Some of the most normal, everyday expenses (like Starbucks, dry cleaning, and delivery fees) are things I’ve never spent money on! In this light-hearted, hopefully fun-to-read post, I share more than 2 dozen normal things I’ve never spent money on (I give you a chance to share too!)
Many years ago, I shared 10 things I’ve never spent money on… including things like iPhones, pets, car washes, and a gym membership (all things I currently spend money on).
That post was fun to write and fun to read the comments, so I thought I’d make an updated list of 26 things I’ve never spent money on.
For the record, it’s not that we “can’t afford” the things below, but rather, I choose not to spend money on them because they don’t feel necessary for me.
I don’t think it’s bad or wrong to spend money on (most of) the things listed below — it’s more of an interesting “conversation” to have via the internet!
1. Starbucks
I don’t particularly enjoy coffee, and can’t remember ever purchasing coffee for myself from any coffee shop. However, I do occasionally purchase drinks for teachers or friends, or use a free drink coupon at our local Biggby’s.
That said, I have never spent money on Starbucks in my entire life… although my teen daughter has. 😂
2. Perfume
I’ve received plenty of lotions and perfumes as gifts, and I’ve also redeemed plenty of freebie coupons at Bath and Body Works and Victoria’s Secret, but I have no memory of paying for perfume with my own cash.
Again, my teen daughter could not say the same.
3. Credit Card Interest or Fees
I got my first credit card when I was 16 years old, and since then, I’ve paid off the balance in full every month. No fees, interest, or other penalties.
4. Alcohol at Restaurants
We rarely spend money on alcohol at home, let alone at restaurants — simply because it’s expensive, unhealthy, potentially addicting, and unnecessary (in my opinion).
For the most part, we drink water — lots and lots of water.
We usually have fun drinks for Family Movie Nights (usually on Saturday evenings), and once in a while, we’ll get lemonade or pop (soda) at restaurants. Otherwise, water is better for our teeth, our brains, our bodies, and our wallets!
5. Dry Cleaning or Laundromat
I’ve never even been to a dry cleaning or laundromat facility… I know, it’s almost hard to believe!
I’ve become a pro at washing “dry-clean only” items at home and save time and money as a result. So far, I haven’t ruined anything yet (knock on wood!)
6. Delivery Fees
Although I’ve been tempted to order groceries and have them delivered, I’m just too picky with my produce to let someone else find it for me. Plus, I actually enjoy grocery shopping now that I can go when the kids are in school.
And believe it or not, we’ve never had food delivered to our home! Likely because we don’t eat fast food that often, but when we do, it’s usually because we’re out and about, so we just swing in and pick something up.
I’ve never had flowers or gifts delivered, and it’s a rare occasion when I’ve ever paid a shipping charge for anything (thank you, Amazon Prime!)
7. Manicures or Pedicures
My cousin did my nails for free (at her house) the day before my wedding… other than that, I’ve never had a manicure or pedicure, nor do I desire to have either.
I have super ticklish feet, and my nails are short and stubby, so I can’t imagine paying money to make them more visible.
8. Facial
Same thing… never had one, don’t really want one (although maybe I don’t know what I’m missing!)
9. Massage
I’ve never had a professional massage before — however, I do see the benefit in this and wouldn’t totally turn one down if I ever happened to be in the right place at the right time.
For now, our hot tub does the trick, offering a “free” at-home massage whenever I want one.
10. Hair Removal (waxing, laser, etc.)
I’ll admit, I’ve looked into laser hair removal and priced it out… but I just can’t convince myself to fork over THAT much money for hair removal, when shaving works fine (for now, at least).
I’m also sort of terrified of waxing (I’ve never tried it). Thankfully, I’m not that hairy!
One new-ish hair removal product I recently started using is a dermaplane razor for all the peach fuzz on my face. Wow, why didn’t I try that sooner!?
11. Hair Cuts for Dave and the Kids
Our children have never been to a professional salon, and Dave hasn’t paid for a haircut since we started dating.
I do pay my neighbor to cut my hair a few times per year, but I’m trying to convince Nora that she could learn how to do it.
NOTE: This is the hair trimmer I use on Dave and the boys.
12. Fake Anything (lashes, extensions, nails)
What you see is what you get with me.
