1. Bottled Water
A growing number of Americans are realizing that paying for bottled water is, quite literally, pouring money down the drain, according to Jami Farkas of GO Banking Rates. With an average cost of $1 to $2 per bottle, it adds up quickly—especially when tap water costs less than a cent per gallon. Plus, reusable bottles and home filtration systems like Brita or PUR make clean water just as accessible. Many households are switching to filtered tap water to cut down on costs and plastic waste.
Environmental concerns are also part of the shift. Americans purchase around 50 billion plastic water bottles each year, and only about 23% are recycled. With rising awareness around plastic pollution and municipal water testing improving, people are questioning whether the convenience is worth the cost. For many, the answer is increasingly “no.”
2. Cable TV Subscriptions
Between Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming platforms, cable TV is quickly becoming obsolete, Kortnee Jackson and Ty Pendlebury of CNET explain. The average cable bill in the U.S. topped $200 a month in 2023 when you factor in fees and equipment—more than double what it was a decade earlier. Viewers are increasingly cutting the cord, opting instead for streaming bundles that cost a fraction of that price. Plus, on-demand viewing gives people more control over what and when they watch.
Americans are also frustrated with long-term contracts, hidden fees, and channels they don’t even watch. Streaming services, despite their own rising prices, still allow more flexibility and customization. Many people now view traditional cable as a relic of the past, especially younger audiences who’ve never signed up for it in the first place. The convenience just no longer justifies the cost.
3. Daily Coffee Shop Runs
Grabbing a latte on the way to work used to feel like a small indulgence—but it’s now become a major budget leak, Suze Orman told CNBC. With prices averaging around $5 per drink, even a basic weekday coffee habit can add up to over $100 a month. That’s over $1,200 a year on coffee alone! It’s no surprise that many Americans are reevaluating whether the barista-made brew is really worth it.
More people are investing in home brewing gear like French presses, espresso machines, and milk frothers. Not only does it cut costs dramatically, but it also gives you more control over your coffee’s flavor and strength. TikTok and Instagram are packed with homemade coffee hacks, helping people ditch the expensive café routine. And when you realize that some of the best beans are now available online or in grocery stores, skipping the line gets easier.
4. Gym Memberships
Traditional gym memberships are starting to feel outdated, especially with so many other fitness options available, Gina Ragusa of VICE shares. Many gyms charge between $40 and $70 per month—and that’s not counting enrollment fees or personal training extras. But during the pandemic, people discovered the convenience of working out at home with YouTube workouts, fitness apps, or even just a yoga mat and some dumbbells. That shift has stuck for a lot of folks.
There’s also frustration around unused memberships—one 2023 survey found that about half of gym members admitted to rarely or never going. With flexible options like Peloton, Apple Fitness+, and local outdoor fitness groups, the rigid gym model just doesn’t appeal as much anymore. People want value and convenience, not a monthly charge for a facility they might barely use. The era of the 12-month gym contract is losing steam.
5. Name-Brand Groceries
There was a time when only name brands felt trustworthy, but shoppers are now rethinking that loyalty. Generic or store-brand groceries are often just as good—and sometimes even come from the same factories. And with inflation pushing grocery bills up by nearly 25% since 2020, many Americans are choosing to prioritize value over branding. Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Costco’s Kirkland Signature are leading examples of quality generics that people trust.
Blind taste tests have repeatedly shown that many store brands hold up against their famous-name competitors. Whether it’s cereal, canned goods, or cleaning supplies, generic items can slash grocery bills by up to 30%. For budget-conscious families, that difference really adds up over the course of a year. And once people realize they don’t sacrifice quality, it becomes a no-brainer switch.
6. Fast Fashion
Fast fashion used to seem like a budget-friendly way to stay trendy, but more people are realizing it comes with hidden costs. These ultra-cheap clothes often fall apart after a few washes, leading to more frequent purchases. On top of that, brands like Shein and Fashion Nova have faced criticism for unethical labor practices and environmental damage. Americans are starting to ask: is a $5 shirt really worth it?
With the rise of thrift stores, resale apps like Poshmark and Depop, and more sustainable brands, shoppers have more conscious choices now. Many are adopting a “buy less, buy better” mindset—investing in fewer, higher-quality pieces that last longer. Capsule wardrobes and secondhand fashion are becoming more mainstream, especially among younger consumers. Fast fashion just doesn’t feel like a good deal anymore when you look beyond the price tag.
7. Extended Warranties
You’ve probably been asked if you want an extended warranty at checkout—and many Americans are saying no. These warranties can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars, and they often come with fine print that makes them hard to actually use. In many cases, the manufacturer’s standard warranty already covers what most people need. Plus, the failure rate for most electronics and appliances within the first few years is pretty low.
Consumer Reports and other watchdogs have consistently advised against most extended warranties. The odds of needing them just don’t justify the price for the average person. And when something does break, it’s often cheaper to repair or replace than to navigate the warranty claim process. For many buyers, extended warranties now feel more like upsells than useful protections.
