With so many increasing demands on our budgets these days, the last thing you want to do is spend money when you don’t need to. There are many small, hidden costs you can cut out with little hassle or fanfare and watch the savings mount.
Yard Work
Unless you’re physically unable to tend your own yard, get out there and get to work. You may even find that you enjoy the exercise and being outdoors.
Bank Fees
A checking account should be free of fees. If it isn’t, stash your money elsewhere. ATM fees are also completely avoidable: Just use your own bank’s ATM — or go cashless, which many consumers and businesses have chosen to do since the pandemic.
Baby Food
Homemade baby food is far cheaper than commercial baby food — and you know exactly what’s in it. You don’t need a gadget designed specifically for making baby food. Just boil or steam whatever produce is in the fridge and blend or mash it up. You may not feel like you have the time or energy while caring for an infant, but try making a big batch and freezing single servings in an ice tray. You may be surprised how easy it is.
Computer Software
Many software programs cost a pretty penny, but there are often open-source alternatives. Rather than keep paying for subscriptions, search online for free software. There are lots of options available at no cost.
Extended Warranties
Experts agree that extended warranties typically aren’t worth the additional cost. Consumer Reports notes that products such as appliances rarely break down within the extended warranty period. (There are, however, some products where buying the warranty might be worthwhile.)
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Shipping
Sometimes there’s no choice but to pay for shipping, but many online stores offer it free, typically with a minimum purchase. You can also research online for free-shipping codes before completing a purchase. If you still can’t snag a deal, weigh whether you can save a few bucks (and get the product sooner) by selecting in-store pickup.
Pest Control
Infested with dreaded stinkbugs, spiders, or ants? Save money by forgoing commercial pest control and combatting the bugs using natural remedies. The results can be cheaper, less toxic, and just as effective.
Erroneous Charges
Be sure to review receipts after each purchase. You may spot items that were inadvertently scanned twice, savings or coupons that weren’t credited, or prices that are just plain wrong. Erroneous overcharges happen, so it pays to check — especially before you leave the store or the parking lot.
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Warehouse Club Membership Fees
Warehouse club membership has its perks, but you don’t have to join to buy everything sold by Costco and Sam’s Club. For one thing, anyone can shop online without being a member (although a nonmember surcharge may apply), the pharmacies are open to non-members, and in many states alcohol can be purchased without paying the membership fee.
Bottled Water
Is there a bigger waste of money than bottled water? Consumers spend about 800 times more for it than plain old tap water. Even a filter is cheaper than plastic bottles over the long term.
PayPal Fees
PayPal users can avoid fees by requesting money using the “Friends and Family” option. Be aware, however, that a fee-free transaction requires a linked bank account or a PayPal balance. And small businesses found using the feature for commercial purposes may have their accounts suspended.
Utilities You’re Not Using
When you’re not sitting in a room, turn off the light. Not quite ready to jump in the shower? Don’t turn on the water until you are. These are the basics, but many people forget these little things. There’s no reason to pay for utilities when you’re not using them. Take this one step further and unplug anything not in use.
Morning Lattes
This is has become a personal-finance platitude, but if you’re still making a daily stop at Dunkin’ or Starbucks, you can pocket a Hamilton or two each week by getting out of the habit. Instead of hitting the drive-thru on the way to work, buy a durable commuter mug and brew your own cup of joe at home before heading out the door each day.
Cellphone Insurance
These policies may seem a good idea (and fairly inexpensive), but chances are you’ll never use the insurance — and if you do, a hefty deductible may apply. If paying for phone insurance makes you feel more secure, shop around and get the right package — one that covers accidental damage, including from water. Otherwise, this is an expense you can avoid.
Landline
If you have a cellphone, do you really need a landline? Most mobile plans cover long-distance calling, offer unlimited minutes, and include a fee for Enhanced 911 service — and emergency calls were the only real reason to have a landline anymore. Your landline phone isn’t an amenity; it’s obsolete.
Fabric Softener
Skip the fabric softener as well as the dryer sheets. Reusable dryer balls are better for the environment and save money. Even vinegar (with some essential oil) makes fabric softer for less. Want to save even more? Try drying your clothes on a line outside.
Apps and In-App Purchases
Many popular apps offer a free version that’s funded by advertising. But in addition to ads, users often are subjected to offers for in-app purchases, especially in games. Resist the urge to unlock that extra feature. It’s useless the moment you move on to the next trendy game.
