Weddings, Casinos, and Other Things Redditors Say Are the Biggest Waste of Money

Ah, the age-old debate about what's worth spending our hard-earned cash on. Some folks argue that weddings are nothing but an expensive party and a massive waste of money, while others say casinos and bottled water are the ultimate waste of dough. Regardless, most of us have probably splurged on something that isn't exactly good for us at some point. (Not me writing this while I sip on a $7 latte.) Here are nine things Redditors say are the ultimate waste of money. 

Related: 10 Life Hacks to Save You Money

Unsurprisingly, a large number of users agreed on this one: Weddings are pricey. "Crazy expensive day. Guaranteed at least one relative will kick up a stink. Massive pressure to be 'The Happiest Day of Your Life,'" writes one user, adding, "Everything doubles in cost if you say it's for a wedding (dress, suit, cake, venue)." If you're not a hopeless romantic, perhaps it's not worth spending tens of thousands on just one party. 

Related: 20 Reasons Not to Have a Wedding

"Organic and 'clean' products [are] a big freaking marketing joke. [You're] paying for a feeling basically," writes one user. Indeed, organic products can operate like a a scam because they are often priced higher than non-organic products without any significant difference in nutritional value or taste. In fact, organic produce is just as likely to be laden with pesticides as its non-organic counterparts. 

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You know the saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger?" That does not apply when it comes to cigarettes. Not only are they bad for the smoker because of the harmful chemicals and toxins they contain, they can also negatively impact the health of those around them through exposure to secondhand smoke. "Cigarettes [are] $13+ for a pack of cancer," writes one user. (Well when you put it like that...)

While some people may enjoy the thrill of gambling, the negative consequences tend to outweigh any potential benefits. Gambling can quickly become a vice that can lead to addiction, financial ruin, and social problems. "I once gambled $100 away in about ten minutes," writes one Redditor, adding, "Occasionally you'll get lucky and walk out ahead. Until you go back again." Our advice? It's not worth getting hooked on it.

One thing that can help curb the urge to gamble, is to remember how wildly rich it's made casino owners. 

Fireworks can be expensive due to the manufacturing and safety regulations involved.  And while they can be entertaining, the excitement is often short-lived, making the cost per minute of enjoyment pretty steep and not worth it for some people. "Fireworks, I love them, but it's like $50 per second for the good ones," writes one user, while another adds, "Yeah, just go to the local firework event and see it [for] free." 

This one is slightly more controversial: Redditors say donating to certain parties such as politicians, YouTubers, and social media influencers can be a waste of money. Since there is no guarantee that the politician will win the election or follow through on their promises if they do win, donating large sums of money to already wealthy individuals may seem counterproductive. As one user writes, "Like a Billionaire [even] needs your donations." 

Not only is bottled water more expensive than tap water, it also offers no significant health benefits. In addition, the production, transportation, and disposal of plastic water bottles are not doing any favors for the environment. "Bottled water in developed countries is environmentally destructive idiocy," writes one user. For an eco-friendly choice that will keep your drinks hot or old for hours, consider these reusable options.

"Only buying branded OTC medicine," is a waste of money, writes one user, adding, "Generic versions are just as good." Indeed, the FDA requires that generic drugs meet the same standards for safety, effectiveness, and quality as brand name drugs. Generic drugs also typically contain the same active ingredients — in the same dosage and form — as their brand name counterparts.

Hate to break it to ya, but your fancy lawn could be ripping you off. "Paying someone money to make your yard toxic to children, birds, dogs, and other animals because you want your grass to look like a green carpet," writes one user, adding, "Meanwhile, all your yard does is burn fossil fuels (mower) and deplete the soil. Make it make sense." So, not only are lawns expensive, they're also terrible for the environment; got it.