There are a zillion ways to save money at almost every turn. We have come to see “conveniences” as necessities, when they’re actually very expensive. I got this list from Dr. Laura's website. I found it interesting and thought I should share.
1. Text Messages
According to a story in the Chicago Tribune, outgoing 160-character text messages on a cell phone typically cost users 20 cents, while they only cost the carrier three-tenths of a cent to process. That’s a 6000% profit! 600 text messages contain less data than one minute of a phone call. If text data rates are applied, a brief cell phone conversation would cost $120! So CALL….don’t text.
2. Bottled Water
Water that is pre-packaged is more expensive than a gallon of gas. Since about 40% of bottled water comes from municipal taps, you’re better off refilling that plastic bottle at home and toting it around.
3. Movie Theatre Popcorn
When you pay $6 for a medium-sized bag of popcorn in theatres, you’re paying a markup of $1,275%, compared to the cost of buying three 3.5 oz bags of microwaveable popcorn sold in a box for about $3.
4. Brand name drugs
Over-the-counter medications were at the top of a recent WalletPop.com list of products to always buy generic. In the past year, the cost of brand name prescriptions has increased nearly 10% while generics have dropped. The recommendation was to check out Costco for lower generic medication prices.
5. Hotel mini-bars (for food!)
$10 for a bottle of water? $12 for a tube of toothpaste? A 1300% markup on Gummy Bears? Keep that fridge door closed!!
6. Greeting cards
The greeting cards anyone ever keeps are those made by hand. Enough said.
7. Hotel In-Room Movies
You pay 200% more for “convenience.” How about bringing your computer and DVDs, or bring your Netflix movie from home? If the hotel has wi-fi, use Netflix streaming.
8. Pre-cut vegetables
Sometimes, you pay as much as 40% more if the grocery pre-cuts them. Go to your local farmer’s market and get fresher products at greater deals. Or perhaps actually chop and peel (gasp!) your carrots, instead of buying the mini-carrots.
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