Most of us have no trouble remembering the best things we ever bought. The worst things are another matter.
Anyway, here’s my list. How does it compare to yours?
1. My first house
Purchase Date: 1990
Purchase Price: $114,000
Inflation Adjusted Price: $229,000
Why it’s in my bottom ten: These items are in no particular order, but this one takes the cake. I bought my first house at the top of the market. As a result, I spent the next seven years owing more than it was worth — which meant I couldn’t sell it unless I wanted to shell out about $20,000 to the make my lender whole. So I chose to ride out the downturn, which is a reasonable strategy for most people. Unfortunately, the house was in a less-than-desirable neighborhood, just 100 yards from a very busy — and extremely loud — rail line that carried freight and commuter trains 24/7.
2. Backyard irrigation system
Purchase Date: 1998
Purchase Price: $1500 (approximate)
Inflation Adjusted Price: $2435
Why it’s in my bottom ten: When evaluating multiple contractor bids, the lowest price is not necessarily the best deal — especially when the lowest price is significantly less than the other offers. Every time one of my sprinkler pipes burst I’m reminded of that, thanks to the shoddy material my contractor used to cut corners.
3. Double stack guitar amplifier
Purchase Date: 1993
Purchase Price: $995
Inflation Adjusted Price: $1808
Why it’s in my bottom ten: I had big dreams in my twenties: I was going to be a rock and roll star! Of course, that meant playing the part — so I grew my hair out and bought a double-stack guitar amplifier. Talk about overkill. I could have played Dodger Stadium with that thing. The trouble is, my band was only playing small bars. Here’s a picture of it:
The Relics. Upland, California (c. 1995). That’s yours truly on the right — with hair!
4. Vacation in the Bahamas
Purchase Date: 1990
Purchase Price: $1000 (approximate)
Inflation Adjusted Price: $2008
Why it’s in my bottom ten: An ex-girlfriend decided to surprise me with a ridiculously-priced travel package “deal” to the Bahamas. For $199 we got a romantic “cruise” to our destination in Freeport, and seven days and six nights of lodging at a local “resort.” The airfare, food, and other expenses weren’t included — but we didn’t care because we got the deal of a lifetime! Or so we thought. Our cruise ship was a rickety fishing boat and the “resort” was a run-down apartment in the worst part of Freeport, miles from the beach. And it rained incessantly. Without a doubt, it was the worst vacation ever.
5. Sony 400 CD player
Purchase Date: 2001
Purchase Price: $295
Inflation Adjusted Price: $444
Why it’s in my bottom ten: Remember these? The first time I laid eyes on Sony’s CDP-CX400, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. Yes, the machines were humongous and bulky; mine tipped the scales at 9 pounds. True, they also had a primitive programming interface. But this baby allowed me to store, play and shuffle 400 (!) discs, which meant I could finally dump my space-wasting CD racks in the trash. Even so, my love affair with the CDP-CX400 ended less than a year after I bought it. Why? Because Apple unleashed a brand new invention called the iPod, instantly rendering the CDP-CX400 obsolete.
6. Movie rental: The Good German
Purchase Date: 2009
Purchase Price: $1 (rental price)
Inflation Adjusted Price: $1.24
Why it’s in my bottom ten: Laugh all you want. This movie was so bad that if I had snuck into the theater to see it I’d still demand my money back.
7. Los Angeles Kings Alexei Zhitnik hockey jersey
Purchase Date: 1994
Purchase Price: $120
Inflation Adjusted Price:
Why it’s in my bottom ten: Back in 1994, I decided to buy myself a new Los Angeles Kings hockey jersey. But rather than putting Wayne Gretzky’s name and number of the back, I decided to take the contrarian route and go with Alexei Zhitnik instead. Dumb move. Less than a year later, the Kings traded Zhitnik to the Buffalo Sabres for a Zamboni machine and two used hockey pucks.
