Every one of us has different interests, hobbies or opinions about various things. Similarly, every one of us has different income and the way we choose to deal with our money. And by that I mean some of us like to spend our paychecks as soon as we receive them, some of us try to save up but also buy necessities or something that we really want, and others simply try to save up everything and buy things that are only really necessary.
However, probably most of us have things that may be hobbies, maybe collections or maybe just some other thing, like, lets say skincare, that when we really think about it - we spend so much money on... But you know what? If it makes us happy and doesn’t harm us in any way, it’s not that bad, right?
On that note, one Reddit user started a thread online asking netizens to share their interests that they spend unjustifiable amounts of money on. We have gathered 40 of them here, so scroll down, upvote the ones that look like they are worth the money or maybe you are also guilty of spending too much money on them and share your thoughts!
More info: Reddit
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Books. People in my high school used to joke that I’d own a library by the time I turned 30. I’m 19 and I already have a “library” in my house. It’s really a spare bedroom that I put all my books and a couple comfy chairs in, but I call it a library.
Personally, I say that is a justifiable expense. I love my mini library and like to lend books to share the pleasure.
Dogs. They have more toys and snacks in the house than I do.
Crochet.
I have three jumbo size Tupperware containers full of yarn, but you best believe I always find a reason to buy more.
I spent over $3,000 on a gaming laptop so I could play my favorite video games while traveling.
I've mainly been using it to browse Reddit. I'm using it for that purpose right now.
If I were more mature, I might argue that the money I spent was unjustifiable. Luckily, I live in blissful ignorance of the consequences of my own actions.
Whatever random hobby or interest I randomly acquire that peter’s out after about a month and I’m left with stuff I won’t touch again.
This is me and my adult ADHD. Spent hundreds, if not more, on camera gear because I used to do photography...lost most of my interest and had to sell the gear to pay bills after a major health issue happened and I can't work right now.
Housing and food. Y'know, basic survival. We all have to. But I can't justify how much it's costing us.
Horses
I spend about $7,000.00 USD on my horse annually, on feed, vet, farrier, stabling. She's like having an adult child with her own apartment and no income to speak of. She's family just as much as my cats are to me.
Well, I recently took a break from Magic the gathering.......to pick up warhammer 40k......
Honestly I'm starting to believe Games Workshop is run by Tzeentch...
Load More Replies...I always feel compelled to say something any time I hear a Magic player talk about picking up 40k. It's an even more expensive hobby, and if you decide to get put of it it's much more difficult to sell and you will probably get far less than you paid for it.
Same with most hobbies. Mr.Awkward lady sold off his train sets at auction and got £60 for them! One train cost more than that!
Load More Replies...Guitars and hifi gear. It was all cheap if my wife asks.
My classic car. Bought it cash in 2012 at 29, have had it for 11 years, and have spent irresponsible amounts of money on upgrades and projects over the years.
I don't drink, smoke, I pack my own lunches for work, take public transportation to work, but when it comes to my car, if it improves the drivability and reliability, money is no object.
I have many interests in my life - biking, walking, rowing, photography - they all pale in comparison to the release and joy I experience when I have the perfect drive with my wife, family and friends with me. It's expensive, frustrating with issues, repairs, upgrades, but it is the only interest in my life that has truly caused me to weep with joy during the experience.
Edit: Sorry everyone, did not intend to be cryptic - got too excited referencing it and forgot to list what it is.
1955 Chevy Bel-Air 2-Door Post (Sedan)
['55 Bel Air 2 Door Sedan](https://imgur.com/a/r42sqJm)
['55 Profile](https://imgur.com/a/o7uu7gg)
[LS3](https://imgur.com/a/6EEPYLs)
Live music. I shudder to think how much I’ve spent between tickets, travel, hotels, food, drinks, and extracurriculars over 25 years
Home cooking.
I have 15+ different Wüsthof knives, Le Creuset pans and dutch ovens, and a ton of other things like mixing bowls, cutting boards, etc, that are more premium brands because prepping and cooking helps with my anxiety and depression, and if I'm gonna splurge on something, it's going to be on something(s) I use regularly.
I have ADHD. I can justify any amount of money I spend to chase that dopamine.
DSLR camera body and $15,000 in lenses.