No fake nails, lashes, hair extensions… or any other body parts. 😉
13. Concert Tickets
My parents have taken our entire family to a few symphony concerts over the years, and I once won free tickets for a Point of Grace Christmas concert before we had kids. Other than that, I’ve never paid for concert tickets.
Dave has enjoyed a few concerts with fellow teacher friends, so I’m glad he can go with them and let me stay home.
14. Valet Parking
We don’t frequent many establishments that offer valet parking (unless Culver’s starts offering this service in the near future).
Also, Dave and I are very capable of parking our own car and walking a few blocks, if necessary.
15. Lottery Tickets
I’ve thought about purchasing one several times over the course of my life, but I’ve never actually done it.
Dave is a math teacher, and we know the odds of winning are horrible and that buying lottery tickets is basically just throwing our money away.
Yes, it would be pretty sweet to win the MegaMillion, but highly unlikely… so I’ll save my money!
16. Gambling
In addition to lottery tickets, we’ve never spent money on gambling (at least not that I remember).
I did, however, spend time in a Las Vegas Casino just after my 21st birthday (true story!) Dave and I were given $10 worth of coins to use in the casino, and we used them in slot machines until they were gone. We didn’t win anything (shocking, I know!)
17. ATM Fees
Would you believe that I’ve never even used an ATM machine before!?
I love our small local bank, and just wait until they open at 9:00 if I really need cash. Otherwise, Venmo, PayPal, or credit cards usually work just fine.
18. A Brand New Vehicle
We’ve never purchased a vehicle “off the lot” — but rather, through friends, relatives, or via Facebook Marketplace.
We still drive nice vehicles that are in good condition… we just save a bunch of money on the sticker price (and on our auto insurance).
19. Public Transportation
Although I’ve always driven used vehicles, I have always had a vehicle to drive… which means I’ve never had to pay for public transportation.
We have taken taxis and shuttles on vacation, but they were always included in the price of our plane or resort tickets.
20. Illegal Drugs 😂
Ok, this one is a bit of a stretch, but I thought I’d throw it in there because it is true — not even for “medicinal” purposes (which, I’m told, is becoming more and more normal these days).
21. Tattoos
Wow, tattoos sure are popular these days.
Aside from the fact that they are expensive and I don’t like needles, the main thing preventing me from getting a tattoo is the thought of how saggy it will look when I’m old!
22. Real Gold Necklaces and Earrings
Aside from my wedding ring, my “mother’s ring”, and some jewelry I inherited after my grandma died, I don’t have any “real” jewelry — it’s all costume pieces I find at thrift stores or cheap places in the mall.
And if you really want to get technical, Dave purchased my wedding ring before we were married, my mother’s ring was a gift via a blog sponsorship, and the jewelry from my grandma was given to me — so I don’t think I’ve ever spent my own money on real jewelry.
23. Instant Pot
These were all the rage for years, and I sort of wanted to get one, but just didn’t want to store it.
I do use my 2 slow cookers and my toaster oven many times each week… so who knows, I might be missing out by not having an Instant Pot. So far, I haven’t made the purchase yet.
24. Botox
I know so many people my age who are doing Botox… but right now, I can’t imagine a world where this will be something I choose to spend money on.
The idea of being less wrinkly sounds great… but I’m also OK with looking my age!
25. Music Downloads
Back in the day, I had a little collection of CDs, but ever since music started going digital, I haven’t purchased a thing.
I do always snatch up the 3-free months of Audible or Satellite Radio whenever those offers pop up, but I’ve never paid for access.
26. Extended Warranties
We often buy things used… which means they don’t come with warranties at all, but even when we’ve purchased new electronics or appliances, we’ve always opted not to purchase any extended warranties.
We’ve found that, as long as we purchase products with easily-accessible replacement parts, any necessary service calls are usually fairly inexpensive… making it unnecessary to purchase an extended warranty.
Yes, we might get burned by this at some point… but not yet!
For the record, I do not feel deprived or like my life is boring. And, I realize there are likely many things I regularly spend money on that you might not (things like whole grains, a gym membership, Amazon Prime, car washes, specific yard tools, and renovation expenses).
