Ways you cost yourself money
It has been an interesting year for me. Decisions I made a year ago without realizing how bad the economy could downward spiral are now forcing to me change the way I live my life. And at the moment I am VERY aware of how important saving money is. I’m passing it on to you.
Free offers that expire- sometimes companies offer free stuff on certain days and thanks to the internet those free things tend to go viral. (bookmark this page or sign up for email alerts because I post these!) But how many of us actually go out and get our free item? I’ve turned my day planner into a money saving weapon by writing down expiration dates for things like free Breakfasts from Denny’s and free Quiznos sandwiches. This includes other necessities like free deodorant, free vitamins or super cheap frozen foods. I just cross them out when they’re used up or expire. If in this economy you’re not at least getting a free thing or two occasionally then you really need to step up your game!
Reward Points – We all have them frequent flyer miles, credit card rewards or hotel loyalty programs. All these points expire! I check them every couple months (usually every quarter) to make sure I’m not wasting them!
Gift cards - I get tons of these and for many years they would end up in stack with receipts. Now I put these in my coupon book. I have a Target photo album (that’s tomorrow’s blog) which I fill with coupons and I’ve saved the last few pages for gift cards and punch cards (those buy 10 get 1 free cards). Now I always know where they are, they stay in my car and they don’t weigh down my wallet or purse.
Monthly Fees for things you don’t use- Do you check your credit card bills? Almost all of us have joined a free trial at one point in time or another that required us to call and cancel within 30 days. Write these things down in your planner but also make sure you check your bills!
Coupons you forget- That sale isn’t a sale without those extra coupons! My coupon album has been so fantastic! I leave it in my car, take it out only when I need to add or remove items, and I always have it around. That way I can take it with me to the store and not worry about having forgotten it at home.
Not Being Organized -Coupons are your friend. Sure maybe it only saves you $0.50 or $1 but those pennies add up fast, especially when you use them with store savings. Invest some time and get organized (more on this tomorrow).
Failure to comparison shop- Every week we get circulars in our mailboxes or newspapers. Do you check these? Maybe you can buy Cherrios for cheaper at the CVS right next door that you never go into then you could at your favorite grocery store. Keep an eye out for things you use.
Price blindness- I was very guilty of this until recently. Did you know supermarket pricing goes in cycles? One week your favorite cereal can be almost $5 a box, a couple weeks later it will be $2. How much would you save if you created a price spreadsheet of your favorite purchases and priced them every week for a month or two. You’d really understand what a good price is and when to stock up!
Procrastinating and Paying Late Fees- Three words: PAY ON TIME. Otherwise you are lighting your extra money on fire and throwing it on the ground.
Not Planning a Cheaper Alternative- Do you grab snacks out because you didn’t have time to make food? Did you consider a granola bar and some fruit and yogurt? Do you rent movies from NetFlix? Have you been taking advantage of the RedBox codes we post here twice a week in March?
Money saving alternatives are everywhere and while it takes awhile to really get used to change, if you don’t do you are really only hurting yourself.