I got a $45 adapter so I could use my old pentax bayonet lenses on my nikon d40
Coin collection, and especially ancient coins. I'm a far cry from the fat cats who could put a museum to shame with their Roman and Greek coins, but I'm fairly confident that I have the largest and most complete collection of Indo-Sassanian coins in private hands, or possibly in total. There are types that I own 60-80% of all known examples of.
Roman collection is coming along, although I can't bring myself to cross the threshold of spending more than $1,000 on a single coin. My kids are going to have a field day with that when I kick the bucket.
I have an Alexander the Great era one from Athens. Mind-blowing to think where that might have been in order to get to me.
The Eurovision Song Contest. I became a fan at age 14 in 1993. I first attended the live show in Norway in 1996. Then every year until 2006, plus once more in 2015. I must have spent tens of thousands of pounds on Eurovision over the years. It’s taken me all over the place, including Israel, Ukraine and Latvia - to name just a few. Yes it’s been expensive, but I wouldn’t swap those experiences for anything!
It was alcohol… now I can justify all my purchases because I didn’t spend them on booze.
That god damn noise my bmw makes. It wont go away no matter how many parts I replace.
You sure it's not a blinker? I know most BMW owners have never heard what one sounds like.
Booze. Mind you I’m not much of a drinker, and I can cradle a 1/6th dram of whiskey for half an hour. However, I am a sucker for supporting small, local distilleries and wineries, so I have a collection of unopened spirits bottles (the gf takes the wine lol).
I explain that I don’t have a drinking problem, just a “buy alcohol” problem.
I enjoy buying beer and wine from local breweries and wineries when I can. They don't usually last very long unopened. That being said, I've gotten some 6 packs where after I had a sip of the first can, I have to figure out what to do with the rest of that can and the other 5 because it's SO horrible tasting I can drink any more of it.
Coffee.
Spent prob close to $5k on a super automatic, a traditional espresso machine, equipment, etc.
Oh lord... Back when I was a coffee drinker (and don't get me wrong, I still love it in theory), I preferred pouring freshly ground coffee into a simmering pot of water, letting it sit, stir once, let grounds settle to bottom and pour into cup. Found out later this is called 'Cowboy Coffee'.
Machine tools and machinist tools. I'm a s**t for Starrett tools.
To be fair, Starret tools are excellent quality, but here in the UK, they tend to be overpriced when compared to Moore and Wright or Mitutoyo, which are of equal quality.
Anyone that has curly hair that has dived into “The Curly Girl Method”, already knows… HAIR PRODUCTS. I have a whole cabinet above the toilet AND medicine cabinet FULL of hair products. My husband gets so pissed, but then I remind him I am faithful, work full time, cook his meals, and don’t do [substances], so…
Video games.
If the game is worth the money, it’s justifiable. If it’s a generic shooter for $100, probably not.
flavor of the season obsessive hobbies. Photography, RC cars, Flying FPV, camping, bicycling. Anything that can be enjoyed becomes my master, and I its under-funded slave.
not now, but 20 years ago, I was armature auto racing in SCCA. I'd spend 600 dollars for a set of tires I'd use 1 weekend.... why? because new tires were good for 2 seconds a lap, and that was the difference between top 3 and mid pack.
all for 20 dollar trophies.
Running shoes. I've got about 8 retired pairs in my closet and 6 active pairs. I probably drop $1500/year on running shoes.
You should do like we used to do - and call it "spend" instead of "drop", then it might resonate what you're doing.
Note: this post originally had 40 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
If you have the money, then no amount it too high if you spend it on doing something you love. Life is short, definitely too short to be unnecessarily stingy to yourself.
well, as long as you enjoy whatever you spent your money on, and you are using it well, the money was well spent
Yep. Blew all my Christmas money last year for fursuit supplies
Load More Replies...The day people will learn. It is a name! You don't put s behind name all the time!!!
Load More Replies...So long as you actually have the money to spend and you, personally, don’t consider it to be a waste and enjoy it, there isn’t much harm in having an expensive hobby. There can certainly be some regret in hindsight (I’d like to have that money to spend on something I need now) but life is short and we can’t take it with us so, within reason, do what you want.
