We all love a little luxury in our lives, but it’s important to balance cost with value. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell whether an expensive item is worth your hard-earned money. Here are 19 super-expensive items that really aren’t worth their price tags.
Wine
Data from Vivino suggests that while expensive wine receives the highest scores, there are still plenty of near-perfect bottles available well below the $100 mark. Really expensive wine is a status symbol first and an enjoyable drink second, so it’s rarely worth the price for casual drinkers.
Watches
High-end watches can cost tens of thousands of dollars. While they might be a great way to flash your cash, expensive watches are no better at telling the time than their dollar-store equivalents. Plus, you don’t even need a watch to tell the time anymore—mobile phones have you covered!
Designer Clothes
Fashion designers have created some truly incredible pieces, but that doesn’t mean they’re worth picking up yourself. After all, clothes that look great on the catwalk won’t necessarily be office-appropriate. Unless you’re planning to sneak into the MET Gala, it’s best to put that designer dress back on its hanger.
Multiple Streaming Services
While you might once have saved money by using streaming services in place of cable, streaming subscriptions are now more expensive (and restrictive) than ever. When you need six different streaming services to keep up with your favorite shows, you’re bound to wonder if the monthly bill is worth it.
Expensive Cookware
Pots and pans are kitchen essentials, but it’s possible to go overboard. Most Americans will get by just fine with mid-range equipment, even if they feel tempted to stock up on aesthetic (and expensive) alternatives. It’s important to remember that cookware items are tools, not kitchen decorations.
Baby Gifts
How much do you remember about being a baby? We’re guessing the answer is nothing, but people still go overboard while purchasing gifts for their child’s first birthday. Of course, it’s a milestone, but it’s best to wait until your child is old enough to appreciate the expensive things you’ve bought for them.
First-Class Tickets
Economy flights can be hellish, but there’s really no point in purchasing first-class tickets for very short trips. You’ll be in a rush to make the most of your expensive add-ons, turning a relaxing flight into a frantic panic. If you can afford to upgrade at all, save it for your long-haul trips.
Home Workout Bikes
Home workout bikes are incredibly popular—according to the BBC, even the President has a Peloton! However, most people invest in these expensive devices only to let them gather dust. It might be best to save money by purchasing a cheaper outdoor bike that helps you lose weight while seeing the sights.
Expensive Coffee
Millennials are mocked for their addiction to expensive coffee, but it’s possible that their critics have a valid point. While going out for coffee can be a nice treat, it’s far cheaper to brew your own at home. Just don’t buy luxury coffee beans, or you risk falling into the same trap twice!
Houses
Owning your own home is part of the American dream, but many people find that they bite off more than they can chew when investing in property. Homeownership can be prohibitively expensive due to property taxes, maintenance, and the cost of home improvements. Renting isn’t ideal, but it can actually be cheaper.
Meeting Celebrities
Meeting your favorite actor or musician can be exciting, but photo opportunities and signings are rarely worth the money. Celebrities have legions of fans to meet and greet, so you’re likely to be pushed along before you’ve introduced yourself. Meeting celebs can be a dream come true—but it’s a nightmare for your bank balance.
Five-Star Hotels
It’s always tempting to book yourself into the fanciest hotel in town if you can afford it. Unfortunately, this is almost always a waste of your hard-earned money. Five-star hotels are unlikely to be a noticeable improvement over their four-star counterparts, so you’re better off taking the cheaper option. Don’t believe the hype.
Luxury Advent Calendars
As the New York Times reports, Chanel’s 2021 advent calendar, costing $825, provoked outrage due to its cheap content, including stickers! This cautionary tale suggests that it’s best to steer clear of high-end advent calendars. The packaging may look suitably expensive, but the contents are anyone’s guess.
Stereo Systems
Audiophiles may swear that their crazily expensive speakers transform the listening experience, but most people won’t be able to tell the difference. Casual listeners will manage just fine with a mid-range stereo. Don’t bother buying one that’s deafeningly loud, either—unless you want to annoy the neighbors!
Artwork
A good painting or sculpture can transform a space, but it’s important to remember that 90% of the fine art market is hype. It’s easy to get taken for a sucker if you don’t know what you’re doing. Often, a nice reproduction is the way to go.
Floral Arrangements
While flowers make a lovely gift on a special occasion, these beautiful plants have naturally short shelf lives. Given that a well-arranged bouquet can easily cost several hundred dollars, you need to weigh up whether it’s really worth the cost—especially since it will be wilting by the time the florist cashes their check.
Stanley Cups
The Washington Post discusses how Zoomers are obsessed with the stylish and reusable Stanley cups. Ultimately, though, a Stanley cup is just a way to keep your drink cool, something that regular Thermos flasks have been doing for years. Plus, these flasks will inevitably go out of fashion soon enough.
High-Class Pet Food
Pet owners need to provide for their furry friends, but unscrupulous companies are all too willing to take advantage of our animal instincts. High-end pet food may claim to be ‘haute cuisine’, but most pets won’t care just as long as they’re getting a regular meal. Save your money and treat your furballs in other ways.
Boutique Electric Guitars
Rockstar ambitions can hit when you’re a kid or during a mid-life crisis, so it can be tempting to sink big bucks into the guitar of your dreams. However, most amateurs are just wasting their money by buying boutique brands. Contrary to popular belief, more expensive guitars don’t actually make your skills any better!
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