Aside from the illegal drugs, there’s likely nothing wrong with spending your money on any of the things listed above — as long as you aren’t going into debt to spend it.
We all choose to spend our money in different ways, which makes me curious…
What would be on your list of “things you’ve never spent money on?“
Kalyn Brooke | Creative Savings says
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever spent money on perfume either! I do like pedicures though – I mostly do my own, but like to have them done once or twice a year as a pampering treat. 🙂
Lisa says
Great list, Andrea!
Other than us spending money on our pet dogs, I am in complete agreement with all the other items on your list. Every once in a while I will splurge on a nice bottle of red wine (about 10 to 15 dollars) to enjoy with my home made sauce on pasta, but that’s it.
I was only at Starbucks once when we visited my parents in British Columbia (Canada) where Starbucks is pretty popular. I watched my Mom lay out $25 for the five of us to have plain coffees like one can make at home and I decided then it was likely a good thing there are no Starbucks way out here in the country where I live!
I also don’t spend money on mani or pedicures or having my hair colored. My Mom colors it when we get together and she gets the stuff in the box.
Susanne says
My list is similar, but I would never consider my two adopted dogs to be anything less than members of our family. My children ages 8 and 11 are so sad to leave them when we go on vacation. A family friend stays at our home with them when we are gone overnight.
Aa. says
I never paid for a Starbucks coffee either, but I tasted one because they were advertising somewhere by giving free cups (well, they were like one tablespoon of coffee in a giant plastic cup) and I have to say… not so impressed as I thought I should be! Lavazza – much more delicious!
Lavazza is the beste coffee ever, but only if you buy it from Italy. Lavazza made for any other country or region does not taste the same.
Lisa says
I have never heard of Lavazza coffee, and I am a coffee lover! Do you have to go right to Italy to buy it or can you order it online?
Aa. says
We find it easily in Europe, i didn’t know there is not Lavazza in USA! 😀
The main idea is that there are different qualities for coffee made to be sold in Italy and different quality for the one made to be sold in other countries. Same is with cars and clothes here, actually no one recognises it but it is a difference when you take it from the source. So basically if you take an original Lavazza, from Italy, it will taste divine! At least in my opinion!
Lisa says
Actually I live in Canada so we get even less European stuff here..haha.
I do visit my family once a year in Europe so when I visit my cousins in Italy I could always look for it then.
I love the idea of divine Italian coffee!
Aa. says
It really is divine, and I don’t know why, but usually I get some stomache aches after drinking coffee, but not when i drink Lavazza coffe! It is interesting.
Jennifer P says
I’m with you on most of the list. No Starbucks, drycleaning, alcohol (I don’t drink…period), valet parking, mani/pedi, lottery, and perfume (scent sensitive). We occasionally have a pizza delivered but usually pick it up. Last 3 concerts we saw were our 2 sons performing with their band. We have a nontraditional pet, a turtle (fairly low cost…I figure we have spent around $100 over the last 10 years on him.) I walk for exercise.
I would add for me, make-up. I do own some tinted moisturizer and loose powder but rarely use it. I’ve only had mascara on once in the last year, when we had a funeral to attend.
I don’t mind my “silver” highlights and have not colored my hair for a year and only used to do it 2 times a year, myself. I now get $9 hair cuts about every 3 months, used to cut my own…salon is just easier. I still cut my husband and 2 (adult) sons hair and my daughter goes to the salon about every 4 months (pays her own).
Something else I would add is most ‘name’ brand foods, unless they are on sale for less than the store brand. We prefer the store brand over the name brand on many items. Our daughters milk is some thing we occasionally have to get name brand because the local store (1/2 mile away) doesn’t have an alternative option. Needs lactose free and can’t use soy. Closest Meijer is 10 miles away.
Stel says
Hair colouring, perming, botox, spa. Can’t see myself ever doing it.
But…I spend an obscene amount at my local coffee shop, on take-away cappucino.
Kelly || Old Blue Silo says
I love your lists posts! It’s always fun to see how other people spend their money. I will say, our husband and I consider our cats to be our “kids” so essentially it’s not a waste of money to us, but I can see how it can be a “waste” to others. People have cringed at some of our food and vet bills as we have a “special needs” kitty. 🙂
I am not anywhere near a Starbucks but we have the best little coffee place in town and I indulged on a carmel apple latte this morning. I know it’s not healthy but I’ve been so full I from my drink that I haven’t snacked or eaten lunch today; so can I say I ate lunch for $3? Hehe.