Live action role play. Expensive fake weapons, expensive gear ( including a custom made leather armour), even learned sewing (and bought an expensive sewing machine) for that hobby. Additional fees for the conventions, traveling cost and food/beverages. And I have zero regrets
I confess to being surprised how many folks had come to Tewkesbury medieval fair from overseas, some to be part of the battle re-enactment (with horses!) Some just to walk round
Load More Replies...Warhammer miniatures, Gundam, videogames and anime figurines. All of this is quite expensive, but I don't have kids so I got the money
Metal detecting lol, buying a nice metal detector is around $300-$1000 then $150 for a pinpointer and $400 on shovels and other gear and $100s for keeping your finds stored safely. + Most detectorists have 2-3 metal detectors depending on what you want to find :)
I wanna say Kpop. I've put a lot of money into it (already 3k rmb for this year ) to by albums, nightsticks, photo cards, and others. but I really don't regret anything, and I feel like my spending is pretty rational apart from this
and also makeup. I study professional art (even though im only 14... ) and im really into this kind of stuff, and I literally just buy all kinds of makeup. and it's so expensive, especially since the branded ones are real expensive but I don't dare buy products from small companies because I have sensitive skin and allergies...
Load More Replies...Ask my husband about his astronomy stuff, his 3-D printer stuff, his laser etching thingy stuff, his woodworking stuff.
I collect skylanders! I currently have over 110 and the entire first game roster! my poor mothers wallet.
They forgot one: Barbies. I'm not what you would call a hard-core collector by any means. But I have in the area of five dozen Barbie dolls, not including the original Kelly Club and Kiddles. I don't collect them for their monetary value; I grew up with some of them and liked them. There are very few of the newer ones that interest me; frankly, I find them disappointing. But the ones from the 80's down are the best. Rooted eyelashes, twist-and-turn waist, snap-click legs, and authentic clothing are good selling points for me.
Mine is KPOP, damn they have a lot of inclusion & collectible items from albums, album photocards, season greetings, fan meetings, membership, lightsticks, and concert tickets. Even their albums each come up in at least 3 full versions and mini versions of each member. Different web/album distributor gives different sets of photocards. I couldn't collect everything though, since I'm on a budget. But there are fans who collect everything and I'm amazed. Oh and then collabs with products for special edition products. In addition, that's for just ONE group, imagine people who stans multi groups. just wow
YES omg I feel you. I know this is a huge scam, but I still willingly hand over my money...
Load More Replies...I once got a £30k payout after breaking my pelvis in a motorbike crash — I spent ~£15k on cannabis & fast motorbikes and just wasted the rest :-) EDIT: Cagiva Raptor 996 & Suzuki GSX-R600R K1, in case you're wondering. They were both epic.
My husband goes in cycles: photography, cigar/pipes, guitars, ink drawings, kites - he's a National Kite Flying Champion. A decent kite (apparently the French make the best) is $300 minimum. He's gotten a lot better about his spending, and at least he has a well rounded personality.
Makeup, I'm not a make-up artist or anything by any means but I have a lot! And a job that doesn't need an elaborate look every day, nor do I go out enough to justify it all. I've put on a full face just to sit at home. Also, art supplies. One day I'll finish these projects!!!
hahahahahahaha tooootally didn’t do anything like this…. spent 40$ on first magic the gathering purchase…. gotta be in the 100s now…. 200 maybe in a freaking month?
Metal working hobby, my friends can't understand why I spend hundreds on tools e.g a $1300 tig welding machine for my hobby and not wanting to make money out of it. 2023 new hobby, 3D printing 😅 Bambu Lab X1 + AMS $1500. Yes, it's a little bit expensive but it makes me happy 😊 and that's the only thing that matters.
Scented candles. Just ordered 3, got another 3 for free, but 2 were broken. Wrote them an email and they answered that they are sorry, and they well send 2 new ones right away, and that I should throw away the ones with the broken glass. I won't do that, I will melt them and put them in new glasses. Over 100€ for 3 candles was a bit hardcore, but now I'll have 8 :-D Never ordered from that company before, and I love everything about them, but I'm afraid I'm a bad customer because it will take YEARS to finish those 8 candles.
If you have the money, then no amount it too high if you spend it on doing something you love. Life is short, definitely too short to be unnecessarily stingy to yourself.
well, as long as you enjoy whatever you spent your money on, and you are using it well, the money was well spent
Yep. Blew all my Christmas money last year for fursuit supplies
Load More Replies...The day people will learn. It is a name! You don't put s behind name all the time!!!
