Liz Ervin
What’s the worst money you’ve ever spent? I confess to wasting money on many things I bought and didn’t use for various reasons, including subscriptions that I didn’t use. After someone asked an online forum for other examples, these are the top-voted confessions.
1. Bailed Out an Ex
One Redditor explained, “Five years ago, I took out a $10,000 personal loan to bail out my ex from the consequences of his actions. Good job, self. It’s paid off, and I am fine. But I have to laugh about it. Otherwise, it is just sad.”
2. Doggy Doctor Bills
“I paid $2000 for my dog to get an x-ray, and it turned out he just had a leg cramp from not drinking enough water that day,” confessed one.
A second shared, “Relate to this so hard! My senior pups have plenty of legit medical issues, but once spent a good chunk of change at the vet with a dog who didn’t want to walk. He didn’t feel like walking that day. Nothing wrong with him.”
3. An Unnecessary Taxi Ride
“Once, I paid $20 for a taxi ride to drop me off at the same spot because I couldn’t be bothered to ask for directions, and it turns out that I was looking for a place that was a bit hidden and right there. I still think about it to this day,” one replied.
4. Overpriced Bad Hair Day
Someone shared, “I paid $470 a couple of weeks ago to get my hair done. When I left, my hair was five shades of orange, and I wanted to cry (it was supposed to be blonde). I then had to spend an additional $250 on products from Sally’s to fix it at home. Should’ve just left my hair alone.”
5. A Parking Spot Mix-Up in New Orleans, LA
Another volunteered, “I paid $75 to get a boot off my car in New Orleans after paying $25 to park. I was assigned spot #15, but someone else parked in it, so I just parked in #16. It was eight years ago, and I still wanna fight someone when I think about it!”
6. Graduate School
“I didn’t have to pay tuition while attending graduate school and got a stipend (Ph.D.). Still, the opportunity cost of not saving or contributing to retirement for five years is killing me. I regret not asking people to pay for professional development opportunities instead of paying out of pocket,” answered another.
7. Spending Money on a Manipulator
One person confessed, “I bought multiple birthday and holiday gifts worth a couple hundred for one man because I deluded myself into thinking we would end up together. He also played into it for the benefit. I get sick just thinking about it. But, at least it was only one guy, and it’s never happened since.”
8. Sorority Dues
“I joined a college sorority when I couldn’t afford to. I was in it for one and a half years before the dues became too high to sustain, and I dropped out. Spent about $2-3K total,” explained one.
A second volunteered, “I feel this one! I spent $10k over four years to be in one, and I did not have the money for it. Added to my loans from school.”
9. Fancy Perfume
A newlywed stated, “I bought a $300 perfume because the shopkeeper was local, and he took so much time to walk through the scents. Nothing had prices.
I felt spendy because of my wedding planning and thought it would be a good scent. Cue wedding day – forgot to put on the perfume due to the craziness, and now, a few weeks post-wedding, I regret the purchase. It’s too heavy for everyday use.”
10. $900 on Overstock.com
“Recently, $900 on a couch from Overstock. It was the perfect look until the fabric started pulling apart at the seams significantly in less than two weeks.
After four weeks of use, I have a massive hole in the left cushion, right where you sit. After four months of back and forth, customer service sent me a new couch (I wanted just a pillow or a refund) and ended up refunding it.”
11. Alcohol and Drugs
One person shared, “I battled addiction for many years before finding sobriety in 2013, and I can confidently say drugs and alcohol were the worst money I’ve ever spent.” The best news was that this person has been sober, productive, and happy for over ten years.
This article appeared first on The Cents of Money.
