14 Things We Buy And Never Use

About this video

• Video Title: 14 Things We Buy And Never Use
• Channel: George Kamel
• Speakers: George Kamel
• Duration: 19:05

Overview

This video discusses a list of 14 common items that people tend to buy but rarely use, offering advice on how to avoid these unnecessary purchases and save money. The host reacts to an article from Money Talks News, sharing personal anecdotes and agreeing with many of the points made.

Key takeaways

• Online Subscriptions: Regularly review and cancel subscriptions that are no longer being used to save money. The "90-day rule" (or 30-day rule) is suggested: if it hasn't been used in that period, it likely won't be.
• Extended Warranties: These often cost more than they are worth. It's better to understand what the manufacturer's warranty covers, check credit card protections, or set aside money for potential repairs.
• Filing Cabinets: With the rise of digital storage, physical filing cabinets are often obsolete and take up unnecessary space. Consider digitizing important documents and discarding physical copies.
• Expensive Home Exercise Equipment: Many expensive machines end up as clothing racks. The advice is to buy used if you are serious about a hobby, or to opt for outdoor or simpler forms of exercise.
• Silly Baby Care Items: New parents can be swayed by marketing. It's better to stick to necessities and consult experienced parents before buying non-essential baby items. Funds could instead be put towards a baby's college fund.
• Cookbooks: While visually appealing, cookbooks are often underutilized as recipes are easily found online. It's suggested to use online resources like ChatGPT to find recipes without ads, rather than buying and neglecting cookbooks.
• Gym Memberships: If a gym membership is rarely used, especially in a climate that allows for outdoor exercise, it's a good candidate for cancellation to save money.
• Single-Use Appliances: Items like cake pop makers or hot dog toasters are often bought on impulse but used infrequently. Consider borrowing or buying used if the need arises for a specific occasion.
• Travel Accessories: With smartphones, many traditional travel accessories like specific passport covers, money belts, or paper maps are no longer essential. Pack light and purchase items at your destination if needed.
• Over-the-Top Camping Equipment: While basic camping gear is useful, luxury items like s'mores makers or specialized coffee makers are often unnecessary for a comfortable camping experience.
• Specialized Sports Equipment: For new hobbies, it's advisable to borrow or rent specialized equipment before investing heavily, to ensure commitment to the activity.
• Frivolous Pet Purchases: While pets bring joy, many specialized items like costumes, heated beds, or even most toys go unused. Focus on necessities, treats, and love, and consider donating to shelters.