I read a story from USA Today recently about how much money we waste every year. Obviously we all have to spend money on the essentials like food, clothing, mortgage or rent, and other living expenses, but have you ever stopped to think about how much money we waste on non-essential things?
According to the survey, when you take away the things we need to survive, the average American spends $18,000 a year on things we don’t need. $18,000! Of that $18,000, about $3,700 is spent on impulse buys. And because we have so much extra stuff, 21% actually say they have to rent a storage unit to keep everything that won’t fit in their homes.
I thought about this over the week, wondering what I waste money on, and I did come up with a few.
Coffee – I’ll admit that I could brew my own coffee at home, and usually do, but who doesn’t like to stop at Dunks or a Starbucks every now and then? Is it a daily thing for you? Maybe try to cut back a bit.
Candy Bars – There’s a reason they have them by the checkout and even near the self-checkout. If you have to wait in line they are right there…tempting you. The other day I grabbed a Hershey Bar and tried to convince myself it was alright because I bought the Hershey Almond bar. They say nuts are good for you, don’t they? I’m eatin’ healthy here!
Fast Food – Sometimes it’s just more convenient especially if you’re running late and don’t have time to cook.
Comfy Blankets – This one is not me but my wife loves those comfy, fuzzy, blankets. It’s nice to wrap yourself up in one when watching a movie or sitting by the fire. But I have to ask: How many do you need? As I sit here writing this there are four within reach.
Pillows – This is my daughter Kat’s thing. She LOVES to buy pillows and has them all over the couch and the love seat at her house. Every trip to the Christmas Tree Shop seemed to always include a pillow purchase. Of course, the store is now closed but I’m sure she’s found a replacement store. It got so bad that her husband once said, “If you bought three new ones than three old ones have to go!” I don’t think he won that battle.
What about you? Can you think of any wasteful spending?
The article lists:
- Restaurants
- Drinks
- Buying lunch instead of bringing it
- Online Shopping
- Gym memberships
- Paid apps
- Bottled water
Also, how many streaming services do you have? We have cable AND several streaming services but I will admit that we share a few with the kids. (I probably shouldn’t admit to that so don’t tell anybody.) It stinks when you maybe like one show but you end up paying the entire monthly fee just so you can watch it.
How can we save some money?
Take a look at your list of unnecessary purchases. Is there anywhere that you can cut back?
Maybe bring your lunch to work instead of always eating out.
Get a reusable water bottle instead of buying a case at the supermarket.
Are you paying for a gym membership that you hardly ever use? Maybe walk around the neighborhood every evening.
There are ways.
Oh and another thing you can do is stay out of Target. That store always gets me. You go in for toothpaste and deodorant and come out with a carriage full and $200 worth of stuff on your credit card. And of course there’s a Starbucks right inside so don’t forget your Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino!
They do know how to get us, don’t they?
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