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?“
Teena says
Funny tattoo warning…I have a friend who got a little dolphin jumping over her belly button that looked so cute that summer when she wore her biking at the pool. Now 35 years and 3 kids later….not so little or cute 🙂
Andrea says
haha — I have several friends with stomach or back tattoos and most of them are looking a little stretched and saggy by now! Too funny!
Trisha G says
One thing I thought I would spend money on because I enjoyed them as a kid but haven’t is video game consoles. My kids do have phones (used or old ones of mine and my husband’s) and play games on those, but I haven’t bought a Nintendo. They’re just so expensive, and I can’t justify it to myself!
Andrea says
This is funny because we also thought we’d splurge and purchase some type of gaming system for our kids, but we’ve never done it. I honestly don’t think they’d play with it all that much, but Dave had one and enjoyed it as a kid (I never did). They are very expensive though!
Nancy says
No illegal drugs, no tattoos (yes they look terrible, I’m a retired nurse and I have seen some sights), no Botox, no artificial things. I think yes to most everything else, at least once. I get manicures all the time since I retired. Occasionally I get a pedicure.
Electrolysis is the best way to eliminate unwanted facial hair, I would be a bearded woman at the circus without it.
Andrea says
haha! I’ll remember the Electrolysis tip if I start growing a beard 🙂
Liane says
Retired RN here. Biweekly mani, pedi only in summer (toenails are ugly) Botox because eye lids are very Helen Hunt droopy and interfere with vision. Cannot do electrolysis on white blonde hair, fortunately it is not really noticeable but I’ll see you in the circus! No to tattoos, gambling, alcohol, lottery (a form of gambling in my opinion. Confess to smoking that stuff in 60s when young and dumb, I’ve never gone on a cruise, skydived or snorkeled. Not that those are normal, lol.
Planning to get that blade since waxing unibrow, walrus whiskers and goatee make me break out in a rash. With menopause ALL the hair migrated from underarms, legs and other locales to cheeks, chin, neck etc. Shaving was preferable to waxing for body hair, I only started when tweezing became a three hour ordeal.
Andrea says
I have gone on a cuise and snorkeled — but never skydiving! And wow, I feel like I know you so much better now 🙂
Liane says
I’m so sorry! I did not mean to ghost you for so long. Our last conversation was our kitchen remodel, then we moved, bought an rv and have been traveling state and national parks off grid. It’s a challenge!
Andrea says
haha — no worries. Everyone is busy 🙂
Wilma says
Ohhhh…I like this one. I’ve never spent money on…let’s see–lottery tickets (though my husband has, I am just not interested), gambling (no interest), manicures (though I get a pedicure once a year, mostly to work on my dry, crusty feet), hair removal (other than razors, etc.), hair dye (though I pay to have my hair cut), hmmm…professional lawn treatments (though we’ve paid to have our massive apple tree pruned), interior car cleaning (though maybe I’d like this splurge), etc. etc. Really, as you say, it’s about choice. We cannot pay for everything, so we choose where we would like our dollars to go. Great post!
Andrea says
Oh good ones, Wilma!
I also have never paid for interior car cleaning — another one to add to my list 🙂
Erica says
We have so much in common, though we do have pets… our dog is for security & our hens lay eggs, so I consider them working pets who earn their keep… plus the love & enjoyment they give us. We did go to a few concerts way back in the day… way before kids & hadn’t been to one nor paid for any tix until a couple of weeks ago when DH took one of our kiddos to one as a graduation gift (I’m expecting & didn’t think a concert was the best place for me ;). It was a local concert & the tix for both of them were cheaper than what one would spend on ONE ticket at other venues, but it still hard to spend that money… though our child was soooo excited about it & the memories of them going to a concert together make the money well worth it. Not many teens WANT to spend w/their parents these days & are disappointed when Mama can’t come too.
Tracy says
I totally agree re the pets, and though I love animals I can’t afford healthcare for myself now, never mind money on pets. Once this dog dies I won’t let myself get another, if I miss pets I can always volunteer at a shelter or do some pet-sitting.
Heck- I miss having a baby in the house but no plans to adopt- I work at a childrens’ home on Sundays instead!
I’ve got into the habit now of questioning every purchase, is it really necessary, can it be done cheaper and especially- am I being tricked into signing a contract or is this false advertising…I’ll turn my back on most things if a seller tries to mislead me.
Things I’d like to do without in 2014, bottled water and treats- soda, candy, potato chips! The water will be the hardest since our tap water isn’t good-tasting and if I don’t buy bottles I end up buying filters…
The benefit of frugality besides better cash management: treats become something special again : )
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Kim says
I drink coffee, have left $1000s at Starbucks, I’m sure.
