Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Whether it’s a latte you could have done without, or a cute pair of shoes you didn’t need, even the most frugal folks among us waste a little money now and then. But penny-pinchers seem to make it a habit not to make it a habit.

Smart Money blogger Emily Co talked to a group of determined savers. Here are the top money-wasters they identified. How many of them can you cut out?

• Paying bank fees – Do you even know about, much less track, the fees your bank may be charging you? From checking fees to overdraft fees to third-party ATM fees, you should do what you must to avoid them.
• Tossing leftovers – Whether at home or at a restaurant, throwing away leftovers instead of eating them the next day is a huge and avoidable waste of money.
• Buying stuff at convenience stores – How much do you want that soda or candy bar when filling up at the gas station? Convenience store prices are very high. Think twice before you buy.
• Heating and cooling costs – Properly insulating your home and caulking up cracks and crevices under doors can save a bundle in the long run.
• Unclaimed rebates and returns – You’re throwing away cash if you’re not redeeming rebates or neglecting to return the little things you purchased but do not want.
• Bottled water – Get a filter and start carrying your own bottled water from home instead of paying for and clogging the ecosystem with plastic bottles.
• Not buying generics – There may some generics that don’t meet your standards, but try as many generic drugs, cosmetics and other products before deciding they are not for you.
• Buying everything new – Browse through a second-hand store now and then to prove to yourself that not everything needs to be purchased new.
• Ignoring discount stores – Bargains abound at the dollar store as well for those who want to be more frugal.
• Paying for services you can do yourself – Why pay for lawn mowing or changing the oil in your car when you can save by doing it yourself? A little online instruction may be all you need to start hanging on to more of your money.

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