Load More Replies...So long as you actually have the money to spend and you, personally, don’t consider it to be a waste and enjoy it, there isn’t much harm in having an expensive hobby. There can certainly be some regret in hindsight (I’d like to have that money to spend on something I need now) but life is short and we can’t take it with us so, within reason, do what you want.
Live action role play. Expensive fake weapons, expensive gear ( including a custom made leather armour), even learned sewing (and bought an expensive sewing machine) for that hobby. Additional fees for the conventions, traveling cost and food/beverages. And I have zero regrets
I confess to being surprised how many folks had come to Tewkesbury medieval fair from overseas, some to be part of the battle re-enactment (with horses!) Some just to walk round
Load More Replies...Warhammer miniatures, Gundam, videogames and anime figurines. All of this is quite expensive, but I don't have kids so I got the money
Metal detecting lol, buying a nice metal detector is around $300-$1000 then $150 for a pinpointer and $400 on shovels and other gear and $100s for keeping your finds stored safely. + Most detectorists have 2-3 metal detectors depending on what you want to find :)
I wanna say Kpop. I've put a lot of money into it (already 3k rmb for this year ) to by albums, nightsticks, photo cards, and others. but I really don't regret anything, and I feel like my spending is pretty rational apart from this
and also makeup. I study professional art (even though im only 14... ) and im really into this kind of stuff, and I literally just buy all kinds of makeup. and it's so expensive, especially since the branded ones are real expensive but I don't dare buy products from small companies because I have sensitive skin and allergies...
Load More Replies...Ask my husband about his astronomy stuff, his 3-D printer stuff, his laser etching thingy stuff, his woodworking stuff.
I collect skylanders! I currently have over 110 and the entire first game roster! my poor mothers wallet.
They forgot one: Barbies. I'm not what you would call a hard-core collector by any means. But I have in the area of five dozen Barbie dolls, not including the original Kelly Club and Kiddles. I don't collect them for their monetary value; I grew up with some of them and liked them. There are very few of the newer ones that interest me; frankly, I find them disappointing. But the ones from the 80's down are the best. Rooted eyelashes, twist-and-turn waist, snap-click legs, and authentic clothing are good selling points for me.
Mine is KPOP, damn they have a lot of inclusion & collectible items from albums, album photocards, season greetings, fan meetings, membership, lightsticks, and concert tickets. Even their albums each come up in at least 3 full versions and mini versions of each member. Different web/album distributor gives different sets of photocards. I couldn't collect everything though, since I'm on a budget. But there are fans who collect everything and I'm amazed. Oh and then collabs with products for special edition products. In addition, that's for just ONE group, imagine people who stans multi groups. just wow
YES omg I feel you. I know this is a huge scam, but I still willingly hand over my money...
Load More Replies...I once got a £30k payout after breaking my pelvis in a motorbike crash — I spent ~£15k on cannabis & fast motorbikes and just wasted the rest :-) EDIT: Cagiva Raptor 996 & Suzuki GSX-R600R K1, in case you're wondering. They were both epic.
My husband goes in cycles: photography, cigar/pipes, guitars, ink drawings, kites - he's a National Kite Flying Champion. A decent kite (apparently the French make the best) is $300 minimum. He's gotten a lot better about his spending, and at least he has a well rounded personality.
Makeup, I'm not a make-up artist or anything by any means but I have a lot! And a job that doesn't need an elaborate look every day, nor do I go out enough to justify it all. I've put on a full face just to sit at home. Also, art supplies. One day I'll finish these projects!!!
hahahahahahaha tooootally didn’t do anything like this…. spent 40$ on first magic the gathering purchase…. gotta be in the 100s now…. 200 maybe in a freaking month?
Metal working hobby, my friends can't understand why I spend hundreds on tools e.g a $1300 tig welding machine for my hobby and not wanting to make money out of it. 2023 new hobby, 3D printing 😅 Bambu Lab X1 + AMS $1500. Yes, it's a little bit expensive but it makes me happy 😊 and that's the only thing that matters.
Scented candles. Just ordered 3, got another 3 for free, but 2 were broken. Wrote them an email and they answered that they are sorry, and they well send 2 new ones right away, and that I should throw away the ones with the broken glass. I won't do that, I will melt them and put them in new glasses. Over 100€ for 3 candles was a bit hardcore, but now I'll have 8 :-D Never ordered from that company before, and I love everything about them, but I'm afraid I'm a bad customer because it will take YEARS to finish those 8 candles.