Each year, our lives become more and more hectic. We work harder, play harder, and stay busy from sunup until sundown. But at what cost? Did you know that this type of lifestyle is hurting your finances? Not having time to shop the sales and clip coupons or do things yourself can really cost you. Let’s take a closer look at how being busy can hurt your finances.
You Don’t Have Time to Coupon
Did you know that couponing, when done right, can actually make you money? It’s true. By spending a few hours each week clipping coupons and matching those coupons to sales, you can save a lot of money. If you then use rebate apps, such as Ibotta, you sometimes make money on your purchases. This money can be used to pay for other items around your home or more groceries and household items.
You Don’t Have Time to Cook
Do you know how much it costs to eat out each day? Even if your family of four is eating fast food each night, the costs can really add up. Let’s say it costs $20 each evening for your family to eat fast food. That’s over $7,000 a year for just one meal. How many times have you said that you couldn’t afford a vacation or a new TV or a swimming pool? By being too busy to cook, you’re costing your family a lot of money.
You Don’t Have Time for DIY Projects
Truth be told, you won’t save a lot of money changing your own oil, but when it comes to things like painting your home, you really can save a lot of money. Did you know that it can cost thousands of dollars to have the outside of your home painted? A gallon of paint will cover 400 square feet and a gallon of paint is usually less than $50. You can get a better price by purchasing larger buckets of paint, which you will need to cover your entire home.
However, the truth is plain to see. When you pay someone to do the work, you’re paying a LOT for labor. Take the time and do projects yourself so that you can save money.
You Pay for Convenience
When you’re busy, you’re always willing to pay a bit more for convenience. For example, you don’t mind paying a $1 more to buy a gallon of milk at the gas station. You also don’t mind buying all your groceries in one store, even though shopping at several stores would cost less.
The problem is you’re paying dearly for convenience. All those dollars here and there really do add up. For example, if you purchase two gallons of milk a week, and pay $1 more for each gallon, you’re paying over $100 a year just to save yourself from having to run in the grocery store.
Being busy can usually mean making more money, but being busy can also cost you. If you’re the type that works overtime, truly look at your finances and see if it’s worth it. Chances are you’re spending more money to make life easier than you’re making working overtime.
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