Hollywood gossip

Magazines at the store cost quite a bit.  When I am checking out of line at the store I see many people who are reading magazines. The next thing they decide to buy the magazine which cost roughly $3-5 each.  Then you notice as they are reading it the little insert that is in there falls out and of course we all know what it is for – a subscription to the magazine.  If you look at them you can end up saving close to 50% of the cover to get your hot Hollywood gossip.  If you are going to buy magazines buy them in yearly subscriptions and avoid the impulse of paying the high prices of over the counter.

The good, the bad, and the ugly

Ice water is good
I know it is fun to go out to dinner.  One easy way to keep the bill a little less and make the savings over the course of the year add up is by just ordering a nice tall glass of ice water versus the soda that costs on average $2.50.  I know you get unlimited refills but think about this.  You and your significant other both get a soda that is $5 off the bat.  Most people go out to eat a few times a week and over the course of eating out for the week you will spend up to $15 just on soda.  So over the course of the year you could potentially save up $780 dollars from skipping the soda.  I know your thinking it is fun to have a soda with dinner but at the same time think about all you could do with that money. 

The constant cocktail
Let’s think about an even higher cost when going out to dinner.  Beer, cocktails, and shots can really stack the bill.  For numbers sake and assuming we are not all eating out super fancy each time let’s say the average drink is $5-7 a drink.  Same scenario a couple goes out a few times a week both getting just one drink each and it will add up to over $30-42 a week just for a drink with meals when eating out.  For the year that could end up costing you $1560-2184 over the course of the whole year.   

The wallet drainer
I’ am going to say it. “Cut back on Starbucks!”  Just because we see a Starbucks every mile does not mean we need to get a drink there everyday.  We all know those drinks are anywhere from $2-5 a drink.  I know some people who go everyday.  Just cutting back on it can save you hundreds and for some even thousands a year. 

All these are okay every once in awhile but these are some pretty simple ways to save that will add up over time.

Impulse habits part 2

The gym curse
Some have been suckered into the monthly $30 membership at the gym.  It end’s up costing over $360 for the year and others that cost quite a bit more.  Even if you go to the gym everyday which I have never met anyone that does, it still will cost you $1 a day.  Let’s not forget all the other products the vultures try to sell you while working out.  Also the drive over there and gas you spend to get to the gym.  Here is a list of activities you can do for free and stay in shape. 

• -Walks around your neighborhood with friends, family, and pets

• -Jogging

• -Go hiking

• -Swimming

• -Softball Leagues

• -Tennis

• -Racquetball

• -Basketball at the local park

Monster & Red Bull does not make you a Rock Star

Leave the energy drinks on the shelf at grocery stores.  Seems like everywhere we look someone has an energy drink in hand.  Most of those people pay $2 a can and I know many people who drink one everyday.  But I want to be more on the conservative side and say that the average person who is on the energy drink wagon will drink roughly a couple hundred cans a year. I doubt that many of them are buying in bulk. So 200 cans at $2 a drink is over $400 a year.  Even if you are buying them in bulk and drink one everyday that is over $350 for the whole year just for some sugar water and a fancy name.

Impulse habits part 1

The vending machine millionaires
People at work buy soda daily.  I know it is only $0.50 to $0.75 a pop, but it adds up over the month.  If you go to work 5 days a week and some people buy one everyday that adds up to $10-15 a month and over $120-180 a year.  Not only are people buying a soda most people get a candy bar as well.  A better approximation is that most are spending $1 a day which adds up to over $260 a year just to curb office munchies.  I would suggest to the afternoon snackers’ out there bringing in a soda from home since you can find soda much cheaper at the store. Also bring in snacks from home.  It is not too hard to bring in your own store bought snacks, unless you want to waste money make the vending machine owners rich!

Just get gas
When going to the gas station just get gas.  Do not go in the store other than to hand them your cash. Do not get suckered into buying  the 84 ounce coke or $0.99 Hot Dog that has been sitting on the rolling oven for the last 3 hours. My weakness is always buying the power ball. Resist and save!  Dollar by Dollar it all adds up.

More habits to come…