Regret Alert! 15 Overhyped Splurges That Waste Your Money

[@christinebutler7630]

Oh geez. I have a pad.of paper and a pen for grocery lists. I have a crockpot and a cast iron skillet and dutch oven instead of a meal service. I find CDs of really great music for a dollar a pop in thrift stores. All of a sudden i feel like i must be a dinosaur, but i do just fine.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Vintage is very trendy right now! 😂 you can let them laugh as you roll in your money 😉

[@christinebutler7630]

Ive used thrift shops and Facebook Marketplace to outfit myself with L.L. Bean outerwear and Merrell boots. Im in my 60s. This stuff will last the rest of my life. And i spent less than 75 bucks for the lot.

[@loriloristuff]

I also use Ebay. My LL Bean stuff lasts forever!!!

[@susanf4857]

I do the same. I got Hunter rainboots for $24 on eBay as well as an LL Bean raincoat.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

I see a lot of LLBean at thrift stores!

[@allisonmodaff5635]

And let me guess.....you wear those clothes to go hiking, which is free? You’re my hero!

[@terryhenderson424]

I have Sorels ....

[@joyswenson7941]

I love listening to your episodes (as I do housework). My husband and I have always tried to be frugal, and it’s coming into play these days. We’re in a tight spot, but getting by aright because we don’t spend unless it’s planned. A good portion of our kids’ clothes & toys/books come from thrift stores or discount aisles, or after holiday sales. My husband isn’t afraid of work and I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get creative around the house. Times are tough, but not impossible when you actively create and pursue a game plan on how to get by.

[@janicearant6407]

Great advice. My daughter teases me saying I use Goodwill like a library. I buy things, use them a few years, then donate them back!

[@flohough1870]

We had our kitchen remodeled last summer. I purchased all new appliances and I was shocked at how hard it was to NOT buy smart appliances. I also don't need an ice maker, water dispenser--to me those are just things that will break, plus the bacteria factor--pass! I also don't need my appliances sending me alerts on the phone. Just another unnecessary thing that adds to the price.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

A friend of mine wanted a basic refrigerator and had to wait two months! Had she wanted one with all the bells and whistles, she could have had it in two weeks.

[@flohough1870]

@@saraconklinfrozenpennies my sister got into a similar situation, it's crazy! I'm tired of being forced into buying tech I don't want.

[@rocketmom60]

My Coach purse might be a splurge, but I have one I still carry off and on for over 20 years. A purse I get from Target lasts maybe a couple of years. The quality of a product has to be considered along with the price.

[@jbalconi9903]

My cousins and I bought Harvey bags (made from recycled seatbelts) because one of us figured out the price of a new bag was less than the price of replacing three cheap purses. One cousin has had hers for at least 10 years and it looks like new.

[@happycook6737]

Many Coach products are vinyl now. I love my vintage leather bags like my leather Coach bag from 30 years ago.

[@BSGSV]

I see this too. Friends took out a 401k loan to buy a home while simultaneously buying a new car, going on vacation weekends out of town and staying at hotels for $1000s, spending on expensive dinners out, etc.

[@loriloristuff]

I am choking just reading this. YIKES. 🤯

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Oh. My. Gosh. That breaks my heart.

[@donnarupprecht4418]

They are stupid...that's the word, stupid...what else could you call it ??

[@catherinewilke5583]

These are the same people who will be broke in retirement and complaining that they can’t survive on social security. Oh well

[@AmySimmonds-luv4Jesus]

Great content. I hear all the time about how much things cost, but people are still buying them.

[@christinebutler7630]

Beans and rice, rice and beans!

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Yep. I hear that!

[@LaManteca76]

Guess what I'm cooking rt now...😂

[@maureenhuizinga5675]

Different order, every night 😂

[@susanf4857]

Shop Goodwill for small appliances!! I just bought a working KitchenAid classic mixer with bowl and attachments for $14.99!! Giving it to my youngest daughter who loves to bake. They usually have outlets so you can check to see if the appliances work.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Last year thrifting, I bought a brand new Cuisinart toaster oven for $20

[@terryhenderson424]

You certainly couldn't do that at Goodwill in this area!

