Don’t Fall for It: 27 Products That’ll Just Waste Your Money
Ads all around us promise that buying one more thing will make us happier, healthier, or more successful. But in reality, many of these things we buy just waste our money.
A recent study found that nearly two out of three Americans say they’ve wasted a lot of their money over their lives. On average, people think they waste about $139 each month on things they don’t need. That’s $1,668 a year!
Even more surprising, the average cost of the biggest waste was $521. It’s easy to see how small wasteful buys can become a big problem over time.
This list is here to help you spot and skip common products that often don’t give much value for the money. We’ll cover 28 items that are often sold as must-haves but usually end up being a waste.
What things have you bought in the past that turned out to be a waste? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Fondue Sets
Fondue sets seem like a great idea for those who enjoy hosting lively, interactive meals. But they often end up sitting unused in a cabinet for most of the year.
Many people discover they only use their fondue set once or twice a year, if they use it at all. The rest of the time, it just takes up space. For melting cheese or chocolate, a regular pot on the stove does the job just as well.
You can get the same tasty results without buying a special appliance that rarely gets used. Save the space and money for something more practical.
Juicers
Juicers often seem like a great idea for health-conscious consumers, but they can quickly become kitchen clutter. These appliances are typically bulky, making them difficult to store in smaller kitchens.
Cleaning them is often a time-consuming chore, with many small parts that need thorough washing after each use. Many people find that after the initial excitement wears off, their juicer sits unused for months or even years.
If you’re craving fresh juice, it’s usually more practical and cost-effective to buy it occasionally or make smoothies in a regular blender instead.
Electric Wine Openers
Electric wine openers might look fancy, but they’re usually an unnecessary gadget for most wine drinkers. These devices take up more space than a traditional corkscrew and require regular charging or battery replacements.
They can also be less reliable than manual options, potentially failing when you need them most. A simple, manual corkscrew is not only cheaper but also more compact and never needs charging.
It’s a timeless tool that does the job efficiently without any fuss or extra expense.
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Popcorn Machines
Home popcorn machines might seem like a fun addition to your kitchen, especially if you’re a movie buff. But these appliances often prove to be more trouble than they’re worth.
They take up significant counter or storage space and can be a hassle to clean. Many models also make more popcorn than the average person or family needs in one sitting.
Microwave popcorn or a simple pot on the stove with some kernels and oil will satisfy your popcorn cravings just as well, without the extra expense and storage headache.
Tanning Lotions
Tanning lotions claim to give you a sun-kissed look, but they often fall short and can even damage your skin. Many of these products have chemicals that might irritate your skin or cause allergies.
The color they create can look fake or uneven, especially if you don’t apply them just right. Plus, tanning lotions can be pricey, especially if you use them often.
Sticking with your natural skin tone is healthier and saves money. If you want a tanned look for a special event, a professional spray tan is a better choice.
Cookbooks
In today’s world, buying physical cookbooks isn’t always the best choice for most home cooks. The internet has countless free recipes for nearly every meal you can think of.
Online recipes also give you the benefit of reviews and ratings, making it easier to pick the best version of a dish. Many cooking websites and apps also let you adjust ingredient amounts or suggest substitutes.
If you like having recipes on paper, you can print out your favorites or write them in a notebook. This saves you money and keeps your shelves less cluttered.
GPS Devices
Standalone GPS devices were once essential for road trips and navigation, but they’ve largely been replaced by smartphones. Most modern phones come equipped with powerful GPS capabilities and map apps that are regularly updated.
These apps often include real-time traffic information and alternate route suggestions, features that many standalone GPS devices lack.
Unless you frequently travel to areas with no cell service, your phone can handle all your navigation needs without the extra expense of a separate GPS device.
Fitness DVDs
Fitness DVDs might seem like a convenient way to work out at home, but they quickly become repetitive and outdated. The fitness industry is constantly evolving with new techniques and routines, making DVD workouts feel stale over time.
Online platforms offer a much wider variety of workouts that are regularly updated. Many free fitness videos are available on platforms like YouTube, covering everything cardio to strength training to yoga.
These online options allow you to switch up your routine and try new workouts without constantly buying new DVDs.
Artificial Plants
Artificial plants might seem like a low-maintenance alternative to real greenery, but they often fall short in practice. These fake plants tend to collect dust quickly, requiring regular cleaning to look presentable.