Your comment about pets just seems odd to me – I’m an animal lover – can’t imagine life without my cats. When 1 passes (and, yes, I’ve spent $1000s on trying to get them better) another one comes into my life not too much later. They’re part of my family, I love them, they aren’t annoying like people can be.
To quote Mark Twain…. “A home without a cat — and a well-fed, well-petted and properly revered cat — may be a perfect home, perhaps, but how can it prove title?”
Laura E. says
I can see the benefit in not spending money on things you don’t value or love like coffee, alcohol or concert tickets, but it’s not neccessarily a sign of frugality if you spend the money on something else instead. It’s just personal preference on where you use your dollars. I will say that pet ownership is an emotional choice and not a financial choice, kids are far more expensive than pets and yet we have them without a second thought! People who love pets know they will cost money, time and effort and will make a mess and be an inconvience, just like kids, but they do it because they want the pet. Don’t get a pet if you don’t love animals, it’s not worth your time or money.
J. Owen says
I think my phone autocorrected me there. “life worth living” oops “sacrifice living for frugality” oops “good to save money” oops.
I guess I may have missed the point of the post. I have been looking at many sites on living a more simple and frugal existence. Maybe take issue was the wrong choice of words.
Some of those things just didn’t seem like ways of saving money so much as things you don’t like. I’ve never spent money on broccoli, but that hasn’t helped me to be frugal, I just don’t like broccoli. And I have spent lots of money on coffee, but never vodka.
I just came across this site anyway and will dig deeper to see what I can gain out of it; I do see some worthwhile content though.
j.owen says
You have some points on being frugal but I take issue with the concert tickets. I’ve spent thousands on concerts, mostly when I was younger and before having kids. I don’t feel it was a waste of any money because I am a musician and I think music enriches my life. Live music to me is a spiritual experience. So it’s good to dace money where you can but to sacrifice loving for frugality isn’t always a good thing.
I feel the same about travel… It’s essential to a life with loving.
Andrea says
no need to “take issue”. I thought I made it quite clear in my post that I was not judging others who did spend their money on those things — and no where did I ever say that concert tickets were a “waste” of money.
Like you said, “it’s good to dace money where you can but to sacrifice loving for frugality isn’t always a good thing.” I honestly would never want to spend my hard-earned cash on a concert that I won’t enjoy, let alone “love” (I don’t like late nights, crowds, or loud music) However, I couldn’t imagine not spending money on home renovations — which I do love.
Spend and save as you wish — this post is just highlighting some of the ways I choose to save at this point in my life.
Melissa says
A relatively normal thing that I don’t spend money on are ATM fees. I can visit my own bank’s ATMs to make sure I don’t encounter an ATM fee or make a purchase and get cash back to avoid a $2 or $3 fee for the convenience of getting at my own money.
I don’t pay to get my hair professionally dyed. I did once and decided it was a huge waste. If I want my hair dyed I use a take home kit. I don’t even do this anymore.
Most of the things on your list I avoid spending regularly on (except pets and concerts; I do spend on both of those pretty regularly), but I think I’ve spent money on all of those items at one point or another, just not regularly.
Andrea says
Oh that’s a good one — I could also add ATM fees to my “never paid for ” list 🙂
Melissa says
I fully agree with #10 and #11. I also don’t drink coffee…I tried and I just can’t get it to a taste where I like it. It’s like drinking brown water and I have to add so much sugar…it makes no sense. So I’m a hot cider and hot cocoa girl. From my house..not starbucks in most cases. We were in Chicago this summer and had a hotel downtown and parking was limited and we were unfamiliar and so we ended up using the hotel valet, which was $54 for the time we were there (one night). Luckily it was reimbursed because I cannot believe people can’t just park their own cars. Also the lottery – I would LOVE to win it…but I can’t get myself to pay to play it and throw my money away. I wish there was a way to play without paying so I could win 🙂
Ashli says
If you have three kids and a husband who is frequently working nights it is worth every penny of the $2-3 delivery charge to not have to load them all in the car to pick up the occasional pizza! 🙂
Andrea says
haha, you’re SO right! Although I would probably just do a couple frozen pizzas in that situation 🙂
Arin says
I must admit that I am on board with most of your list. (1) I too have never spent money at a “coffee house” (however I was given 2 tokens on my birthday for our local coffee house and have redeemed them .. but never had to pay out of pocket). If I am honest though I do enjoy the mocha frappe at McDonalds but I do not consider that a coffee house and will only buy that on a rare occasion. Other than that neither my husband or I drink coffee. I do try to be frugal in that I have attempted to make my own iced coffee .. flavored of course!! (2) I generally put perfume/body spray on my Christmas list and very rarely do I run out before the next year so honestly cannot remember the last time I had to spend my own money on this. (3) I have only spent money on exercise one time and that was to take a 4-6 week Zumba class (which I LOVE) and I did it along with a girlfriend who wanted to try it!! I do however have a couple of exercise DVD’s and Wii games .. Zumba included .. so that does that count or are you talking gym memberships?? (4) Since we have 2 kiddos very rarely do we order alcohol at a restaurant but on the rare occasion that we get a dinner out just the 2 of us I have ordered an alcoholic beverage (and in that case I enjoy a good Amaretto & Coke .. yum!!) (5, 6 & 7) Never have spent money on the dry cleaning, delivery service or manicure/pedicure. (8) We do have a pet cat, Bootsie, but we got her out of sheer desperation .. the night we killed 5 mice while I was up in the middle of the night nursing our son was the night I decided we needed to get a cat to help with the problem, but we got her from family so there was no up-front expense other than food & shots ;D We have now put a basement under the house and no longer have the mice situation BUT after 8 years Bootsie is now a part of the family. I do NOT see us getting another pet after her though. (9) I have never bought concert tickets but my husband and I had won one day tickets to Country Fest quite a few years ago and had a fabulous time!! Oops, I am just now remembering that we did buy tickets at a County Fair to see Martina McBride so I guess maybe I cannot add that to my “never” list. (10) Valet parking .. never!! And last but not least (11) I wish I could say I have never bough lottery tickets but that would be untrue. I have on a blue moon bought a ticket (or most of the time request my husband to stop and get one) but we usually only buy 1 even then.