Print Newspapers and Books
Many free apps let users read the paper on a tablet or smartphone at no charge. Countless ebooks are also free — and eco-friendly. Although others cost money, the price is typically less than the cost of a paperback. For readers who prefer paper, the local library is the place to seek out information and entertainment.
Cable TV
Cable TV is a luxury, and cutting the cord promises to reduce monthly spending dramatically. If you can’t live without TV, get your fix for less with the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or HBO Max. Or save even more by opting for one of the many free streaming services available.
Streaming Services
After quitting cable, it’s easy to turn around and spend that money subscribing to every streaming service out there. Avoid racking up the equivalent of a cable bill — or more — by taking advantage of free channels.
Cleaning Supplies
Most people probably have what they need to get a nice, clean home. Instead of buying expensive cleaning supplies, use everyday household items such as white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon, and old cloths to make effective — and cost-effective — cleaning supplies.
Things You Don’t Use
We’re all guilty of this one: buying things you never end up using. You probably own plenty of products you shouldn’t have bought in the first place — unopened beauty supplies, specialty kitchen tools, and so on. Often you know in your gut when something’s just going to collect dust.
Gym
Working out at home is an easy way to stay in shape and ditch the gym, along with the hefty monthly membership fee.
Exercise Gadgets
Dropping your gym membership is a great idea, but don’t waste the savings buying a pricey treadmill or other equipment that may end up gathering dust in a corner. Consider a free indoor exercise regimen or jogging — if the fitness bug bites, you can consider other investments.
Gas
Instead of shelling out tons of cash for gas every month, look for alternative and free (or cheap) means of transportation. Depending on where you live and whether you need to go to an office to work, public transportation may be an option. In warmer months, commuters can ride a bike to work.
Fast Food
Skip the drive-thru and try making your own fast food favorites. It’s almost always cheaper — not to mention healthier — than spending money to eat out.
Brand Names
Yes, you may like your designer yoga pants or worry no-name potato chips won’t taste as wonderful, but it’s worth it to compare generic and brand-name products. While some don’t measure up, you might be surprised by the store-brand products other shoppers love, ranging from seasoning to sunscreen.
Disposable Razors
Plastic razors not only dull quickly but add to the landfill. Get a quality razor and buy the blades alone for less.
Fresh Vegetables
Instead of venturing to the store and paying supermarket prices, which cover all the logistics of getting fresh vegetables to the shelves, buy some cheap packets of seeds and start a garden, or use a starter kit. Growing your own takes more time, but the bounty could save you a bundle at the grocery store.
Paper Towels
Americans use far more paper towels than people elsewhere in the world. Using washable cloths instead of buying rolls of paper towel can save countless trees and gallons of water — not to mention reduce paper waste.
Precut Food
While each slice of cheese might be the perfect thickness, that convenience costs extra. Buy a block of cheese or meat and slice it yourself. The same goes for precut fruit and vegetables. They may save a few minutes in the kitchen, but you can save money if you slice and dice the produce yourself. It will also stay fresh longer.
Storage
While a storage space can make sense when you’re in the process of moving, renting a space monthly suggests you need to declutter. Even a 5-by-5 unit can cost more than $50 a month. Consider how quickly what you’re paying will equal the value of what you’re storing, and you may be motivated to take a weekend to throw a yard sale, take some old items to Goodwill, or post on eBay or other online marketplaces such as OfferUp, VarageSale, and Craigslist.
Brand-Name Prescriptions
Before you get an expensive prescription filled, especially if your insurance won’t pay the full amount, talk to your doctor about generic options. While your doctor may have a reason to opt for one medication over another, the generic version is often interchangeable with its pricey counterpart, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Greeting Cards
Some are beautiful, others offer a laugh — and almost all end up in the trash, quickly forgotten. Even when you spend time picking one out, it’s not the most personal or thoughtful gift. Send an ecard instead, many of which are free, or better yet make a card yourself.
Baggage Fees
Skip the hefty baggage fees at the airport and fly with an airline that allots free checked luggage. Or learn to pack light and bring only a carry-on. Tips include rolling clothes instead of folding, and choosing soft-sided luggage that can be squeezed into a baggage sizer or overhead bin.
Convenience Foods
While a frozen pizza or a heat-and-eat meal will get dinner on the table when you’re overwhelmed, making a list of quick and easy recipes you can whip up in the same length of time is not only doable, it will save your family from eating processed foods. Consider making some big-batch meals so you always have something on hand and have to cook only once.
Sales Tax
While avoiding sales tax all the time is impossible, there are times when you can shop tax-free. Many states offer tax holidays at least once a year.
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