Interesting list. Perhaps one thing missing: debt? So many students take out loans to go to a prestigious college. A public college will serve almost as well. Certainly, the difference in quality isn't worth a lifetime of debt. We (in the U.S.anyway) often buy because of pressure from peers and our own expectation. If we can simply turn away from that and assess need rather than want, we would probably have less debt.

I'm happy to say the only 'waste of money' cost my husband and I have is the cable TV package. We subscribe to online resources because we are old and don't go out much. It is our indulgence. We allow ourselves that, knowing it is not 'necessary'. It is necessary to our comfort and lifestyle.