8. Brunswick air hockey table
Purchase Date: 2018
Purchase Price: $1500
Inflation Adjusted Price: $1583
Why it’s in my bottom ten: Several years ago we decided to convert our large living room into a game room. It was a brilliant move; doing so turned a room that only got used a few times a year into one that is occupied almost all the time. We added a gorgeous custom-made shuffleboard table, a dartboard, a bar, and one of those cocktail table video arcade games that plays PacMan, Centipede and other ’80s favorites. We also bought a high-quality Brunswick air hockey table. That was definitely not a good idea. I never realized how loud those things are — especially in a room with a cathedral ceiling. Whenever an air hockey game was being played, the whole world came to a complete stop; even simple conversations were impossible. So I replaced it a year later with a poker table; that’s much quieter — and it gets more use too.
9. Whirlpool tub
Purchase Date: 1997
Purchase Price: $600
Inflation Adjusted Price: $989
Why it’s in my bottom ten: When we bought our current home, the builder asked us if we wanted to “upgrade” our master bath with a whirlpool tub — so we did. Big mistake. It didn’t take us long to realize that the disadvantages of whirlpool tubs far outweigh their advantages. Ultimately, we used the tub two times. Trust me: whirlpool tubs are for suckers.
10. Dinner in Maui
Purchase Date: 2011
Purchase Price: $150.00 (tip included)
Inflation Adjusted Price: $178
Why it’s in my bottom ten: The Honeybee and I were vacationing in Maui, and happened upon a fine dining place that was showcasing photos of the owner posing with rocker Steven Tyler in the restaurant’s dining room. You’d think if Steven Tyler was willing to pose for pictures with the owner, the food must be fabulous, right? Wrong. The food was terrible and over-priced — which is why I now avoid any restaurants endorsed by Steven Tyler.
Photo Credit (truck): p. Gordon
Steven Tyler… always leading people astray. *sigh.
Oh, and don’t even get me started on the overpriced ottomans.. For some reason women think they’re such a good idea, but no one ever actually uses them. If you want to put your feet up, get a recliner.
Well said, Peter. I still like to tempt fate and occasionally remind you-know-who that after all these years, nobody still ever uses our ottoman (that you-know-who insisted we get over my protest).
She still disagrees with me too. (Of course.)
I wish we did have an ottoman – we use our coffee table as a foot rest and oh what it does to the finish!
So that’s why our coffee table is so jacked up! 😉
I agree with the Tub.
I would like to add my recliner with that. In three years I used that two times.
I don’t own a recliner, so I am agnostic on those. My father-in-law, Tony, is missing his recliner right now. In fact, he recently mentioned he was in the market for a new one. (I said “new one,” SA.) 😉
As Peter suggested, for those clamoring for an ottoman, recliners seem like a wiser alternative.
I have a very nice name brand leather recliner. I bought it for $300 at a surplus and salvage store. (If you’re from Maine you know which store I mean) It was the best $300 I’ve ever spent. When I’m not sitting in it, my dog is. I highly recommend a recliner over an ottoman.
It sounds like your purchases made quite an impression on you! I don’t think I can remember much of anything I purchase unless they are big ticket items, like my house or my car. Although, there was this one bedside table I bought for about $60 and I swear it was put together with glue and scrap pieces of wood. It was so rickety and terrible, I couldn’t use it after a week of owning it.
Carrie, you need to stop shopping at Ikea.
Now, that may be true! Although in this case it wasn’t Ikea furniture.
Sucks about the house but at least you didn’t buy at the latest bubble! The sports Jersey thing happens all the time unfortunately. At least you have learned from your mistakes!
You’re right, Lance. I bought my current home at the bottom of the last housing run-up for $200k. It’s value climbed as high as $750k and it’s now supposedly worth about $450k — so I probably don’t ever have to worry about being upside down on this one. As I see it, I paid my dues with that first house.
As an Angels season ticket holder for eight years, I would never buy a jersey with a player’s name on it. They change the players in professional sports faster than they change their underwear. Team and player loyalty is one thing I really miss from the old days.
You’re right about player-team loyalty, Bret. Ever since the Zhitnik debacle, in addition to your solution, I also sometimes go with beloved retired players who are (preferably) hall-of-famers or soon-to-be hall-of-famers. My latest Kings jersey, for example, carries Luc Robitaille’s name and number on the back. My next Dodger jersey will probably have manager Tommy Lasorda’s number on it. RIP, Tommy.
LOL at the movie!
The fact that you remember all of these things (and their price) is impressive. I guess that’s a sure sign that you truly regretted it.
