Why are we talking about money on a Healthy Living Blog? Because financial health is just as necessary as physical health! Budgeting your money and living within your means can remove alot of stress and will help you get a good nights sleep. Even if you area a good saver, here are a few ways that you might be throwing away your money.
There’s no need to spring for premium fuel if the manufacturer says regular is just fine. You should also check to make sure your tires are optimally inflated to get the best gas mileage. And are you still paying for an oil change every 3,000 miles? Then stop it! Almost all of today's cars can last 5,000 to 7,000 miles between changes. Check your manual and follow the recomendations.
Are you still indoor tanning? There is now a 10% tax on indoor tanning services but the true cost of tanning, which the World Health Organization lists among the worst cancer causing practices, is higher than just the money- it could kill you. It is healthier and less expensive to use a self tanning moisturizer.
Brand name is not necessarily better than store brand. Having worked in a supermarket for so many years, I have learned that most fancy name brand and generic products come off the same production line, only the label has changed. Marketers get paid alot to tell you their fancy packaging means there is a better product inside. Nope, it usually isn't true.
Buying beverages one at a time. This is another tip from working in a supermarket. If you buy bottled water, coffee-by-the-cup or vending-machine soda, you are wasting alot of money.
Water- buy a reusable container and fill with tap water, use a filter if you don't like the taste.
Coffee-Brew your own pot of coffee. Coffee prices are expected to go throgh the roof so stock up!
Soda- Buy your soda in 12 or 24 packs and bring it to work rather than hitting the vending machine. OR- better yet- drop the soda habit and drink water for free!
Paying for things your rarely or never use. Do you watch all those cable channels? Do you need those extra features on your phone? Are you getting your money’s worth out of your gym membership? Are you taking full advantage of your Netflix, and magazine subscriptions? Take a look at what your family actually uses, then trim accordingly.
Eating out frequently. Spending $10, $20, $30 per person for dinner can be a huge drain on your wallet. Throw in a $6 sandwich for lunch every day and you are spending far too much on food. Learning to cook and bringing your lunch from home can save a couple hundred bucks each month. I used to spend $5-$6 dollars a day in the deli for my lunch, not only was it expensive, it was unhealthy. When you do go out, don't order appetizers or dessert and watch the alcohol- all these things not only add unnecessary calories, but dollars as well.
That is just a few tips to get you started. Take a serious look at your spending habits and decide where you can make some changes. Change your choices-change your life!
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