These days I am more conscious of my spending habits. I want to make each purchase a useful one that I will love. Regrettably, I have spent things that do not fall into this category and I am now wary of making purchases like these again…
Subscription boxes –Â I did go through a subscription phase a few years ago. I like the idea that you receive a monthly surprise package through the post where items have been collected for you. However, in practice, only a small proportion of items I really liked or used. There was often things that didn’t suit me, and it made me think that rather than paying for a subscription box of mixed items, I could just buy only the items that I found useful myself.
Beauty products and make-up – there were times when I would buy make up and beauty products because it was the “new it” thing or a “good” brand that I wanted to try, or it was on offer. I have ended up with multiple of items that I still haven’t used. I look to give these items to loved ones who will find them useful or try to use them myself before purchasing more.
Clothes – similar to above, I have bought clothes because I like the fashion or it looks good on the model in the photo. However, after having bought it, I don’t always reach for these pieces and they are hung up in the wardrobe unworn. I do try to only buy clothes that I really need to save wasting money on clothes.
Magazines – I like the idea of sitting down with a cup of tea/coffee, a slice of cake and a magazine as an afternoon treat. Magazines are always increasing in price and whilst they may only be a few pounds at most, if you constantly buy them, the spend adds up. Luckily, I can get free magazines through my library – they use the RB Digital app that allows you to borrow and download as many magazines as you like (and it is the ones that I read before!). I haven’t purchased a magazine in a long time!
Things on sale – yes it seems like a good deal and I thought I would use it at the time…but I never got around to it and it sits in its box or in the cupboard unused. Something you buy should be something you love and use – I now try to follow this.
Books and DVDs – usually I would only read/watch once and then never pick up again. With websites like Netflix and using the local library, I have to access to books, tv shows and movies that I don’t feel the need to buy the physical book and dvd/cd version.