Advertising convinces us we need more than we actually do — and as a result, millions of Americans end up with closets, cabinets, and garages packed with items they never use.
In a recent breakdown shared on his YouTube channel, Ramsey Solutions financial expert George Kamel reviewed a list first published by GOBankingRates, highlighting 14 purchases that often collect dust while draining bank accounts.
Kamel added his own commentary and practical tips to help consumers avoid buying things that sound useful in the moment but ultimately become wasted money. Here are the items that make the list — and why so many of them sit untouched.
1. Online Subscriptions
Free trials turn into forgotten charges.
Kamel noted that subscriptions aren’t necessarily bad, but they must be evaluated regularly. His rule: if you haven’t used it in the past 30 days — and won’t in the next 30 — cancel it.
2. Extended Warranties
Popular add-ons for cars, furniture and appliances rarely pay off, Kamel said.
Instead of buying extra coverage, he recommends putting money aside for future repairs or replacement.
3. Filing Cabinets
Once a household staple, filing cabinets have been replaced by digital storage.
“Take a picture of anything important and toss the paper,” Kamel advised.
4. Expensive Home Exercise Equipment
The treadmill-turned-clothes-hanger is a familiar sight.
Kamel admitted he has fallen for this trap himself. Unless you’re committed to ongoing use, large exercise machines often become pricey decor.
5. “Silly” Baby Accessories
From tiny designer shoes to trendy gadgets, much of the baby gear marketed to new parents isn’t necessary.
Kamel said most families only need the basics.
6. Cookbooks
Well-intentioned purchases that rarely get opened.
Most people simply search online instead — or, as Kamel joked, ask ChatGPT for recipe help.
7. Gym Memberships
Aspiration often outweighs reality.
People assume paying more will motivate them, but Kamel noted that it only increases guilt when the membership goes unused.
8. Planners and Journals
Unless you truly prefer pen and paper, these often sit blank.
Digital tools have largely replaced traditional planners for many people.
9. Single-Use Kitchen Appliances
Cake-pop makers, hot dog machines and similar devices usually get used once, then shelved.
Borrow them, buy used, or skip them entirely, Kamel suggested.
10. Travel Accessories
Many travelers overpack by purchasing gadgets they “might” need.
Kamel recommends bringing only essentials — and buying anything else at the destination if necessary.
11. Souvenirs
Photos preserve memories better than keychains and trinkets, Kamel said.
He prefers spending money on the experience rather than objects.
12. Extra Camping Gear
Before investing in additional accessories, Kamel suggests waiting until you actually need something on a trip.
“Too many gadgets and it turns into glamping,” he joked.
13. Specialized Sports Equipment
New hobbies shouldn’t require major investment upfront.
Kamel shared that he once bought a used set of golf clubs for $50 — a smart move since he only played once.
14. Frivolous Pet Purchases
Pets are lovable — but spoiling them is expensive.
It’s fine to treat them, Kamel said, as long as it fits the budget and you recognize many items will be used only once or twice.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: “14 Items We Always Buy but Don’t Actually Use, According to a Ramsey Expert.”