Dumb ways people waste money

[disneysteve]

Or it DOES occur to them, but they don't care because it's 80 freaking cents.

I think that's true too. Far too many people would think just that. It's only 80 cents. What's the big deal? Of course, those people don't think about how those little "it's only" expenses add up. If they eat out 5 days/ week at the office, that's $4 plus tax every week thrown away so over $200/year. That's the mindset that sinks many people's finances.

[2bfrugal]

Or it DOES occur to them, but they don't care because it's 80 freaking cents.

But, if they had 5 in their family, thats $4.00

If they alone did that every day of the week on their lunch, minus 2 weeks vacation, that is $200.

People say at the end of the month they don't know where it all went. Those are the places those dollars go to--

When we go out, we usually drink water, or if we go through a drive thru-we use the trick my friend taught me and take our own powdered drink mix and mix it into our free water from the drivethru, or take our own drink and eat it at the park. That also allows the kids to play and we don't have to tip!

[NuggetBrain]

I think that's true too. Far too many people would think just that. It's only 80 cents. What's the big deal? Of course, those people don't think about how those little "it's only" expenses add up. If they eat out 5 days/ week at the office, that's $4 plus tax every week thrown away so over $200/year. That's the mindset that sinks many people's finances.

You have no clue what their financial mindset is. For all you know they have a fully funded 401k, paid off house & 150k in liquid savings. But because they choose to spend an extra 80 cents they somehow aren't thinking about their finances? Or are judgeworthy? How do you know they eat out 5 days a week? The OP splurged, how do you know this isn't a twice a month thing for them?

[NuggetBrain]

Look, I've lurked a while on here. It's full of great advice, and smart people. But there are times when it's almost like a contest to see who can be the most frugal & who can judge the most miniscule financial "nonos". If a newb is seeing that spending 80 cents on a drink is getting judged, or buying jeans from Kohl's instead of the thrift store I'm just saying it might be a tad offputting & harsh.

[2bfrugal]

Look, I've lurked a while on here. It's full of great advice, and smart people. But there are times when it's almost like a contest to see who can be the most frugal & who can judge the most miniscule financial "nonos". If a newb is seeing that spending 80 cents on a drink is getting judged, or buying jeans from Kohl's instead of the thrift store I'm just saying it might be a tad offputting & harsh.

But many people come here for advice or to see why they can't seem to pay the bills or save any money. Conversations like this point out examples to them and spur them into thinking how they can apply that to their own personal situations.

Someone can read this and think I would never do that...BUT I do eat 3 candy bars a day out of the machine at work for $1.25 when I could bring my own snack from home for far less.

[disneysteve]

Look, I've lurked a while on here. It's full of great advice, and smart people. But there are times when it's almost like a contest to see who can be the most frugal & who can judge the most miniscule financial "nonos". If a newb is seeing that spending 80 cents on a drink is getting judged, or buying jeans from Kohl's instead of the thrift store I'm just saying it might be a tad offputting & harsh.

The site is called SAVING advice, not spending advice. Yes, you can be too frugal or go overboard cutting expenses, and we've talked about that many times, but I see nothing wrong with pointing out painless ways to save money that many people may not think about.

I think this is a perfect example. Why intentionally spend extra for the large when you can spend less for the small and refill it as many times as you'd like? When my wife and I go out, or even when all 3 of us go out, to a place with free refills, we only get one drink. Why pay for 2 or 3 when there are free refills? It makes no sense to us, but we look around and we're usually the only ones in the place sharing a drink.

As for the jeans and the thrift shop purchases, I think that's a little more complicated. We do shop at thrift shops but plenty of times walk out empty handed because we just didn't find what we went looking for. It is hit and miss. You can't ever be sure that they will have what you want in the size you need when you go there. So if I knew my kid needed a pair of jeans and I was short on time, I would probably head to a regular store, not a thrift store. There is a significant convenience factor to walking into a fully stocked store with a wide selection of styles and sizes to choose from.

[NuggetBrain]

Steve - pointing out things is, to me, different than judging. That's why I said I see people on here talking about ways they save money & think it's great. But titling a post "dumb ways people waste money" & proceeding to scoff at someone spending 80 cents or not shopping at a thrift store is judgemental. Being judgemental helps nobody & nothing but your own pride. And it makes me think it becomes more about showing how much better you are at saving money than those silly people, rather than trying to be helpful & share ideas on how to save & spend better. Because, let's be honest, if you don't spend wisely you aren't going to have much to save. So even though this is a saving forum you cannot disregard spending.

[NuggetBrain]

Like, for example, a thread titled "Painless ways to save money you might not think about" is a totally different feel. Saying "I was out to eat with my daughters today and we decided that getting a small drink with free refills would be easier on our pocketbook than a large one for 80 cents more. We made sure we got our money's worth!" reads different than "the people behind us in line got a large drink, and didn't even bother to take it with them. Why would people do that?!"

