Read Time: 2.5 Minutes
During this financial year, I wasted R2 819 on digital tools that I either never used or didn’t need. At the time, I thought these tools would help my business, but as the months passed, I realised I had wasted money. The problem wasn’t the products themselves—it was my decision-making process.
If you have ever been tempted by a new app or software subscription, this article is for you. I will share where I went wrong and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.
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What I spent money on and why I didn’t use it
1. Appsumo deal (R981) – an automation tool I never used
- What I thought: this lifetime deal is too good to pass up. I will use it to automate my workflows.
- What happened: I never even tried it because I didn’t have time to set it up.
- Lesson: buying a tool before you need it is like paying for a gym membership before deciding to work out. If you don’t have an immediate use for something, it is better to wait.
2. Elegant themes (R1,309) – The website I never built
- What I thought: I will design my own website and save money.
- What happened: I realised I didn’t have the time or expertise, so I hired developers instead.
- Lesson: be honest about your time and skills before committing to a tool. Sometimes, outsourcing is the better financial decision.
3. Ubersuggest (R216) – The subscription I forgot to cancel
- What I thought: I will test the free trial and then decide if it is worth paying for.
- What happened: I forgot to cancel before the trial ended and got charged.
- Lesson: always set a reminder to cancel free trials before they renew automatically.
4. Xmind (R312) – The mind mapping tool I didn’t use
- What I thought: this will help me plan better.
- What happened: I never took the time to learn how to use it properly.
- Lesson: before buying software, ask yourself whether you have time to learn how to use it. If the answer is no, reconsider.
How to avoid wasting money on digital tools
I bought these tools because I believed they would solve my problems, but I didn’t consider whether I had the time, knowledge, or real need for them. Here is how you can avoid making the same mistakes.
1. Identify the problem before buying
Ask yourself:
- What problem am I trying to solve?
- Is software the best solution, or can I fix it another way?
- Have I already tried using a free tool or a manual workaround?
2. Use free trials but set reminders to cancel
- Always set a calendar reminder a few days before the trial ends.
- If the tool does not add significant value during the trial, cancel it immediately.
3. Consider the learning curve
- How much time will it take to learn the software?
- Will the time investment be worth it in the long run?
- If you don’t have time to learn it, will you use it?
4. Look for free or cheaper alternatives
Many expensive tools have free versions. Before buying, research:
- What free versions are available?
- What limitations do they have?
- Are those limitations deal-breakers?
5. Avoid impulse purchases
Companies use urgency and scarcity tactics to push impulse buying. Before making a purchase, ask yourself:
- Would I still want this tool if there were no time pressure?
- Do I have an immediate need for it?
Investing in the right digital tools can save you both time and money if they are used correctly. Before buying, take a step back and ask the right questions. My R2,819 mistake taught me an important lesson—the best tool is the one you use.
This week, I challenge you to look through all the digital subscriptions you are paying for and reflect on the value it brings to your organisation and your life. Go through the questions above and see if you should still be paying for it.
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Until next time,
Praneeta