I recently took stock of all the little expenses I normally take for granted and realized I was actually spending a fortune being nickled and dimed. For example:
ATM fees. These add up to a lot of money, particularly if you are being charged by the bank your withdrawing money from AND your bank. If paying an ATM fee is unavoidable I always withdraw the maximum allowable amount, thereby reducing the need to visit an ATM again for while.
Buying coffee vs. getting a thermos and brewing it yourself. A coffee at Starbucks can set you back upwards of $4. If you drink one five days a week that's $80/mo. For a tenth of that you can buy enough coffee to see you through the month. Save your pennies for a few months and buy your own espresso machine!
Dialing information on your cell phone. This was a big one for me. I probably threw away a good $10/mo given what it costs each time you call. There's no need for this. There's an 800# you can dial for information that's completely free. 1-800-FREE411. I programmed this into my cell phone and haven't paid a dime for information calls since.
Not buying a monthly metrocard. If you live in an area that has mass transit and they offer a monthly card by all means use it! If you commute regularly there's no reason not to. I save, on average, at least $25/$30 a month this way.
It's really amazing just how much flies out the window without your even noticing. Once you start to take stock you'll be stunned. Fortunately, with a little common sense you can turn it around.
ATM fees. These add up to a lot of money, particularly if you are being charged by the bank your withdrawing money from AND your bank. If paying an ATM fee is unavoidable I always withdraw the maximum allowable amount, thereby reducing the need to visit an ATM again for while.
Buying coffee vs. getting a thermos and brewing it yourself. A coffee at Starbucks can set you back upwards of $4. If you drink one five days a week that's $80/mo. For a tenth of that you can buy enough coffee to see you through the month. Save your pennies for a few months and buy your own espresso machine!
Dialing information on your cell phone. This was a big one for me. I probably threw away a good $10/mo given what it costs each time you call. There's no need for this. There's an 800# you can dial for information that's completely free. 1-800-FREE411. I programmed this into my cell phone and haven't paid a dime for information calls since.
Not buying a monthly metrocard. If you live in an area that has mass transit and they offer a monthly card by all means use it! If you commute regularly there's no reason not to. I save, on average, at least $25/$30 a month this way.
It's really amazing just how much flies out the window without your even noticing. Once you start to take stock you'll be stunned. Fortunately, with a little common sense you can turn it around.