I’ve honestly never, ever spent money on a hair dresser except on my wedding day. My mom use to be a beautician when I was a toddler and has cut my hair ever since and now that I am married and out of the house, she will come to my house or I’ll pop on over to her place. It’s a great excuse to get together. I don’t have to spend money on getting it colored because I have naturally pretty red hair. I have lots of friends who get their hair colored every month and it makes me cringe!!
Keli says
I am with you on the Valet Parking. One, there is not a lot of it where I live, but mostly I see it as a waste of money. I would say out of your list Starbucks, Concerts, and pets are ones I still spend money on. I love all three. Starbucks gets way less then it use to, it is a splurge for me now, not a regular thing.
Leslie H says
I just have to comment on the cost of pets…
Some people are animal lovers, and some are not. There is nothing wrong with either opinion.
If you are not an animal lover, indeed, pets are a waste of money. There is no benefit to the cost analysis, and there are many better ways to teach kids responsibility than with a pet, if that’s the reasoning.
However, for an animal lover there is a connection that transcends the cost and upkeep.
When I consider the amount of money we spend on food, equipment, vet care, and wear and tear on our house & furnishings, I figure that we could spend another week on vacation each year…Well as long as we didn’t have to fly anywhere.
Instead, I have a dog who puts a smile on my face and in my heart every day. She is a good companion, an entertaining personality, a faithful friend. It’s a benefit that I experience everyday, and wouldn’t trade for a week of vacation.
But to each his own! 🙂 I just wanted to say that there is some validation for those of us who crazily spend money and aggravations on maintaining a pet in our home!
PS. It helps too if they are cute. 😉
Lisa says
I agree, Leslie. Our 3 big dogs plus 1 little dog cost us $500/year in vet bills and about $40 a week in food, plus toys, having to buy a really good vacuum cleaner that can handle the fur tumbleweeds, etc. Our dogs are really the only area where we splurge and probably waste money in the eyes of people who don’t have pets. To us they are worth every penny!
Debbie says
This is why you are not in debt and I am! LOL! Thanks for showing us that you can live and be happy with out non essentials! My daughter who is now in college said the other day she was going to get a pedicure. She can not work just for a short time due to one of her classes. I had to remind her to do her own toes she has no money coming in and needs to learn to save her money! Its the little things that eat it all up! Can’t turn back time on my stupid mistakes, but trying to teach my kids to be better.
Andrea says
haha — well to be fair, we do have a mortgage so we technically are “in debt” but hopefully not for long 🙂
Shelly says
Love your post today~ The only thing I have done in your list is buy perfume but always have a coupon for bath and body or go in with someone else to get a cheaper deal 🙂 Sometimes when I run out I well stroll on by and get a few free sprays when in a store that has samples.
So funny about the coffee. I have always thought to myself I could buy a whole pkg of coffee for the price of one cup. We do the same with ice cream/smoothies. I can buy enough to make several times over for the price it would cost our family to each have one eating out somewhere.
Wendy J says
Loved your post. Wish I could be like you when it comes to Starbucks 😉
Andrea says
Well, it certainly helps that I don’t like coffee — and I grew up in a family where no one drank coffee. There could be worse things to spend your money on… you’re doing fine!
sue says
I am with you on most of these and I had never even stepped into a starbucks until about 2 years ago. Hubby got a gift card for starbucks and we used it for the kids to get fruit drinks.
Sue in NJ
Angela R says
Lots of good points. I do splurge on a gym membership because I hate to workout and paying the money forces me to make it happen. I also love to read and journal at coffee shops so that is my biggest luxury. I think there is nothing wrong with splurges as long as they are done with some intention and planning. The issue I see in our culture is we’ve become so entitled that we don’t see splurges as splurges and then our daily unintentional choices make our bigger dreams unattainable. Way to model a different way!
Andrea says
Thanks Angela — totally agree with your splurging views. It’s good sometimes — but not all the time!
