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We’ve all been there, caught in the bright lights of temptation as our disposable income disappears faster than we can say ‘buy now.’
Whether it’s buying a new outfit for date night or binging on late-night takeout after too many glasses of wine with friends, women and spending money go hand in hand.
But what exactly are the biggest expenses that eat away at our bank accounts?
To answer this question, we’ve compiled 14 splurges that women just love to spend their hard-earned dollars on!
From beauty treatments to video games, let’s explore how quickly cash gets blown through when you want the most iconic items.
1. Video Games
Whether you are a casual gamer or serious about your gaming sessions, video games can quickly become an expensive habit.
From the latest releases to the older classics, prices for new and used titles add up quickly.
Some of these games are even available with virtual reality accessories for an even more immersive gaming experience.
2. Books
Books are the perfect way to escape reality and get lost in an alternate world.
From young adult fiction to dense non-fiction reads, books can easily become a serious financial sinkhole.
From ebooks to hardcover copies, no matter how you purchase these items, the cost adds up quickly!
3. Concert and Music Festival Tickets
The live music enthusiasts in the forum think nothing of paying a small fortune for tickets to see their favorite musicians perform live.
“I’m about to spend a stupid amount of money on a Taylor Swift ticket,” reveals one music fan.
4. Botox
Society is guilty of putting pressure on women to look young at all costs.
As a result, young women, those in their 30s and 40s, get Botox treatment to remove any signs of a wrinkle.
Sadly for many, they end up looking fake.
Many men even prefer a natural looking older woman.
But no matter how much this message is passed along, the beauty industry has a firm grip on the minds of women.
5. Plants
Having a green thumb is why an individual from the online community spends too much money on plants, including “House plants. Outdoor plants. Dirt for plants. Pots for plants. Fertilizer for plants. Rocks and bark to put around outside plants.
Greenhouse for plants. Plant labels. Grow lights. Plant stands. Seeds to grow more plants.” They confess to having something of a plant addiction.
6. Beauty Aids
Among the more common purchases women on the thread self-describe as excessive are the costs associated with beauty aids, including makeup, skincare, hair care, makeup, and supplies for doing in-home manicures.
Spending money on things that make you look and feel pretty is easy.
7. Clothing
Quite a few participants in the discussion express the fun they have going clothes shopping, even though they already have a closet full of outfits at home.
One even says, “I buy way too many clothes like I don’t even need them at this point. I’m one person. Why do I own like 30 hoodies?” Others buy clothes they don’t need for the thrill of finding a bargain.
8. Dining Out
Whether buying gourmet coffee and pastries several times a week or routinely having a meal at an upscale eatery, numerous women acknowledge spending entirely too much money at coffee shops and restaurants.
Some of them dine out for convenience, while others do so as a special treat to themselves, even though it can be expensive.
9. Home Aquariums
What started as a small, relatively inexpensive hobby — a ten-gallon tank and one betta fish — has morphed into investing significant cash into a home aquarium system that includes several fish tanks and higher energy bills for someone on the thread, with plans to purchase another fish tank soon.
10. Horses
A couple of horse owners admit to spending between $1,000 to $2,000 a month on the care and maintenance of their horses.
Their monthly costs include insurance policies, boarding, care, and feeding. Spending anywhere from $12,000 to $24,000 a year is a large amount of money.
11. Food and Gifts for Others
Rather than spend outrageous amounts on themselves or their hobbies, one selfless spender reveals they save a ton of money by wearing their clothes and shoes until they fall apart, shopping at the dollar store for whatever they need, and driving their high-mile vehicle until it no longer runs.
They take those savings and spend them on meals and gifts for their friends and loved ones. Do you have an indulgence you spend a ridiculous amount of money on?
12. Journals and Other Personal Development Accessories
While women should be commended for wanting to improve themselves, it becomes a problem when they make purchases without thinking.
They buy a daily planner and a journal, but then see one that offers something different, so they end up buying that one too.
While these purchases are small in amount, the amount spent adds up to a serious amount of money over time.
13. Fine Art
At least one person laments how expensive original art is, writing, “I have some original art in my home–one watercolor, four oil paintings, some numbered and signed lithographs, some photographs. But I would have many more pieces if I didn’t have a strict budget.”
Trying to build a collection on a budget is indeed cost prohibitive.
14. Jewelry
A knack for spending money on the finer things in life isn’t limited to food and fashion.
For some commenters on the discussion board, the love of jewelry drives them to spend more than they should.
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This thread inspired this post.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
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