Budgeting

Celebrate International Coffee Day With These Deals and Savings

September 28, 2018 By Tamila McDonald 2 Comments

In celebration of International Coffee Day, shoppers around the country have one more reason to enjoy an extra cup of joe. You can make that cup of coffee even better by scoring one at a discount. Whether you usually make coffee at home or head to a local café, make sure you check out these deals and savings.

Getting a Great Deal on Coffee

Finding a way to save on coffee can be incredibly helpful, especially if you’re trying to manage your budget. Many coffee drinkers enjoy at least one cup per day — either at home or in a café or restaurant. By finding a way to get the classic morning beverage at discount prices, the savings over the course of a year can be substantial.

International Coffee Day Deals

On International Coffee Day, some restaurants and gas stations run coffee specials. For example, you may be able to get a cup for free. Now to get coffee free, it may be with or without an additional purchase. You may also find other bargains, like buy-one-get-one deals.

In 2018, International Coffee Day is September 29. Dunkin Donuts has a BOGO deal — if you purchase a coffee, you’ll get a free coffee to give to a friend, coworker, or family member. Krispy Kreme will give you a free cup, no purchase necessary. PJ’s Coffee will give you a free 12-ounce cup of Ruby Roast on the 29^th and Cinnabon offers a free 12-ounce deal as well.

While such celebrations can make a single cup more affordable, they won’t do much to keep your regular coffee costs down. If you want to get great deals on coffee all year-round, here are some places worth exploring.

Amazon

If you want a wide selection, home delivery, and reasonable prices, it’s hard to beat Amazon. You can find coffee in nearly any form, including K-cups, ground, whole bean, instant, bottled, and even unroasted coffee beans.

Plus, you’ll find brands that aren’t usually available in stores. If you’re open to buying in bulk or sign up through auto-delivery through Amazon pantry, you can typically score a price reduction on each cup, making a daily coffee habit more affordable.

Walmart

In most cases, Walmart is considered a quintessential discount retailer. Their coffee product prices are usually pretty affordable in comparison to regular grocery stores, especially if you are open to trying the company’s Great Value brand.

If you use the Walmart Savings Catcher app, you are practically guaranteed to get the lowest price on coffee available in your area. If the coffee you chose is on sale at a nearby grocery store, you’ll receive the difference back as a Walmart e-gift card, ensuring you get the best possible price.

Office Supply Stores

When you need to hunt down affordable coffee, consider stopping in at your local office supply store. Shops like Staples and Office Depot actually sell coffee, and the prices can be very reasonable. Plus, many office stores give you the ability to subscribe and save, commonly throwing free shipping into the mix.

Typically, office supply stores focus on selling coffee in large quantities since business shoppers are their main market. However, anyone can buy coffee from these stores, so they are worth checking out if you like to shop in bulk.

Groupon

Many shoppers are surprised to learn that Groupon actually has coffee deals. While finding a discount for a café or restaurant is what you expect from the site, they also sell coffee packs for home use.

The value of the coffee deals vary, but you’ll find plenty of steals. Just make sure to ignore the percentage discount claims and focus on the actual price. In some cases, the discounts are somewhat inflated as they aren’t based on the actual retail price you can find in many stores.

Costco

Warehouse stores like Costco usually have coffee in one if their aisles and the prices are very competitive. If you like to buy coffee en masse or head to Costco regularly, then see what they have available at discount prices.

The only trick to buying coffee at Costco is you can’t always be sure what brands are available. If you are very brand loyal, you may not be able to find your preferred brew. However, Costco’s Kirkland coffee is generally well-received, and they have a wide variety of flavors and strengths available, including organic options. So, if you want to score a deal, consider trying the Kirkland coffee and see if it will meet your needs. (Also, make sure you check out the coffee coupons in October’s Costco Coupon book.)

Off-Price Department Stores

If you are flexible with your coffee brand and want to focus on discounts, consider heading to off-price department stores. Shops like Ross Dress for Less, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Big Lots all have coffee available, and the prices are fairly affordable. But, their inventory can be inconsistent, not unlike Costco, so you need to be open-minded about your coffee to get the best deals.

