23 Expensive Splurges Iowa Gen Xers Wish They Could Take Back

Gen X was the first generation to grow up with mall culture, cable TV, and easy credit. For many, that mix led to some big-ticket splurges that seemed smart at the time.

These are the poor purchases that Iowa’s Gen X may not talk about, but definitely remember.

Timeshares They Rarely Used

Back in the day, timeshares were pitched as the ultimate vacation hack. You’d own a slice of paradise without paying full price.

Gen Xers signed up for dream getaways, but many quickly realized the downsides.

Maintenance fees, blackout dates, and limited availability made them more trouble than they were worth.

Years later, some are still trying to sell their spot or pay to get out of it.

Massive Entertainment Centers for Box TVs

Before flat screens ruled the living room, bulky box TVs sat in giant wood entertainment units.

They were heavy, expensive, and took up half a wall.

Gen Xers spent big on these setups, thinking they’d last forever.

Now they’re tough to give away, let alone move, and that “forever” TV didn’t last nearly as long.

McMansions in the Suburbs

In the early 2000s, a lot of Gen Xers stretched their budgets for oversized houses with multiple bathrooms, three-car garages, and two-story foyers.

The bigger the better, until the mortgage payments and upkeep started piling up.

Some now say they wish they’d bought something smaller and easier to manage.

The space was nice, but the stress? Not so much.

Luxury Cars With High Maintenance Costs

That imported car looked sleek and impressive in the driveway.

But Gen Xers who splurged on high-end rides often found out the hard way that repairs weren’t cheap, and neither were tires, oil changes, or insurance.

The price tag didn’t stop with the purchase.

Many now say a simpler car would’ve been the smarter move.

Home Gyms That Turned Into Storage Rooms

All it took was one late-night infomercial to sell a dream of getting fit without leaving the house.

Gen Xers bought treadmills, ellipticals, and weight machines with good intentions.

But for many, the motivation didn’t last.

Today, those home gyms collect dust or serve as fancy clothes hangers.

Boats They Barely Took Out

Buying a boat once seemed like the ultimate symbol of success and freedom.

For some Gen Xers, especially in coastal or lake-heavy areas, it felt like a must-have.

But between storage fees, maintenance, and the hassle of towing it, the fun wore off quickly.

A lot of boats spent more time in driveways than on the water.

High-End Kitchen Appliances They Didn’t Really Use

Those commercial-style stoves and built-in espresso machines looked amazing during a kitchen remodel.

But many Gen Xers admit they didn’t use them nearly as much as they thought they would.

The novelty faded, repairs were expensive, and regular appliances would’ve done the job just fine.

It turns out you don’t need chef-grade tools to make spaghetti.

Over-the-Top Weddings

When it came time to tie the knot, some Gen Xers went all out: massive venues, open bars, live bands, and designer dresses.

It made for a great party, but the bill often lingered for years.

Some couples even say they’d trade the celebration for a smaller event and a bigger honeymoon or a better down payment on a house.

Huge Desktop Computers That Aged Fast

Back when computers were just entering homes, Gen Xers jumped at the chance to own one.

They weren’t cheap, especially for top-of-the-line models.

But tech moved quickly, and those massive monitors and clunky towers became outdated fast.

Many regret not waiting, or wish they hadn’t spent so much on something that didn’t last.

Fancy Outdoor Kitchens They Rarely Used

Installing built-in grills, mini-fridges, and stone countertops in the backyard felt like leveling up.

But a lot of Gen Xers discovered they didn’t use the space nearly as often as they expected.

Bad weather, bugs, and the hassle of cleaning it all meant it sat unused most of the year.

Now it’s just a pricey patio.

Expensive Private School Tuition

Wanting the best for their kids, many Gen X parents signed up for pricey private school tuition, even when it stretched the family budget.

Some look back and wonder if the cost was worth it, especially when public schools in their area were solid.

Between uniforms, fees, and fundraising demands, the bills added up fast.

Not all regrets are about the education; sometimes it’s just the financial toll.

Massive DVD Collections

At one point, building a home movie library felt like an investment.

Gen Xers filled shelves with hundreds of DVDs, movies, box sets, even special editions.

Then streaming arrived, and those collections started gathering dust.

Now they’re bulky, outdated, and hard to sell or store. Many wish they’d saved the money and the space.

Waterbeds

In the 1970s and ’80s, waterbeds were all the rage. They were trendy, unique, and felt high-tech at the time.

But they were heavy, hard to move, and prone to leaks.

Plenty of Gen Xers who bought one now say they were more trouble than comfort.

The cool factor wore off fast, and so did the support.

Tech Gadgets That Became Obsolete Fast

Whether it was a palm-sized organizer, a mini disc player, or a super early GPS, Gen Xers were often the first to try new tech.

The problem? Much of it didn’t last.

What was cutting-edge one year was useless the next.

Some of these purchases now feel more like museum pieces than smart buys.

Luxury Mattresses With Gimmicky Features

Adjustable bases, cooling layers, built-in massagers, some mattresses came with more features than most people needed.

Gen Xers spent thousands hoping for perfect sleep, only to find the results weren’t much better than a basic bed.

And when parts broke or sagging set in, the warranties didn’t always help.

Vacation Homes That Became Money Pits

The idea of having a second home to escape to sounded amazing.

But some Gen Xers found out that vacation homes come with more than just sunshine and quiet weekends.

There were property taxes, repairs, and cleaning, even if the place sat empty most of the year.

For many, it ended up being more stress than relaxation.

Top-of-the-Line Sound Systems

Surround sound setups with multiple speakers, subwoofers, and wiring throughout the house were a hot trend.

Gen Xers spent big to bring theater-quality audio into their living rooms.

But as technology changed and wireless speakers took over, those big systems became outdated fast.

Now, some are boxed up in basements or built into walls no one uses.

Designer Baby Gear

When their kids were born, some Gen X parents splurged on fancy strollers, high-end cribs, and matching nursery sets.

It felt like the right thing to do at the time.

But babies grow fast, and the gear didn’t get much use before being donated or stored away.

Looking back, many say a simpler setup would’ve worked just fine.

High-End Furniture That Didn’t Hold Up

Buying expensive furniture once seemed like a smart long-term investment.

But some Gen Xers discovered that price didn’t always equal durability.

Trendy materials, fragile finishes, or awkward sizing led to regret when things didn’t last or didn’t age well.

Some now say they wish they’d gone with something timeless and sturdy instead.

Fancy Watches That Rarely Got Worn

Luxury watches were once a status symbol and a reward for hard work.

Gen Xers who bought them often felt proud in the moment.

But over time, smartphones replaced the need to wear a watch at all.

Now, those pricey timepieces sit in drawers, rarely touched, and not quite as exciting as they used to be.

Subscription Services They Forgot to Cancel

Gym memberships, magazine deliveries, DVD rentals by mail, Gen Xers signed up for plenty of recurring charges.

Some were useful for a while, but many got forgotten and kept billing long after they stopped being used.

Over the years, those small charges added up to big money.

Now, people double-check every auto-renew.

Early Smartphones With Pricey Contracts

When smartphones first hit the market, Gen Xers were quick to adopt them.

But those early models were expensive, and so were the long contracts and limited data plans that came with them.

Dropped calls, slow speeds, and cracked screens led to regret.

Today’s tech is better and cheaper, making those early splurges sting a little.

Custom Window Treatments

Hiring someone to design and install custom blinds or drapes once felt like a smart way to upgrade a home.