8. Drinking Out
Buying pop, water, coffee, or juice anywhere but at the supermarket is a great way to waste money. You pay a large amount for just one bottle or cup that will last you maybe a few hours. But have you priced out how much you would pay per can if you bought a case of pop? Or water for that matter? If you did, you would realize you’re spending way too much for that one bottle or cup each day.
Solution: Most of the time, your drink cravings are actually just fuelled by thirst. So instead of forking out $2-$4 for a sweetened lemonade, have a sip of the water you brought from home. It’s free, calorie-free, and quenches your thirst just as well.
Estimated savings: $728 to $1820 per year
9. Dry Cleaning
Paying someone to do your laundry for you seems like a time saver but what are you really saving? Is your time worth the amount of money that you spend every week on your dry cleaning bill? Chances are, it’s not, especially if you think about the amount of down time you have to do that laundry each week.
Solution: Invest $40 to $100 in a good portable steamer. You can use it anytime for as many garments as you like. Plus, you don’t have to tip yourself.
Estimated savings: $1,500
10. Turning off Lights and Unplugging Plugs
Lights that don’t need to be on should be turned off. Plugs that don’t need to be plugged in should be unplugged. It sounds redundant to state the obvious, but so many of us forget that electricity costs money too! In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 5% to 10% of your household electricity bill is dedicated to unused appliances that are left plugged in.
Solution: Switch off and unplug. If you tend to forget, try sticking a reminder next to each switch and socket.
Estimated savings: $285
Add it all up and you could save $6,554 (more or less). Money is hard-earned but easily spent. Fortunately you can control your spending habits and save for the things you really want in life!