There’s a couple of items there I approximated, Julie — but point taken! When it comes to my finances, I tend to have a mind like a steel trap.
As for the “The Good German” … you’ve been warned! 😉
Worst thing I ever bought: Paid a premium for a York Triathlon gas AC/heat pump to replace the old HVAC system. It was supposed to be super efficient and save “up to” 50% on heating and cooling bills. It actually had a natural gas powered engine to operate the compressor. Sounded like a lawnmower engine when it cranked up.
Buying a leading edge (i.e., bleeding edge) HVAC system taught me the meaning of “pioneer” – the guy with all the arrows in his back.
When it worked, it was actually efficient, but it needed a LOT of service calls. The frequent breakdowns were covered by warranty, but regular maintenance easily cost double a normal HVAC system, more than wiping out any energy savings. The system was eventually replaced as part of a class action law suit.
I know. That’s why I try to not buy anything “cutting edge” unless it has been on the market for a few years, DC. I get it though, I’m sure it seemed like a really good idea at the time.
Then again, I should talk … I’m pretty sure that Sony 400 CD player was out only a year or so when I bought it. (Like I tell my kids, “Do as I say, not as I do.”) he he
When we bought our family room set, I actually insisted on the ottoman. It does get used for its intended purpose and it also serves as an extra ‘chair’ when we have company. But, the kids do use it to play on, though they haven’t figured out to push it around. They just put toys on and around it.
But, the kids do use it to play on, though they havent figured out to push it around.
Oh trust me … they will! (Whether it has wheels or not.)
Funny. We got our ottoman at a thrift store for $5 and use it as a coffee table.
Ours holds the family room blankets. It kind of reminds me of our old treadmill, which ended up being a clothes hangar after we eventually got tired of using it.
Now that I think of it, our whirlpool tub is also an occasional repository for other stuff on “death row” waiting to be placed out on the curb for bulk trash pick up.
My iPad. What a waste of $600. It’s not half as good as my old PC.
People either love ’em or hate ’em, Tony. I know folks on both sides of the debate.
The actual worst thing you ever bought was a haircut for that rock star hair. Do you still have that jacket?
ha ha hee hee … good one, Paul.
Sadly, I no longer have that cool jacket because I, um, outgrew it.
I bought it at a “hip” mall-based clothing retailer called Chess King (anyone remember those stores?) that went out of business about 15 years ago.
As for the hair cut … no comment. 😉
I am still laughing that “The Good German” made it onto your list. And I completely agree that recliners totally trump ottomans.
Thanks about mentioning Whirlpool tubs – we are paying nearly $6000 for master bath upgrades in the new house but a Whirlpool tub isn’t one of them, yay! Why do we need a shower big enough for 3-4 people, I will never know…I sometimes let hubby win.
Is it just me, Crystal, or are recliners mainly a Midwest and (to a lesser extent) a Northeast thing?
My experience has been you don’t see a lot of them in the West and South.
They are all over Houston, TX at least…you do not screw with a man’s recliner. My husband and I have two couches in the living room AND two recliners…the couches are mainly for when I want to lay down or when we have guests.
A shower big enough for 3-4 people? That sounds like one heck of a housewarming party.
Yep!
Did you eventually sell your house in item #1?
Yes. The new owners assumed my existing loan. I don’t think many mortgages today are assumable, however. It is a terrific luxury to have though — especially when the market is depressed.
When I was in my 20s and newly married, mid-1980s, we paid $600 for a BETAMAX hi-fi player. I loved how it sounded with my stereo speakers. Within a year, betamax was out and VHS was in. After 30 years, I still remember that bad decision because I learned from it.
Ah yes … Betamax. A classic example of why better technology doesn’t always make for a better business model.
Just as a point of reference, the $600 you paid in the mid 80s is the equivalent of almost $1300 in today’s dollars. I know. I certainly feel your pain.
A Zhitnik jersey? Could have been worse I guess. You could of had a McSorley jersey.
Ouch.
There are two types of people who can honorably wear a jersey with another man’s name on it:
1. Little kids
2. The woman he is sleeping with
Double ouch.