One is using yourself as an example of ways to save a penny here and there. The other is using judgement of others as a way to show that your spending habits are better than theirs.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I used to think why were people eating popcorn and drinking soda at a movie? I would go to watch only specific movies on the big screen. Post-kid, I get it. I see one movie a year now, it's a big deal to go. So now I do buy a popcorn and soda and I get it. Now I was wrong to wonder why people are "wasting" money. Now I realize that the couple having drinks with their meal are maybe enjoying their one night out in months. So they are going all out and ordering appetizers, drinks, etc.

Since having a kid I've seen in theaters with DH megamind in 2010 November, took our kiddo who fell asleep, Sherlock holmes 2011 Christmas and that's it, last movie before giving birth was Avatar 2009 Christmas. I told my DH I recall this funny conversation, I was buying a big soda and big popcorn for sherlock holmes and enjoying my imax movie of the year. It was AWESOME and so indulgent I felt almost ashamed at spending $20 on snacks. But then I remembered we were seeing one movie a year in a theater, and who knows when we'll be going again. I even contemplated a box of candy and treats. It was sheer delight to see a movie not in our house, with the experience. I wanted to see MI4, I love seeing action flicks on the big screen, especially imax stuff.

I am now that person. Anytime I get adult time alone with friends or DH I spend more than I would have before but it's so worth it. A full price meal at a nice restaurant? I go out once every 6 months or less with moms or girlfriends. I went out Saturday and last time before than August 2011 and before that January 2011. I have special dates on my calendar. DH and I enjoyed a night out this month and before that I believe it was December or October for sure. So more often but not frequent.

My DH and I try to eat alone after putting the kid to bed, but we usually have so many other chores to catch up on. I consider the time out alone every few months (usually 3-4) relationship building time. If you aren't happy with your relationship it can easily fail. Probably why so many people divorce with young kids.

A friend mentioned that even though it costs them an arm and leg, they go out once a month because her husband was very unhappy not having time with her, and it was cheaper than divorce.

[Redraidernurse]

I have to agree with Nuggetbrain that the OP did come off as judgemental. I'm one of those people who will pay the extra 80 cents. Everyone has their own reasons but mine is I'm eating with a two year old next to me and a small baby in my lap usually nursing so I don't have free hands often. I drink A LOT since I'm breastfeeding. The less I have to get up to refill my drink the better so I can concentrate on getting my two year old to not spill his drink/food, and maybe actually get to eat my meal with the arm not holding my infant.

Everyone has their own circumstances. Maybe the person in front of you is wearing a knee brace under their jeans so it's worth the 80 cents to not have to get up 3 times during their meal?

[cypher1]

I used to think why were people eating popcorn and drinking soda at a movie? I would go to watch only specific movies on the big screen. Post-kid, I get it. I see one movie a year now, it's a big deal to go. So now I do buy a popcorn and soda and I get it. Now I was wrong to wonder why people are "wasting" money. Now I realize that the couple having drinks with their meal are maybe enjoying their one night out in months. So they are going all out and ordering appetizers, drinks, etc.

I am now that person. Anytime I get adult time alone with friends or DH I spend more than I would have before but it's so worth it. A full price meal at a nice restaurant? I go out once every 6 months or less with moms or girlfriends.

I completely agree with those examples. My older sis and husband do movie/date night once a month. With their kids and busy schedules its the only real alone time outside the house. While I won't pay $6 for a 32oz of Coke at the movies, I get why people will spend more money on going out.

Personally I stopped caring what people around me or strangers do with their money a long time ago. I don't know their financial situation nor is it my business. We are all free to criticize someone by the car they drive, cell they use, or clothes they buy. But in the end, does judging really change the situation or outcome?

[Gina23]

Was the restaurant a restaurant that serves meal deals in sizes? For example, if I went to McDonald's (which I don't) and I wanted large fries, I am going to get the large meal deal because it is more cost beneficial to do so. That comes with a large drink.

Also, the consignment stores don't always have your size or the quality of jeans that you are looking for. They are hit and miss as far as what they have available at the time. It's a matter of luck for a lot of us. Especially those of us who wear jeans weird - like me. I'm built like a brick-$hit house so it's few and far between that I find something that fits, and when I do, chances are even more slim at a consignment store.

Now the fact that the lady in line at K-mart was buying cigarettes and beer, yet neglecting her child is ridiculous. I wish there were a way for cashier's to report people who are abusing the food-stamp system.

That's all

[Gina23]

Personally I stopped caring what people around me or strangers do with their money a long time ago. I don't know their financial situation nor is it my business. We are all free to criticize someone by the car they drive, cell they use, or clothes they buy. But in the end, does judging really change the situation or outcome?

The answer is no! You're welcome!

In all seriousness, I'm totally with you... If I worry about everyone else, then I stop worrying about me. And no one wants that to happen. Trust me.

[disneysteve]

Personally I stopped caring what people around me or strangers do with their money a long time ago.

I can't say that I particularly care how others spend their money but I absolutely use it as a teaching moment for our daughter. I make sure she understands things like taking advantage of free refills rather than paying more for the bigger size drink, or comparing unit prices in the supermarket and not just assuming that the larger package is the better deal (it often isn't) or using coupons or shopping sales or thrift shops or yard sales or Amazon.com.

[glycemic]

Made me laugh. I'm the same way with small drinks free refills vs. getting a large (if you're dining there).