Get Coffee Deals with Coupons

Sometimes, the easiest way to get a deal on coffee is with a coupon. Many manufacturers like Folgers and Maxwell House regularly have coupons in local papers or online.

If you have a favorite brand, sign up for their e-newsletter. Usually, you’ll get coupons every so often, helping you save on your favorite coffee. Similarly, if you have a preferred grocery store, sign up for their loyalty card and use their store app for additional discounts.

You can also explore online coupon sites, like Coupons.com. Then, you can print the ones you want and bring them to participating stores.

If you’d rather go the rebate route, check out the savings through apps like iBotta and Checkout 51. While coffee rebates aren’t always available through the apps, they do come up regularly. Plus, the app is free, and once you have enough credits, you can cash out with ease.

Combine Savings Techniques

All of the techniques above can help you get great deals on coffee. You can even combine a few when you use a rebate app, coupon, and store sale to get more savings. And, if you are out and about on International Coffee Day, make sure to get your free cup from participating stores. Ultimately, nothing beats free, so take advantage of the offers and enjoy an extra cup at no-cost to you.

Where do you usually find great deals on coffee? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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How Much Money Can You Save Yearly in a Polygamous Relationship?

September 21, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

When it comes to finances, being in a relationship inherently makes things more difficult. Even if there are only two adults in the equation, that means serious discussions. Add more partners to the mix and the financial complexity increases. On the other side of the equation, a multi-partner or polygamous relationship might actually save you money.

Polyamorous vs. Polygamous Relationships

Before discussing the potential money-saving advantages of having multiple partners, it is important to point out the difference between polyamory and polygamy.

Many people assume the terms are interchangeable. However, they refer to two separate things. Polygamy involves being in more than one relationship that is treated as a marriage and is illegal under U.S. law.

Polyamory is a form of nonmonogamy. This type of relationship includes multiple romantic partners but no more than one (and, at times, none) are considered married. Polyamory is legal in the U.S., as long as the relationships don’t shift into being polygamous.

How Much Money Can You Save?

The exact amount of money a person can save in a polyamorous or polygamous relationship depends on a range of factors. The savings will vary depending on the unique circumstances surrounding the relationships.

If multiple partners choose to reside under the same roof, the potential to save on housing costs can be significant. For example, an average mortgage payment in the U.S. is $1,029. If this is split by a couple, each person is responsible for $514.50. However, if a third person is there, each partner pays just $343.

The same division of costs could apply to any household expenses. Help with utilities and maintenance expenses can result in savings for each person. Similarly, food costs could be split, saving each individual a bit of cash.

However, property insurance can be more complex. You may only be able to secure homeowner’s insurance for those who are legal owners. So, unless every partner is a legal owner of the house, a single policy won’t cover everyone. Separate renter’s insurance policies may be necessary for certain partners.

Child Care Savings

Another potential point of savings is child care. If a partner can stay home with the children, savings can be major. Eliminating the need for child care, results in a savings of $6,615 to $19,805 annually, depending on your state. But, if someone has to quit their job to stay home, it will offset the savings. Job loss lowers the household’s total income.

You may be able to reduce other expenses as well. For instance, you may be able to carpool. Eliminating the need for a vehicle or lowering fuel costs helps with savings. If two partners wear similar size clothes, they may be able to share parts of their wardrobe. If large household purchases, like televisions or appliances, are split equally, each person only pays part of the total cost.

Ultimately, there is potential for significant savings, especially if all of the partners choose to live together.

Can You Really Save Money?

To put it simply, no, there is no guarantee that a polyamorous or polygamous relationship will save you money. For example, if multiple partners move in together, each person can save on housing costs. However, if you end up maintaining more than one home, those expenses go up.

Having more than two romantic partners doesn’t mean everyone wants to live together. This could leave some people contributing to more than one partner’s household. Expenses such as splitting rent or mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance costs, or others, add up quickly.

Similarly, maintaining multiple romantic relationships could create costs beyond being in one relationship. For instance, you might pay for more date nights, birthday and Christmas gifts, or similar expenses could be higher.

If saving money is the goal, then each person needs to review their budgets and income as a starting point. Then, open discussions are necessary to ensure everyone does their fair share in maintaining the household(s) or for deciding if cohabitating is the best approach.

Significant Risks of a Polygamous Relationship

If a relationship is genuinely polygamous, there are additional risks. First, criminal charges are a possibility. This can lead to serious financial costs, ranging from lawyer’s fees to fines. Plus, if there is jail time, that results in lost wages and potential employment difficulties in the future.

Second, estate planning in a polygamous relationship is also challenging. Multiple marriages complicate who has rights to a person’s property or financial assets after their passing. These complexities are one of the reasons polygamous relationships are illegal, especially in common law marriage states where a formal marriage isn’t a requirement to gain certain rights.

Even individuals exploring polyamory can find estate planning difficult, particularly if they want to leave assets to their various partners. With this in mind, it’s always wise to explore state laws regarding polyamorous and polygamous relationships, as the definitions and requirements can vary from one jurisdiction to the next.

Money Saving Opportunities Do Exist

Ultimately, polyamorous and polygamous relationships can result in money-saving opportunities. They can also come with additional costs. Open communication and active planning steps are necessities. Otherwise, it will be challenging to find workable solutions that can help each person to save.

Additionally, it’s wise to avoid crossing into polygamy. The legal ramifications are significant. They can also be potentially dire, and incredibly costly if there are any charges.

Polyamory doesn’t necessarily come with the same risks. If you want to maintain multiple relationships, it’s wise to explore state and federal laws thoroughly, especially in common law marriage states. That way, everyone can stay on the right side of the law and avoid the legal and financial complications.

Are you in a polygamous or polyamorous relationship? Share your thoughts about finances in the comments below.

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You Need These Top 13 Finance Books To Change Your Life

September 20, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Where are you in your financial journey? Maybe you’ve just landed your first job or your company has offered a 401(k). Whatever your journey is, there are tons of books that can help make it easier. Here are some of the best personal finance books of 2018 that can change your financial life.

The Total Money Makeover – Dave Ramsey

If being debt-free is your goal, it’s hard to go wrong with Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover. His tried-and-true approach is touted for its simplicity and effectiveness, and his brutally honest style doesn’t sugarcoat anything.

Not only can this book help you work your way out of debt, but it also gives you skills for avoiding it in the future. Ultimately, if you are struggling with debt and can only choose one book, this should be the one.

Your Money or Your Life – Vicki Robin and Others

Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence extols the benefits of frugal living, and not just from a financial perspective. It also shows how, by budgeting and saving, you can lead a happier life by having access to more choices.

The book focuses on learning to live within your means while planning for the future. Many people consider it a personal finance must-have. Just make sure you look for the most recent release (currently a 2018 update), as there have been multiple versions of this book over the years.

Personal Finance for Dummies – Eric Tyson

If you don’t know the basics of personal finance, starting with Personal Finance for Dummies is a smart move. Terms are clearly explained throughout, and the concepts are simplified to assist with learning. Plus, a broad selection of categories is covered, making it great for those who need a solid foundation.

The Index Card – Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack

The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated, is another book that focuses on the essentials. The tips are highly actionable, giving you clear direction for improving your financial life.

Additionally, the book avoids being long-winded so that you can derive value from it quickly. Plus, its very easy to digest, making it great for personal finance beginners and beyond.

The Automatic Millionaire – David Bach

For those who appreciate simplicity, The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich is actually a one-step plan to help you achieve success. While it almost seems too good to be true, it includes success stories focusing on individuals with modest incomes. Plus, it avoids headache-inducing steps like hardcore budgeting. Even better, you can get started without a six-figure income.

While the original version came out in 2004, it has since been updated. Just make sure to find a recent edition if you want the most valuable information.

Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki

Part memoir, part money guide, Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! was updated in 2017. The book includes money management tips for adults. It also offers information on helping your kids thrive financially.

Even if you don’t have a substantial income today, or are living paycheck to paycheck, this book can help you start on the path toward wealth.

You Are a Badass at Making Money – Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth is an exceptional book for learning how to evaluate your habits, such as things that may be hindering your financial success. It is filled with anecdotes and easy to understand concepts. It’s a candid and even humorous read that is chocked full of wisdom and insight.

Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? – Cary Siegel

A great book for teens and young adults, Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By covers information that many kids don’t receive while they are growing up. The content is easy to digest and focuses on learning to manage money, ensuring it doesn’t control your life.

The Behavior Gap – Carl Richards

The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money, makes it easy to understand why so many people make mistakes with money. It shows how bad habits can develop, and helps the reader step away from the trappings that may have them stuck. Plus, it makes adopting a healthier mindset about money easier, which is something that can serve the reader for years to come.

The Millionaire Next Door – Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

When most people picture millionaires, they imagine a glamorous lifestyle. However, the reality is actually quite different in many cases.

In The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy, you learn about the habits that helped people cross into millionaire territory and achieve financial freedom. Most of their techniques can apply to any person’s life, making this a great personal finance book for any collection.

All the Money in the World – Laura Vanderkam

All the Money in the World: What the Happiest People Know About Wealth, takes on the personal finance topic a bit differently. Instead of stressing pure frugality, the book discusses how to get the most personal value from your money by spending in alignment with your priorities.

Admittedly, it shouldn’t be the first book on most people’s list, especially those who are battling significant debt loads or lack any savings. But, if you have the basics in order, it’s certainly worth reading.

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing – John C. Bogle

Another option for those who have the personal finance basics down, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing explains why index funds are such valuable options. Plus, the information is very easy to understand, making it a great choice for those who are new to investing and want it to feel more accessible.

Money A to Z – Scott Alan Turner

Money A to Z is actually a children’s book. It uses the alphabet to teach kids about personal finance concepts, giving them a solid foundation in their earlier years.

Anyone with a young child should consider picking it up. After all, it’s never too early to start teaching your children good money habits.

What have been your best personal finance books of 2018? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Swapping Kroger For Aldi Foods: How They Compare

September 17, 2018 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

Aldi is continuing to pop up in new locations around the United States and it has many people wondering about Aldi foods and how much they stand to save by shopping there. I’ve personally made the switch from Kroger-owned Harris Teeter to Aldi in recent months and am loving the savings. Is swapping out your grocer for Aldi the right move for you?

How Much Should You Be Spending on Groceries?

Many people look to their grocery bill when they need to start trimming their budget. It is one of the easiest expenses to control, especially if you are willing to shop around. You can collect the local flyers and compare sales prices across the board or look prices up online to determine where you can get the best deals.

However, there are some items that cost pretty much the same everywhere you go. So, how much should you be spending on groceries each month?

USDA Monthly Grocery Budget Guidelines

Each year the United States Department of Agriculture releases information about the cost of produce and other food items. According to the USDA, the figures below outline the average cost to feed yourself or your family.

Family Size	Thrifty Food Plan	Low-Cost Plan	Moderate-Cost Plan	Liberal Plan
1 (Low)	$197	$248	$359	$442
1 (High)	$207	$287	$306	$391
2 (Low)	$384	$491	$609	$763
2 (High)	$384	$491	$609	$763
3 (Low)	$465	$600	$731	$911
3 (High)	$547	$721	$903	$1098
4 (Low)	$546	$703	$854	$1061
4 (High)	$693	$928	$1166	$1398
5 (Low)	$621	$797	$972	$1204
5 (High)	$817	$1107	$1390	$1660
6 (Low)	$751	$979	$1190	$1463
6 (High)	$964	$1302	$1644	$1955
7 (Low)	$851	$1112	$1368	$1666
7 (High)	$1053	$1419	$1797	$2132
8 (Low)	$991	$1298	$1608	$1946
8 (High)	$1176	$1591	$2004	$2378
9 (Low)	$1141	$1481	$1830	$2218
9 (High)	$1274	$1714	$2156	$2563
10 (Low)	$1289	$1665	$2051	$2491
10 (High)	$1508	$2023	$2538	$3022
11 (Low)	$1436	$1849	$2273	$2765
11 (High)	$1451	$1945	$2426	$2894

Kroger vs. Aldi Foods

Some individuals have completely swapped out their traditional grocer for Aldi. This has helped them better control their grocery budgets and, in the long-run, it helps them save money. How do Aldi foods compare to, say, Kroger?

Pros and Cons of Aldi

One of the biggest pros of shopping at Aldi is the prices. Because of the way the store is set up, you’re able to increase your savings.

There are some cons to getting those savings, however. If you are a “brand snob,” you won’t always be able to find name brand items at Aldi. Even if you do, they may not be there the next week. Some products are rotated within the store’s inventory. The store may not always have what you’re looking for either, especially if it is a unique food product.

Another thing to note is Aldi’s produce does not keep that long in the fridge and sometimes doesn’t seem to be that fresh. You may want to continue picking up items like lettuce or fresh greens elsewhere.

Also, keep in mind, Aldi does require you to insert a quarter into the shopping cart to use one. You’ll also need to purchase bags or bring your own. In some cases, the store may have extra boxes they are willing to give you to store your food for the ride home as well.

Pros and Cons of Kroger

Kroger-owned grocery stores are a bit more expensive than Aldi on most things. Unless you’re able to cash in on a specific sale or stack coupons, you can get almost everything cheaper at Aldi.

Personally, Kroger offers up a better shopping experience. Lines at Aldi can be a bit long and it is difficult to find someone to help you if you need it. That isn’t the case at Kroger. You’ll also be able to find everything you need in one store shopping at Kroger. Whereas, as mentioned above, Aldi may not have some specialty items.

Non-food items are cheaper at Aldi than Kroger but, in most cases, you’ll be able to get these items cheaper at a store that isn’t only selling groceries. More often than not, you’ll get a better deal on items like toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and other non-food items at Walmart or Costco.

Are the Savings Worth It?

For many people, shopping at Aldi has been able to save them up to 50% on their grocery bill each month. When you consider those savings, swapping out Kroger (or your current grocer) for Aldi foods seems like a no-brainer.

Many people may try to argue that Kroger-owned stores offer up rewards and better promotions than Aldi. Keep in mind, most rewards programs are designed to get you to spend more money. You’ll pay a higher original price to get your $5 off or your gas rewards.

Aldi prides itself on not having to do those types of deals because their prices are always low. One Reddit user even mentioned the local Aldi store manager sending associates to local grocers to ensure they have the lowest price on staples like milk and eggs.

While there has been some negative feedback on some produce at Aldi, you can always shop there for most of your food and hit Kroger for specific items. Switching to Aldi for the bulk of your shopping stands to save you $100+ a month.

Readers, what do you think about Aldi foods and prices? Have you shopped there?

Can You Get Cheap Coffins at Costco?

September 14, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

If you need to plan a funeral, one of your biggest single expenses will be the casket. On average, a metal casket costs $2,400. However, if you opt for high-end materials, such as bronze, copper, or mahogany, the price can skyrocket, reaching up to $10,000.

While Costco is known for offering a wide variety of good at affordable prices. Many customers don’t realize the full scope of what the company provides. The store’s website is vast, so it’s unrealistic to explore everything that is available until there is a need.

However, since Costco tends to have reasonable prices. Many turn to the retailer when they need to save. And, if you need to prepare a funeral service. You may find yourself wondering, “Are there Costco caskets?”

Does Costco Sell Caskets?

In short, yes, there is such a thing as Costco caskets. The store’s selection is fairly minimal. They usually only comprise of a few options. However, they do have the potential to meet the needs of most people. There are a few colors and styles from which to choose.

Are Costco Caskets Affordable?

In comparison to the $2,400 average for a metal casket. The ones available through Costco are affordable. You can find a metal casket on Costco’s website for under $1,000, though some options are closer to $1350.

Costco also has a solid wood casket on their website. The price is around $1,800.

All of the prices for Costco caskets include shipping and handling. The only additional charge would potentially be sales tax.

How Do You Order a Casket from Costco?

One of the easiest options is to complete your purchase online. However, the order completion process is a little different from a standard one.

First, Costco requests that you contact the casket manufacturer before making a purchase. This allows you to confirm the availability of your selection in advance. Then set up a delivery option. To make this process easier, Costco has the number listed on their website.

Once you confirm availability, there are other steps that vary from a traditional order experience. For example, when you enter the shipping information, you need to use the first and last name of the deceased. Additionally, you place the mortuary or funeral homes name in the “company name” area. Also include their address in the “address” section, and their phone number in the “phone number section.”

The billing address information needs to match the person who is making the purchase.

How Long Does It Take to Arrive?

If you order a Costco casket before 10:00 am Pacific Time, it will arrive by 5:00 pm in your time zone after three business days. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding any holidays.

For example, if you order a casket before 10:00 am Pacific Time on Tuesday, it will arrive by 5:00 pm local time on Friday. If you place the same order after 10:00 am on Tuesday, the casket won’t arrive until Monday.

Additionally, someone must be present to accept the delivery when it arrives. Typically, if you are using a funeral home, an employee will be able to handle the incoming delivery. However, if you are sending the casket to another location, you may need to set someone up to be available when the delivery arrives.

Can Anyone Buy a Costco Casket?

Sadly, no, not everyone can buy a casket from Costco.

First and foremost, the purchaser’s address and shipping address must be in one of the 38 states where Costco is allowed to sell caskets or in the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.). Here is a full list of the eligible states:

Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Florida
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

This means both your bill-to and ship-to addresses must be in one of those areas. However, they don’t have to be in the same one. For example, your bill-to address could be in Washington while your ship-to address could be in Texas.

Additionally, to purchase a Costco casket, you must be a Costco member.

Can a Funeral Home Refuse to Let You Use a Costco Casket?

In short, no. Funeral homes must adhere to rules outlined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), including that they must accept any casket a family buys, including those from outside sources. Additionally, they cannot charge you a fee solely for not purchasing a casket from the funeral home.

However, it is wise to inform the funeral home of your purchase within one business day, especially if they will be receiving the delivery. This ensures someone will be available and that they no to anticipate its arrival.

Can You Return a Costco Casket?

Costco will only accept casket returns if the item was damaged during shipping. If that occurs, you have to contact Costco customer service to make arrangements, as caskets cannot be returned at warehouse stores.

However, if there is no damage, you cannot return the casket to Costco.

Is Ordering a Casket for Preplanning Allowed?

No, the manufacturer cannot support preplanning orders. They cannot hold a shipment until a future date, so they will only accept orders that can ship to a funeral home, mortuary, or other approved location immediately.

Should You Buy a Costco Casket?

Ultimately, choosing a casket is a very personal experience. Only you can decide if what they have available is right for you, your dearly departed, and your family.

Before you decide, explore what Costco has to offer. Read the casket specifications to make sure the size and weight limits meet your needs, and even read reviews left by other buyers.

You should also feel free to comparison shop. While Costco caskets are affordable, there are a variety of options out there, including many online.

For example, you can also buy caskets from Amazon, and many of their offerings are reasonably affordable.

As with any online shopping experience, make sure to read the descriptions thoroughly, especially since returning a casket usually isn’t a possibility unless there is shipping-related damage. If, after reviewing the information, you believe you found a suitable option, then don’t hesitate to move forward with your purchase.

Have you ever purchased a casket from Costco? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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4 Things Young People Waste Money on and How to Spend Less on Them

September 5, 2018 By Susan Paige Leave a Comment

Not a teenager anymore, not an adult yet. Young people only take their first steps on a career ladder and often hear a lot of “money-making” advice from their mature counterparts. Being highly interested in how to make more money, they often neglect the other part of financial literacy.

That’s not merely a claim, even young people consider themselves wasteful: 85% of millennials would like to improve their “money-saving” skills. For comparison: 81% of Gen Xers and 70% of Baby Boomers refer to themselves the same way.

Can we change this situation? Yes, if millennials revise some items of expenditure that have little-to-no real value for their personal growth and a genuinely happy life. Let’s kick off and name 4 useless ways to spend money on for a young person.

1. Parties and Alcohol

27.36% spend the most money on alcohol and drinking. Other 26.50% can’t hold back from excessive entertainment. According to Strutt & Parker, each millennial from the UK spends £3,016 per year to go out weekly. And that’s only if a person hangs out 1 night instead of the whole weekend.

We merged alcohol and parties not by accident. If people went to parties being entirely sober, they would obviously spend much less. Alcohol is the key to an uncontrollable spending of money due to its specific impact on the human mind: you become less attentive but more sloppy and unplanned. Moreover, large doses of alcohol cause temporary memory loss, according to NIH publication. It’s not an uncommon case when people just leave their money somewhere they can’t remember.

