You’ve likely heard of retail therapy — it’s where you buy something to help yourself feel better. However, it turns out many of those purchases become regrets.
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According to a survey from Thriving Wallet, one in four Americans make purchases they later regret during times of significant stress. Some of those purchases can later devolve into cringe-worthy memories.
Here’s a look at some purchases from Reddit users that now make them wonder what they were thinking.
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Professional Pool Table
Reddit user punkwalrus regretted buying a professional tournament style pool table for their wife. They said it cost $6,000 and was bought because she was considering professional play.
However, according to the user, the wife broke her ankles a year later and the table just sat around, proving the importance of long-term planning and contingencies.
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Nice Camera
For Reddit user skhapa3257, the purchase of a photography camera for close to $1,000 turned out to be an expensive regret. The user said they took a picture of the moon and that was it. They noted the camera has since been stored in the same spot for years.
Self-Heating Mug
You may like your beverages a certain way. Perhaps with that in mind, Reddit user thewhitedeath recalled buying a self-heating coffee mug for $159. It turned out the mug didn’t heat to a high enough temperature, so the user dumped it.
Educational Shower Curtain
This might be one of the stranger purchase regrets you’ll read about. According to Reddit user xipisiw577, they regretted buying a shower curtain with the periodic table.
They shared that such a shower curtain couldn’t be found in Denmark, so they had to pay for shipping from the U.S. Even worse — they forgot to check the measurements, and there was a big gap at the bottom for water to splash on the floor.
Pricey Pogo Stick
Many parents know the feeling of buying something pricey for their kids, and then having them barely use the item. Reddit user xayep54838 regretted buying a $300 pogo stick. Another user replied with their own pogo stick experience. They called it “one of the worst purchases we made for our kids,” going on to explain they tried it once and gave up.
Ultimately, each of the items above illustrate the same money lesson — don’t let impulse purchases and overspending get the best of your finances. While many people often justify such purchases as rewards, it can become critical if done too often. Make sure to put this lesson into practice before it becomes one learned the hard way.
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Sources
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Thriving Wallet, Research Insights
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Reddit, “What is the most expensive thing you bought that you never use?“
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Reddit, “What’s the most regrettable purchase you’ve ever made?“
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Big Purchases People Made That Make Them Cringe Today
