Three dumb ways we waste money
September 30, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under budget, money saving idea
People waste money each and every day, and all those seemingly small wastes add up to a big old amount of cash that could be used for other more necessary items. Here are some typical ways people waste money:
Not revisiting plans you sign up for: Example – I don’t send that many text messages on my phone. I’m just not a big text person. However, for a while, before I complained, my friends were sending me LOTS of texts that I felt compelled to answer. It ran my bill up so I signed up for a larger text plan size with my cell phone carrier. As noted I became whiny about all the texts, my friends backed down, but I forgot to cancel the extra text plan. Hence, an extra $15 a month on my phone bill that was useless. Time change. Maybe you’re not watching as much TV, so why not cancel cable. Maybe you do need more minutes added to your phone, so do it, because it’s cheaper than paying over limit fees. When it comes to phone, Internet, and cable, stay on top of your plans.
Buying too much in bulk: Bulk is good. To a point. Some people are bulk crazy to the point where they’ll buy almost anything in bulk, because technically it is cheaper to buy 20 lbs of wheat flour vs. five. However, bulk is no no good unless you use it AND have room to store it. I know a ton of people who have actually moved (yes moved) to have a bigger place so that one room is free to hold extra goods they accumulate including bulk items. I’ve known others who buy an extra freezer to support their bulk habits, or tons of plastic bins, or some other massive storage deal. Bulk is fine. But few people (that I’ve met) use up all their food bulk before it goes bad or everyone is sick of it. Maybe consider sticking with bulk on dry goods and paper products.
Listening when people say you need something: Salespeople are good; you have to be better. So many folks buy extra car protection when they buy a new car, or get that new must have home siding, or even (gasp) girl scout cookies. Just because it’s there and offered doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Yeah the car guy seems to know what he’s talking about (don’t count on it) and sure the girl scouts need some assistance (other people will say yes) but if a purchase is not in your budget plan learn to say, “No thank you.”
Can you think of any other dumb ways to waste money?
[image via stock.xchng]
