So I saw a forum post about: http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/586/6-dumb-money-saving-mistakes/
The forum poster didn’t agree with the author and neither do I…
1. Falling for Free – agreed, if it’s not in the budget and you buy what you want thinking you’re getting a good deal, you’re not really doing what’s best for your wallet.
It was mentioned in the forum that a good deal can cost you money, but I come back to free is free.
There is however a big difference between free and a good deal. The Hasbro games are a good deal (with coupon at $2), but that doesn’t make them free. Only stock up on a good deal if you will USE it. And make sure it’s a good deal. The Hasbro game deal comes comes around every few months. I think we got U Build Monopoly last time this came around. We do use them for birthday gifts, but how many parties do you go to each year?
2. Overdosing at the dollar store.
I think this is a mistake nearly everyone makes at first while trying to save. Ask two questions: Do I really need this and is this really a good price? Not everything at the Dollar Store is a dollar.
3. Buying in bulk. Really you have to look at the unit price on bulk purchases and can you use coupons. Is the smaller size cheaper? Can I get two smaller items with coupons that are cheaper than one bulk item. No coupons involved, but look at Milk at Kroger. Sometimes the 1/2 gallon is cheaper and sometimes the 1 gallon is. The 1/2 gallon sale comes around every few weeks. My kids always look at me funny when I walk in with 10 smaller containers instead of 3 big containers, but it’s a better deal. – the odd thing is that when we have the smaller containers the kids drink it a lot more. I don’t know why and it really ends up costing me more for milk, but it is milk and good for them. So I don’t mind.
4. Excessive Couponing. Some people are spending HOURS and HOURS couponing. You really though need to do SOMETHING to help make your income worth more. Though again ask, will I use this? Why buy diapers if no one in your family uses them. I can see buying something you won’t use and donating it, if it’s a money maker. (You might be able to pay for your milk or meat that way), but really how much mustard can you use. Even if it is free, the time to cut the coupons was worth something. Couponing can be great and has saved me hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Many families too are saved when one or both lose their jobs and are struggling just to keep the kids fed and and the heat on. Even better take the money as you start out that you save while couponing and move it to savings for that rainy day. Then you come out way ahead with not only a stockpile, but savings.
5. Fast Food dining. ‘Duh’, Eating out is expensive. Enough Said. But you can incorporate coupons, specials and so on. We all need that night out once in a while. Look for the kids eat free nights at your favorite inexpensive restaurant. If you can incorporate Kid’s eat Free with a 10% off (or more coupon)…. Or even better a B1G1 coupon for an entree at a Kids Eat Free Restaurant.
6. Making repairs yourself.
I loved the forum posters: You know…I hated the author’s response to this. SERIOUSLY??? ARE YOU INCOMPETENT???? Where there is a will, there is a way. I change my oil, my brakes (just changed my rotors this weekend), fix sprinkler heads, hang bathroom and bedroom doors, change door locks, bake my own bread, have re-tiled the bathroom counter, and have laid carpet. Do I have something better to do with my time??? Sure…I suppose I could deep clean the carpet, work on my garden, pick up my dogs’ poo or perhaps work on teaching myself to use the sewing machine sitting in the garage…but, I am saving my money, teaching my kids to be a little more self-reliant (cause yes, they are right there handing me tools or reading to me when I’m doing it), and I am at peace with it. No, changing oil isn’t for everyone…(I know some people who shouldn’t pump gas), but some of these things are so fulfilling to do on your own…and I know my hubby loves to tease his friends by telling them to bring their vehicles over, his “old lady” will fix it.
We try to do what we can here to fix things, and I have tiled in our kitchen and bathroom. We do have an attic that is being turned into a media room on the 10 year plan, but it’s an add on and we have plenty of space so no biggie. We’ve also fixed water heaters, garage doors, disposals, and more. If it’s not under warranty we try first. The internet is a great source of information for how-tos.