Their synthetic appearance becomes more obvious over time, detracting from your home’s ambiance. Unlike real plants, artificial ones don’t improve air quality or bring the calming presence of living nature into your space.
If you’re worried about plant care, consider low-maintenance options like succulents or snake plants. These hardy plants thrive with minimal attention and offer the benefits of real greenery without the drawbacks of artificial alternatives.
Full-Price Groceries
Paying full price for groceries is often unnecessary and can significantly inflate your food budget. With a little planning and strategy, you can save on your grocery bills.
Look for sales and discounts, especially on non-perishable items you use regularly. Many stores offer loyalty programs or apps that provide exclusive discounts to members. Buying in bulk can also lead to savings on items you use frequently.
Comparing prices between different stores and opting for generic brands instead of name brands can further reduce your grocery expenses.
Designer Perfumes
Luxury perfumes often come with inflated prices due to branding and marketing costs rather than superior quality. Many affordable fragrances smell just as pleasant and last just as long as their high-end counterparts.
Perfume preference is highly personal, and expensive doesn’t always mean better. Experiment with samples or smaller sizes of different scents to find what you like without committing to a costly full-size bottle.
You might discover that a less expensive fragrance suits you perfectly, saving you money without sacrificing quality.
3D Printers (for Personal Use)
While 3D printers sound exciting, they’re often impractical and expensive for personal use. These machines require a significant initial investment, plus ongoing costs for materials. They also demand a steep learning curve to operate effectively.
Most people struggle to find regular, practical uses for a 3D printer at home beyond creating novelty items. The quality of home 3D prints is often lower than professionally produced items.
For most individuals, the occasional need for 3D printing can be met more cost-effectively through online services or local printing shops.
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Electric Can Openers
Electric can openers might look like a handy kitchen tool, but they’re usually not worth the cost for most people. They take up space on your counter or in your drawers and need electricity or batteries to work.
They can also be less dependable than manual can openers because they have more parts that can break or stop working. Manual can openers are smaller, cheaper, and still work even if the power goes out.
Unless you have trouble using your hands, a basic manual can opener is often the smarter and more budget-friendly option for most homes.
Expensive Branded Cleaning Products
High-priced, brand-name cleaning products often promise superior results, but they rarely justify their cost. Many of these products contain similar active ingredients to their cheaper counterparts.
In many cases, simple, inexpensive ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can clean just as effectively as expensive, specialized cleaners. Making your own cleaning solutions not only saves money but also reduces the number of harsh chemicals in your home.
You can keep your living space just as clean and fresh without breaking the bank on premium cleaning brands.
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Excessive Smartphone Apps (Paid)
Paid smartphone apps can quickly add up to a significant expense, especially when many go unused. It’s easy to get caught up in the promise of increased productivity or entertainment, but many paid apps have free alternatives that work just as well.
Before purchasing an app, take time to research free options or try the lite version if available. Regularly review your app subscriptions and delete those you no longer use.
Remember, an app is only valuable if you use it consistently. Being selective about your app purchases can lead to substantial savings over time.
Phone Sanitizers
UV phone sanitizers have gained popularity recently, but they’re often an unnecessary expense. These devices can be pricey and take up extra space on your desk or nightstand.
Regular cleaning with a microfiber cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol is just as effective at keeping your phone clean. This simple method is not only more cost-effective but also quicker than using a UV sanitizer.
Save your money and stick to basic cleaning methods to keep your phone germ-free.
Fake Fruit Decorations
Decorative fake fruit might seem like a low-maintenance way to add color to your home, but it often looks obviously artificial. These items collect dust and can make your space feel dated or tacky.
Real fruit not only looks more appealing but also serves a practical purpose as a healthy snack. If you want to add color to your kitchen or dining area, consider a bowl of real fruit or a vibrant table runner instead.
These options provide a more authentic and refreshing touch to your decor without the artificial look of fake fruit.
Inflatable Furniture
Inflatable furniture might seem like a budget-friendly option, but it rarely provides good value in the long run. These items are often uncomfortable to sit on for extended periods and can develop leaks easily.
They require regular re-inflation and don’t hold up well to daily use. The money spent on replacing deflated or damaged inflatable furniture could be better invested in more durable, comfortable pieces.
Even inexpensive solid furniture often proves more cost-effective and comfortable over time than inflatable alternatives.
Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinners exploded in popularity as a trendy toy and stress-relief tool, but for many, they quickly lost their appeal. These small gadgets often end up forgotten in drawers or lost under furniture.