I guess we are not so entirely different .. and as you indicated in your post, I do not in the least feel deprived having never splurged on most of the above referenced items. Thanks for the great inspiration!!
Catherine Beam says
First of all, I enjoyed reading this blog. I think you are an amazing, self-disciplined, extremely focused young woman who is getting her message out that “less is more” in a world that is becoming more self-indulgant and distracted by the day. I cannot even begin to assess how many thousands of dollars you have saved through the years by watching your $$$$ where Starbucks, valet parking, alcohol, etc. are concerned. Good for you!! I guess the areas where I haved saved have involved shopping at farmers markets for vegetables & fruits, going to the hairdressers every 8 weeks instead of every 6 weeks, and going to thrift shops to shop for clothing for my teenage daughter and I (she actually thinks that thrift shops are very “cool”). Plus, I decided years ago that I would not have a pet when I overheard a woman declare to a saleslady that she had spent over $5,000 for her little dog to save it from a malady that the dog ended up dying from anyway months later and she was having a hard time scraping money up for her mortgage payment. That really made an impression on me. Lastly, I save A LOT of money by using the services of my local library. Since I am always on the go, I especially love the audiobooks I can check out at the library and listen on CD. Not to mention the movies, the music CDs and books, etc. Also, if I go to a department store and fall in love with a designer brand of clothing, I google it to see if I can get it on ebay for a fraction of the cost. With that said, I am nowhere as disciplined as you!!!
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving says
I’m not a coffee drinker either, but my students seem to give me Starbucks cards on occasion. I have used them for hot chocolate on occasion, or I’ve regifted the cards. As for lottery tickets, I chose not to waste my money because I’d rather spend my money on something I know is a sure thing rather than wasting it on an unprobable chance.
Jocelyn says
I’ve never been to a Starbucks, but I did visit an independent coffee shop 3-4 times. I also don’t drink coffee, but I’m a big tea lover. If I found a tea shop, I would be in trouble! I also have never purchased a lottery ticket.
Lynn says
I have a Kruig Coffee Maker, but I will never buy those expensive “K” cups..Just the thought of spending .50 cents to $1 for a cup of coffee blows my mind. I bought (4) reusable filter cups at Walgreens for only $9.99 and I had a $5.00 buyer coupon so that made them only $5. So now I just put a scoop of coffee in them in the morning, and when I am done, rinse out the filter. I have found, since I am the only one that drinks coffee, it has saved us money, because I don’t have to throw out 1/2 a pot of coffee every day.
Sher says
I too have not spent money on the majority of the things on your list, dont drink coffee or alcohol or pay someone to do my nails when I can do them myself etc.
In general….if I can do it myself I won’t pay someone else to do it…like washing my car, shampooing my carpets, housekeeping service, landscape service etc.
re: pets
we had a dog for 12 years and he recently went to doggie heaven
hubby wants to get another one and I really want to hold off
for financial reasons.
not just the vet bills, food, and “stuff” they need….
but our last dog ruined the carpet in both houses we lived in during those 12 years
(that was a big expense to rip out the carpet (ourselves!) and replace it with laminate flooring that was dog proof)
with regards to concerts…
I have paid for concert tickets…havent been to TONS in my 42 years of life…but a dozen or so.
but my 2cents on that is….there is definitely “cheap” or free entertainment available in your community to take advantage of if you enjoy live entertainment but dont want to pay the expensive ticket prices
for example…I attend the local high school annual year end choir performance (FREE) and it blows me away every year…amazing talent in the young people!!!
