5 Things You’re Probably Wasting Money On
Raise your hand if you like to treat yourself. Your hand is raised, isn’t it? After all, don’t you deserve to treat yourself every now and then, and make your life a little more comfortable? It sounds like a great idea—until you look at your bank account and realize just how much you’ve spent on luxuries you can’t afford.
Even if you’re getting the best deals on your rent or cell phone payments, it’s easy to fall into the trap of mindlessly spending too much on the little things. You can save a significant amount of cash once you realize just how much you’re spending itmes such as the following…
Fancy Cups Of Coffee
You depend on your morning boost to fuel your workday, but it’s probably costing more than you realize. Coffee consultant E-Imports reports that the average coffee drinker in the US consumes three cups per day. If each one is bought (rather than brewed at home), you’re spending an average of $2.38 per cup and around $2,600 each year. That’s the cost of a nice vacation or decent used car.
There’s no denying that coffee is a great pick-me-up, but there are ways to get your fix without spending a small fortune. First, brew your own coffee at home or work. Worried about missing out on your favorite flavors? Treat yourself to some nice coffee beans or flavored creamers, and your morning cup will still be a delicious one. And don’t worry, your barista will forgive you for kicking the habit.
Old-School Cable Or Satellite TV
Are you still scrolling through lack-luster TV guides and sitting through boring commercials? With all the streaming services available today, you can easily invest in one or two of them for significantly less than the $100+ a month you’re spending on cable.
Netflix is relatively cheap, commercial-free, and lets you binge watch your favorite shows over and over again. If you just have to watch the newest episode of Housewives right away, you can also subscribe to Hulu to watch it the day after it airs. And don’t forget the beauty that is Disney+. Why would you ever need to watch cable TV again?
Lottery Tickets
It’s the American dream: you win big on your $5 lottery ticket, quit your job, and live the rest of your days in the lap of luxury. Sadly, it doesn’t work out that way for most. In fact, gambling can turn into a pricey habit that robs you of the chance to put your money toward your real goals.
Your odds of winning the lottery are ridiculously slim. The chance of winning the Mega Millions is 1 in 302,575,350, to be precise. You may win $10 here and there, but the ticket costs can add up quickly if you’re playing every day or week. Instead, only treat yourself to a lottery ticket once in a while to preserve your pocket change, and your sense of positivity.
The iPhone 5000
The draw of owning the newest technology is a blessing and a curse. You really want to upgrade to the new iPhone because it takes beautiful pictures, comes in your favorite color, and has all the best new features. The cost is steep though: $1,000 minimum.
Look, let’s be real. Your current device is probably only a year or two old, and is still an amazing piece of technology. Try to hold on to your current model for as long as you can before buying a new phone. Invest in screen protectors, and a shiny case in the meantime to help keep your tech clean and fresh. When you do purchase a new phone in a couple years, it will feel even better because you’ll have truly earned your upgrade.
Food Delivery Services
You may think that food delivery apps are the best thing since sliced bread, especially when those slices surround the delicious sandwich headed your way. However, anybody who has ordered from Postmates or Doordash knows that those delivery and service fees add up quickly.
Before you know it, your $12 lunch combo is twice the price, 20 minutes late, and not as hot as it should be. As much as you don’t want to get off the couch, you’ll save big time by electing to pick up the food yourself. Or even better, learn how to prepare basic meals in the comfort of your own home.