Where did my money go? Trying to figure out how to spend less?
There are so many ways you waste money without thinking.
I mean, It all happens so fast and a lot of people end up in regrets after spending. Thank goodness this post will help you to identify these ‘money-wasters’ so that you can make the necessary adjustments to your finances and learn how to spend less money.
By the way, this blog isn’t for you to become a cheap steak – Of course not! However, it is for you to be mindful of your spending habits, spend less, save more so we all can be financially free and live our best lives.
I use to waste money on a bunch of dumb things. For instance, buying stuff I already had- Oh what a waste.
But, nowadays, I try to pay attention to the way I manage money. After all, wasting money can damage your finances. You definitely want to get rid of bad money habits and take full control.
Anyway, let’s get to the best part. Here are 10 things you waste money on without thinking, and how to spend less.
- Daily coffee runs
I know you love your coffee but those daily coffee runs can rack up your finances to a shocking figure at the end of the year. Of course, you can do it occasionally but, to cut back on spending, here are 3 options:
- How about you get FREE COFFEE from Starbucks.
- You can make your own.
- Or, Join Swagbucks for free Starbucks gift cards.
How to get free Starbucks coffee?
Join Starbucks Rewards for free and earn points to get you your favorite beverage. You earn stars through purchases and pay via cash, the app, debit/credit card. You also have a bunch of other ways to earn points, then redeem for food or coffee!
When you become a Starbucks Rewards member, you also get access to a free treat on your birthday. Additionally, you are notified in the app of Starbucks ‘ next happy hour (Usually on a Thursday, between 2 pm and 7 pm) when you can get BOGO.
So, you can take advantage of this as it’s a pretty cool way to spend less, save some money while earning stars.
Back to option 2, save money when you make homemade coffee. If you’re a coffee-lover, then a coffee maker is a must-have. Now you can make coffee whenever you want. Get a whipped cream and make it fancy too.
Yes, option 3 is legit. Swagbucks is a legitimate survey site that rewards you to take surveys, shop online, watch videos, and so on, and reap rewards. Get your Starbucks gift card from Swagbucks! It’s free to sign up through my link and you’ll get a $5 bonus.
Related Content: 7 Best-paid survey sites to earn extra money
2. Impulse shopping
Are you a victim of impulse shopping? Do you continuously buy the first cute thing that catches your eyes? You literally cannot resist.
Well, I was there too. In the past, I would go to the store for one item and come out with 7 extra items (sometimes more!).
And you know what happened after?
REGRETS.
I mean, sometimes I’d return them if I can but that’s a waste of time too, and time is money.
Stop wasting money
3. Full price tickets
Do you wait last minute to buy tickets at a more expensive price? That too is wasting money, my friend.
Try to purchase the early bird tickets so that you can pay less and save. These little habits will make a difference if the option is there, so take advantage of it.
4. Unused subscriptions
Do you have a subscription that you hardly use yet still pay for it monthly?
I say if I’m not going to use it, it’s a waste of money to pay for it. Therefore, Identify, evaluate and eliminate such subscriptions.
I bet you would spend less and save so much money if you did.
5. Buying new books continuously
Gone are the days when you just buy books all the time. Now, you can rent books, listen to audiobooks, download ebooks, borrow a book and do all these cool things to save money.
You can download Amazon audible app for free and start listening to your favorite audiobooks on any device. Start your free trial now.
Related content: Bad money habits to avoid
6. Not creating a budget
Let’s just say if you are serious about organizing your finances, a Budget is absolutely necessary.
A Budget will help you to understand clearly (on paper) where you are with your finances, how much you earn, spend, and how much you have left after taking care of all your expenses.
Every dollar is accounted for and you will know what exactly you’re spending most of your money on, what you can spend less on, and what can be totally eliminated.
Spend less, save more
7. Constantly upgrading gadgets
You waste money when you constantly purchase new gadget releases.
For instance, deciding to get a new phone just because the new version is out is a waste of money.
Not saying you should be left behind. However, if the one you have is in a good condition and you’re trying to build your savings, then try to focus on doing that instead of constantly trying to keep up.
Related Content:
Best money-saving tips that will change you
8. Not taking advantage of coupons, cashback, and deals
Do you want to learn how to spend less on groceries? Are you using the Ibotta App? If not you are definitely missing out. Plus it’s free to sign up and you get a $20 welcome bonus.
This app allows you to shop and receive cashback on your purchases. It has a variety of your favorite stores where you can catch amazing deals, make purchases in-store, upload the receipt as proof and get cashback! Sign up here for free!
You can also check your local paper as well as Groupon for coupons/deals. Why waste money paying full price for everyday items when you can pay less.
9. Opting to buy cheap items
Best believe you waste money by doing this. How? Because cheap items, clothes, for instance, aren’t quality. Therefore, you think you spend less but eventually, you’re going to end up spending more.
For instance, If you had gotten that quality pair of shoes, you wouldn’t be doubling on spending to repurchase the same item how many times.
More ways you waste money
10. Saying yes to every event
You said yes to too many night outs where you end up spending too much money for the week/month.
Remember it all adds up and you’re not about wasting money.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s ok to have some entertainment (that should be included in your budget) but ensure you do not get carried away and go against what your budget can handle.
11. Eating out too much
Yea, of course, you knew this one was coming, right?
This is probably one of the most popular and if you’ve been following my blog, then you’d realize I’ve mentioned this more than once. Remember the goal is to spend less money in every way.
Eating out too often can result in a waste of your money. Start trying to cook at home more often. It’s so much healthier and you save more. Here’s an awesome cookbook of easy to cook recipes!
12. Buying what you already have
Don’t waste your money buying things you already have. Honestly, this used to happen to me and I realize that it’s super unnecessary.
Now I just purchase things I know I don’t have. It just makes more sense, you know.
13. Paying for things you can do yourself
If you’re good at something and you want to spend less, think about doing it yourself and save back on the money.
What do you do very often that you can do yourself? (at least do it yourself a couple of times more than you pay to get it done).
14. Having your credit card saved to sites
Think about it. If your credit card is saved to a shopping site, wouldn’t it be much easier to use it?
You actually check out a lot faster when there is easy access to make payment and no barrier. Sometimes money is wasted on unnecessary items.
It’s time to spend less, save more, and stop wasting money.
I really hope this post was helpful to you. All the best and stop by again!
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