Top Five Ways We Waste Money - Learn to Spend You Money Wisely

Top Five Ways Americans Waste Money

Last Updated: November 4, 2011

As some of you may be experiencing, we all seem to be working harder but making less money. According to a recent study by the Census Bureau, the typical American family's income, after adjusting for inflation, is roughly back where it was in 1996. That is a staggering statistic but one that may not be too surprising to most of us. A lot of Americans lost their high paying jobs and need to think about adjusting their spending habits accordingly. Here are the top five ways we waste money.

Buying New When Used Will Do

From cars to clothes there is nothing you can't buy used. There are numerous websites, such as EBay and Craigslist, just to name a few, who specialize in selling used stuff. You can even barter for things. In this economy, there are a lot of people trying to get rid of their "stuff" either because they need the money or they are losing their home to a foreclosure. Look for local garage sales in the weekend newspaper and visit local trift stores like GoodWill. You can get gently used furniture, clothes, toys, or applicances for a fraction of the cost of buying these brand new.

Failing to Negotiate

One of the easiest ways to save money is to simply ask for a better deal. You are not going to go into a car dealer and pay sticker price, right? So why not apply your negotiation skills to other vendors, such as, doctors, lawyers, that lady selling purses on the street corner, or the person in charge of the garage sale. All they can do is say "No" and if they do, you can always take your business elsewhere. There are a lot of companies and people out there who need the revenue and will be willing to make a deal with you.

Not Buying Generic

Why pay for name brands when generics will do? Have you ever noticed all the "store" brands when you are walking down the grocery store aisle - they look just the same as the name brand items but at a fraction of the cost. Does it really matter if you use Heinz ketchup - why not use the store brand and save a few dollars.

The same can be said for prescriptions. Most medications come in a generic brand and are far less expensive than the name brand. Just make sure to check with your doctor first before you use the generic brand just to make sure there are no side effects.

Buying Too Much House

Right now, the average American house is twice the size it was 50 years ago. It seems as family size got smaller, the houses got bigger. Now that makes sense! Not! Anyway, a bigger house means more furniture, higher utilities, more upkeep, and more "stuff" to buy to put in it. Ever notice the more room you have the more you buy - whether you need it or not. Three car garage, why not fill the one space with more junk you don't need. You will be a garage sale waiting to happen.

Paying Interest

Using someone else's money, like a bank or credit union, costs you more money in the long run in interest payments. Learn to pay with cash when you can and pay off the balances on those charge cards if you do happen to use them. If you have to make a large purchase, such as an appliance or car, make sure to get the lowest interest rate you can. This comes back negotiating a better interest rate or tell them you will take you business elsewhere. You will be surprised how accomodating a vendor can be!

Using some of these helpful tips will make your hard earned money stretch a little further. You are already working too hard to make money, so don't blow it on frivolous purchases when there are cheaper alternatives available.