Linda B says
I’m with you on many of these, except for 2 of them:
Pets: I have 2 big huge dogs. I adopted them for “free”, but there’s no such thing as a free dog. For me, they provide intangibles that make my life better. And 2 cats live at our house, too. I am sure life is simpler/cheaper without pets. But I love them.
Dry Cleaning: For most of 30 years, I have ironed dh’s shirts for work every day. At some busy times in our lives, I have happily sent his shirts to be laundered. This past year, it became the best solution, and was money well spent for us. But only for a season.
What I am wondering, though: How do you clean a queen-sized comforter without taking it to a laundromat?
Andrea says
Well, we actually don’t have a queen-size comforter. We only use sheets, several thin blankets, and a quilt. We do have a comforter for winter — but it’s twin size (to achieve the look I want — which you can see in this post) so it easily fits in our washing machine.
Lisa says
We have a front-loading washer, regular size, and it will easily wash our king-size duvet. I’ve never taken comforters etc. to a laundromat.
beth says
I don’t pay for toothpaste! I always get it for free with coupons.
Andrea says
I guess I could probably add this to my list too — although I’m not 100% certain I’ve NEVER paid for it.
morgan says
I have to say… I spend money on almost everything you listed (in moderation) but I TOTALLY agree with the dry cleaning! I actually work in a professional office in the finance industry, and they have a dry cleaning service that comes weekly (you had to pay for it, they just do pick ups at the office) and almost everyone has ALL their work clothes sent out! I just wash mine myself… normally. Blazers and jackets I sometimes fluff in the dryer, but if I wear a shirt under it, in the super air conditioned building all day, its not dirty! I’m guilty of “wasting” money on a lot of guilty pleasures, but I just cannot justify that!
Heidi says
I am with you on pets! I love animals, I just don’t want one. When people don’t understand how an animal lover could be so against getting a pet I say it is like a beautiful tattoo; I adore the art and the beauty of it, but there is no way I want one on myself ;D
Andrea says
haha — that’s a good analogy. Dave and I honestly have no issues with pets (as long as they don’t shed — we both hate shedding pets) we just don’t want them in our house and on our budget 🙂
Meghan says
Although I’m reading this while sipping my Starbucks, there are a lot of things on your list that I haven’t paid for either. Valet parking, manicures/pedicures (I always use coupons or am treated by someone), dry cleaning, lottery tickets, concert tickets and perfume. I am often gifted perfume at Christmas, in fact I haven’t even opened the bottle I got last year because I’m still using what I got the previous year! And we don’t go to concerts unless someone buys us tickets (usually family to see James Taylor) because we simple can’t afford them. I don’t feel deprived either! We just choose to spend our money differently.
Carolyn says
I’ve never had a professional pedi, I do my own with pretty results.
I’ve never been to a “Whole Foods” or “Trader Joe’s”… starbucks> maybe 4 times in my life?
I rarely, if ever, use coupons at the grocery store. I can usually find a cheaper or healthier alternative to what’s being couponed (is that a word? lol!)
but coffee? it is definitely one of my most favorite pleasures. I usually make it at home and flavor it with a splash of French Vanilla Cream. 🙂
Janet says
I’m a little confused as to why you lumped TJ with Whole Foods. Where I live the TJ has very reasonable prices, much lower than Whole Foods and the big chain grocery stores. I shop at Trader Joes for the prices and the quality.
Andrea says
I don’t think she necessarily “lumping” them together as much as just listing them out. I’ve also never spent money in either of those places — but that’s because we don’t have either of them where I live 🙂
Chalyse Meiklejohn says
I totally agree with almost everything on this list – EXCEPT Starbucks. I’m addicted and I prefer to go get a delicious coffee than go out to eat, so I get an iced latte before church every week! 🙂
Andrea says
See, and Dave and I would rather have a BOGO meal at Culver’s than a fancy coffee any day. Now that I’m pregnant, I think my #1 craving is a fast-food cheeseburger 🙂
Lisa says
You’re not crazy at all. We don’t spend money on those things either. (That pedicure was a birthday gift!) Years ago, learning not to spend on these things allowed me to be a stay at home mom. Thanks for sharing!
