The 15 dumbest things you (probably) overspend on

By Ava Ladky

Published on February 3, 2025

On average, cutting out one guilty pleasure a month could save the average American $97. The difference between a guilty pleasure purchase and an essential one? That is all in the eye of the spender! 

We researched some ways your money flies out the window, so you don’t have to.

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1. Phone chargers, earbuds, dongles, oh my

It’s amazing how a few extra cords can multiply faster than your phone battery drains. Next time you’re tempted to buy yet another charger, remember: you already have five in your drawer. Save your money and maybe tidy up that cable jungle while you’re at it.

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2. Impulse-buy snacks

That bag of chips might feel like a quick fix, but your wallet won’t be happy when you realize it’s the snack aisle that gets all the attention. Impulse snack buying statistically causes the biggest buyer’s remorse: junk food we’re looking at you.

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3. Craft cocktails

If you don’t love when one drink turns into four, neither does your wallet. Mocktails can not only be a cheaper substitute, but be better for your overall health. Consider sipping water and save the booze money for something really special.

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4. Eating out

Fine dining and food delivery is a category most Americans find themselves rationalizing as an essential. It’s also one of the biggest hits to our wallets. Try cooking at home with whole foods to help your budget. You don’t have to compromise flavor when you save, check out our article on frugal family dinners here.

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5. Stickers

Stickers are the grown-up version of getting a gold star—slap them on anything, and suddenly it’s a masterpiece. Your laptop? A blank canvas. Your water bottle? A sticker haven. Try to resist the urge to buy every cute sticker. Instead, save that money for something you’ll actually need.

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6. Sunglasses, watches, shoes, and jewelry

Retail therapy is fun until your closet looks like a fashion show, and you’re still wearing the same three items on repeat. Accessories tend to be the favorite non-essential purchase for Americans, and not just for women! Instead of adding more to your collection, check out what’s already in your closet or borrow a friend’s piece for that special night out. Who needs to shop when you’ve got friends with fabulous taste?

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7. Paying parking meters online

Sure, parking meters are convenient, but so is finding spare change in your car, right? Skip the online parking apps and save on those extra fees.

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8. Unnecessary credit card fees

In stores, don’t use your credit card for purchases under $10. When your credit card bill comes in with fees that feel like they’re charging you to exist, remember: cash is king.

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9. Travel


Exotic destinations are great, but remember the staycation? Support small businesses and take local or weekend getaways to save on airfare. If you’re not in the mood for a road trip, a leisurely stroll in your own city is a free passport to discovering new places. If you do need to get out of town and you’ve got a friend with a car, carpooling is the budget-friendly travel hack you didn’t know you needed.

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10. Skincare and make-up

While not all makeup and skincare are created equal, sometimes they actually are. The brand L’Oreal owns Urban Decay, Armani, and Lancome, as well as drugstore products like Maybelline. The only difference is fancier packaging… and a few extra zeroes on the price tag. Go ahead, splurge if you want, but your skin won’t know the difference.

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11. Books

Before you spend $25 on that latest bestseller you’ll read once, remember the library – it’s free! If you can’t find it there, try borrowing from a friend or hitting up a thrift shop. You might even discover a hidden gem while saving a few bucks!

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12. Subscription services

Subscriptions are like sneaky little leaks in your bank account. Take a hard look at your statements and see how many services you’re paying for that you haven’t used since last month’s binge. Or try looking at which subscription services offer deals for bundling. Cut the unnecessary ones and save that cash for something that actually brings you joy.

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13. Tickets: Concerts, games, and more

Free entertainment is the best entertainment — especially when it involves enjoying a movie under the stars or catching some live tunes at a park. Your wallet will thank you, and you might just discover your new favorite local band. Why pay for the cinema when you’ve got nature’s screening room?

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14. Grocery shopping hungry

It’s a battlefield under those fluorescent lights at the grocery store. The key to survival? A list. Without it, you’re at risk of picking up everything from kale to gourmet hot sauce you’ll never use. Stick to your list, save your bank account, and maybe throw in a treat as a reward for being so responsible. Click here for Refine’s tips to save money while grocery shopping.

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15. Special occasion gifts

Crafting the perfect gift doesn’t have to mean a trip to the store — it could mean knitting a scarf, painting a picture, or whipping up something homemade. It’s a win-win: you get to practice your hobby, and someone else gets an awesome, one-of-a-kind gift. Plus, it’s a nice way to be both thoughtful and thrifty. Check out Refine’s guide to homemade gifts for kids!

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Cwaters
Cwaters
5 days ago

Great ideas – I would just point out that most parking meters I deal with do not give coin options at all. One must use an app to pay for parking.

Jason
Jason
5 days ago

Buying non name brand items is also another way to save….look at the ingredients and compare and it’s usually the exact same in some products.

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