[@jbalconi9903]

I haven't bothered keeping up with tech. I have an iPod nano with a cracked screen that my brother gave me when he got an iPhone. It's my go-to for outdoor listening because it doesn't rely on an app and the battery still lasts a long time. I kept an eye out for newer tech to replace my old stuff. I now have a "dumb" flatscreen TV that works just fine with a Roku, a Sony receiver, a CD walkman, a wired set of Bose speakers, etc. My last purchase was a CD radio for less than $7 at a thrift store.

[@NonaBear]

Yes those meal kits are so expensive!

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Not a shopper..😊 Thrifting & knowing how to do basic sewing helps me to have decent clothes & friends downsizing has been blessings.

[@mwade39]

Thank you so much, you are a beautiful soul and a blessing to us all.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Awe. Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@zac1375]

I've had a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 since 2014. Last year, when the battery finally died, I bought [paid cash] a Samsung Galaxy S23. Even though the Galaxy Note 9's battery was not supposed to be replaceable, I was able to buy a replacement battery and got it installed at a cell phone "fix it" store. I still use the Galaxy Note 9, like it more than the Galaxy S23, and its spell check and other features are actually better than the so-called more advanced S23.

[@Megan9689]

15:05 and Instant Pots are ALL OVER Facebook Marketplace and at yard sales so you should be able to snag one pretty cheap. I'm personally afraid of pressure cookers (especially when a friend has been severely burned by one making traditional refried beans that shes made 1000 times, you only need it to blow up once and have a huge mess to clean up and have burns all over that look like netting from the bean pattern). I use a rice cooker for a lot of meals and my air fryer all the time. It saves $ from not using my oven for a lot of things and crisps up leftover pizza, fries, etc in just a minute or 2 and makes them taste like fresh-made, not leftovers.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

I’ve been tempted to grab a second IP. I use mine all the time!

[@bettywatts175]

Some of these things are appropriate splurges for certain situations. A meal kit is wonderful for moms with newborns or special lingerie for a honeymoon. But the problem comes when those items become the norm and expected forever instead of meeting a short period of time.

[@gailwentz8296]

When we drive thru we usually just each get a sandwich off the “dollar menu” and split a small fry! We also do a family lunch every Friday. We get soup, side salad or breakfast .If you order breakfast before 11:00 you get your drink fee! Even soda!

[@reebeeable]

My siblings like technology and give me their hand-me-downs. My iPhone 6 is fine. At some point it will need to be replaced to ensure security is up to date but for now it’s fine. I have a friend who is in the top 10% income but uses Mint mobile because it’s cheaper than Verizon or AT&T. Never throw money away even if you are rich. That said I enjoy going to Europe every two years - I can afford it because I’m debt free and am a careful spender. It’s all about choices.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

100% agree. Being frugal is not about not spending. It’s about spending money where you value most!

[@jomar9024]

I agree about the cookware how expensive the knives are I finally for the first time in my life and I'm like 63 years old I broke down and bought my first good knife set. It didn't come with a boning knife but I cannot see spending $175 I refuse to do it

[@hoosierpioneer]

My toaster oven does the job of most of those small appliances, and no teflon. Also have older crock pots, i can put them on a timer if I need them to shut off.

[@happycook6737]

And in hot weather we can carry our toaster oven and crock pots outside to cook. This helps keep the kitchen cooler.

[@hoosierpioneer]

@@happycook6737 So true. I have run a crock pot in an outbuilding overnight to keep critters from it!

[@LoriFidler-v9b]

I don't have any streaming services. Spend less than twenty dollars on a purse. I did this to this purse over the years. Sew the strap back on the purse. Wearing my Mom's clothes since she lost weight. Booked 3 day trips for this year before I got all my medical bills

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Thanks for the intelligent content here.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@MsDoglover02]

Thanks for a great video! I paid off my 401K loan last month. I have 18+ year old knives that I recently got sharpened at Ace Hardware.

