I Grew Up Poor: 15 Things I Refuse to Waste Money On
Growing up without a lot of money teaches you important lessons about spending. You quickly learn the value of every dollar and become careful about where your money goes. Even now, as an adult, I carry those lessons with me and make sure not to waste money on things that aren’t worth it.
From unnecessary subscriptions to overpriced items, there are many things I avoid spending on. Here are 15 things I refuse to waste money on, thanks to my upbringing.
Bottled Water
Paying for bottled water feels like a waste when tap water is available for free or at a much lower cost. I always carry a reusable water bottle instead, which saves money and is better for the environment.
Sure, bottled water may be convenient, but it adds up over time. You can easily avoid this unnecessary expense by investing in a quality water filter. Growing up, we never had the luxury of buying water, and I’ve stuck to that mindset.
Expensive Coffee Drinks
Spending $5 or more on a fancy coffee from a café is something I rarely do. It’s easy to brew coffee at home for a fraction of the price, and it tastes just as good.
By skipping those daily coffee runs, I save a significant amount of money each month. Growing up poor taught me to appreciate the small luxuries without paying a premium. A simple cup of homemade coffee is enough for me.
Brand-Name Products
When I was younger, we couldn’t afford brand-name products, so I got used to generic alternatives. Now, I know that many store brands offer the same quality at a lower price.
Whether it’s food, medicine, or clothing, I rarely see the need to pay extra for a name. The difference in quality is often minimal, and the savings add up quickly. I’d rather invest my money in experiences or things that matter more.
Trendy Fashion
Chasing the latest fashion trends can be expensive and impractical. Trends come and go, and trying to keep up with them is a waste of money. I prefer buying timeless, versatile clothing that lasts longer and never goes out of style.
Growing up, we didn’t have money for trendy outfits, and I learned that looking good doesn’t require a huge budget. A simple, well-put-together wardrobe is enough.
New Gadgets
New tech gadgets are tempting, but they’re also expensive and often unnecessary. I don’t rush to buy the latest phone or tablet as soon as it’s released. Instead, I use my devices until they stop working or can no longer support my needs.
This habit of avoiding constant upgrades saves me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Growing up, we couldn’t afford to replace things frequently, and that mindset has stuck with me.
Fancy Gym Memberships
Gym memberships can be costly, and I’ve found that you don’t need one to stay fit. There are plenty of free or low-cost ways to exercise, like going for a run, following online workout videos, or doing bodyweight exercises at home.
Spending hundreds on a gym membership seems like a waste when you can stay active for little to no cost. My upbringing taught me to make the most of what I have, and that includes finding free ways to stay healthy.
Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables may be convenient, but they come at a higher price. I always opt to buy whole fruits and vegetables and chop them myself. It takes a little more time, but the savings are worth it.
Growing up, we couldn’t afford to pay for convenience, and that’s a habit I’ve carried into adulthood. You can get more for your money by buying whole produce and preparing it yourself.
Extended Warranties
Extended warranties can seem like a good idea, but in most cases, they’re not worth the extra cost. Many products already come with a standard warranty, and paying for additional coverage often goes unused.
I’d rather save the money and take good care of my purchases to make them last. Growing up, we couldn’t afford to pay for extras like this, and I learned to make do without them.
Cable TV
With so many affordable streaming services available, paying for cable TV feels like a waste of money. Growing up, we didn’t have cable, and I’ve never felt the need for it as an adult.
I stick to a few streaming services that provide plenty of entertainment without the hefty price tag. Cutting the cord is an easy way to save money, and I’ve found that I don’t miss traditional cable at all.
Fast Food
Fast food may be cheap, but it adds up over time, and it’s not the healthiest option. I avoid spending money on fast food and prefer to cook meals at home, where I have control over the ingredients and portions.
Growing up, we rarely ate out, so I learned to appreciate home-cooked meals. Preparing food at home saves money and is better for your health in the long run.
New Cars
A new car loses value the moment you drive it off the lot, which is why I avoid buying brand-new vehicles. I prefer to buy used cars that are reliable and affordable. This way, I avoid the steep depreciation and still get a car that meets my needs.
Growing up, we could only afford used cars, and that has influenced my spending choices as an adult. A well-maintained used car is just as good as a new one at a fraction of the cost.
Subscriptions I Don’t Use
It’s easy to sign up for subscription services without realizing how quickly the costs add up. I make it a point to cancel any subscriptions I don’t actively use.
Whether it’s a streaming service, magazine, or app, if I’m not using it regularly, I’m not paying for it. Growing up with limited resources taught me to be mindful of every dollar I spend, and this habit helps me avoid wasting money on unused services.
Lottery Tickets
Playing the lottery may seem like a chance to win big, but the odds are stacked against you. Growing up, I saw how people would waste money on lottery tickets, hoping for a big win that rarely came.
I learned early on that it’s better to save your money and invest it in something that has a better chance of paying off. I don’t waste money on lottery tickets because I’d rather put that money toward something more reliable.
Impulse Purchases
It’s easy to be tempted by impulse purchases, especially when you see something on sale. However, I’ve trained myself to avoid buying things I don’t really need.
Growing up poor taught me to think carefully before spending money, and I always ask myself if a purchase is truly necessary. By avoiding impulse buys, I save money and reduce clutter in my life.
Premium Gas
Unless your car specifically requires premium gas, there’s no need to pay extra for it. Regular gas works just fine for most vehicles, and the cost difference adds up over time.
Growing up, we never had the luxury of paying for premium gas, and I’ve stuck to that habit. Using regular gas saves money without sacrificing performance, so I see no reason to spend more.
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