My 1st candy vending machine for my “vending machine business” is still lying in the basement…
The worst thing I ever bought was a muppet puppet. I thought I wanted to be a puppeteer. Don’t laugh….I was about 10 years old. Luckily I was able to sell it on Craigslist. I only wish I had bought it there too. Now when I want to try a new hobby-I start with Craigslist first!
Chase
It’s funny how things that seem good at the time can quickly turn to unwanted items. We look back and wonder what the attraction was, but somehow it was there at the time. I often wonder how much I would have saved if I hadn’t bought certain items that I wish I hadn’t.
Com on Lenzo, if the DVD and hot tub are your worst purchases, your life is pretty darn good!
I would sit in my whirlpool tub every afternoon after tennis. I sit in my jet tub for literally an hour three times a year. Low maintenance!
+1!
Buying a cellphone and after a few months later a new model was out with better specs and low price…:(
This post really made me laugh. It makes me think of the ten worst things that I also bought!
Well? Are you going to share or leave us all hangin’, Teddy?
I have to agree with your number 1. MY house was quite awful too – one of the worst decisions I made in life.
I agree with you on number 5. Sony CD player really sucked me up.
HAHA! i was cracking up at the $150 dinner (number 10) tip included haha.
never trust steven tyler!
I love your number 10. I guess Steve Tyler is not much an authority when it comes to food quality and restaurants.
Apparently, Benny, he judges food like he used to judge the contestants on American Idol: he loves everything!
This post made me laugh as it made me think of all of the useless items I have bought over the years…now I work with some of the best retail consultants here in the UK – I think its because of by bad buying history that I learned so much about purchasing I can now preach it to others!
A double stack amp is little bigger if you mainly played in bar. You should buy a smaller one. BTW, do you still play your guitar now? It is fun even though you didn’t become a rock star.
Some of these are quite funny, thanks for sharing. I’m sure we all have a top 10 of our regret purchases, thanks for sharing your top ten. Cheers
Occasionally I still have to purchase “my worst thing”. For this-or-that reason, I have to visit this-or-that place where there is crowding, e.g. a city.
The gasoline required is “the thing”.
The double stack amplifier, damn that one is for me too ^^
And buying countless cheap guitars that ended sold for nothing on craiglist…
Back in the day, I used to shop at a music store that had lots of smooth-talking salesmen walking around who would lick their chops when they saw me walk in the door. Glad to know I’m not the only sucker who bought more amplification than I needed, Xavier!
Worst thing I ever bought? A 14-year old Corvette. Not a classic. Not reliable. Slightly fun, when working. Mostly made we wish I could have a mulligan.
I’m sorry to hear that, John. That’s a pretty expensive one!
Never bought most of those things Len, including a house. Built and sold quite a few, built and lived in two personally, including the present one……but never been on the buying side of the table. My side has better views…….ahahhahaaaa.
Worst movie ? Barton Fink….total waste of video tape.
Worst vacation ? Cruise we took one week…..unbelievable waste of money. I resolved to simply stay home and throw money in the creek before ever going on another one.
Before COVID, the Honeybee kept pushing me to go on a cruise. I always refused — even before this pandemic there were plenty of nightmare stories out there that convinced me cruise ships are floating petrie dishes. And in my case, I get sea sick very easily anyway … a week or two of that is not my idea of fun.
Love this list. I think it’s so important that we learn from our mistakes and move forward. I’m sorry to hear that your first house was such a bad purchase… I can imagine that it might be a little annoying to hear the trains during the day and night. At least you were able to ride out the market downturn – that’s a wise move.
Keep up the great work Len!
Cheers,
Fiona
Thank you, Fiona.
I laugh at the Sony 400 CD player! I just got a Sony 400 DVD player and love the fact that I no longer see all 200+ of my old school DVDs that I just cant seem to part with. I wired into a cabinet so I cant be reminded how BIG it is. I also took all of the DVD covers and put them in a big 3 ring binder. Thanks for the list! Love the hair!
I still have the player … Amazingly, I notice they are actually being sold (and purchased) on eBay for $150. Others are asking $$250 for them, although I do not think they are getting it.
I still remember a photo of Steven Tyler with the comment that he’s starting to look like a cool “rocker grandma”.
Sorry about the hair. Time has a way of shaving a man’s head.
So true.