(MoneyHippo.com) – Would you wad cash up and throw it into the trash? It seems very unlikely, right? Yet, people have a number of habits that might cause them to waste significant amounts of money. If you’re looking for ways to save, check to see if you’re guilty of these four wasteful habits.
- Eating Out: Schedules become busy, and time becomes a commodity, leaving many families eating meals out for lunch or dinner. Yet, cooking food at home or taking lunch to work or school can cost a fraction of what meals out might cost, saving significant amounts of money over time. Look for quick meals you can cook at home for supper and plan on packing leftovers for lunches. Chances are you’ll save money and have more delicious and nutritious dining experiences.
- Leftovers: When meals are over, many people put the remainder in the refrigerator for later. However, many families forget about the food until it’s too late. Eliminate this problem by placing your leftovers in plain sight and planning to reuse them the next day.
- Name brands: You might typically choose recognizable names when heading to the store, but generic brands are similar and much cheaper. Looking at the ingredients on the package before you purchase items might reveal the generics are exact duplicates at a fraction of the cost.
- Subscriptions: Maybe you canceled cable, and you’re getting your entertainment from streaming services. That’s great if it saves you money each month, but subscription services can get out of hand. Check to ensure you and your family actually use them and cancel whatever is adding to the waste.
When reducing costs, asking whether you really need an item or service is critical. If the answer is no, cut it. Realizing big savings by economizing small amounts might surprise you.
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