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.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
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.
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.”
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.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
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.”
SiriusXM Radio
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.
Trending Stories
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.
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.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.