Andrea says
That’s awesome Lisa — I’m sure your kids would rather have you at home than with pretty nails 🙂
Anna says
I totally understand about your “no pets” rule of not spending. I LOVE dogs and grew up having dogs but they are a lot of work, can be a lot of money, and often can be more work than your children (but we love our pets anyway). So, I agree that if you are not financially ready for a pet, then you should not get one.
Charlene Uchtman says
You list is my list and I would add: fake nails, cosmetic surgery, I prefer to have my hair cut professionally only twice a year, I cut my own bangs as needed, never hair color except for a glaze I do myself, new cars or anything else that depreciates in value the moment you buy it and other things for similar reasons.
Andrea says
I suppose I could add, fake nails, cosmetic surgery (didn’t even think of that one), and new cars to my list too. Not the hair though, I get it colored a couple times a year — and although I’ve honestly tried to persuade Dave to try cutting my hair, he refuses 🙂
Charlene Uchtman says
I’m not surprised you have tried to get Dave to cut your hair! LOL You are frugal and brave!
I’ve recently come to the decision (I think) to let my hair grow out to shoulder length. I am almost 59 and decided earlier this year that the long hair had to go and I have been chided by friends for the perpetual pony tail and being too cheap to have it cut. So I went through several different styles ($20 bucks a pop) this year trying to be work it out. But a short hair cut has to be cut often or fairly often to stay fresh and you don’t have as many ways to fix short hair. My last hair cut was very disappointing, a misunderstanding that I still scream about to the mirror every morning when I try to style it. Yes, I can mess up my own hair but at least I won’t have paid for the pain! So now, despite social norms against it, I’ll grow my hair out and wear it up or maybe even in a pony. ( :
I will, however keep glazing it about every two weeks. I love this semi permanent solution to graying hair. Mix up half of a permanent hair color and add an equal amount of conditioner. Leave on about 15 minutes and rinse out. Follow by a good conditioner left on for at least two minutes. One box of color for a month at about $3, while off the shelf semi permanent color is about $8.
Wilma says
I have never coloured my hair or paid for cable. We also do not have smartphones (we share one pay as you go unsmart cell phone, for emergencies). But, I have a Starbucks addiction.
In October, my husband and I are going to try a month buying no food items other than from a grocery store (no take out, eating out, coffee out, etc). It should be interesting!
Andrea says
We did the “no spending” challenge for the month of May — it was really eye-opening and over-all, a great experience. It was a challenge, but well worth it. You can read about our experience here.
Ashton says
As I’m drinking and eating my Friday morning Starbucks… lol. I have the same feeling about pets too!! My whole family thinks I’m nuts, they “collect” pets!! Seriously though, my 4 year old son gets all the fun part of playing with their animals, and I don’t get the extra work and $$, so it works for me!!
Andrea says
Exactly — Nora has fun with our sibling’s pets — and then we go home to a hair-free home 🙂 Enjoy the Starbucks!
Ivy says
Wow I don’t think there is anything I haven’t at some point spent money on…. OH wait I have never had my hair colored professionally I have always done it myself.
All of these ideas are great tho!
I do have to say I have some pretty good memories of being at the laundry mat with girls from school at 2 am lol.
Andrea says
Well, your “one thing” is something I’ve spent money on. I get my hair colored a couple times a year. It bugs me how expensive it is, but I really do like how it looks — and since I don’t spend much money on my physical appearance, I give myself that ONE thing 🙂
Jen says
I will say that our kids begged and begged and begged and we finally gave in to a rescue dog. I would not trade her for the world. I love her dearly-and she hasn’t turned out to be as expensive as I thought it would be. We do the vet only as necessary (not as much as they would prefer, I’m sure), I buy all flea and heartworm treatments online (and I stretch those out too!) and she eats basic food. And we’ve already decided when sweet Sofie is gone, we won’t be replacing her. I said “NEVER” about a pet MANY times but I’m so glad I caved on this one! 🙂
Jen says
We are twins! I HATE pedicures and I’ve only ever gotten one when it’s been a gift. And I didn’t enjoy it! And I don’t do coffee (blech!) or exercise (walking around my neighborhood is FREE!), and alcohol (not my taste, either!) . I’ve been to one Third Day concert. It was noisy, hot, and not enjoyable! I do buy perfume but I can make one bottle last 3-4 years! 🙂
Andrea says
haha — yes, we sound like twins. Are you semi-obsessed with organizing and old farmhouses too?