8. Subscription Boxes
From meal kits to mystery makeup, subscription boxes exploded in popularity—but now they’re starting to lose their luster. What once felt like a fun surprise often turns into a drawer full of unused items or meals you didn’t quite enjoy. The costs add up too: a weekly meal kit subscription can easily run $10–$13 per serving, much more than cooking from scratch. And beauty boxes often include sample sizes or products you wouldn’t choose yourself.
People are also growing weary of the automatic monthly charges. It’s easy to forget to cancel or pause a box, leading to surprise bills for things you didn’t need or want. As more Americans scrutinize their monthly spending, subscription fatigue is setting in. Convenience isn’t always worth the clutter—or the cost.
9. Lottery Tickets
Sure, buying a lottery ticket might feel like harmless fun—but for many, it’s an expense that adds up fast with no real return. Americans spend an average of nearly $1,000 a year on lottery tickets, yet the odds of winning a major prize are astronomically low—1 in 292 million for Powerball, to be exact. It’s essentially throwing money at a dream with almost no chance of payoff.
More people are realizing that those few dollars could be better spent—or saved. With high inflation and tighter household budgets, that weekly lotto splurge starts to feel less justifiable. Financial experts often refer to the lottery as a “tax on the poor,” and that idea is resonating more than ever. People want real financial hope, not wishful thinking.
10. New Phone Every Year
Remember when everyone rushed to get the newest iPhone the moment it dropped? That’s fading fast. With flagship phones now costing over $1,000 and annual upgrades offering only incremental improvements, many Americans are hanging onto their devices for longer. In fact, the average phone upgrade cycle has stretched to more than three years as of 2024.
Modern smartphones are built to last and receive software updates for several years. Unless your phone is broken or too slow to use, upgrading annually just doesn’t make much sense anymore. And with trade-in values dropping and carriers phasing out generous upgrade incentives, the cost-benefit ratio has changed. People are realizing they don’t need the latest model to stay connected.
11. Printed Greeting Cards
Greeting cards used to be a sweet gesture—but now they often feel like overpriced paper. A single card can cost anywhere from $4 to $10, and many end up in the trash within days. With inflation squeezing wallets, even small expenses like this are being reconsidered. For the price of one card, you could buy lunch.
Digital alternatives like e-cards, personalized videos, or simple heartfelt texts are replacing physical cards for many people. They’re free (or much cheaper) and often feel more thoughtful in a digital-first world. People are still eager to show they care—they’re just ditching the Hallmark aisle to do it. Sentiment doesn’t have to come with a barcode.
12. Single-Use Cleaning Products
Wipes, disposable dusters, and single-use mop pads promise convenience, but they can quickly eat into your household budget. Many of these items are used once and tossed, which adds to both expenses and landfill waste. Americans are beginning to realize that reusable options—like microfiber cloths and washable mop pads—work just as well and cost less in the long run. Plus, they’re better for the planet.
Even cleaning solutions are going reusable, with concentrated tablets and refillable spray bottles becoming more popular. It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference in monthly household costs. The shift toward sustainable living is making throwaway products feel out of place. Convenience doesn’t have to come at a premium—or a cost to the environment.
13. Bank Fees
Nobody likes getting dinged with a $35 overdraft fee or monthly maintenance charges just for keeping money in a checking account. Yet traditional banks still rake in billions in these fees each year. But Americans are increasingly moving to online banks or credit unions that offer fee-free accounts. These newer institutions often have better terms, higher interest rates, and more transparent policies.
People are fed up with being penalized for accessing their own money. With financial education spreading through TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube, consumers are more empowered than ever to avoid unnecessary fees. If your bank is charging you just to hold your cash, it might be time to rethink that relationship. There are too many better options out there to settle.
14. Holiday Decorations
Seasonal home décor is big business—but many Americans are beginning to feel overwhelmed by the cost and storage. Between Halloween inflatables, Thanksgiving centerpieces, and mountains of Christmas decor, it adds up fast. It’s easy to drop hundreds of dollars each year just to keep up with the Pinterest-perfect aesthetic. And let’s be honest—those decorations spend 11 months of the year packed in boxes.
More people are opting for minimalist, reusable, or handmade décor that doesn’t break the bank. Thrift stores and DIY solutions are gaining popularity, as people try to reduce clutter and spending. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating the seasons, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. A little creativity can go a long way.
15. Trendy Kitchen Gadgets
Air fryers, avocado slicers, pancake bots—every year brings a new kitchen gadget that promises to change your life. But most of them end up collecting dust in the back of a cabinet. The novelty wears off fast, and many tools only serve one specific purpose. Americans are catching on: if it’s not versatile and used regularly, it’s not worth the counter space.
With the average household kitchen already jam-packed, more people are returning to the basics: a good knife, a solid pan, and maybe a slow cooker. These items do more with less, making them more valuable in the long run. It’s less about the latest gimmick and more about tools that make everyday cooking easier. The goal now is efficiency—not clutter.
