Mogul In Training

Since adopting a more Minimalist lifestyle, there are a few things I wonder why I ever wasted good money on. Adopting a Minimalist lifestye requires before any new purchase, the following questions are asked: Do I REALLY need this item?; How much use will I REALLY get from this item?; Can I borrow this item, rather than buy it?; Is this purchase in line with my new values?

Given the new consciousness I employ before making a purchase I am more aware of those items I will never waste my hard earned money on again:

* Cable TV--I can watch any television program from network television to cable programming on the internet for free. In fact, a new report released by the Yankee Group indicates one in eight Americans will drop their cable TV subscription before the end of 2010. So, I actually consider myself a trendsetter in this area because I have been without cable since 2008--Yeah me!

* Magazine Subscriptions--I now assign one Saturday out of the month library day. On this day, I read all of my favorite magazines for free, then LEAVE them at the library--no more unnecessary clutter to recycle. This is also the day I check out or return any books I want to read/have already read.

* A NEW car--I will probably never be car-free, like some Minimalist. But, I will certainly never pay full price for a such an expensive depreciating asset again. From this point forward, it is Certified Pre-Owned all the way, baby!

* Home Decor--There are entirely too many consignment stores that sell these items in excellent to very good condition at a fraction of the cost. Why do I need a brand new vase anyway? Or picture frames or lamps?

*Gym Membership--I love running and it is free. Besides, I never got my money's worth because the act of having to drive to the location to work out was just too much of a hassle for me. I used the membership only because I was paying for it, not because I enjoyed it. So, never again.

*A Pet--there are thousands of perfectly good pets at the pound who need a home, especially after many pet owners could not afford to keep their pets due to the effects of the Great Recession. Sure, I'll have to pay to have the pet spayed/neutered and vaccinated, but not for the pet itself.

*Ringtones--they are ridiculous to me. No offense to anyone who has one, but I just don't get it. My phone can have a regular ring like in the old day, circa 2005. This is just another way cellphone companies have found to jack up the cost of the service--and consumers are falling for it hook, line and sinker.

So, that's the short list of the things I will never pay for again. What are some things you will never pay for or never pay for again?