15 Things People Who Grew Up Broke Still Refuse To Spend Money On

If you've heard the term "struggle meal" or have grown up lacking financial stability, you might carry some harsh lessons about frugality as you get older. Even after achieving financial stability, many people who grew up broke still find it hard to justify certain purchases. That frugal mindset, shaped by years of stretching every dollar, can be hard to shake.

But in many cases, those habits aren't just about saving money; they're part of a larger effort to build wealth and avoid repeating the financial struggles of the past. Here are 15 things people who grew up broke still can't stand to spend money on.

Perhaps your parents didn't want to spend money on supplemental insurance that could be used for food when you were younger.

Fast-forward to the present day, and selecting additional home, auto, or life insurance could save you in the long run, as dipping into your savings to cover auto repairs or health care visits could cost you more. As you shop for insurance options, consider the savings you'll see when you bundle insurance plans (and still get the full coverage you need).

Vehicles produced in 2015 or later typically feature some form of advanced safety technology. Newer cars can last for 12 years or 200,000 miles when properly maintained. 

If you still can't justify buying a brand-new car, consider a certified pre-owned (CPO) option with a warranty and low mileage to get a quality automobile for you or your family.

Do you remember when you had a single phone line in the house and had to share phone time? How about using an old rotary phone instead of the sleek, wall-mounted phones with light-up push buttons?

If you're still using your old mobile phone, you could be missing out on faster speeds, better app integration, and improved cameras. Mobile providers often offer deals when bundled with a multiple-line plan.

Fast food prices have gone up from the days of $1 value menus and 25 cents for small fries.

Compared to when you were growing up, you now have numerous options for eating out, thanks to online ordering and the convenience of having restaurant food delivered. If it still pains you to fork over a tip, service fee, and delivery fee, consider a happy medium like a buffet, which offers better value and sheer volume for the bigger appetites in your home.

Entertainment choices have changed since you were a kid. Heading to the movies or the local museum has given way to video streaming, concerts, live theater, interactive exhibitions, and indoor gyms and activity centers.

You can view these options as shared memories (as opposed to buying more "stuff"), and there are still low-cost ways to have fun, with discount event and ticket sites gaining popularity over the last several years.

Joining a gym, having a 12-month subscription to a publication, or being locked into a long-term commitment for something that's not a necessity might have been out of the question growing up.

Fortunately, many subscriptions come with a trial or opt-out period, allowing you to try something out for a month or two before committing to a subscription that ties you down for an extended period. That way, you could see if you really, really think the membership or subscription is worth your time and money.

Drawing, whittling, reading, playing cards, or gardening might have been low-cost hobbies you saw people enjoy during your childhood.

The average person spends $98 per month on hobbies, but the good news is that the most popular options are reading, gaming, and cooking, which skew on the more affordable end.

Did you ever get jealous hearing about your friends' summer vacations when you were firmly planted at home?

Now it's your turn to explore. Consider a budget-friendly weekend getaway near home for a change of scenery. Or go adventuring for months at a time in a luxury RV, depending on your budget.

Hiring a service to mow your lawn or do your laundry was probably out of the question if money was tight at home, and it still feels like a real struggle to pay someone else to handle these types of tasks today.

Many services offer a variety of options, meaning you don't have to have someone come every day or every week; instead, you can opt for once or twice a month to enjoy a clean house while getting your time back.

Finally replacing the broken blinds could have served as an upgrade to your family's home decor if you grew up without a lot of money. However, you don't need to spend a ton to enjoy some comfortable upgrades.

From local boutiques to online retailers, there are many options that offer budget-friendly home goods that still look like a million bucks.

Growing up, you probably just made do with an aging home, your family doing their best to DIY structural concerns. But keeping your place in tip-top shape is an investment, should you choose to sell at some point.

Think about that kitchen renovation or new deck you've been planning as a selling point, and research home equity loans to shoulder the costs.

Did you ever hear your parents say, "They don't make 'em like they used to?" Perhaps your mother loved that the microwave with the rotary timer lasted for 25 years.

They might scoff at something that breaks after just a few months. It would be great if your refrigerator could last for 50 years. However, if it malfunctions before the warranty expires, contact the manufacturer to arrange for a replacement or repair.

Affordable fashion that suits your sense of style can be delivered to your doorstep, meaning it requires a lot less time (and money) to elevate your wardrobe.

Even if you grew up around second-hand stores or hand-me-downs, today's designer-focused resale marketplaces and boutiques offer so much more than the thrifting you knew growing up.

Going for a walk or having a cup of juice might have been your parents' solution to having better health if you grew up poor. Now, there are many options to help you stay in shape.

Yoga mats, exercise balls, and weights are relatively inexpensive. Choose from among thousands of health and dietary supplements you can buy over the counter that may boost your nutrition as an adult.

A bar of soap shouldn't have to double as your shampoo when taking a bath or shower.

Personal care products cater to a wide range of skin types, tones, and lifestyles these days. Discover your favorite products online and explore bundled or subscription options to save money, whether you prefer standard or niche brands that cater to your skin, hair, and nail care needs.

You don't have to carry the burdens of past finances with you into your adult years. Some items and experiences could be worth the splurge and might even be more affordable than you think.

While some spending habits may seem overly cautious to others, they often reflect deep-rooted values shaped by financial hardship. These mindful money ideas can help build security, reduce unnecessary debt, and even strengthen your ability to withstand economic downturn, no matter what the future holds.