With the rise in the cost of nearly everything, it’s hard to decide what’s actually worth spending your money on. In fact, some purchases are made to protect investments, but they rarely do.
If you’re sticking to a budget, there are some ways to avoid wasting money on things you may currently be buying that really should be skipped. Here are 15 things Reddit users believe are a waste of money.
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1. Bottled water
Multiple bottled water companies have made headlines in 2024 alone. The makers of Evian are under fire for deceptive marketing, and Nestlé Waters was exposed for selling tap water as mineral water, among other things.
Basically, bottled water is overpriced, not widely regulated as it should be, and the plastic containers release harmful chemicals into the body.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Extended warranties
Extended warranties are rarely worth the investment, though it’s always worth reading the fine print to find out.
One Redditor breaks it down: “$29.99 earphones, $9.99 extended warranty… does not cover [lost] or stolen, water damage, misuse, (and about half a page of other exceptions). In other words, it cover[s]... nothing.”
3. Ticket insurance
Special event ticket insurance is also rarely worth it. These additional fees promise your money back in the event of an emergency or act of God, but the fine print will reveal that there aren’t actually many events the insurance does cover.
If the event is officially canceled or postponed, customers normally have access to refunds, and ticket resell sites are available to those who can’t attend.
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4. Food delivery
Not all food delivery is created equal. If the place you are ordering from is using third-party apps like GrubHub or DoorDash, those fees can add up.
Explains one Redditor, “Not only is takeout already expensive, you are paying a 10-20% upcharge on the menu, then there's the fees and tip.”
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SiriusXM can cost a pretty penny when you aren’t streaming it for free from your car on long weekend drives.
A few Redditors suggest negotiating on a subscription price, which doesn't seem like a bad idea. “You can haggle them down to a very small subscription price,” explains one user.
6. Game pre-orders
While pre-ordering a highly anticipated game sounds fun, it’s often a letdown. In fact, the first version of so many games is clunky. Explains one Reddit community member, “You get it maybe a week earlier and it’s typically unfinished.”
Pre-orders and new releases often cost more, so let the game go live for a few weeks before checking for updated versions or discounts.
7. Gym memberships
It takes a lot of discipline to get your worth out of a gym membership, and unless you’re going regularly, it’s hard to justify the costs of a full-service gym.
Consider how often you exercise, if they offer any benefits you don’t have free access to, and what you can explore if you choose to invest your money elsewhere.
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8. Dating app subscriptions
It's been reported that dating apps are declining, and Reddit agrees. Those paying for tiered subscriptions on these particular apps are even more disappointed.
According to one Reddit user: “I paid for premium so I can see who liked me. None are even remotely what I am attracted to.”
9. Fireworks
Fireworks release toxic chemicals like barium and volatile organic compounds, polluting the air around you. Plus, your pets hate them.
“I’ve never bought fireworks,” shares one Redditor. “It’s like watching your wallet burn for a few seconds and enjoying it.”
10. In-app purchases
Small purchases here and there on in-app purchases can really add up.
While a 99-cent purchase to upgrade a skin on your avatar might not seem that bad, this is often the mindset that leads to hundreds – and sometimes even thousands – in unnecessary digital purchases you can’t use anywhere else in life.
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11. Starbucks
While sales have dropped substantially in 2024, Starbucks is still a popular go-to for many. But you don’t have to spend $7 on a latte at a chain, especially if it doesn’t work with your current budget.
The good news is that most of their drinks have been replicated in DIY recipes for less money.
12. Streaming services
Cable may be nearly obsolete, but now people are paying for multiple streaming services to only watch a small fraction of the content. Check your paid subscriptions every six months and consider which ones you may use more than others.
Admits one Redditor, “No brand loyalty here - I have one at a time and cancel before joining another.”
13. Personalized license plates
Vanity plates are definitely a sacrifice that can be made when budgeting—not only are they unnecessary, but they also cost extra time and money at the DMV to make.
One Redditor points out another downfall of vanity plates: “They make your plate much easier to remember and identify.”
14. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
You may have heard a lot of talk about non-fungible tokens (NFTs) over the last few years, but many people still don’t understand how these digital files work.
One distressed Redditor warns, “There is zero, ZERO worth in owning someone’s tweet, unless that value is supported by others.”
Adds another, “I haven't been convinced they have any inherent value other than a medium for laundering money.”
Bottom line
On average, Americans waste $18,000 annually on nonessential purchases, a shockingly huge number.
A smart way to save money is to avoid spending it on things that just don’t make sense, starting with the things on this list.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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