Money Down the Drain: 13 Things That Are a Total Waste of Money

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Ever seen something and immediately said, “What a waste of money!”? From insanely priced airport food to MLM scams, here are 13 things that are a complete waste of money.

1. Airport Food

Young female traveler eating pizza at airport restaurant while waiting for late night flight departure.
Image Credit: Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock.

 

The price of airport food is outrageous! Sure, it’s convenient, but the price you pay just for a meal between transfers can make a dent in your wallet.

2. Designer Baby Clothes

baby, newborn baby cute blue-eyed, dark hair, baby 2 months in a blue body lying on his stomach
Image Credit: Evgeniya Yantseva/Shutterstock.

 

That Gucci one-piece is cute, but is it worth spending hundreds of dollars? With the rate kids grow out of clothing, that money is probably better spent elsewhere.

3. NFTs

Kaunas, Lithuania - 2021 November 2: NFTs on screen. A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique digital asset that represents ownership of real-world items like art, video clips, music, and more.
Image Credit: Rokas Tenys/Shutterstock.

 

The crypto space is filled with scams, and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) have proved to be no exception. From digital art to virtual real estate, many projects have come and gone with investors spending thousands and having little to show for it.

4. Delivery Apps

man lying on sofa and holding phone with app delivery food screen
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The convenience of ordering in is undeniable, but after adding up service charges, delivery fees, and tips, the final bill can be steep. Sometimes it feels like you’re paying double just to avoid a trip to the store.

5. Clubbing

Group of friends partying in a club and moving to the music.
Image Credit: bbernard/Shutterstock.

 

Between cover charges and overpriced drinks, a night out can burn a hole through your pocket. The costs of going clubbing for just a few hours of fun can make you wonder if it’s worth it.

6. Expensive Concert Tickets

Many joy people raise hands up into sky. Fun live music concert. Sectarians crowd pray god. Lot sect fans follow faith. Holy worship concept. Epic rite open air. Big group lift arms. Huge ritual cults
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Nothing compares to the energy of a great live concert, but skyrocketing ticket prices can put a damper on the fun. Regardless of how much you like an artist, is it worth spending triple or even quadruple digits on a concert?

7. Latest Phone Models

Apple launch new smartphone iPhone 15 Series. Comparing and testing the new iPhone 15 as well as iPhone 15 Pro max, Pro, Plus and iPhone 15 in a Store.
Image Credit: Wongsakorn Napaeng/Shutterstock.

 

Trying to buy the newest iPhone or Samsung model can set you back over a thousand dollars every year. With barely any relevant changes from model to model, you can end up paying to stay trendy rather than getting actual value.

8. Expensive Weddings

Happy wedding photography of bride and groom at wedding ceremony. Wedding tradition sprinkled with rice and grain
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A lavish wedding is a dream for many, but the enormous expense can also be a heavy burden. A smaller, more intimate wedding can be just as special without the staggering costs.

9. Casinos

Casino gambling young man playing blackjack at table with cards and chips. Indoor portrait of gambler with dealer.
Image Credit: Maridav/Shutterstock.

 

The thrill of potentially hitting it big is tempting, but the odds are rarely in your favor. You can easily spend thousands of dollars at a casino and not even break.

10. Designer Bags

Front view portrait of a smiling young woman standing in front of shelf display in glamorous boutique and holding red designer handbag.
Image Credit: Juice Dash/Shutterstock.

 

The price tags on many designer bag brands can be a lot to process with some bags costing tens of thousands. While designer bags can be an investment at times, a bad purchase just drains your wallet.

11. Subscription Apps

Subscription business model concepts.Man hands holding credit card and using laptop or pc.
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It’s easy to accumulate monthly fees for apps you rarely use. Regularly reviewing and pruning these subscriptions can save a surprising amount of money.

12. MLMs

Businessman using multi level diagram on virtual screen, human resource, network marketing or multi level marketing business concept ,Hierarchy chart
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MLMs have sold millions of people a dream of making tons of money selling their products. For most people, their money lines the pockets of those higher up on the pyramid, often leaving the hopeful out of luck.

13. Expensive Coffee

Smiling black young woman smelling freshly brewed coffee with eyes closed in cafeteria. Beautiful african girl smiling while relaxing in a coffee shop. Close up face of girl drinking latte coffee.
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Have you ever added up how much you spend each week on Starbucks? Brewing at home can be just as satisfying without the financial waste.

Have Any of These 12 Items? You Could Be Rich

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If it’s been a long time since you cleaned out or decluttered your or your parent’s home, you should perhaps wait before you do because there may be a few things to watch out for that could be worth a lot of money!

Some items may be predictable, such as jewelry, vinyl records, and such, but some of the items on this list may surprise you, and trust us when we say you will never look at the supposed ‘junk’ in your home in the same way ever again. Read on to learn more about the valuable things that may be worth a pretty penny but have just been gathering dust all these years.

Have Any of These 12 Items? You Could Be Rich

12 Jobs That Hire Retirees Quickly and Pay Well

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Contrary to the perceived notion that seniors are supposed to rest and relax after retirement, research shows that many retirees and seniors are getting back into the job world. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 40% of people over 65 will be working by 2030.

Some return to work to pay off debt, avoid boredom, or save for significant expenses.

12 Jobs That Hire Retirees Quickly and Pay Well

15 Expenses Middle-Class Americans Are Saying “No” Too

Close-up of young serious confident african american man looking at camera puts forward palm showing stop gesture demonstrating protection personal boundaries.
Image Credit: MAYA LAB/Shutterstock.

 

It’s 2024, and we’re not gonna take it anymore!

Here are fifteen expenses or purchases that were so last year!

15 Expenses Middle-Class Americans Are Saying “No” Too

14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking

Smiling girl eating food from takeaway paper box outdoors.
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More companies are now offering free samples to get customers to try a new product. Over time, these companies gain loyal customers and can increase their sales. As a customer, you also get to test out free products and sample foods you’ve never tasted.

Read on as we explore some companies that will give you food and products for free just by asking.

14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking

28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

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Saving money doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to life’s little indulgences. With a few smart tweaks, you can stash away cash for that dream vacation, rainy day fund, or splurge-worthy purchase without feeling like you’re on a constant budget patrol.

Think of it as a side hustle that pays off without the extra hours. Whether you’re looking to conquer debt or simply boost your bank account, these tips are guaranteed to put more money in your pocket, painlessly.

28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

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