5 ways to throw away your money

Paying credit card interest
Make a plan to pay off your credit cards as quickly as possible, then set up reminders to pay them in full each month.

Utility Waste
There is a really good chance you are wasting your utilities, such as water and electricity. Here are some energy and water wasters to keep in mind.

  • Leaving devices plugged in. Even if a device is switched off it will sometimes still draw power.
  • Having a well maintained lawn. Watering your lawn is very costly and is not environmentally friendly.
  • Poor insulation will cost you more money to cool and heat your home.
  • Using old and outdated appliances.

Paying for things that are free
I love Starbucks too, but making coffee at home is a great way to save money. Here are some other things you can get for free:

  • Water. Carrying a reusable water bottle is way more cost effective than paying for bottled water. (Plus drinking more water is good for your health)
  • Borrowing books, movies, and magazines from the library
  • Free meals, sign up for birthday coupons. What a great way to treat yourself on your birthday!
  • Entertainment. Many cities embrace farmer’s markets, free museum days, and community sports games.
  • Perks and benefits through your workplace. For example, my husband’s company offers gym membership reimbursement.

Living above your means
This is easy. Live by this motto: Spend less than you make (or a lot less than you make).

Paying for a gym membership you rarely use
Do you spend $10 or more each month to have a tag on your keys with the name of the gym you send money to? Exactly.

Here are some more affordable options:

  • Ditch the gym entirely and workout at home. There are a ton of home workouts for free on YouTube.
  • Go on hikes! If you can, this is a free and scenic option.
  • Find a drop in gym where you can pay by the day.
Robbie Young

Robbie Young

Robbie Young is VP of Strategic Growth at CUInsight.com, the leading digital trade publication for the credit union ecosystem. Robbie is a CUDE (May 2022, otherwise known as the ... Web: www.cuinsight.com Details