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A Couple of Common Money Wasters to Avoid

A Couple of Common Money Wasters to Avoid

As a savvy consumer, I suspect that money wasters are among your pet peeves... and I don't blame you. Wasting money seems to be the American Way. But ironically, even those of us committed to saving cash can be blind to our own money wasting habits.

Take driving around looking for the cheapest gas possible, only to save fifty cents on a fill-up. Ever been guilty of that one? It's a waste of money even if you do it for five minutes. Or how about saving 15% off your next purchase with that new credit card you just signed up for... which has a 25% interest rate?

Health Concerns

Oddly enough, many of us treat our possessions better than we treat our own bodies, not providing ourselves with the "preventative maintenance" we need to stay healthy. When was the last time you went to the doctor? Or are you so self-reliant you try not to go at all?

That's understandable, in these days of skyrocketing health-care costs. It's all the more difficult if you can't afford insurance, because just seeing the doctor to get a prescription filled can cost you over $100. But it's still a good idea to see your doctor at least once a year, just in case.

Why Bother?

Because you need a checkup, that's why. An undiagnosed or untreated medical condition can end up costing you a tremendous amount of money--much more than you saved by not going to the doctor. And it may end up killing you. Who cares how much money you saved if you're dead?

Ditto for visiting the dentist. Yes, it tends to be unpleasant. But you need regular cleanings and checkups, unless you want to end up paying for root canals, caps, bridges, and eventually dentures. Those tend to be super-expensive, and the intervening pain is no walk in the park.

Garage, or Storeroom?

Two questions: where's your car parked right now, and how much did it cost? If you're like most of us, you park your car at the curb or in the driveway, and it cost you thousands of bucks. Which begs one more question: what's actually in your garage, if your car isn't?

Ironically, it's probably piled high with junk that won't fit in the attic or basement (assuming you have either), and that you're too frugal to pay to store somewhere.

Well, unless your junk is made of solid gold, you're better off storing it somewhere else, or just getting rid of it. Why leave your car outside to face the elements and, worse, vandals and idiot drivers who can't even miss a parked car? Talk about your money wasters!

Image by: Kevin Harber