[@hoosierpioneer]

Ohh, I never thought of that!

[@SusanRobinson-k3s]

Thanks for sharing!!! It seems like folks need a class on common sense....we have always thought about every purchase before pulling out our wallet and it's made our retirement years more enjoyable. We have wonderful memories of shared vaca with friends, fun trips to thrift stores and evenings of card games with friends.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

So true!

[@dawng.8836]

I do splurge on a meal kit every other week. Don't buy name brand stuff, unless I find it heavily discounted

[@karenharvey7197]

I'm 74 and never had a peti, a massage, a facial and only one mani. Growing up in a small town during the 50s and 60s, it wasn't something we did or, I don't even think, these were available. We did it ourselves or we did each other's nails and faces. I never developed the habit, so when it became available, I wasn't interested.

[@zac1375]

"Clean" generic underwear looks better than "soiled" designer underwear. 🤭

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

lol. This is great!!

[@LaManteca76]

🎶Victorias Secret, their stuffs real nice. But I can get the same dang thing off the Walmart shelf half price! Still look sexy, just as sexy as the models on tv...🎶😁

[@BSGSV]

I highly recommend a "smart thermostat". I have never used programmed thermostats as my thermostat is always off. I only manually turn it on the few times a year I need to heat or cool the place for a couple of hours then I turn it off. The reason I love a smart thermostat is that I can turn it on or off from my phone while upstairs without having to run downstairs. Plus, when you get a smart thermostat, you can cash in on utility company deals. Locally, we have several where the utility company "controls" or sets your thermostat to "eco" mode during expensive hours. In return, I get $25 rebate per year I do it. It doesn't bother me because normally, my thermostat is OFF anyway. Let them monitor and "play" with it. You can opt out at any time. Also, when I bought mine, the utility company gave me a $50 rebate in addition to the mfg rebate. It (a Nest) ended up being almost free.

[@katsfarm2062]

I've cut down on my water bill by doing laundry with large loads, shorter showers,

[@sjchan3199]

Im in uk, had a water meter just to cut bill. We could have it stopped if we didnt save money. we have HALVED our water bill, tho app is crap we are winning with our bills

[@jbalconi9903]

@@sjchan3199 That's great! I just compared notes with someone in the UK about water meters vs. pay-per-year. I'm glad it's working for you!

[@RangeGleasry]

0:00 intro 0:47 latest tech 2:32 streaming services 3:09 designer brands 4:15 restaurants 5:39 travel/vacay 7:26 home decor/reno 8:45 coffee ☕️😍 9:40 beauty products 10:52 happy hour 11:33 meal kit subscriptions 12:34 home tech 13:17 concerts and events 14:22 cookware 15:37 high speed internet 16:22 underclothes Don’t mind me, just taking notes. Reminded me to go cancel my Netflix which I had been putting off for weeks 😅 done

[@RangeGleasry]

After my father passed, I took a meal kit subscription. It helped me eat healthily as I had been neglecting my diet and eating very poorly. After about six months I was feeling better and could cancel it. You’re right it’s expensive. But I’m glad it was an option for me during those trying times.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Its nice to get when you've been cooking for 35 years and need inspiration, too. But definitely not something I would do all the time.

[@UmAkkeri20]

Side note: Dave Grohl is a FANTASTIC human being. Last year, he came out in the rain to bbq and smoke a bunch of meat for a charity in LA just so low income families would have a nice warm meal 🥰

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

I remember reading that. I adore him.

[@UmAkkeri20]

@@saraconklinfrozenpennies he truly deserves every good thing that comes to him

[@HM-ec5vi]

He mandated his band members to get vaxxed and proof of vaxx for his shows. His drummer Taylor is dead. F*^* Grohl.

[@richardmcgreal8825]

I was just at Panera yesterday, I always order 1/2 sandwich but she gave me full sandwich for 12.00. My sister was with me and had a drink at over 3.50...So it was way more than I expected. Joan

[@happycook6737]

Our Safeway sells great cold cuts and fresh bakery rolls. $1.89 for turkey and roll. I've got condiments, lettuce, tomatoes at home. So if I eat out it will be something not easily made.

