5 things we pay for everyday that we dont need to
Most of us spend money on things we could get for free. And in many cases, it’s not as if we are consciously paying for greater convenience or some other intangible. We’re just throwing money down the drain.
So, even if you have tightened your budget and eliminated unnecessary expenses, we’re betting you can get more savings by reviewing this list. It includes a list of 5 things we pay for that we really shouldn’t.
1. Bottled water
When you use money to buy one or multiple bottled water, you’ve literally wasted money. What you get in those bottles is sometimes tap water, or maybe filtered water.
Avoid that unnecessary purchase by carrying your own reusable water bottle from home — you can filter it there if your tap water is not so hygienic. You would have also save the environment from one more plastic bottle.
2. Books
While it’s fun to buy new books, they can be very expensive and most of us will only read them once.
However, there are a few books that it’s nice to own — for example a cookbook, reference book, or even a classic that you can read and reread. But most other books just fill shelves and collect dust.
So, try this instead: Borrow the book from your nearest public library because after all, you have already paid for it with your tax dollars.
Many other books also can be downloaded for free on the internet, you can also try out free audiobooks online and buy used books on Amazon.com or any number of more specialized book websites for less than the cost you would pay for a new book.
3. Brand names
It makes no sense to purchase certain expensive brand-name items because often times you will see the same product just in a different label — for less.
For many products, the brand has nothing extra to offer. So, don’t pay for the brand. You can use generics or other brands for things like over-the-counter medications, cleaning supplies and baking supplies etc. Just read the labels. Carefully and if they’re the same item, why would you want to pay more?
4. Bank fees
You put money in the bank, then the bank lends out your money for a profit. So, how is it that you need to pay the bank so many fees? There are monthly maintenance fees for checking and savings accounts, overdraft fees, service charge fees and then you have to bear the cost of inflation etc. It’s crazy.
You can avoid many of these bank charges and actually earn more money by switching to a Peer to Peer lending account offered by companies such as Biztechp2p.com.
5. Shipping
If you’re buying something online and it’s not an emergency purchase, you can probably benefit by waiting for a shipping discount.
What things have you quit paying for? Share with us in comments below or on our Facebook Page.