These 16 Things Are Way Too Expensive

Additional Coverage:

16 Things That Just Shouldn’t Be So Expensive (#10 Is Ridiculous!) (financebuzz.com)

Sticker Shock Special: 16 Items That Are Draining Your Wallet

Inflation has been a real party crasher lately, making our grocery runs and shopping sprees feel a lot heavier on the wallet. While some price hikes are understandable, there are a handful of items that just seem to mock our budgets, carrying price tags that simply don’t align with their actual value.

If you’re looking to keep more cash where it belongs – in your pocket – then pay attention! We’ve rounded up some of the worst offenders, products that often cost way more than they should.

(Quick heads-up: Prices can change faster than a chameleon on a plaid shirt, and what’s available might differ depending on where you are!)

Here’s the lowdown on what to skip if you’re trying to save a buck:

1. Name-Brand Cereal

Seriously, what’s with the cereal prices? It’s like they’re made of gold flakes and unicorn tears.

Good news: most store-brand cereals are practically identical to their fancy counterparts, but without the premium price tag. For example, you could save a chunk of change by opting for the Great Value version of your favorite chocolatey puff cereal instead of the name-brand box.

Your taste buds probably won’t even notice the switch!

2. Pre-Cut Produce

We get it, convenience is king. But paying extra just because someone else diced your pineapple or sliced your onions?

That’s a hard pass for your budget. A few minutes of your time in the kitchen can save you a surprising amount of money on fresh fruits and veggies.

3. Coffee to Go

Ah, the siren song of the daily coffee run. Those lattes and cold brews from Starbucks or Dunkin’ add up faster than you can say “extra shot.”

Grab a bag of your favorite beans and brew at home. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll still get your caffeine fix!

4. Bottled Water

Unless you’re lost in the desert, tap water is your friend. Bottled water is essentially the same stuff, but you’re paying for the plastic, the trip it took to get to the store, and all that advertising. Invest in a snazzy reusable water bottle and fill ‘er up at the tap – it’s better for the planet and your bank account.

5. Movie Theater Popcorn

The smell is intoxicating, we know. But that bucket of movie theater popcorn?

It’s often more expensive than the movie ticket itself! A giant bag of popping corn from the grocery store costs next to nothing, meaning you can have a popcorn party at home for a fraction of the price.

6. Eyeglasses

For something so essential, eyeglasses can carry a shockingly high price tag. Thankfully, the optical world has evolved! You’ve now got a ton of online options that can get you stylish frames and lenses for a much more reasonable cost than the traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

7. Fine Jewelry

Dreaming of a diamond ring or a statement necklace? Be aware of the hefty markups, especially on those big-name brands. If you’re hunting for a deal, consider checking out pawn shops or reputable resellers – you might find a real gem without breaking the bank.

8. Funeral Caskets

It’s a somber topic, but one where your wallet can take a serious hit. Caskets can be shockingly expensive.

Did you know some big-box retailers offer caskets for significantly less than traditional funeral homes? It’s a surprising way to save during a difficult time.

9. Fancy Watches

In an age where our phones tell us the time (and practically everything else), do we really need a watch that costs more than a car? While a high-end watch certainly projects an image, let’s be real: at a certain point, it’s just a very expensive bracelet that happens to tell time.

10. Extra Cheese

That extra buck or two for cheese on your burger or sandwich seems innocent enough, right? But when you break down the cost per slice, you’re paying a premium. Grab a pack of sliced cheese from the grocery store and add it yourself – it’s a cheesy win for your budget.

11. Designer Jeans

We all want jeans that fit perfectly, but there’s a world of difference between a solid pair of department store denim and designer duds that cost more than your rent. Unless you’re walking the runway, those four-figure jeans are probably an unnecessary splurge.

12. Soda

A fizzy drink with your meal is a classic combo, but restaurants mark up soda like crazy. The cost of syrup and water is minimal, so when you’re paying several dollars for a fountain drink, you’re mostly covering the cost of the cup and the convenience.

13. Brand-Name Drugs

Here’s a little secret from the FDA: generic medicines are exactly the same as their brand-name counterparts. Same active ingredients, same dosage, same quality. So, stop paying extra for a fancy label when store-brand ibuprofen works just as well as Advil.

14. T-Shirts

The humble T-shirt: a wardrobe staple. But why do some cost a couple of dollars to make and then retail for $15, $20, or even more, especially at a concert? Unless it’s a truly unique design or supporting a cause, you might be overpaying for basic cotton.

15. Greeting Cards

In the age of GIFs, memes, and instant messages, are we still paying several dollars (plus postage!) for a piece of cardstock? While a handwritten note is lovely, there are plenty of free and thoughtful ways to send good wishes without shelling out for a card.

16. Graphing Calculators

Remember those clunky, expensive graphing calculators from high school? Well, they still exist and still cost a pretty penny. Good news for today’s students: there are now free apps that can do everything those calculators can, right on your smartphone or tablet!

The Bottom Line

Everywhere we look, there are products with prices that make us do a double-take. The tough truth is, these items keep selling because people keep buying them. But if you’re serious about saving money, making conscious choices to avoid these budget-busters can make a real difference.