What is the biggest waste of money every family could easily avoid? Top 25 Money-Saving Tips Bloggers were asked and they divulged over 60 smart ways to trim family expenses. Here, are the 10 most popular tips. Time to stop these money-wasting habits, and start saving!
#10 Buying Things You Don’t Need
“Buying things you don’t need or can’t afford is the biggest waste of money. This is true for grocery, drugstore, household, big-ticket items, things for your kids — anything and everything. You really have to ask yourself, is this something I (we) REALLY need?” -Michelle Hovestadt, Wicked Cool Deals
#9 Eating Junk Food While Traveling
“It is amazing how much money you can waste just by stopping at fast food places and convenience stores. Make sure to pack a cooler with snacks, sandwiches and drinks for the driver and all passengers!…If you wait until you are on the road, not only will you pay full price, you will normally pay an inflated price for the convenience.” –Mommy’s Money-Saving Obsession
#8 Paying Full Price for Toothpaste
“There are plenty of coupons in the Sunday inserts for a variety of toothpaste…every family can find one or many that suits their needs…Smaller sizes combined with coupons will have the biggest savings.” -Rebecca Autry, Moms Saving Money
#7 Eating Out
“Many families are on busy schedules and trying to fit in a sit down meal at the dinner table is hectic. One of the quick answers is to hit the drive through, or order a pizza. These ‘quick fixes’ add up to major money! … A little planning can go a long way and save a lot of money!” -Wendy Pesce, Saving With Wendy
#6 Skipping Meal-Planning
“By creating a meal plan you not only save money at the grocery store, but you save money by not eating out as much. If you already have a plan for dinner that night you are less likely to deviate from it.” -Lauren Greutman, I am THAT lady
#5 Residential Phone Bill
“Many people have already deleted their home phone bill through the use of cell phones…but what if your plan isn’t unlimited? Look for a new operator that gives you unlimited local and long-distance calling, caller ID, call waiting, and voice-mail.” –King Dealio
#4 “Now” Thinking
“Black Eyed Peas talk about being a “Now Generation.” We don’t have to get things now unless we can afford them! How many people get things now and pay for them later? The only thing is…[then] people really pay for them! –Enza’s Bargains
#3 Not Using Coupons
“There are so many great high value coupons and ways to ‘stack’ and ‘double’ your coupon savings, that it is a waste of money to pay full price for just about anything! You can shop according to the weekly sales and match them up with available coupons to get the most savings power! There are many items that you can get for free or very close to it when you use this method!” –Adventures of a Couponista
#2 Being a Brand Snob
“Do not rely on certain brands. Do not only buy a brand you think your family loves…Different brands will have sales and coupons at different times. This means that even the most expensive brand may be free or close to it at a certain time….Once you start getting the brands that are on sale or have coupons, you will really save a LOT MORE MONEY!” -Sarah, Raining Hot Coupons
#1 Your Family’s Personal Money Waster
“I believe the biggest money waster a family can avoid resides right inside each of our heads. Changing your habits, planning ahead and vowing to work together as a family will make all the difference. Everyone is different and must find their shortcomings and resolutions…You have to find out what’s costing you, and take steps to change your habits.” -Wendy S., Gimmie Freebies
(source:Circle of Moms)
