10 Things Brits Think Americans Waste Money On

Save to Find It Later!

Have you ever wondered what people from other countries think about how we spend our money here in the US? Well, our friends across the pond in Britain have a few opinions on what they consider, well, a bit wasteful. From huge houses to drive-thru everything, let’s take a look at what Brits find a bit too much about American spending habits.

1. Oversized homes

Let’s start with the biggie—literally! In the US, many of us dream of living in a huge house with lots of rooms and a sprawling yard. To many Brits, though, the size of American homes can seem excessive. They often prefer smaller, more manageable spaces that are easier to maintain and cheaper to run. When you think about it, do we really need all that extra space? It’s a lot of extra cleaning, higher utility bills, and more stuff to buy just to fill the rooms!

2. Luxury pickup trucks

Pickup trucks are a staple in many American driveways, especially the luxury ones packed with all the latest features. But from a British perspective, buying an expensive truck when a smaller vehicle will do seems like a waste. Trucks use more fuel and can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, which makes them less ideal for the narrow and winding roads commonly found in the UK.

3. Storage units

With all those oversized homes, you’d think Americans wouldn’t need extra storage space, right? Wrong. Many Americans rent storage units to hold excess belongings that they don’t have room for at home—or don’t want to part with. To a lot of Brits, this just adds to the expense of maintaining more stuff than you actually need or use. Maybe it’s time to declutter rather than stow away?

4. Private country clubs

Joining a private country club is seen as a status symbol in many American communities, providing exclusive access to golf courses, tennis courts, and social events. However, to many Brits, spending big bucks on membership fees for these clubs seems like an unnecessary luxury, especially when there are plenty of public options available.

5. Massive weddings

Americans sure do love a big wedding! The bigger, the better. However, Brits often opt for more subdued affairs. The cost of a massive American wedding can spiral into the tens of thousands of dollars, covering lavish venues, extensive guest lists, and extravagant floral arrangements. Many Brits see this as quite excessive, preferring to save some of those funds for a house or a long honeymoon.

6. Premium bottled water

Paying top dollar for bottles of water that claim to come from remote rainforests or ancient glaciers? To many Brits, this is just throwing money down the drain—especially when tap water is readily available and just as good in many places in the US.

7. HOA fees

In some American neighborhoods, homeowners’ association (HOA) fees are a regular part of homeownership. These fees are used for maintaining common areas and enforcing rules within the community. But from a British viewpoint, these fees—and the control they imply over personal property—can seem both costly and unnecessary.

8. Designer college merchandise

College pride is big in the US, and that often means decking out in your school’s branded gear. But when it comes to spending on designer college merchandise, like branded hoodies or luxury edition backpacks, many Brits scratch their heads. Why spend so much just because it has a college logo?

9. Huge TVs in every room

In many American homes, it’s common to find a big-screen TV in practically every room. While it’s nice to enjoy your favorite shows in high definition, the need for such large screens in, say, the kitchen or the bathroom often baffles Brits, who typically stick to one main TV in the living room.

10. Drive-thru convenience for everything

Lastly, the drive-thru lifestyle is emblematic of American convenience culture. From coffee to banking, you can do almost anything without leaving your car. While it’s super convenient, many Brits find the ubiquitous drive-thru a bit excessive, preferring to walk into a store or a bank for a more personal interaction.