Things That Are Taking Your Money!

You work hard for the money.

"The goal isn't more money. The goal is living life on your terms"- Chris Brogan

Ever since I was a kid, my mom has always said "It will go on sale". Being frugal at a young age has helped me save money now that I'm an adult.

However, there are times where I catch myself spending more than I want to.

Here's some tips that can help you with your spending habits and also how to decide which items are worth the money.

1. Coffees

I am super guilty of this one especially if you're a coffee addict like me. I would say the average price for a cup of coffee is around $5. If you go 2 to 3 times a week which doesn't seem like a lot....it can cost $40 to $60 a month. If you're sticking to a budget, try to go once a week and make the rest at home.

2. Free Trials

These are so sneaky! If I don't write down when the free trial ends, I'm screwed. If you do sign up for anything, mark it in your planner a couple days before it actually expires that way you have enough time in case you have a hard time canceling.

3. "Free" Magazine Subscriptions

I went to 2nd and Charles store one time and bought like a $3 note pad. Well I got offered some free magazines which I should have known I would of got charge for. So watch out if you're shopping and the cashier offers "free" magazines. Don't do it. They charge like $15 a month. I would much rather spend that on coffee.

4. Groceries

This one is sneaky as well. Buy off brand items. Most times they taste almost exactly the same as name brands. If you want to pay a little extra for a really nice salad dressing, go for it. I like to splurge on items that I can't make at home or taste delicious. Don't forget to use Ibotta as well on your receipts!

5. Movies

If there's a dollar theater near you, go to it! You can save so much money. The theater I go to actually plays a lot of recently new movies. You just have to wait around a month. If it's a movie you're not super crazy about, I would wait. Now if it's like Avengers, you need to see that in IMAX! haha Also hit up the bargain nights or go super early on Saturday or Sunday!

Don't stay in bed unless, you can make money in bed. - George Burns

6. Online Shopping

This one is so easy to abuse. When you're in the comfort of your own home and you're not physically handing the money over, small purchases can slowly add up.

7. Retail

There are so many different places especially online that most times can offer you at least 50% off retail. If it's something you need right away go ahead and buy it. However, if it's something you don't really need, wait a little bit. You might realize a week later you don't really want the item anymore or have found something cheaper!

8. Going out to eat

Yep. This one is very tough. I would try not to go out more than twice a week. Heck if you could make it once a week, I applaud you. It's hard when you have friends who want to grab dinner and also hit up the club on the weekends. Just by eliminating a urge to Panera Bread will really make all the difference.

9. Alcohol

I kind of mentioned this one in the last tip. If you're not super into drinking, you don't have to drink that much to look cool with your friends. If you go out regularly, I wouldn't do more than 2 drinks. It really adds up. Now if you go out every now and then, then you can get away with spending a little more. Remember be to mindful.

10. Small portions

Do you ever notice that smaller sizes can cost more than if you bought the bigger size? Especially with makeup. Another way I noticed this is whenever I buy a coffee. If you're spending $3.50 on a small cup and the next size up is only 50 cents more, go with the bigger size. It's a much better bang for your buck this way. If it's something you absolutely love too, definitely order the large. (sorry about all the coffee references haha I love coffee)

11. Nail and Hair Salon

I used to get my nails done pretty frequently however the constant upkeep was very hard with my budget. Now if it's something you absolutely love love love and it's the one thing you feel comfortable splurging on, go for it! I had to ask myself, "What's the one thing I really want to splurge on?" I choose getting my hair done. Doing both was going to be tough. Find what experience is more like a extra bonus or a must-have.