While some people find them genuinely helpful for concentration or stress relief, many users lose interest after the novelty wears off. Before buying a fidget spinner or similar trendy item, consider if it will truly add value to your life beyond the initial excitement.
Often, more traditional stress-relief methods like deep breathing or a stress ball can be just as effective without the extra cost.
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Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics like straws, bags, and utensils not only cost money but also harm the environment. These items are used briefly but persist in landfills or oceans for hundreds of years.
Investing in reusable alternatives like metal straws, cloth bags, and durable utensils saves money in the long run and reduces your environmental impact. Many reusable options are stylish and convenient to carry, making it easy to avoid single-use plastics in your daily life.
This small change in habit can lead to significant savings and a reduced ecological footprint over time.
Designer Baby Clothes
Buying fancy baby clothes can feel exciting, but it’s usually not a smart use of money. Babies grow so quickly that they often outgrow outfits after wearing them only once or twice.
They also tend to make messes, so pricey clothes can get ruined in no time. Choosing cheaper, practical baby clothes means you can have more options without spending too much.
The money you save by skipping designer baby outfits can go toward important things or even into savings for your child’s future.
Digital Picture Frames
Digital picture frames might seem like a modern way to display photos, but they often end up being more trouble than they’re worth. These devices can be expensive compared to traditional frames, and many models suffer technical issues over time.
The screen quality on cheaper models can be poor, failing to do justice to your cherished photos. Many people find that they rarely update the photos on their digital frames, defeating the purpose of their supposed versatility.
Traditional printed photos in standard frames often provide a more satisfying and hassle-free way to display your memories.
High-End Sunglasses
Expensive designer sunglasses often don’t offer significantly better protection or durability than their more affordable counterparts. The high price tag usually reflects the brand name rather than superior quality.
Many reasonably priced sunglasses provide excellent UV protection, which is the most important feature for eye health. Cheaper sunglasses also mean less stress if they get lost, broken, or scratched.
Look for sunglasses with good UV protection ratings rather than focusing on brand names to protect your eyes and your wallet.
Luxury Handbags
High-end designer handbags come with hefty price tags that are often hard to justify. While they might be seen as status symbols, these bags don’t necessarily offer better functionality or durability than mid-range options.
Fashion trends change quickly, meaning an expensive bag might go out of style before you’ve gotten your money’s worth. Many high-quality, stylish bags are available at more reasonable prices, offering both fashion and function without the excessive cost.
Consider investing in a well-made bag at a more moderate price point for a better balance of style and value.
Pre-Packaged Meal Kits
Meal kit services might seem convenient, but they often come at a premium price. These kits typically cost significantly more than buying the ingredients separately at a grocery store.
While they save some time on planning and shopping, the convenience often doesn’t justify the extra expense. With a bit of meal planning and basic cooking skills, you can create similar meals at home for a fraction of the cost.
Cooking meals yourself also allows for more flexibility in portion sizes and ingredient substitutions.
Expensive Coffee Pods
Single-use coffee pods are convenient but can be incredibly expensive over time. The cost per cup is often much higher than using ground coffee or whole beans.
These pods also generate a lot of waste, which is bad for the environment. Investing in a good coffee maker and buying coffee in bulk can save significant money in the long run.
For those who enjoy the convenience of pod-style machines, reusable pods that you can fill with your own coffee offer a more economical and eco-friendly alternative.
Luxury Watches
While luxury watches are often seen as status symbols or investments, they’re unnecessary for most people. Many affordable watches offer excellent timekeeping and style without the hefty price tag.
Smartphones have also reduced the need for watches as timepieces for many. If you appreciate watches, consider mid-range options that offer quality and style at more reasonable prices.
Unless you’re a serious watch enthusiast or collector, the extra cost of a luxury watch rarely justifies the minimal additional functionality or prestige it provides.
Time to Rethink Your Spending
Now that we’ve looked at these potential money-wasters, it’s clear that smart spending isn’t about depriving yourself. It’s about making choices that truly enhance your life.
Before your next purchase, ask yourself: Will I use this often? Is there a cheaper alternative? Does this add real value to my daily life?
Your challenge now? Pick one item from this list that you’ve been tempted to buy. Decide to skip it and put that money towards something meaningful instead. Small changes in our spending habits can lead to big differences in our financial health over time.
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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.
