Things That we Waste $$ on!

 Howdy ho everyone!  Hope this finds you well.  It is a warmer and sunny morning here.  We get another reprieve from winter temps for a few days.  Yesterday ended up with temps that weren't too bad - but goodness the wind was frigid!  Can you believe we are on the last few days of February?  The time is flying by.  We will be in Spring in no time.  Heck the time changes in a little over a week (3/8) and then spring!

Today let us talk about money grabbers that we can waste good hard-earned dollars on.  Now I say most of these are things I would try to avoid, but I know many do a lot of these things.  You have to do what you need to do - just remember the funds it tends to cost.

Here are a few things:

• Interest on charge cards - always pay on time and at least make minimum payments - do not pay interest
• Daily coffee runs!  I know lots of people do this.  If you buy one $6 coffee every day - that is over $2,000 a year!!!!!  Enjoy a coffee out once in a while - otherwise make it at home
• Overdraft fees - keep an eye on things, so you don't overdraw your accounts.  bank fees and ATM fees can really eat up funds
• Extended warranties - I know some may disagree.  Generally, most anything major that might happen - happens in the mfg. warranty timeframe.  If not - it takes a long time for things to break, and those extra fees spent on the extended warranty is wasted
• Cable TV (I am guilty).  Some have cable and a bunch of extra services that stream shows as well (Netflix, etc.)
• Brand name meds and OTC meds.  Always asked if there is a generic version.  Read labels on OTC - many are exactly the same as brand name and are even made by the same companies (do your homework)
• Fast food delivery - with delivery, tips and other fees your food will cost more than 2X as much.
• Wasting groceries and food - so much $$$ is throw away every year.  Come up with recipes and ways of using and re-inventing items
• Bottled water - it can cost 2000% more than tap!  If you have nasty tasting tap - buy a filter.  That filter will pay for itself in no time and you also won't have all that waste of plastic bottles!!!!  IF you buy water - read the labels - it isn't all just water for many brands
• Paper goods (disposable).  Try to use real plates, napkins, and cleaning rags
• Cigarettes!  I see that with current prices - if you smoke JUST one pack a day - that is over $3,000 a year
• Fancy cleaning items - so many items can be made with things you have on hand in your pantries and they work
• Subscriptions of magazines and papers - you can find many things on line and libraries carry a lot of things
• Pre-cut items - we mentioned this last week.  I have seen several vlogs in the last week mention this as well.  If you have physical limits - do what helps - otherwise cut it yourself
• Cheap shoes - buy quality.  It not only saves money, but it is so much better feet and body
• Kitchen gadgets you don't or won't use.  The next new thing is always appealing - but odds are you won't use it once the newness wears off
• Paying full price - I HATE to pay full price for anything.  Always look around and do your due diligence when making major purchases
• Unused memberships - gyms, Costco, Sams, Amazon, etc.  If you don't go or use is regularly - it really isn't worth paying for
• Skipping senior discounts!  (I am guilty) I never think to ask at most places - and they just don't GIVE it to you.  It can save substantial funds over time.
• Convenience store/gas station purchases.  Most often snack items are purchased and they cost more than taking your own.  Milk and grocery items are more expensive.  Generally, the only thing cheaper is a fountain drink (at times).  A bottle of pop will cost a lot more than the grocery store - even a bottle of water.

There are many more things - this is just many I see people do every day.   Now I am not saying stop ALL of them immediately.  If you do a lot of them, pick 2 or 3 and stop.  Then in another month or two pick a couple more.  Eventually you will notice that you have more money in your wallet and your bank account.

That money can be saved for an emergency fund, for a downpayment on a home, for paying off debt, etc.  Use those funds for whatever helps your situation. (just the coffee or cigarette ones would fund a nice emergency fund)!  Not to mention improve your health (cigs).

Take time and really think about how much certain habits cost you in the long run.  You may be VERY surprised.  Make good decisions with your money and your money will take care of you.

Have a wonderful and happy day!

SMILE - it is always appealing!