Chris says
What would be really neat would be to figure up how much the “average”? person spends on these things and how often and then figure up how much money you are saving each year. I also have a few of my own like this 🙂
Andrea says
This would be very interesting — I have a feeling it would be SHOCKING how much the average person spends on these things.
Paulette says
Oh my word…I LOVE YOUR HONESTY! I thought I was just weird because I hate spending money on things I can do myself. I confess, I have had a massage, a manicure and a pedicure, but I remembering thinking afterwards, what a total waste of a lot of money. Well, the massage was worth it because of a physical problem I was having, but seriously…the cost for manicures and pedicures just curls my hair! No offense to those of you who indulge. I think your nails and toes are beautiful. I just can’t bring myself to spend that money time and time again. Thanks, Andrea! I love being frugal!
Tosha says
When I lost my “real job” when I was 4 1/2 months pregnant in 2009, I panicked and started asking myself “What wasteful spending can we get rid of?” We didn’t pay for TV, trash service, cleaning, etc. I never got my nails/toes done, didn’t tan, and I colored my own hair with box dye and only got haircuts maybe twice a year (plus I cut my husband’s hair myself). We didn’t go out very often and when we did it was because I had a coupon or we were going with family who usually paid. We didn’t have any car payments or back loans/bills (other than mortgage). And you know what? We were totally ok financially!
I started my own business, which allowed me to work from home and save on childcare those first few years, and never took out a loan or anything to get going. We’ve not lead deprived lives by any means, we just live within our means. If only everyone did that, the country would be in much better shape!
Andrea says
Agreed! Way to go, and congrats on the business 🙂
kate says
I’ve never bought perfume either. The only bottle I got was when an airline messed up my ticket they gave me a gift card to be used in the airport…. I got a nice bottle of perfume that’s lasted me YEARS because I don’t use it daily, just special occasions. I figured shampoo and laundry smell are perfumey enough 🙂
One thing I don’t think I’ve ever purchased is bedding. I think I’ve always gotten new sheets as a Christmas or a wedding gift etc.
Emily says
If it’s not too personal a question (feel free not to publish this comment!), may I ask how you stay in such good shape if you don’t exercise?
Andrea says
haha — not too personal, I’m just not sure how to answer it. First of all, I do think I’m blessed with good genes. I’ve always had a pretty high metabolism and don’t have many (any) overweight people in my entire extended family.
That said, I do “move” a lot. Nora and I area always playing outside and going for walks. When I’m home, I’m usually busy, cleaning, cooking, etc. And speaking of walking, we walk A LOT of places on a daily basis — to the bank, to the store, etc. I’m sure that helps some too.
Aishwarya says
This is seriously inspiring. As a reader earlier said, I could see how you could afford such amazing projects.
As far as not spending money on anything goes, the one thing I could say with a teeny bit of pride is that we don’t do restaurant dinners. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that we have NEVER had dinners/lunches outside but I would say the last time I ate a restaurant food was two years ago (that was for our third wedding anniversary and daughter was 5 months old).
I also do not spend money on frozen, canned, pre-made food of any sort. My freezer has never seen a commercial packaging in all her life, and all my lentils/legumes/dals are dried ones. I’ve done manicure, pedicure, massages a five years ago for my wedding. Though I’m a coffee hater and non-alcoholic person, I’ve had my share of hot chocolates at these places. My closes tryst with lotteries are your giveaways 🙂
Andrea says
Wow — no frozen, canned or pr-made food ever? That’s amazing! not even frozen fruit or frozen pizza?
We don’t do restaurants too often, but we do love using BOGO coupons for Culver’s — and we always ask for Culver’s gift cards for christmas and birthdays.
Aishwarya says
No, Andrea, never a frozen pizza or frozen fruit. I buy blueberries and peas in summer and freeze them. And I make pizza sauce and freeze them every month. The dough would be made a day in advance.
