Five Hidden Ways You’re Wasting Money and How to Stop

Spending money is often faster and easier than earning it — it’s one of the greatest annoyances that many people and families have to deal with. When the money is going faster than it’s coming in, it can be difficult to determine what’s going on and why it’s happening. Luckily, there are quite a few ways that you can figure out how you might be wasting money without realizing it. Here are five ways you might be wasting your money and how you can stop it.

1. Quick Trips to the Supermarket. It’s so easy to make daily trips to the supermarket to pick up things you need or forgot on your weekly visit. However, these visits are actually costing you a lot more than you think. When you go to the store a few times a week, you often end up picking up things that you don’t really need, like snacks. You’re also more likely to pick up small rather than bulk items, which can waste money in the long run. Instead, try to make sure that you get everything you need in your weekly shops to save you money. You will be surprised by how much you end up spending on those seemingly harmless quick trips.

2. Buy Quality, Not Cheap. Whether it’s clothing, shoes, or even cookware, it can be really tempting to buy cheap stuff. However, cheap often means that it won’t last as long and this ends up costing you more money in the long run as you have to keep replacing items. Spending a little extra on the good quality stuff actually saves you money because they tend to last much longer.

3. Think About Whether You Really Need it. When you’re looking in shop windows and you see something you really want, try not to act on impulse. In of my previous p0sts we talked about if your a compulsive spender. Take a few minutes to think about it and see if you actually need it or if you just want it instead. The best way to save money is to buy only what you need and what is going to be of use in your life. There is nothing wrong with the occasional impulse buy, but it should not be a frequent thing.

4. Downsize your Big Expenses. When looking through your financial situation, look for alternatives when it comes to big expenses like electricity, loans, leases, insurance, and car payments. They may feel like a tedious task, but in the end you are likely to save bundles. For example, If you have a restricted license, your car insurance premiums can go up massively, and even after you are no longer required to file an SR22, the price may not go down again. In many ways, this can punish you in the long-term. Did you know you can get SR22 insurance to help you out in a situation like this? Speak with a financial advisor to find the best offers, prices, and payment options for any situation.

5. Don’t be Drawn in by Freebies. This is considered to be dangerous territory, as freebies and gifts are often incredibly tempting. However, in order to get the free items, you often have to spend a specific amount and this can end up costing you more than the freebie in question is worth. If you need the items you have to buy, go for it, but if you don’t, make sure you take a moment to reconsider your options.

To Conclude. We hope this article has helped you to realize that any spending trends you might have that you may not have noticed before. We know it can be difficult to spot hidden spending, but if you want to save some extra cash every month, then this is the best place to start! After all, it’s great to have money left over rather than feel stressed and overwhelmed a week before payday.