Today's words of frugal wisdom are from the amazing
Dave Ramsey. Dave is very logical and simple in his approach on money and I have read his books numerous times for inspiration and tips on living on a budget. Enjoy!
10
Things Americans Waste Money On
We
don’t think much about our daily money-wasters . . . but we need to. There are
so many places in our daily routine where money can be wasted without us
knowing it. It’s ridiculous enough to make a list over—so we did. Here are 10
things we waste money on in America today:
1. Credit card interest
The only thing stupider than buying
something you can’t afford is buying something you can’t afford at (insert
huge interest rate here). You don’t get jack for the extra money you fork
over.
2. Deal websites
Hey, remember that time
we bought a laser hair-removal deal for 78% off from that startup place all the
way across town and used it for the full amount and within the specified time
limit? Neither do we.
3. Appetizers
Restaurants
already have lunch and dinner portions so big you need a box to bring home the
leftovers. Why pay an extra six bucks to get something that will take up more
room in your stomach before the main meal is even brought out?
4. ATM fees
When we use a bank that
is not ours, it charges us. Then our bank charges us again. Don’t think that
it’s just two bucks here or $3 there. It adds up, and don’t
even get us started on the overdraft fees that could result from bounced
checks. Speaking of which . . .
5. Overdraft fees
For these, there’s
just no excuse. If you add correctly and spend less than you make,
you’ll never pay a dime of overdraft fees. Fees result from sloppiness, pure
and simple.
6. Speedy shipping
Seriously? Do we think
that book or those clothes we ordered online are so important that we can’t
wait four to 14 days for a package to arrive? With priority shipping, the
only thing that moves faster than the package toward you is your money—away
from you.
7. Designer baby clothes
Also known as “glorified
stain gatherers.” Why do we spend $20 on a “Feed me or no one sleeps” T-shirt
that is three ticks away from being covered with breakfast? On top of that,
they’ll wear it two or three times before either outgrowing it
or the season changing.
8. Unused gym memberships
How is it that so many
people join a health club around the New Year's Day resolving to lose weight
and there are so many empty treadmills come January 15? Unlike the
commitment, the monthly dues don’t stop. Besides, you can run
around the block for free.
9. Premium cable packages
Not
only do we not watch 90% of the channels that are on, but with so many
“reality” shows and specialized stations, TV as a concept is about as rich as a
person who lives paycheck to paycheck.
10. Daily coffee trips
Back before coffee shops
started popping up on every street corner, people brewed it themselves. We
as a culture seem to have gotten away from that.And you don’t need the
caffeine to get your heart thumping—just take a look at how much money you dish
out for that sugary concoction over a month or two.
Take a look at your own
budget and see where your cash might be getting away from you. It can happen
easier than you think. Most often, it does.
