When it comes to spending money, I enjoy it. However, over time I have realized that there are some things I Should Stop Paying For, if I can save money on certain items, I’d have more money to spend on the items I really want. I started to look through my spending and I realized there were things I was buying that was kind of ridiculous. You know, things you can get for free.
15 Things You Should Stop Paying For
1. Paper towels
This is the ONE item you can stop buying today and save a ton of money. You can use old rags for paper towels. I know it’s incredibly convenient, but can also be expensive. My mom has a set of cheap white wash clothes she uses for napkins and in place of paper towels and then she just bleaches them and washes them rather than paying a ton for new paper towels.
2. Extra Charges
I have started paying more attention to my credit card bill. I mean, it’s amazing how many different charges can pop up without you realizing it. By being on top of it, you can save a ton of money. Plus, I don’t like to give away my money for nothing, it makes me angry.
You can also opt for Debit Cards over Credit Cards at some stores, for example Target gives you the same benefits for a Target Red Card Debit Card without the extra charges!
3. Babysitter
Only if you’re serious about saving money, though. I try and do things when my spouse gets home or I switch up childcare with another mom. It’s amazing how expensive childcare can really be. On the occasion that you do use a sitter, ask around to make sure you’re paying a reasonable rate for your area or ask another family if they want to pitch in and have the same sitter watch both families kids. Then you can split the costs between 2 famlies.
4. Buying in Bulk
Okay, some items can be bought in bulk and help you save, but not everything works that way. Make sure you pay attention to the unit cost. Sometimes you’re actually paying more by buying in bulk that you would buying multiples of smaller items, especially when you’re using coupons. While I’m a huge fan of buying in bulk, all of that can add up quickly if you’re not vigilant about how much you’re paying. Keep this in mind as you shop.
5. Warranties
Some items are worth buying warranties for, but not everything is. Really pay attention to how much the warranty is and how much the item you’re paying is worth.
6. Water Over Use
When you’re not paying attention, your water bill can add up quickly. Make sure you pay attention to how much water you’re using. You should stop paying for water over usage if you can help it.
7. Bottled Water
I love my bottled water, but the cost of it sure does add up. I carry a glass water bottle around with me and fill it up with free water!
8. Lunchables
Whoever invented lunchables was a lunch time genius. I still do use lunchables from time to time, but only for special occasions. You should stop paying for lunchables every day and make your own from time to time. It really isn’t a great deal to pay a dollar for a few crackers, cheese, and meat. You can make your own and save a ton of money.
9. Shipping
To be honest, I try and buy through Amazon because I get free shipping. I also utilize Ship to Store on as many items as I possibly can too. Shipping shouldn’t be something you pay a ton of money for, although it does happen. If the shipping is too expensive, I just pass on it or I look for it in a physical store.
10. “Bundling”
As much as I love my television shows, it is budget suicide to have cable. When we did have cable, it was anywhere from $100-$200 a month with the “bundle.” Guess what? I don’t need your bundle. I don’t need your cable, expensive Internet, and cheapo home alarm system. I’ll stick to keeping my cheap wireless Internet without any contract. O and another thing you need to stop paying for is money to get out of a contract. AVOID contracts at all costs, especially with a phone company or cable company, they’ll get you every time.
11. Late Fees
This is one that really gets me riled up. LATE fees eat up so much of your budget if you’re not careful. I try and set reminders on everything. I mean, one late bill can cost you a ton of money. Not to mention, late library books can also cost you a ton. Pay attention and avoid late fees at every cost.
12. Landscaper
How many of you has someone come out and mow your yard for you? Instead of paying a commercial business to do it, hire a local neighbor. In exchange for mowing your yard, give them free stuff or even offer him or her a set rate to do it. Don’t pay a ridiculous amount to have a big company come mow your yard.
13. Interest on Anything
How do you think those credit card companies make their money? A lot of places make money off of you because of Interest. Make sure you pay off the credit card as soon as you can to avoid those fees. You’re not saving any money when you don’t pay off the credit card statement. That’s why paying off a loan quicker is so important. Those interest rates will eat you alive financially.
14. Printing
Guess what? These days you don’t really have to print much. Stop wasting money on ink and paper. If I need coupons, I add them to my store card. If I need to show something as far as a coupon goes, I pull it up on my tablet. Obviously, I’m not naive to think you’ll never have to print stuff, but I try and keep it to a minimum. When I do buy ink and paper, I always buy online – it is MUCH cheaper!
15. Oil Changes
Once you learn how to do oil changes, you’ll never want to pay anyone to do it again. It’s AMAZING how simple it is to change the oil on your vehicle. DO IT! You won’t regret it.
It’s amazing how all of these items and categories can hurt our budget. I think a lot of it is just being smarter about WHAT you are buying and how much you’re spending. You don’t have to go crazy trying to save money. My advice is to be SMART about where you spend your hard earned money. I mean, everyone wants a piece of your dollar. The best part is that you get the final say!
What is the one thing you would tell everyone else to stop buying?
READ NEXT: 15 Things that are Busting Your Budget
Oil changes: I’ve been getting oil changes (both DIY and professionally) for a lot of years…decades even.
Yeah it sounds like it’s smart to do your own oil changes but once you add up the cost of oil ($2-$3 per quart times at least 5 quarts) and the cost of a filter (about $5) and something in which to dispose of the oil (about $5) you have already spent $20.00. Add in the initial cost of an oil filter wrench ($5) and the value of your time, it is overall cheaper to get an oil change pretty much anywhere.
They can be as cheap as $15.00 especially if you have a coupon, plus when they change the oil most places check your fluid levels on everything else and top them off. If you were to check all of your fluids you wold have to buy all of them. Also many places do an “oil and lube” for a decent price which saves you the time and cost of getting the grease, the grease gun, etc.
If you are shopping anyway and the place has an auto care section (Sears, Walmart, etc.) you can drop off the car, get the oil changed while you shop and basically “kill two birds with one stone.” Plus you don’t have the frustration of doing it yourself or asking/waiting for someone else to do it for you. This is one area that it is not cheaper to do it yourself.
You talked about saving money by using rags and washing them but then you talked about water overages! You also have to think about how much of your time you are saving by hiring someone to mow your lawn, my husband is at work sometimes 70 hours a week, so I don’t want to waste 2 hours of his time home on him doing the grass, its worth spending the small amount of money!