Another 10 Things I Don’t Spend Money On

There are plenty of things I have to spend money on - gas for the car, mortgage, heat, groceries, etc.  In order to maintain our budget and have money left for vacations and other fun stuff there are several items I choose not to spend my hard earned cash on as part of my daily routine.  Here is a list of some those items: 

1.                   Costco or Sam’s Club memberships

2.                  Daily newspapers

3.                  Clorox or Lysol wipes

4.                  Cheap shoes

5.                  Magazine subscriptions

6.                  Books – at full retail

7.                  Plug-in scented oil air fresheners

8.                  Expensive gift wrap, tissues, bows & bags

9.                  Tanning sessions

10.               CDs or DVDs – at full retail 

I gave up my Costco membership several years ago and found I don’t miss it.  I spend a lot less money now that I no longer shop there too.

I don’t subscribe to the newspaper on a daily basis because I honestly don’t have time to read it and it is a little expensive and wasteful.  I tried a Sunday/Holiday subscription last year and found it was perfect for me.  I get the ads and coupons, which I feel gives me more than enough in savings to justify the expense of the subscription.  I just recently renewed on a special the newspaper was running at one year for 75¢ per week!  That I can definitely live with! 

Disinfecting wipes are terribly expensive and I don’t feel they are worth it.  I prefer a rag and my own spray cleaner. 

Cheap shoes just don’t hold up and are uncomfortable.  I feel like I’m throwing my money away.  Invest in a good pair of shoes and they will not only last longer but your feet will appreciate it too.  Not to be confused with quality shoes on clearance – for cheap! 

I haven’t had a magazine subscription in years and like my Costco membership and the daily newspaper I don’t miss them either.  Books I get from the library or purchase used at thrift stores.  I also swap books with my mom and a neighbor so I have plenty of good reading material. 

I have a Scentsy pot, which I love.  I got it as a gift from a friend and several of the waxes.  I have bought some additional waxes and I love how long they last and they smell so good.  The plug-in oils only last about a month and have become really expensive. 

Gift wrap and tissue paper I buy when I need it at the dollar store.  We make a lot of our own wrap plus I recycle all the paper, tissue, bows and bags I receive and re-use them.  A friend of mine irons her recycled tissue paper so it looks brand new.  I don’t go quite that far. 

Tanning sessions - Oh please!  This lily white body of mine is just fine – LOL! J 

I really love music and I appreciate a good movie.  If there are CDs or DVDs I want I get them used, usually online.  I don’t mind a “previously enjoyed” disc.  Especially when it saves me 90% of the original purchase price!  I do occasionally purchase new DVDs as gifts and in those instances I scout out the best price I can get first. 

What do you choose not to spend your hard earned cash on? 

You might also enjoy revisiting Costco Memberships,  10 Things I Don’t Spend Money On and 10 More ThingsI Don’t Spend Money On.