“You get what you pay for” isn’t always true. There are many examples of things that cost more than they’re worth due to hype, popularity, or other factors. Some of them are everyday things we rarely think twice about. Let’s look at 12 things that aren’t worth the money so you can save that money or spend it on something with better value.
1. Expensive Concert Tickets
When did concert tickets get so expensive? Some of us remember when it cost around $20 to see a popular band or artist play. Then prices went way up, not gradually but all of a sudden, and now it can cost hundreds of dollars or more for a ticket.
2. Destinations That Are Pricey Because of Popularity, Not Quality
Otherwise known as tourist traps, these are places that charge high prices not because of an exceptional experience but because they’re popular. Places like Niagara Falls, big theme parks, and Graceland come to mind.
3. Unlimited-Data Plans
Unlimited data sounds great, especially if you’ve ever hit your monthly limit and had to pay extra for additional data. However, most people don’t use more than 5 GB of data per month, and if that describes you, you might be throwing money away for an unlimited plan.
4. Boats and RVs
Unless you live on the water or go camping a lot, boats and RVs are money pits. They’re expensive to start with, but it doesn’t end there. In addition to maintenance, you have storage to pay for since most neighborhoods don’t allow long-term storage on properties. You’ll also have to buy trailer equipment for boats and non-motorized RVs. It’s actually much cheaper to rent a boat or RV once in a while than to own one that you don’t use that much.
5. Gourmet Coffee
There’s no denying that Starbucks and other gourmet brands taste good, but if you’re a frequent customer, take some time to look at what you’re spending each week, month, and year. It really adds up, and if your main need is the caffeine jolt, there are a lot of cheaper coffee options.
6. Fire Pits
Who doesn’t love sitting around a fire outside on a chilly night? Fire pits are great, but the problem is that they aren’t cheap and that after the initial thrill wears off, you probably won’t use them that often.
7. Name-Brand Items
There’s nothing wrong with buying name-brand items sometimes, but try to avoid falling into the trap of buying them all the time. Usually, generic brands look just as good, perform just as well, and last just as long for a lot less money.
8. Pool Tables
Like boats, RVs, and fire pits, pool tables are a lot of fun at first and then tend to fall into disuse or infrequent use. Then you’re stuck with a huge, expensive piece of “furniture” that’s really difficult to remove.
9. The Newest Smartphone
Apple is particularly notorious for this, but it’s common for companies to come out with a brand-new version of its top smartphone before you’ve finished paying for the current “new” one you have. Avoid the temptation and get the most you can from your current phone.
10. Top-Shelf Alcohol
If you were blindfolded and tasted 3 brands of whiskey, one a budget brand, another a moderately priced one, and the third a high-end brand, would you really be able to tell them apart? Unless you can, avoid top-shelf alcohol even if you can afford it.
11. Restaurant Wine
This is a tough one to accept since wine is often such a great accompaniment to a meal and the mood. However, the first time you’re in a store and see a wine you paid 4 or 5 times the price for in a restaurant, you might start considering BYOB restaurants or just going without.
12. Cable TV
There was a time when cable was the only viable option for network TV for most people. As a result, cable companies could charge what they wanted and get away with poor customer service. Today, streaming and other internet options give you plenty of ways to cut the cord and send the cable companies some well-deserved comeuppance.
13. Expensive Watches
It’s nice to own a Rolex, Omega, or other expensive watch brand. But have you seen the prices of these watches? Even if you see a watch as jewelry, not a tool, how many people are going to know the difference between a Rolex and a nice-looking inexpensive watch unless they’re up close?
14. Roses on Valentine’s Day
Florists jack up the price of roses for Valentine’s Day. Then the flowers wilt after a few days. Plus, giving a dozen red roses is a cliche. The object of your affection will be far more impressed by something more original.
15. Self-Running Robot Vacuums
These cleaners that dock and charge themselves are popular and look cool, but they cost a lot and have a low resale value. Plus, they really don’t do that great of a job.
16. Heavy Furniture
Big, heavy furniture is expensive. It’s also an incredible hassle to transport and move. Even if you stay in one place for a long time, when the furniture wears out, no one’s going to want to buy it, and you’ll be stuck with getting rid of it on your own.
17. High-End Steakhouses
The steaks at these restaurants are undeniably delicious, but they often cost $50 or more, and sides are usually extra (and also expensive). Treat yourself on a special occasion, but don’t go too often.
18. Fine Jewelry
Jewelry is beautiful to many people, but unless money isn’t an object for you, buying really expensive jewelry isn’t a good use of money since you get no practical function from it. There are plenty of less-expensive options that still look really nice.
19. Top-Level Gym Memberships
Getting in shape is an excellent goal and a great lifestyle choice. A lot of people sign up for high-end gym memberships and end up not using all of the benefits or not going to the gym that much. It’s better to start with something basic and upgrade later if necessary.
20. Food Delivery
Most food-delivery services tack on extra fees that are pure profit for them. Even worse, customers often mistakenly think these fees are tips, so the drivers get stiffed.
21. Hot Tubs
Who doesn’t like a nice soak in a hot tub? They’re expensive to buy and install, though, and you end up not using them as much as you think you will. A better idea: treat yourself to a hotel suite or a spa day once in a while.
22. Flight Insurance
How often have you actually had a need for flight insurance? Chances are, if you purchase the insurance every time you fly, you’ll easily spend more than you would on change fees. Plus, some airlines are phasing out change fees or making their policies less restrictive.
23. Premium Gas
If your car requires premium, it’s probably best to stick with it. For everyone else, though, there’s no measurable difference in performance or engine health between regular and premium. What is measurably different is the price.
24. First-Class Plane Tickets
True, first class is way better than coach, but is paying three or four times (or more) the price for coach really worth it? Most people in first class didn’t actually pay the premium price; usually, they got an upgrade or cashed in some miles.
25. Trampolines
Trampolines are fun, but they’re also expensive, they take up a lot of space, and a lot of accidents occur with them. If the kids want to bounce around, you can take them to an indoor play park that has safe setups for them, and you get to leave the trampolines behind when you go home.
26. Bottled Water
Most bottled water is filtered tap water. You can, therefore, get the same quality by buying a filter, and you can get a reusable bottle. Single-use plastic bottles are wasteful and are literally clogging up some waterways and floating in our oceans.
27. Expensive Weddings
The people who really get the most out of expensive weddings are the guests. If wealthy parents are paying, that’s great, but otherwise, it’s better not to start out married life with a big wedding bill to pay. That could have gone toward a house.
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This article was produced by Our Woven Journey. Featured Image Credit: Brian Friedman/Shutterstock
Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.