1. APPS (BUT IT’S JUST $1.99!)
So many cool apps, so many low prices. They’re only $2 or $3, and what’s the harm? The problem is that it’s easy to develop a habit. (Ask anybody with a really impressive music collection from iTunes. It can happen a little at a time.) Also, there are some pretty cool free apps out there, too. Be careful, though. Apps, free or not, may have security risks.
2. DAILY STARBUCKS
We’re not suggesting never going in the door. But do be aware studies show you enjoy treats more if they are actually … treats. Which means when they become routine, you actually enjoy them less. There are two ways to counter this, researchers say: variety and appreciation. So, skipping your latte in favor of lemon water (from home, right?) and telling yourself how glad you are that this is the day you spring for a latte can actually intensify the happiness it brings. And crunch the numbers too — if you’re buying a roughly $5 latte every morning, you’re spending about $1,800 a year — that’s a lot of cash.
3. MEMBERSHIP TO BIG BOX CLUBS
If you live where all three have a presence, it can be tempting to be a member of all three. After all, memberships save you money, right? And this way, you can go to whichever happens to be most convenient on a given day. But do you really need to belong to all of them? (Plus, you might be spending more than you need to in the name of getting a deal, which is the opposite of saving money.)
4. SUBSCRIPTIONS YOU NO LONGER USE
Whether it’s music, magazines, streaming services or premium channels, if they no longer make your life better, stop paying for them. Having less financial stress will make your life better. Do the math — if you pay for three video streaming services — Hulu Plus, Netflix & Amazon Prime — you spend roughly $300 a year for all three. Would life be so bad if you only had one?
5. GYM MEMBERSHIPS
This is a maybe. If you can get yourself to exercise without a gym — or if you never go anyway — you may want to forgo this expense. There are plenty of free videos online, and there may be fitness classes at a recreation center that are cheaper and require less of a commitment. But if you’re faithful about using the gym to work out, then dropping it may be penny wise but pound foolish.
6. CABLE (OR ITS SUBSTITUTES)
If you’re looking to dig out, cutting the cord can help you save big. On the other hand, if you already did that last year, take a look at how much you use the streaming services you may have bought to replace it. If they’re not worth what you’re paying, it may be time to cut again.
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