. So, it ends up being more useless than a regular wristwatch. Next on our list promises to make your life easier but ends up complicating your meals.
Pre-packaged Meal Kits
Prepackaged meal kits seem like a great idea at first. I mean, who doesn't want the convenience of home-cooked meals without the hassle of grocery shopping? One thing most people forget, however, is that this “quick fix” comes with a hefty price tag and more packaging waste than you bargained for.
Not to mention that the prepackaged gourmet meal may not always be the right fit for your taste buds. Consequently, you may end up skipping deliveries or forgetting to cancel, leaving you with a fridge full of unwanted ingredients and a not-so-happy bank account.
Premium Gasoline
You may think you're giving your car the royal treatment it deserves when you opt for premium gasoline. But in reality, you're splurging on a luxury that doesn't pay off. Unless your car specifically requires high-octane fuel, you're 100% wasting your money.
Most cars do well with regular unleaded; anything more is more about emptying your wallet than boosting your car’s performance. So why don't you stick to what your car really needs and save that extra cash for something truly rewarding?
Expensive Throw Pillows
Can we all agree that throw pillows are more of a nuisance than a necessity? Yes, they add some color and style to your living room, but how many do you really need to get that chic and cozy look? These throw pillows with their luxurious fabric look good in the store, but once they get on your couch, it instantly becomes more of a decorative clutter.
Since they serve little to no purpose other than aesthetics, they end up getting tossed on the floor or shoved into a corner. And these guys can be surprisingly pricey for something with little use. If you must have them, it's better to go minimalist and choose a few.
Expensive Bottled Water
Paying top dollar for bottled water may seem like the best choice for your health. Unfortunately, it's more often than not just a pricey version of what you get from your tap. Clever marketing from these geniuses may lead you to believe that the water contained in these fancy packages is sourced from pristine locations.
In reality, however, it's often no better—or different—than what flows through your kitchen faucet. Not to mention that the plastic waste it generates is unhealthy for the environment. Invest in a good water filter and reusable bottle—your wallet and the earth will thank you.
Fancy Kitchen Storage Containers
Another item that drains money from your bank account are those fancy kitchen storage containers. They have their upsides: they look great in your kitchen, they help to keep your food fresh longer, and you may impress your guests. But that's just about it.
The truth is, basic containers work just as well, and you could repurpose jars you already have and still get all the benefits at a fraction of the cost. Now that you know, you can save your money on something that truly enhances your kitchen.
Trendy Home Workout Equipment
So your friend told you about that latest resistance band set or that fancy exercise bike; now you're about to spend hundreds on it. Wait a second! It seems like a great idea for getting in shape at first. But if you look critically, we both know it'll most likely end up as an expensive dust collector.
The ad may have sold you the idea of getting a gym in your home, but of what use is it if you work 9-5 and have no time for it? Most workouts can be done with minimal equipment, and basics work just as well, so save those few bucks. You're welcome!
Pet Clothes
Dressing up your pet in adorable outfits seems like fun, right? Well, for you, yes. For your furry buddy, not that much. Most pets will rather skip the fashion show because, well, they're not wired to wear clothes.
These pet clothes are also often outrageously expensive. If your furry buddy spends more time trying to wiggle out of them than pose for the picture, it's not money well spent. Plus, after the novelty ends, these outfits are usually stuffed away in a drawer, forgotten.
Gourmet Spices You Rarely Use
Gourmet spices are great for elevating a dish from “meh” to “magical.” But frankly, how often do you use that saffron or truffle salt? Since we're not used to them, most people often stick to the basics when cooking.
These spices therefore end up sitting unused and slowly losing their potency. Unless you're an actual chef or a cooking enthusiast, it is a good idea to stick to what you know.
Premium Candles
Next, premium candles. Ah, these babies, with their luxurious scents and beautifully designed jars, promise to create a calming ambiance for the user. But since they're so expensive and so pretty, most people shy away from lighting them.
So, they just sit on the shelf like an expensive decoration, not fulfilling their life's purpose. If you're guilty of buying candles for the aesthetic rather than the ambiance, it may be time to rethink this expense.
Designer Hand Soap
When you look past the elegant packaging and fancy fragrances, you'll realize that designer hand soap is just soap. And it's a wonder that people will invest so much in something that delivers the same quality as its moderately-priced counterparts.
While the upscale branding and exotic scents can be tempting, it's just not worth it if a basic hand soap can do the job. Plus, don't forget that no one, except your wallet, will notice.