When we see a great deal, we are inclined to think that we are “saving money.” Some store receipts even help with this illusion by giving you a total of your “savings” at the bottom, so you can see what a savvy shopper you are.
However, in many cases, you might just be overspending when you think you are getting a good deal. Here are 3 ways you could be spending more than you should — even while thinking that great “deal” is “saving” you money:
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Probably the most common piece of personal finance advice out there is to save money by avoiding restaurants. It sounds so simple: just don’t eat out and cook at home or brown bag it. Lots of people do it and have no problem with it.
But, for some people, it can be tough. I touched on this last week on my post about spending frenzies; we all have our own weak spots when it comes to personal finance and what can be no sweat for one person can be a real test of willpower for another.
Here are some suggestions that can help you if you find it difficult to avoid the temptation to eat out. My approach to personal finance is holistic; I believe that other areas of our lives can affect our personal finances and becoming as healthy, balanced and happy as possible as people can empower us to take charge of our money. So bear with me if some of my ideas seem a bit out there.
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Just Google the term “get rich” and you’ll see a ton of results for ways to get ahead as easily as possible. And it’s not just get-rich-quick schemes too. There are now a growing number of legitimate money-making opportunities on and offline.
Still, there’s a gap between the number of people obsessed with getting rich and those who achieve this elusive benchmark. After all, the road to wealth is filled with hurdles — whether circumstantial, mental, or emotional.
Circumstances can be hard to overcome, but I think our biggest problem sits between our ears. You can be in the right place at the right time, with everything going for you, and still not get ahead. If desire and even circumstances aren’t enough, how do you know you’re prepared to get rich?
I think these seven signs can be good indicators:
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Used furniture can be a practical way to add to your home’s decor without breaking the bank. While the phrase may conjure up some idea of a couch found next to a dumpster or an ugly dresser handed down just in time for your first apartment, the fact is that it’s possible to find high quality used furniture that has little more wear and tear on it than the floor model at the brand name furniture store.
But many used furniture sellers know exactly what they have on their hands, leading to prices that are not so far off from what a brand new sofa or dining room table might cost you. That means finding the right deal can take a little work. These 10 tips can make it easier:
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During the frugal week when I spent just $34.01, I discovered just how great walking is for the mind—and the wallet. I told myself that when my wife came back, I’d need to include her in this new activity. Last night, we went out for a nice walk and it was fun, healthy, and a great chance for us to communicate. This got me thinking…
Isn’t the most effective frugal tip to actually influence people around you to be thrifty?
I realized that our circle of friends actually help us save money much more than we assume it does. The way I see it, here’s how cultivating a circle of frugal friends can help improve your finances:
Going through my drawer full of receipts over the weekend was like driving through Manhattan during rush hour. The long and painful process involved looking through them one by one and trying to figure out which ones are really worth keeping.
In hindsight, I should have thrown out the ones I won’t need but maybe it’s the “better safe than sorry” mentality that kept me from sorting them out from the get go. “Why do I even keep those receipts?” I asked myself numerous times.
Below, I thought of 11 reasons why I save those seemingly useless pieces of paper:
What if I needed to return something? Having a receipt is surely the only way for a hassle free exchange or return (assuming the terms on the back of the receipt says I can).
Whatever I said is not correct if you shop at Nordstorm. This department store’s return policy seems to be “we don’t have one”. I heard Costco has a pretty relaxed policy as well. Use it, don’t like it and return it anytime.
If you work for a company where you have to make purchases for them, you better save your receipts to get reimbursed. Whenever I see people filing expense reports with only one receipt worth less than $5, I always wondered “Why can’t you group them together and file less?” That was until the accounting department send us an email telling everyone to file those expense report no later than a week after the expense is incurred. Alright, if you want to do more work, I will shut up.
I know so many people who never check their purchases against the credit card statements anymore. It’s such a shame because they might be paying for things they didn’t even buy. Worst yet, overpaying tips that they never authorized.
As more and more taxes are filed online, it seems like there’s no need to keep those receipts. Just wait till you get an audit. You will be sorry then.
Your credit card could have a program, the stores have them and your spouse might even offer it. The only proof of purchase though is through your receipt. Keep them.
Unless you want to fake a receipt (illegal in case you didn’t know), keeping those receipts just in case is a good idea. This is especially true for electronics, because usually the first thing they ask after you get on the phone is “When did you buy it”.
I’ve ALWAYS worried that the cashiers will do something wrong with those gift cards. Now I have proof that it does happen.
Ever get something fixed and it starts breaking again within a week? Show them your receipt and tell them it wasn’t fixed correctly the first time.
If you don’t save your receipts, how will you remember to write it down in your budget? Whether you do it everyday or once a week, just save those receipts because even if you CAN remember them, why waste your brain power when you don’t have to?
If you can’t use up your FSA, wouldn’t you want to know what you bought before that qualifies? Receipts are a great place to start.
Maybe some things are just necessary after all. Save those receipts.
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