Image above is from Buzzfeed
Do you pass through the day spending money on food, coffee and whatever else? And by the time payday comes you are wondering what happened to your check from two weeks prior. If that sounds like you, you're not alone. Many of us Americans have a tendency to be rather wasteful. Here are 10 things I (and other creditable sources like CNN money, Popsugar, and Forbes) believe are a waste of money:
1. Coffee & Lunch (basically any foods or beverages you can make at home) - It is so easy to pull up to the drive through of Tim Hortons or Starbucks for that warm cup of coffee. But, you could be wasting a lot money that could go to your savings account.
2. Cigarettes - Cigarettes are bad for you, right? They could potentially lead to you getting cancer. So you're basically paying for the risk of cancer. I'm not judging you if you smoke but I'm just providing you with some insight.
3. Lottery Tickets - Popsugar stated that a person has a better chance of getting struck by lightning over winning the lottery. Personally I'm not a fan of gambling because you're not guaranteed anything for your time, gas or money.
4. Unused Gym Memberships - If you're not working on your fitness and you have a membership, you're wasting your money. You have two options; start using you membership or cancel it. Make a decision.
5. Buying Name Brand Food - In most cases the generic brand is just as good. I suppose everyone needs to figure what items they are willing to buy generic. But, it is certainly worth exploring.
6. Bank Fees - The ATM Fees and the over-drafting fees can really add up. You're much better off withdrawing your money from your bank's ATM. Also make sure you don't spend money you don't have or your bank will be sending you a $35 charge to your account.
7. Bottled Water - Buy a stainless steel water bottle and fill it with water. It is easy and simple and you won't have to pick up that heavy case of water from the store.
8. Not opening up your 401k at work (silly silly) - If your job has a retirement account available for you and you're not invested in it, you're missing out on interest. You could also be missing out on your employer matching (free money) what you put into your retirement account.
9. Buying a Brand New Car - Cars decrease in value so fast it's not fun. I'm not suggesting that you ride around in a hoopie (ugly/ old car). But you're better off getting a car that is at least two years old.
10. Rebates - People miss out on $50 - $100 in rebates simply because of procrastination. And by the time they do get serious about filling out and mailing in the rebate form it is too late.
1. Coffee & Lunch (basically any foods or beverages you can make at home) - It is so easy to pull up to the drive through of Tim Hortons or Starbucks for that warm cup of coffee. But, you could be wasting a lot money that could go to your savings account.
2. Cigarettes - Cigarettes are bad for you, right? They could potentially lead to you getting cancer. So you're basically paying for the risk of cancer. I'm not judging you if you smoke but I'm just providing you with some insight.
3. Lottery Tickets - Popsugar stated that a person has a better chance of getting struck by lightning over winning the lottery. Personally I'm not a fan of gambling because you're not guaranteed anything for your time, gas or money.
4. Unused Gym Memberships - If you're not working on your fitness and you have a membership, you're wasting your money. You have two options; start using you membership or cancel it. Make a decision.
5. Buying Name Brand Food - In most cases the generic brand is just as good. I suppose everyone needs to figure what items they are willing to buy generic. But, it is certainly worth exploring.
6. Bank Fees - The ATM Fees and the over-drafting fees can really add up. You're much better off withdrawing your money from your bank's ATM. Also make sure you don't spend money you don't have or your bank will be sending you a $35 charge to your account.
7. Bottled Water - Buy a stainless steel water bottle and fill it with water. It is easy and simple and you won't have to pick up that heavy case of water from the store.
8. Not opening up your 401k at work (silly silly) - If your job has a retirement account available for you and you're not invested in it, you're missing out on interest. You could also be missing out on your employer matching (free money) what you put into your retirement account.
9. Buying a Brand New Car - Cars decrease in value so fast it's not fun. I'm not suggesting that you ride around in a hoopie (ugly/ old car). But you're better off getting a car that is at least two years old.
10. Rebates - People miss out on $50 - $100 in rebates simply because of procrastination. And by the time they do get serious about filling out and mailing in the rebate form it is too late.