Setting that aside, I would take this as a chance to tell you how much your blog has improved my life. We live in a tiny apartment, which has been made cozy and organized through your suggestions. No kidding. I’ve been a faithful copycat of your house’s pictures. I owe you a thank you. Big time 🙂
Andrea says
Wow, that’s just so impressive. I can’t even imagine not ever buying a frozen pizza!
Thanks for your kind words, I’m so glad my blog has helped you keep your “tiny apartment” neat and clean!
Organize 365 says
🙂 I never drank coffee before I turned 40 either.
I was offered it once at dinner in college and my future husband said, “that would be like giving speed to the roadrunner!”
Alas now that I am 40 with 2 “high needs” kids and multiple businesses. Coffee is my friend – and not the yucky black kind!
I LOVE a caramel macchiato at Starbucks or a home made caramel coffee from my Kurig. This roadrunner now needs a little “speed”!
🙂
Lisa
Andrea says
haha, I like that — giving speed to the roadrunner. Dave would probably say the same thing about me drinking coffee. If I drink pop, I usually try to find a caffeine-free option for the same reason 🙂
Jane says
I don’t think you’re crazy! Although my list is not exactly the same as yours, it is similar! Mine would also include:
– coloring my hair
– haircuts for the kids (I cut the boys and cut the girls until they wanted to go to a salon and they pay for that)
The ones that I share with you that we have never spent money on: pets, lottery, manis and pedis. Many of the others on your list we avoid, but I can’t say “never.”
Andrea says
I’ve always cut Dave’s hair too — even when we were dating. And I’m assuming that once kids get older, I’ll cut their hair as well.
Tina says
This is great! We have never spent our OWN money on Starbucks. My husband is a teacher (and I used to teach before kids) so we’ve gotten our fair share of Starbucks gift cards. We also don’t buy alcohol or gym memberships. I have never purchased perfume and have only used gift certificates for pedicures (which it has been quite awhile since the last one). We typically choose to not pay for things we can do ourselves. Thanks for letting me know that we’re not that weird after all! 🙂
Deb says
HILARIOUS! You can get Starbucks for free if you ever decide to like coffee. If you get a Starbucks gift card, you can register it and then they will periodically (maybe 2-3 times a year) put a free one on that card for you. You can earn a card through Swagbucks. 😉
I should add that all this might explain how you guys afford to do the big projects that you do, those little daily expenses and memberships add up to what would be a remodeled kitchen!
Ok, I gotta know, what does Dave do with all the “teacher gifts” he receives? You seem to practical to save them all!
LOVE your blog!
Andrea says
Yes Deb, this IS how we can afford to do bigger home renovations (this and the fact that we don’t spend money on vacations right now). We’d rather do house projects anyway 🙂
As far as Dave’s teacher gifts, he teaches high school so he doesn’t get too many, but when he does, they are usually food or gift cards — 2 of my favorite types of gifts!
Brittany says
We must be twins! I may have bought a one or two Starbucks drinks in my lifetime, but other than that, our lists match up. Just found your blog a couple weeks ago. Now my mom and LOVE it and check in daily. I enjoy your perspective on simple living, organizing, and family. Thank you for encouraging me to keep growing in those areas that I also value as important. P.S. Congratulations about expecting another child! It is fun to see and read about your precious Nora.
Janice says
I love to hear that Brittany has joined your(Andrea) group of online followers. In my world of friends and family, I am always saying something like”My friend Andrea says . . .” I’ve even got the men in our family checking out Andrea online and everyone knows who my friend Andrea is! My husband especially liked the Monkey Bars post and now he has big plans to go after something for our garage. Welcome, Brittany, to the best blogger of purging and practicality. Andrea Dekker is amazing. However, here’s a warning about the things Andrea posts as some of her favorite things. I find myself going after some of them to buy and adding them to my favorite things list. My most recent purchase arrived yesterday and it was like Christmas for me. I ordered the microfiber dish cloths and I love them. I think I will order some more for gifts, especially wedding and baby showers.
Andrea says
Aww, thanks Janice — and you’re not the only one who’s told me they purchased the cleaning cloths 🙂
I honestly don’t do the favorite things post to encourage needless purchasing — but really because these are things I use and love everyday and want to make you guys aware. Hopefully you at least purged some of your old dish cloths so I’m not adding clutter to your home LOL!!