[@jacquelinebottenbley8021]

Ive been buying beauty and hygiene products at dollar tree. Also cleaning and paper goods and plastic cutlery.

[@kristinabeerz7077]

No thanks to that Panera order 😊

[@lindawilson4625]

Good list! People seem to forget that most needs are really wants :-) List like these are a good reminder. Thanks!

[@JeanneNaser-xt1hs]

Good ideas Sara , I enjoy your videos very much😊 Happy Mother’s Day 🥰

[@juliem.3936]

Too funny! Your video talks about "overhyped" splurges and you have an Apple watch and drink Starbucks. 🤣How did you not know that you were paying $10/month for a streaming service? Isn't that part of knowing where every dollar goes? It's good to know what we are ALL human. BTW, I love smart light bulbs and my Alexa! LOL. Good tips! Thanks for sharing!

[@KimberlyAnn1971]

Great advice! Great video!

[@peggybrophy7786]

I don't need an insta pot, air fryer, or any other "new gadgets" it's just more junk. I plan what time I need for meals. I have a 15 year old stove that has a true convention oven, crockpot ( w/o timer) that is 30 plus yrs old, cast iron pans that were my great and grandparents, good quality stainless steel pans and enamel pots. Nothing fancy but my food tastes great. We've always purchased MOTO phones . They are tough, durable, very reliable and last for YEARS. No smart watches or Alexa. No (pay for) streaming service whatsoever. If you can't find something to watch on regular TV or KZbin. Get a hard copy book (Free Library, 2nd hand, or borrowed), learn a hobby or new skills, play a game or get a walk in. I've never had a Mani or Pedi and never plan to -why?. I do set a price (under $60 for new) and look even at garage sales or thrift shops until I find a leather purse with a cloth lining that is high quality and will last and also will go with everything. One black and one brown/natural purse. That's all that is needed. I do disinfect them before using. Clearance or thrifted clothes, but I will spend $ on good quality shoes (but never reg price). Our vacation is every other year or so and we pack what food and water we can. Eat out one meal (not expensive but good quality) a day or have a picnic. We're away from home for a week or less and stay at places that serve breakfast and are around $100. No souvenirs. We don't feel cheated. It's always been who and how we are. We both retired at an early age. We enjoy free entertainment instead of paying. We've been debt free for 30+ years and pay cash for everything and own our home. It can be done, BUT, it takes work and compromise. The end rewards are worth it.

[@AliciaCrone]

Absolutely love it!!! I'll have to be financially stable in every sense before purchasing my first supercar. The best thing to do with your money is to invest rightly because money left saving will end up with no returns

[@christopherherbert2407]

No doubt being financially free and able to afford these luxuries cannot be overemphasized, making smart plans and setting up diversified investment portfolios is quite essential.

[@georgeearling905]

you don't need that much, as long as you have 250k to 350k in cash, and earn at least 40k plus is fine. It not like you are going to pay the car off, get the car, drive it for a year or two then get something else. You don't need millions of manov to oniov nico thinnc.

[@Sanchyfab]

Most people miss it but the secret to retiring comfortably is finding a way to make returns while your money works for you. My Dad, as i remember started saving for retirement quite late but I know he was making more than 10k returns from his investments monthly and it was completely passive

[@sebastiaanthijn7982]

Our family got introduced to a financial consultant about four years before my dad retired. That was what changed things, and I think my retirement income will be on the right track, luxury cars and trips

[@V.stones]