Deb says
I was thinking about this list, wouldn’t you have had to get your wedding dress/prom dress or other formal attire dry cleaned? 😉
Andrea says
oh Deb, you don’t know how frugal I am — LOL!!
My wedding dress cost $90 and I washed it in my washing machine after the wedding. Then I cut it up and saved just the large chunks of fabric that I’m hoping to use for a baptism outfit if we ever have a boy (the girls will all wear my baptism dress)
As for formal attire, I honestly don’t have anything that can’t be washed in the washing machine (read more on that here). In high school, the girls dresses weren’t crazy fancy and we usually just traded dresses around with others… so no, I never brought a formal dress to the dry cleaners.
Kelly H says
I looked at this list and thought this how is it one generation would consider all of your list a luxury and another the every day norm! while i can say i have purchased all but 1 or 2 items (I am not a gym bunny and we don’t really have valet parking here in New Zealand), but i believe there is a time and a place for all.
I am the same age as you, Andrea, and see most of the list a luxury, except my 2 year old cat which to me a pleasure, ( I also consider owning a pet a privilge and NOT a right )
I don’t like coffee either but I am partial to a nice hot chocolate, but iIgenerally only have one if I get a free coupon or am out of town for a weekend or day trip. We wait untill we get home when we can.
I refuse to spent 15 on lotto ticket each week- I can’t afford it and know that the odds are mostly against us but, however I am in a work sydicate were $10 a month is more budget friendly.
I had a 2nd hand duvet cover drycleaned that we were given, a manicure before a friends wedding once and have gone to a couple of music concerts. I have on the odd occasion had to buy my own perfume my birthday is christmas day so if I run out through the year its a long time to wait………………….
Calliope says
Although I did, for a short period, I will never again hire someone to clean my house. Unless I get disabled or something. I just hate it and I think it is a huge waste of money, considering my family’s current lifestyle
Andrea says
Yeah, I tried hiring someone too when Nora was born and hated it. They never did a good enough job for me!
Natalie says
Andrea,
Looking through the list – I realized that I never spent money on about half of the items. For sure I haven’t spend any money on Pets, Concert Tickets, Valet Parking and Lottery Tickets. I think I bought some cocktails on our honeymoon but never order Alcohol otherwise. Manicures and Pedicures – used to get them (mainly pedicures) in the beginning of the summer when I worked full time, haven’t done in the past 6 yrs. Delivery Service – probably once or twice when ordering pizza, long time ago. Dry Cleaning – a couple of times per year when I had a full time job, not in the past 6-7 yrs. Excessive – got a gym membership once -only used it a couple of times. It took forever to cancel it – never again. Perfume – I don’t think I ever bought it for myself, always for someone else (I always got it as gifts). Starbucks is the worst for me – I like the smell of coffee and taste of it – not the jitters. I picked up the habit while traveling in Italy – although authentic Italian coffee tastes nothing like Starbucks. In fact I found it impossible to drink Starbucks after returning from Europe. I am guilty of getting a decaf tall late once every couple of weeks… Otherwise,, I’m not doing so bad… 🙂
Melissa says
The only thing I will say about pets is sometimes they can make you money on YouTube when you record a video that goes viral (http://bit.ly/YouTube_Remy_Video). I’ve made almost $1,000 so far! Plus, the video is apart of the Friskies contest and I might win up to $10,000 (Fingers and toes crossed!).
Rare, I know, but I just had to comment about it! 🙂
Andrea says
haha — well, I agree your situation is probably quit rare, but that’s still cool! Maybe you could enter a video into America’s Funniest Home Videos and win the $100,000 prize!
Melissa says
Haha funny you mention that. My video will air sometime this fall on America’s Funniest Home Videos, but since it already had over 1 million views on YouTube I am not eligible to participate in the contest. But don’t worry… they paid me to not participate 😉 lol
JoDi says
The only item on this list that I have never spent money on is the lottery, but the rest are things I rarely spend money on except the pets and my gym membership. You are right about everything you said about having pets (and then some! LOL) but we enjoy our dogs so much, I can’t imagine not having them around each day. When our first two dogs were getting old, I swore I wasn’t adopting more because I wanted to know what it was like to live in a hair free home, and I was the first one searching for a new dog to adopt when the first one passed away. 🙂
Renee says
We obviously have a lot in common! i have never bought: a lottery ticket, had dry cleaning done, paid for valet service, perfume or a mani/pedi. In addition I have never bought a bra! My mom bought them up until I got married (at age 19) and my husband has bought them every since!
Beth Nesseth says
Great list!
24 out of 26 for me!
When I hit 70, I decided I’d love grocery delivery! It’s wonderful!
Andrea says
Wow — that’s pretty good! And yes, we know lots of people who do grocery delivery!