In the 21st century, prices for basic needs seem to be going up. Unemployment rates are high, the cost of living is rising, and it seems like every day something new pops up on our bills. It’s no wonder that we’re all looking for ways to save money.
However, some of our spending habits are so ingrained in our daily lives that we don’t even realize we’re doing them. We mindlessly swipe our credit cards and walk out the door without a second thought.
Do you have any mindless habits that are costing you money? You may not even realize it, but there are certain things we do every day that can really add up and put a dent in our bank accounts.
Here are 6 mindless habits that are wasting your money. See if any of them sound familiar to you!
1. Buying things because they are on sale
If you’re like most people, you love a good deal. And when you see something on sale, it’s hard to resist buying it, even if you don’t really need it. But just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you should buy it. In fact, buying things just because they’re on sale can actually be a waste of money and it’s mindless habits.
Most of us see the discounts and offers given by eCommerce websites and feel the urge to buy things we don’t even need. We convince ourselves that we’re getting a good deal when in reality we’re just spending money on things we don’t need.
So next time you see offers and discounts, there are questions you need to ask yourself before clicking the buy button. Do I need this? How often will I use it? Is it worth the price? If you can’t answer any of those questions, then it’s probably not worth buying. This way, you will only buy things that are really worth it, and you won’t be wasting your money on unnecessary items.
2. Ordering food delivery
Food delivery is a great convenience. It helps us avoid having to go out to eat, and it’s perfect for those days when we’re just too tired to cook. But convenience comes with a price, and that price is often our hard-earned money. If you order food delivery on a regular basis, you’re probably spending a lot more money than you need to. It’s not just the cost of the food itself, but also the delivery fee and tip that can really add up.
Moreover, many of us tend to order more food than we can eat when it’s delivered. This is because we’re not limited by what’s on the menu, and we often end up ordering more than we need. So if you’re looking to save some money, it’s best to cook at home and avoid ordering food delivery. Food delivery apps such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo are great, but only if you use them sparingly.
3. Paying for premium cable channels
How many times have you flipped through the channels on your TV and found nothing to watch? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably a lot. Lately, it seems like there’s nothing but reality TV shows and reruns on cable. So why are we still paying for it?
Cable TV is expensive, and for most of us, the cost is not worth it. Annually, we part with hundreds of dollars for channels we never watch. And if you’re like many, you probably only watch a handful of channels, the rest being a waste of money.
There are cheaper alternatives to cable TV, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. These streaming services offer a lot of the same channels as cable TV, but for a fraction of the price. If you’re currently paying for cable TV, consider switching to one of these streaming services and you’ll save yourself a lot of money.
Moreover, if you are either traveling or busy at work, you can avoid paying the monthly charges. Instead, only pay for the months you actually use it. This way, you’re not wasting your money on channels you never watch. Financial experts also advise keeping track of your subscriptions and memberships to make sure you’re not wasting money.
4. Buying new clothes all the time
It’s no secret that we love shopping for clothes. In fact, many of us enjoy it so much that we do it even when we don’t need anything. Women, in particular, are notorious for this habit. We buy clothes when we don’t need them, and then we end up storing them in our closets, never to be worn again.
According to a study done by the American Psychological Association, shopping is a form of retail therapy that makes us feel good. And while buying new clothes can make us happy at the moment, it’s not a long-term solution.
The best way to save money on clothes is to shop only when you need them. Make a list of the items you need, and stick to it when you’re shopping. This way, you won’t be buying things you don’t need, and you’ll save yourself a lot of money in the process.
In connection with this, you could dispose of the clothes you don’t wear. If you have clothes that are just taking up space in your closet, donate them to a charity or sell them online. This way, you’ll make some money and declutter your closet at the same time.
5. Going out to eat all the time
We all love going out to eat. There’s nothing better than sitting down at a restaurant and enjoying a delicious meal. But eating out can be expensive, especially if you do it all the time.
The average American spends about $250 a month on dining out according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report. And while this may not seem like a lot, it can quickly add up. Imagine you are a family of two and you eat out twice a week. That’s already $400 a month!
There are many reasons why eating out is expensive. Not only do you have to pay for the food, but you also have to tip the waiter or waitress. And if you’re drinking alcohol, that’s an extra cost.
The best way to save money on eating out is to do it less often. Try cooking at home more often and bring your lunch to work. You could also find restaurants that offer good deals.
And if you do go out to eat, split the bill with your friends or family. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save. Eating out should be a once-in-a-while treat, not a daily habit.
6. Buying coffee every day
We all need our coffee in the morning. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to start our day. But buying coffee every day can be expensive. The average American spends about $3 on coffee every day, which comes out to $1,095 a year.
There are many ways to save money on coffee. You could make coffee at home, or get a reusable coffee mug and bring it to your favorite coffee shop. You could also buy ground coffee instead of whole beans. Or you could find a coffee shop that has cheaper prices.
Whatever you do, try to cut down on your coffee spending. The most cost-efficient way is to start making your coffee at home. A good coffee maker costs around $50, and it will last you many years. In the long run, you’ll save a lot of money by making your coffee at home.
In fact, making your own coffee comes with other benefits as well. You can control the ingredients, which means you can make it exactly the way you like it. You’ll also save money on coffee pods or K-Cups. And if you make a large batch of coffee, you can save it in the fridge and drink it later in the day.
Final Thoughts
Times are getting hard, and we all need to save money where we can. There are many small things we can do to cut down on our expenses. Unarguably, we all have one or two of these mindless habits.
These mindless habits might not seem like a big deal, but they can really add up. If we’re not careful, they can waste a lot of our hard-earned money.
The best way to save money is to be aware of our spending habits and make a conscious effort to change them. Try to implement one or two of these tips into your daily life, and you’ll be surprised at how much money you can save.
So, the next time you’re about to do one of these things, think twice. Is it really worth it? Or could you find a cheaper alternative? Chances are, you can. It just takes a little bit of effort. So, let’s all work together to save money and live a little bit more comfortably. Saving money is not as hard as it seems. It just takes a bit of effort and discipline. So, start saving today and watch your bank account grow!