@@sebastiaanthijn7982 Please could you guide me on how to get in touch with your consultant? My funds are being eroded by inflation and seek a more lucrative investment strategy to effectively utilize before I consider retirement.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Tech is a huge frustration for me. I resent having to constantly learn new tech just to get by. But my iPhone is holding up well. Going on 8 years. Although I don’t do “high tech” things on it. If I need something more advanced, I’ve been known to borrow or short term “rent” a laptop for short periods of time from a friend. ($20 here and $20 there). Just got a used chrome book for $60 Bcuz a friend wanted to “upgrade.” 😅😅 My “smart home” system was free when I changed my internet plan. I still haven’t set it up tho. Lol. Yaas. Foo Fighters. Their remake of Baker St is pure awesomeness. ❤️❤️🤙🤟 I don’t say this a lot but lol here goes. I wear sports bras and try to not wear them whenever I don’t need to and I often go commando with the other. 😂😂 Might be tmi but I find it makes my life a lot easier (getting dressed, undressed, laundry). Lmao. So all of my undies last a very long time. And most of the other clothes are from the thrift store.

[@zac1375]

My sister just had to have a Michael Kors purse. I guess my sister-in-law thought one wasn't enough - she uses one and has two more with the tags still on them. [Why?] 😵‍💫

[@susanf4857]

Shop 2nd hand for those!

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

Dont know why people make such a fuss over fancy and expensive handbags! Get a cheap bag from the thrift store

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

My friend Lisa has had the same purse for 20 years. It was an ex boyfriends grandmothers purse!

[@MartyHillman]

Omgosh!! Rock On!! Love the Foo Fighters!! Hootie!!😂

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Two peas. One pod!! 😂

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Local fairs & music sponcered venues can be a way to save $$. Many nearby venues offer free admission when you volunteer.

[@bessieoriotis5104]

May I suggest we take care of our clothes but enjoy them more by wearing them more. 😅

[@vaderladyl]

Most people don't know you should buy once and for life. I buy things that I can use for decades if it is possible, and even when something might be a bit more expensive upfront, it will last so you don't have to buy again. I do this with many things ranging from tech, to cookware, to clothing, etc. I bought a real leather purse that cost me a 100.00 bucks but that is my only purse and I had it for 6 years now, and use it every day. I buy older refurbished tech that works as well as the new stuff, and so on.

[@janetstraw191]

Engineered obsolescence!🤯

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

YES! 100% correct!

[@sylviahufer7019]

I have not eaten in a fast food restaurant in about 10 years , I do go out to up market restaurants when it is a family member’s birthday celebration , we do not buy gift for adults in the family , only kids under 18 .

[@joshdaniels5970]

Not all of us want to waste money on new technology nor can we afford it ! And $25.or more or a purse is ridiculous ! I have no credit card debt or any debt at all . I pay $$$ for everything and if I have to finance anything I pay it off as fast as I can ! And not all of us women are a slave to " beauty products" ! I live on less than $1000 a month and I have nice things and I live exceptionally well . I consider myself extremely well off compared to most people . I live with in my means and I have no problem with not having all the lastest bells and whistles ! Yes ! I'm cheaper than most people and I'm proud of it ! Being cheap and frugal is mindset for me ! I know what it's like to be truly poor and not even have enough food to eat or decent clothes to wear or a place to live ! ❤

[@charlottedenman7176]

Yes, I am a grinder. I went for just a simple cleaning. $3300 later. I had broken 2 teeth and now I have to have 2 crowns. Ugh!

[@happycook6737]

Get a mouth guard. I used a DIY mouth guard from Walmart for years. You boil and fit it to your mouth. Easy, I promise. Cost is around $12.

[@dawnt5587]

You should do a video on what you should spend money on. I know people who have money but look like hobos. They think living like a pauper is a badge of honor when it is not.

[@hoosierpioneer]

Ghandi and Jesus lived liked paupers.

[@dawnt5587]

@@hoosierpioneer So?

[@mariacampbell581]

high speed internet allows me to watch your videos without studdering.

[@wandahall4435]

Sarah this is Great ❤❤❤

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Thanks so much!!

[@coastaldiva]

7dollars for coffee?! What? That’s crazy!!

[@happycook6737]

A Starbucks coffee is $7? 😱 Um no. I'd be meeting friends at McD. for $1.49 soda which is still 66% more expensive than soda from a 2L storebrand bottle but gives a neutral location for "catching up".

