Zielonka Financial Services LLC

(888) 967-1040

Lifestyle Read Time: 3 min

Stop Wasting Money

Benjamin Franklin once said, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” One way to find the money to meet your spending or saving needs is to examine your current spending habits and consider eliminating money wasters.

Top Money Wasters

  1. Bargain Shopping…and its Expensive Cousin, Impulse Buying:
    Fire sales and impulse buying (such as products sold on infomercials) can be money wasters, made worse by how often they sit idly in a closet or drawer.
  2. Unused Subscription Services:
    It can be tempting to sign up for the “free trials” many subscription services offer, but don’t forget to cancel after your trial period is up. Forgotten subscription services can eat away at your wealth when you don't value the subscription anymore. For example, three $30-per-month subscriptions don't sound like much until you realize they total nearly $1,100 per year.
  3. Cable and Cell:
    Call your provider and see if it’s possible to negotiate a new rate. Cell providers, who face stiff competition, may be responsive. Cable companies may be less so, especially if they are a single provider, but you can review your package and make sure you are not paying for service you don’t want.
  4. Paying for Water:
    Switching from an essentially free product to one that may cost up to $1.50 a day or more is a real budget leak. Consider purchasing a reusable container and using that during the day.
  5. Gourmet Coffee:
    $4 or $5 a day may not seem like a lot of money, but when Americans step into a gourmet coffee shop, they may often buy more than just the coffee. Consider brewing your own. It can be ready before you leave for work, and it’ll save you the wait in the drive-through line!
  6. Eating Out:
    While dining out may be one of life’s pleasures, eating out is often less about socialization and more about convenience. Twice a week may not seem like much, but over time it can add up. Try tracking your dining-out expenses for a week. You may be shocked at how fast costs add up. 

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Problems with Probate

Problems with Probate

Probate can be a completely public process, or it can be managed to include as little information as possible.

Comparing Mortgage Terms

Comparing Mortgage Terms

Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.

Test Your Estate Strategy Knowledge

Test Your Estate Strategy Knowledge

Estate management can help ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes while managing tax issues.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Insurance Needs Assessment: When You're Young and Single

Even if you’re young and single, you should still consider protecting yourself.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

Fallen Tree Damage—Who Pays?

Your liability for damages that occur when a tree on your property falls on your neighbor’s property is not clear cut.

View all articles

Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?

This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.

Federal Income Tax

Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

View all calculators

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

View all presentations

Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart

Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

View all videos