Most people do not like wasting money, but nearly everyone wastes money on a daily basis on actions that they do not even think about. People form habits based on comfort and convenience, but these habits can be costly as well. It is possible to save hundreds of dollars each year by examining these habits and changing the ones that are costing you more than they are worth. Here are some common habits that can be reduced or eliminated to save more money.
Specialty Coffee Habit
Having a specialty coffee from one of the thousands of coffee shops that have sprung up around the nation has become a habit for millions of people across the nation. Some choose to have them as a morning energy boost while some others choose to have them as an afternoon treat. Unfortunately, the cost of these specialty coffees are astronomically high compared to the cost of buying ground or whole bean coffee at the grocery store and brewing your own. For the price of three specialty coffees, you could purchase enough coffee at the grocery store to last you the entire month.
Vending Machine Snack Habit
Many businesses have vending machines located in their buildings so that employees and customers can get a snack when they need one. The prices of these snacks generally range between $0.50 and $2.00, making them affordable to nearly everyone. However, this price is still 50% to 300% higher than the price that you would pay to purchase similar items in a store that sells groceries. Grocery stores sell these items in bulk, allowing them to price them at a lower cost per unit. If there is a snack that you really enjoy having, find it at the grocery store, pay the lower price, and keep the snack in your desk, car, or purse so it will be readily available when you want to eat it.
Fast Food Lunch Habit
If you routinely go to get lunch from a fast food restaurant, chances are you are paying about $7 per day for your meal. Although this does not sound like a lot of money at first, over time it adds up to a significant amount, about $140 per month or $1,680 per year. You can cut this expense in half by bringing your lunch from home. Many businesses have a lunchroom with a microwave, a table, and eating utensils to provide employees with a place to heat up and eat meals that they have brought from home.
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