[@janefromthecountry1820]

Panera $49.00?!!!? Its nuts! 😮

[@hoosierpioneer]

Once again, I have none of these things so still nothing I can cut out.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

You are killing it! (My work here is done 😉)

[@jacquelinebottenbley8021]

Unless im starving while running errands i only eat out twice a month when i get paid.

[@missshooks]

I thrift most of my bras. It saves so much money.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

I think thats super smart!

[@vondahardwick1400]

I was wondering if you can help me. I am on a set income. I dont have any debt. I cant make my money cover my bills. I dont eat out. I dont do any of the the thing you mentioned. Except for internet. Help.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

I encourage you to speak to your county office adult and family services. They will be able to help you with assistance.

[@LauraMacMillan-el2kc]

I don’t need a name brand $800 Dutch oven or a $75 water bottle just because it’s “the thing” this season. (Just to name a couple of things.) I just don’t understand these trends … at all.

[@pamelalyon3264]

I found 5 pr of organic cotton underwear at Marshslls for $15

[@coastaldiva]

Nobody needs alcohol. It’s bad for the body any way

[@vaderladyl]

Some of us do enjoy a drink or two, and that is ok, but we don't splurge on it.

[@coastaldiva]

@@vaderladyl and that’s fine. Just know its extremely marked up these days and it’s not good for you in any amount. Very inflammatory

[@happycook6737]

As a cancer survivor please consider not using make-up, lotions, and other personal care products because they are full of chemicals.

[@CharleneEvenson]

I saved for a year to redo my bedroom.

[@SimplyKatieWalks]

There are many servers our there that NEED you to still eat out. They have bills to pay as well

[@shelbygreen3404]

Interesting 😊

[@ronjab4586]

I disagree with two categories that you mention. The categories latest tech and high speed internet aren't necessarily a splurge and IMO people need to stop judging others for having those even when they're in significant debt. It doesn't need to be the latest tech but around 4/5 years or older devices sadly can cause issues. I wish that wouldn't be the case but it is a fact nowadays. I had a Samsung Note 9 since 2018 and it is still running smoothly. But we're in the 3rd apartment complex now that uses a phone app for entering the building. That app simply stopped working on my "old" phone. In the old complex we lived that meant spending $150 for each of us for a fob so we were able to continue to enter the building - that's already half the money for a mid range Samsung on black Friday per person. We did get the fobs though, not to have to get new phones. We moved and it was a criteria for us that the new complex does not have a phone app entrance. Well, guess what, they just isntalled one after us living here for a bit over half a year and they will discontinue ANY fob usage. So now we paid 300 in our old complex, that we really should have put into a new phone - now I have to discontinue my perfectly fine "old" phone just to get into our building. My husband already had to get a new phone shortly after we paid for the fobs in the old place for his work place - they use an app for authentication there which was no longer working with his old phone one day. From now on, I will no longer continue using phones once they're no longer supported for safety updates because that's usually around the time when those kinds of issues start. I keep reading how wasteful people are with tech but truth is in many cases in this modern technological society, there is little choice. The other thing is high speed internet. So many work from home jobs rely on high speed internet. We even had it in the last apartment and the connection was still not good enough, loosing the job, having to move closer to the new job, etc - it would have been a lot cheaper to pay for better internet if it would have been available at the old place. Plus, high speed internet often comes with promotional codes, while regular internet doesn't. In our current apartment, high speed internet is $35, regular would be $55. So in regards to tech, the circumstances may surprise you if you ask people why they buy what they did. Nowadays, it may be a necessity for some even if it isn't for others. Oh also don't give people a side eye for streaming. They may just be more aware how to navigate the streaming world. We usually have a streaming service or two without paying for any of them. They all offer promotions occasionally throughout the year (except for Disney+) with up to several months free depending on the service. It's a nice supplement to what the library offers. You just need to keep up with when to cancel and keep an eye open for new promotions.

[@donnalindsey611]

Don't sound frugal😮

[@sallylapradd2900]

Starbucks coffee tastes like dirt.