There are some helpful tips in the article below, and you don’t need to be a penny pincher to find this advice useful. We recently tested the theory that ‘fees’ tacked on to regular monthly bill are negotiable… they are! And as for generics, we’ve found some store brands (I won’t name names but their initials are Costco’s Kirkland brand and Target’s Archer Farms) are even better than our usual ‘name’ brand.    ~Bill

By Barbara Pronin

Whether it’s a latte you could have done without, or a cute pair of shoes you didn’t need, even the most frugal folks among us waste a little money now and then. But penny-pinchers seem to make it a habit not to make it a habit.

Smart Money blogger Emily Co talked to a group of determined savers. Here are the top money-wasters they identified. How many of them can you cut out?

Paying Bank Fees – Do you even know about, much less track, the fees your bank may be charging you? From checking fees to overdraft fees to third-party ATM fees, you should do what you must to avoid them.

Tossing Leftovers – Whether at home or at a restaurant, throwing away leftovers instead of eating them the next day is a huge and avoidable waste of money.

Buying Stuff at Convenience Stores – How much do you want that soda or candy bar when filling up at the gas station? Convenience store prices are very high. Think twice before you buy.

Heating and Cooling Costs – Properly insulating your home and caulking up cracks and crevices under doors can save a bundle in the long run.

Unclaimed Rebates and Returns – You’re throwing away cash if you’re not redeeming rebates or neglecting to return the little things you purchased but do not want.

Bottled Water – Get a filter and start carrying your own bottled water from home instead of paying for and clogging the ecosystem with plastic bottles.

Not Buying Generics – There may some generics that don’t meet your standards, but try as many generic drugs, cosmetics and other products before deciding they are not for you.

Buying Everything New – Browse through a second-hand store now and then to prove to yourself that not everything needs to be purchased new.

Ignoring Discount Stores – Bargains abound at the dollar store as well for those who want to be more frugal.

Paying for Services You Can Do Yourself – Why pay for lawn mowing or changing the oil in your car when you can save by doing it yourself? A little online instruction may be all you need to start hanging on to more of your money.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2016. All rights reserved.

—   —   —

There is still down payment assistance available for the purchase of homes in the Greater Phoenix Area. This is a grant and NEVER needs to be repaid. Call me for details:  602-999-0952

Learn more about the AZVHV Heroes Home Advantage cash-back program. NO cost, NO pre-registration, NO obligation.

—  —  —

Other Valuable Resources

AZVHV – Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans