The silliest things we spend too much money on Keeping track of your finances is no easy thing, especially when you live in a society where it often feels like everyone’s trying to get your money. We all know that awful moment when the credit card bill arrives and you honestly can’t remember […]
The silliest things we spend too much money on
Keeping track of your finances is no easy thing, especially when you live in a society where it often feels like everyone’s trying to get your money. We all know that awful moment when the credit card bill arrives and you honestly can’t remember spending that much money.
Overspending happens in so many ways, both big and small, and it often catches us by surprise. But with a little added attention, you can actually save yourself thousands of dollars. Click through to see the stupidest things we spend our money on.
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ATM fees
These charges can quickly add up, and all for simply using an ATM that doesn’t belong to your bank! Be kind to your bank account.
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Greeting cards
The emotions driving the purchase of these cards, and the ability to avoid actually having to say it yourself, bump the price far past what’s acceptable for a card.
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Coffee
Many people don’t view coffee as an addiction, but it similarly drains your money and leaves you with the shakes. Instead of splurging on coffee, invest in a coffee machine and travel mug.
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Rush shipping
Shipping costs are a huge add-on that most people forget to factor in when they order something online. For things that you order regularly, consider auto-ship.
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Buying the cheapest option
Though it seems counterintuitive, sometimes cheap things can cost you more in the long run, like constantly replacing your earphones.
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Spending to save
The biggest scam is believing that you’re saving money by hopping on a “free shipping for one day only” or “buy one, get one half off” sort of deal for something you didn’t need.
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Baby clothes
There’s so little material, and it’s going to be stained or too small very soon, yet you’re forking over the same amount as for your own clothes.
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Bottled water
These days there is no excuse for you to not have a refillable water bottle.
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Work lunches
Bringing your own lunch could save you hundreds every month, and you’d probably be much healthier.
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Cable TV
It’s time to stop paying for shows you don’t want, especially in the era of instant streaming.
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Streaming subscriptions
On the other hand, having too many subscriptions is also money down the drain. Think about which you use the most, and cut the fat.
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Weight loss schemes
Whether it’s laxatives disguised as tea or belts meant to give you abs, somewhere deep down you know the only real solution is exercising and eating well.
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Unused gym memberships
Speaking of exercising, if you have an unused gym membership, all you’re losing is money, with the added side of guilt.
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Bad health habits
Cigarettes, too many happy hour drinks, extra fries with your burger, or sugary snacks—you already know you shouldn’t.
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Specific cleaning products for different areas
Though some materials like wood require different products, you don’t need specific cleaners for specific areas. What’s more, it’s easy to make DIY and cheap all-purpose cleaners.
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Vanity and cosmetics
When The Cut asked women in New York City to confess “the dumbest thing they spend their money on,” a top response was “vanity maintenance,” meaning haircuts, manicures, waxing, etc.
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Anything with autopay services
Having your card charged automatically has its benefits, but you don’t see those extra charges or questionable fees, and you might even forget that you’re still paying for something you don’t use!
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Mattresses
The overpricing of mattresses is now common knowledge, as they dangle a good night’s rest over the debatable price tag, but doing your research can save you hundreds.
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International phone charges
Buying a one-off international plan before you travel can save you the exorbitant roaming charges.
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Textbooks that professors didn’t use
They’re “required texts” that are not at all cheap, and students are not happy.
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Fast fashion
You’re paying a high price for a trend that will pass, made with cheap material that won’t last. Do yourself a favor and skip the fast fashion.
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Buying name brand products
In most cases, the ingredients are essentially identical, but the no name brands are usually significantly cheaper.
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Lottery tickets and gambling
You’re more likely to be struck by lightning than to win the lottery, so you’d have better luck putting that money in savings.
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Emotional spending
Whether it’s “retail therapy” or impulse-purchases, make a rule for yourself to wait until the emotions pass, before you pass over your credit card.
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Car insurance
No one likes shopping for car insurance, so we usually hesitate to change after finding one. But comparing insurance costs every two years can help you avoid rising premiums.
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Commercialized spiritual accessories
Crystals you’re not really sure of, sage that makes you cough, visits to psychics who tell you to buy more things… don’t succumb to any kind of commercialized spiritual schemes.
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Credit card costs
Annual fees, late fees, statement fees, and interest charges are a prime way banks make money off of you, so ask questions, add an automatic deposit, or switch institutions.
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Hotels
As extra fees, taxes, and other surcharges are added to the already expensive room rate, a hotel stay can cost hundreds if you’re not looking on discount websites.
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Groceries
Shopping when you’re hungry, falling for misleading deals, and following expiration dates strictly all add to the food waste problem.
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Pre-cut or pre-sliced anything
Slice the cheese, cut the fruit, and separate the garlic cloves yourself. You can do it.
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External storage
Paying a hefty price to hold onto things you don’t need will always be a waste of money.
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Phantom electricity
Phantom energy, or “vampire power,” is electricity drawn from outlets when equipment is off but still plugged in.
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Extended warranties
The ultimate cash grab for retailers, extended warranties are usually a complete waste of money for consumers.
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Not keeping your tires inflated
Some tires with too little air can actually worsen a car’s gas mileage, which is money many people don’t even know they’re losing.
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Fast food
Stop stifling that little voice that reminds you that you have food at home, and save on those sneaky unwanted calories too.
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Timeshares
These “prepaid vacation investments” are extremely difficult to get out of, and for many people they are a waste of money.
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Internet
After reeling you in with a promotion, your monthly costs start increasing, there are annual fees, etc. The cost of Internet is all in the provider.
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