SavingAdvice: Don’t take a credit card to the party. Admit it: as parties are often associated with alcohol (or even drugs), you won’t likely be able to control your expenses. To avoid waking up and be surprised by your morning cash balance, always carry with you only a limited amount of cold hard cash enough for clubbing.

2. Coffee and Cigarettes

A price of a cup of coffee comprises $6.24 in Copenhagen, $4.60 in Shanghai, $3.2 in New York, $1.50 in Sao Paulo, and only $0.62 in Lagos. It’s not that much, but what if you drink 60 cups of coffee per month? Even the cheapest coffee from Lagos will cost you $37.2. An average monthly salary in Lagos is around $550, so 7% of your income is gone to the wallet of your favorite coffee shop owner.

Cigarettes are similar but stealing even more money from your pocket. For example, a pack of Marlboro in New York costs $14. Considering the destructive impact of cigarettes on health, the total waste caused by smoking eventually exceeds the price of a pack.

SavingAdvice: You heard a million times that the best way to save money is to quit smoking. These people are right, but that’s not that easy. If you want to reduce useless expenses but continue smoking, we recommend you to roll your own cigarettes. A 30 g pouch of tobacco costs between $10 and $15. 30 g = 60 cigarettes. Also, you need to buy rolling papers or tubes. A pack of 100 tubes costs no more than $3. Thus, you still smoke cigarettes of good quality (or even better) but spend threefold less money.

3. Online Gambling

Talking about the UK again, an average millennial spends £416 on lotteries annually. More than 30% of people aged 18-24 gamble at least once per month. Also, about a half of surveyed millennials prefer online gambling over land-based venues, which they find depressing. But don’t they trade bad for worse?

On the first sight, online gambling has a very low entry barrier — the minimum possible deposit in the casinos is no more than 5-10 dollars, so it seems to be hard to lose a big sum. on the spot. And even if you lose, some casinos offer you cashback bonuses that aim at returning few percents of your stake and giving you a “second chance” to win. They make you feel like saving money, but those lucrative bonuses and low deposit limits are traps: cashback is very small, so you need to add your own cash to recoup. When you use that “second chance”, you lose again in most cases.

Thus, the main threat of online gambling is its higher accessibility than brick-and-mortar casinos: you don’t need anything but your smartphone to play. This explains why online gambling is so popular among young people who consider their phone to be an extension of their hand.

SavingAdvice: The only way to spend less money on gambling is not to gamble at all. However, if you can’t quit gambling right away, try to hand over your earnings to people you trust (your partner, parents, closest friends) and get away from gambling for a couple of months. Leave only those money you need on mandatory spendings like food, utility bills, and transportation.

4. Status Symbols

Millennials are less likely to buy their own houses, but more likely to buy expensive branded goods. When a purchase of an own house is still out of reach, a young person needs something else to feed their self-esteem. A new iPhone, a pair of trendy sneakers from Balenciaga, or a handbag from Chanel are those status symbols millennials show off on social networks to demonstrate their success in life.

Talking of social media, their popularity is a major reason why young people fall for status symbols. Instagram, which is so popular among millennials (64% of US. adults aged 18-24 use Instagram, according to these statistics), was recognized as the most harmful network for the mental health. It’s hard to stay non-wasteful while tons of people are bragging about their expensive acquirements, influencers recommending goods without even buying them, and brand accounts persistently pushing you towards the next purchase.

SavingAdvice: People show only their best moments on social media and completely overlook their setbacks. If you want to stop wasting money on trends and fads, get out of this game and ignore this delusive fear-of-missing-out. Every time you are going to buy a new item, ask yourself: “Why do I need this thing?” If your brain starts drawing pictures of how you will take a photo of this and post on Instagram then you don’t need it at all.

Avoiding parties, coffee breaks, status things, and other useless expenses, you may find yourself way richer. Some young people joke: “What else spend money on if not on parties?” Well, self-development, travelling, new experiences, and hobbies are worth every penny, cause these things bring you real happiness.