Skip These Costly Conveniences
Sometimes we’re willing to pay a little extra for convenience. Whether that’s a ride share service so we don’t have to drive, or food delivery instead of cooking after a long day of work, convenience comes at a cost, and sometimes the cost isn’t worth it.
Furthermore, the more you lean on conveniences like these, the easier it is to lose track of what you’re spending. Here are some common conveniences that might be blowing your budget.
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Buying bottled water instead of bringing your own
Buying bottled water at places like restaurants, theme parks, and stadiums can add up. Places like these tend to charge higher prices for bottled water. Investing in a reusable water bottle that collapses or hooks to your bag can save you money.
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Dry cleaning regularly
Dry cleaning special or formal garments can make sense from time to time but try not to make dry cleaning a habit. Just because a garment says “dry clean only” doesn’t mean it’s necessary. Research the fabric type, and follow at-home instructions. Always wash with cold water, and wash these items separately.
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Paying for faster shipping
Expedited shipping can sometimes cost you as much or more than the item you’re trying to purchase. Try to plan purchases in advance so you’re not relying on speedy shipping. Look for coupon codes or special offers to reduce the cost of shipping. If you need an item right away, see if you can pick it up in-store to save.
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Doing your shopping at convenience stores
While convenience stores make it easy to get in and out and get what you need quickly, they could be hiking up prices. If you can visit a bigger retailer, you could spend less on your items.
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Buying precut fruits and vegetables
Cleaning and cutting fruits and vegetables takes time and effort. While prewashed and peeled foods can be convenient and cut time, they can cost double the price of regular produce. Some precut items spoil faster, which might cause you to spend more on produce.
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Opting for individually wrapped snacks
While prepackaged snacks can help you manage portions and are easy to grab on the go for little ones, they also cost more. By buying snacks in bulk and portioning them out when you need to, you can save money and reduce waste.
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Exchanging currency when you’re overseas
When traveling abroad you’ll need some local currency. While many vendors accept credit, you may encounter a situation where you need to pay with currency. If you wait to exchange currency when you’re at your destination, you could pay high fees and receive a poor exchange rate. Go to your bank before your trip and order the currency you need. Keep in mind it can take a few days to arrive.
Conclusion
Conveniences can save us time and effort, but they are often more expensive. If you are on a budget, you can save money by forgoing some conveniences. Bring your own water instead of buying bottled. Shop at larger retailers rather than convenience stores. Buy traditional produce instead of precut options. Make your own reusable snack bags instead of buying them prepackaged. Exchange currency before your trip to save. While conveniences are great once in a while, making them a habit can blow your budget.
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