18 Things People Waste Money On Out of Convenience
At a time when you can simply think about something, open your phone, and have it immediately advertised to you, it can be challenging to resist impulse buys. Add the convenience of ordering almost anything you want from your phone, and it becomes a mindful practice not to spend. Here are several things people waste money on today. Do you?
1. Car Washes
There are conflicting theories about which is cheaper: washing your vehicle or running it through a carwash. However, if you don’t leave the water running while scrubbing your car, it’s more cost-effective to do it yourself. Plus, you get in a workout, and the car looks much cleaner, especially concerning details like underneath spoilers.
2. Coffee
Getting coffee and espresso outside the home is a considerable waste of money compared to brewing it yourself. Starbucks’ annual revenue for 2023 was $35.976 billion, so it’s safe to say there is a hefty markup on their coffee.
3. Fast Food
Americans spend $200 billion annually on fast food, and the number is projected to grow. Eating at fast food places is no longer more cost-effective, but the convenience and addiction to the food continue to keep drive-thru lines long everywhere you look.
4. Delivery Apps
One of the biggest things people waste money on today is food delivery apps such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. It adds up quickly between charging more for the food and tacking on service and delivery fees, all before adding a tip for the driver.
5. Pre-Cut Produce
Paying more for pre-cut fruits and vegetables is a massive waste of money, with a 40% markup compared to whole produce. Nonetheless, its convenience keeps it a big business nationwide. In addition to the obscene expense, pre-cut produce is often contaminated with E. coli, salmonella, and listeria.
6. Meal Kits
Have you heard of meal kit services like Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, and EveryPlate? Although they boast that they are cheaper than going to the grocery store, in many cases, that’s not so.
7. Sandwiches
Americans pay for the convenience of ready-made and made-to-order sandwiches. From pre-packed options at grocers to visiting a sub sandwich shop, it’s a significant waste of money, considering you can make several sandwiches for the price you’ll pay for one.
8. Basic Sewing Repairs
Gone are the days when school taught people basic sewing skills like hemming pants or reattaching a button. I’ll never forget when I was nineteen and found some super awesome pants on clearance at Bon Marché (Macy’s today).
Standing five feet on my tallest day, I needed them hemmed. Unbeknownst to me, it would cost more to have them hemmed than what I paid for the pants. One of the more common things people waste money on is simple sewing skills.
9. Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent is a massive waste of money, especially considering you mostly pay for water. Furthermore, all those plastic laundry jugs are destroying the planet. Making your laundry detergent is cheaper and more environmentally friendly. There are countless online recipes for powder and liquid forms.
10. Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning companies have marketed a cleanser for every room in the home, but you don’t need something different for every room. It’s a financial scam. Moreover, doing so introduces harmful toxins and allergens into your environment. Several homemade cleaning solution recipes are online. However, a single multipurpose will do the trick if you insist on store-bought cleaners.
11. Pre-Made Seasoning Packets
Stop wasting money on seasoning packets and make the seasoning combinations at home. If you have a spice rack or cabinet, it’s cost-efficient and simple to search “taco seasoning recipe” and make it yourself. Making your own dressings and sauces is also worth it, and it tastes better than anything in the store.
12. Oil Changes
Did you know that YouTube has several step-by-step videos that guide you through doing oil changes for a fraction of the cost of the service shops? If you have a few tools and places to do it, save yourself some money and do it yourself.
13. Battery Changes
Recently, I discovered that people pay to have auto shops swap their batteries for them. A battery costs around $100, and the shop I was in told me they could do it for just over $300. This is ridiculous. Thank God for YouTube and husbands. Of course, some vehicles make it impossible to get to the battery, but you should watch a video before paying three times as much when applicable.
14. Grocery Delivery
Similarly to food delivery apps, grocery delivery apps tack on hefty service and delivery fees. Naturally, those don’t include the driver’s tip. Or the reality that many grocery stores mark up the prices of the food available through grocery delivery apps such as Instacart. Save yourself the fees and order curbside pickup instead.
15. Vending Machine Products
One of the obvious things people waste money on is overpriced junk food in vending machines. Vendors buy bulk products from Costco or Sam’s Club and mark them up by 50% to ensure a 15-30% profit margin.
16. Convenience Stores
The money waster is in the name! Of course, buying snacks, food, beverages, oil, and anything else in a convenience store will be overpriced because you’re paying for the convenience.
17. Basic Home Repairs
Similarly to car maintenance, several home repairs aren’t complicated and will save you money if you do them yourself. YouTube is your best friend for guided tutorials that will walk you through each step with ease.
18. Streaming Services
It’s really convenient to have every TV show and film available for viewing at the click of a button on your remote. However, maintaining all of those streaming services is a massive financial drain. Remember when streaming was the cheaper alternative to cable? Check out these ways to save money on entertainment.
Read More: 15 Massive Money Wasters That Are Destroying Your Budget
Preparing for your future by exercising financial health today is necessary for a comfortable tomorrow. Do you know the most significant money wasters to your net worth today? Here are some common expenses to cut to save money.
15 Massive Money Wasters That Are Destroying Your Budget
22 Real Ways to Save Money on Groceries Immediately
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the ridiculous cost of food today. Does anyone else hold their breath at checkout? Here are some surefire ways to save money on groceries immediately.
22 Real Ways to Save Money on Groceries Immediately
Elizabeth Ervin helps people embrace a change in money mindset to achieve their financial goals. After struggling for a decade as a single mother, consumed by the American debt cycle, she recognizes the value of financial education and lifestyle changes and aspires to motivate others to make those changes to obtain financial freedom. She heavily advocates for praying about and over your finances and speaking positive money affirmations to manifest abundance.
