5 Ways You Could Be Wasting Money
Money is a precious commodity, and it appears that the more we seem to earn, the more we seem to spend. At some point or another, we notice ourselves wasting money without even meaning to, and it’s not until that moment is realised that you truly begin to calculate how much money you have wasted over the years.
How to Stop Wasting Money You Don’t Have
Sometimes, you may find that you can’t seem to make ends meet halfway through the month and you’re beginning to need the help of a short term loan to pay an unexpected bill or cover you for a financial emergency. Having to rely on a payday loan or a loan for bad credit is normally the point where people begin to realise that the money they have been wasting should’ve been going into a savings account.
Here are 5 ways that you are wasting money.
1. Not Taking Advantage Of Deals
Taking advantage of all of the possible ways to save money is important, and if you’re not taking advantage of deals and rewards, then you really are wasting your money. Using things like vouchers, and taking advantage of the sales when you actually need to buy something really can help you to save money. However, you should only take advantage of these deals when they are on something that you actually need – not what you actually want.
Sites like Wowcher and Groupon are great for finding those treats you’ve earned at a great price.
2. Paying The Minimum On Your Credit Card
If you have a credit card and you’re only making the effort to pay the minimum amount each month, then you may find that you’re actually wasting a lot of money as the interest can quickly begin to build up. It is important that you pay off more than the minimum on your credit card to clear your debts quicker, and to help build up your credit rating. Your credit card can sometimes be something to fall back on, but it should never be relied on. If you can pay more, then do so.
3. Buying Too Much In Bulk
Tinned foods may seem like they will last forever, but they do have an expiry date. Buying in bulk is important but only if you’re going to use it.
People who have bought a lot of food mostly just waste more money when most of the food goes out of date. Buying in bulk may seem like you’re saving money, but if you’re just binning it, you end up doing the opposite.
4. Buying Lunches Instead Of Making Them
One of the easiest ways to save money is by shopping in budget stores such as Lidl and Aldi and making your own work lunches rather than buying them from the nearest sandwich shop each day.
It’s so easy to fall into the habit of buying lunches or eating takeaways all too often, but when you make your own, not only are you more likely to enjoy them, you are also able to save a lot of money.
5. Not Recording Your Expenses
One of the biggest ways you are wasting money is because you don’t actually know where it is going each month. Tracking and budgeting is the easiest way to spend your money, but if you don’t know where it is going because you’re not recording it, how are you ever going to create a budget? Start fresh next payday and see if you can find a way to save yourself from wasting your money.
The information above is only a guide to help you realise ways in which you can save your, hard-earned money but everybody needs and deserves a treat now and again, so hopefully some of the tips above will help you save for the treats you want.