It feels like no matter how much you budget, some things always get pushed to the bottom of the list.
Thanks to literally everything being more expensive these days, most of our money is gone before we even get a say. As a result, those little things we used to treat ourselves to start feeling more like luxuries. Once, they were things you wouldn’t think twice about, but now? They’re the first to go when money gets tight, and it can really get you down.
1. Takeaways that aren’t a total rip-off
Once upon a time, a Friday night takeaway was a cheap and cheerful treat. Now, it’s basically a financial decision. By the time you’ve added a couple of mains, sides, and a delivery fee, you’re looking at the cost of a small food shop. Even the trusty chippy has started creeping up in price, making you question whether you really need that portion of mushy peas. And with delivery apps adding ridiculous service fees, it’s no wonder people are starting to rethink whether that burger is really worth the extra £6 just to get it to the door.
2. A decent night out without worrying about the bill
Going out for drinks used to be a fun, casual plan. Now, it feels like a financial commitment. Between overpriced cocktails, ridiculous pint prices, and clubs charging just to get through the door, a spontaneous night out just isn’t as easy to justify anymore. Even a casual pub night can leave you doing mental maths at the bar, working out how many drinks you can get before your bank account starts looking scary. And let’s not even talk about those “optional” service charges that seem to appear out of nowhere.
3. Holidays that don’t require months of saving
There was a time when a weekend getaway or a last-minute holiday deal didn’t feel completely out of reach. Now, even a budget-friendly trip requires serious planning and saving. Flights have gone up, accommodation prices are through the roof, and even a staycation can set you back more than you’d expect. Factor in spending money, transport, and those sneaky hidden fees, and suddenly, a “cheap” break doesn’t seem so cheap. More people are swapping holidays abroad for weekends at home, just to avoid the stress of draining their bank account.
4. Concert tickets that don’t cost as much as rent
Seeing your favourite artist live used to be an exciting treat, but now, it’s a financial nightmare. Ticket prices have skyrocketed, and even the “cheap” seats still cost more than a decent food shop. Add in booking fees, and suddenly, you’re paying double just to sit in the nosebleed section. Festivals aren’t much better, with weekend passes costing more than an entire holiday. And even if you do somehow manage to get a ticket, expect to pay £8 for a pint once you’re there. Live music is becoming a luxury instead of a fun night out.
5. Streaming services that don’t feel like a rip-off
Source: Unsplash There was a time when streaming was meant to save us money. Now, with every service charging more and adding extra fees, it feels like a second set of bills. Between Netflix, Disney+, Prime, and all the others, the monthly costs add up fast. Even worse, some platforms are cracking down on account sharing, meaning people are paying more just to watch the same stuff. Suddenly, illegally downloading films is starting to look a lot more tempting.
6. A gym membership that isn’t extortionate
Staying healthy is important, but gym prices are making it harder to justify. Whether it’s a big-name gym charging ridiculous monthly fees or budget gyms sneaking in extra costs, fitness is becoming another thing people have to cut back on. Even classes and personal training sessions feel more like a luxury than a necessity. More people are turning to home workouts or outdoor running—not because they love it, but because they can’t justify the price of a monthly membership.
7. Going to the cinema without taking out a loan
Seeing a film at the cinema used to be an affordable treat. Now, ticket prices are so high that you start wondering if you should just wait for it to come to streaming. And if you want snacks, forget it. A large popcorn and drink now cost about the same as a sit-down meal. By the time you’ve paid for tickets, drinks, and maybe a cheeky bag of overpriced sweets, you’ve spent more than you would on a night out. It’s no wonder so many people are just waiting for films to hit their TV screens.
8. A haircut that doesn’t make your wallet cry
Getting a trim used to be a quick, affordable part of life. Now, even the simplest haircut can cost a small fortune. For anything beyond a basic cut, you’re looking at prices that make you question if you really need a new style. If you want a colour or a bit of extra styling, as well, expect to pay enough to make you consider box dye as a serious option. Salons are great, but these days, they’re starting to feel like a once-a-year treat rather than a regular visit.
9. Decent skincare and beauty products
Source: Unsplash Once, you could pick up your favourite moisturiser or foundation without much thought. Now, even pharmacy brands are creeping up in price, making you second-guess whether you really need that new bottle. High-end products? They’re practically untouchable. Even worse, some brands have started shrinking their packaging while keeping the price the same. So not only are you paying more, but you’re getting less for your money. Skincare and makeup are now a luxury instead of an everyday essential.
10. Eating out without feeling guilty
Going out for a meal used to be a fun treat that didn’t require much thought. Now, with restaurant prices climbing higher than ever, even a casual dinner feels like a major decision. The price of starters alone can make you rethink your whole order. By the time the bill arrives, you’re already regretting your life choices. Service charges, drinks, and sides all add up, turning what should have been a relaxed meal into an expensive shock.
11. Clothes shopping without sticker shock
It used to be easy to pick up a few bits without breaking the bank. Now, even fast fashion brands are creeping up in price, making you think twice about every single purchase. A basic hoodie that used to be £20 is now pushing £40. It’s getting harder to justify buying new clothes when prices are rising, but quality is staying the same (or even going down). More people are turning to second-hand shopping, not just for sustainability, but because it’s the only way to get decent clothes without going broke.
12. A night at a hotel without spending half your savings
Hotels used to be a nice, affordable way to get away for a night or two. Now, even the most basic places are charging sky-high prices. City breaks have become a joke, with budget hotels charging premium prices just because they can. By the time you’ve paid for a room, breakfast, and whatever hidden fees they throw in, you start wondering if it would’ve been cheaper to fly somewhere instead. Staying anywhere but home is quickly becoming a luxury.
13. Having a hobby that doesn’t cost a fortune
Hobbies used to be a fun way to unwind, but now, even the simplest ones come with a hefty price tag. Gym memberships, crafting supplies, photography gear, and even reading — everything seems to cost more than it should. Even casual gaming now requires subscriptions, expensive consoles, or in-game purchases just to keep up. It’s getting harder to enjoy hobbies without spending a small fortune. More people are looking for cheaper alternatives, whether it’s second-hand equipment, free online resources, or just accepting that their “hobby” might just be scrolling social media for free entertainment.
14. Owning a pet without spending a fortune
Having a pet used to be a relatively affordable joy, but now, even basic care comes with a hefty price tag. Vet bills have skyrocketed, pet food costs more than some human meals, and insurance prices keep climbing. Even adopting a rescue animal isn’t as cheap as it once was. For many people, the dream of getting a pet is put on hold simply because the costs are too high. It’s no longer just about love and responsibility, it’s about whether you can afford to keep up with the endless expenses. Suddenly, goldfish are looking like the best option.
15. Owning a car without it draining your bank account
Once upon a time, running a car was manageable. Now? Fuel prices are unpredictable, insurance is through the roof, and even basic maintenance costs can leave you wincing. The days of cheap road tax and affordable MOTs feel like a distant memory. For many, public transport isn’t much better, but at least it doesn’t come with the stress of surprise repair bills. More people are questioning whether they even need a car anymore because unless you absolutely have to drive, the cost is becoming impossible to justify.
