What kind of primary expenses do people all over the world have? It’s very simple: food, clothes, accommodations, vacation time, health needs, and transportation. However, there is also that mysterious category called “Other.” According to research, an average person spends about $18,000 a year on things they don’t really need.
This means that expenses for things that are not vital end up being a decent part of our budget and, if we get rid of them, we could save money for big purchases, like buying real estate or going on a long-desired vacation.
1. One-time use cosmetics
How many tubes are there in your cosmetic bag that have only been used once? Crimson eye shadows, black lipstick, purple glitter, etc… Though they seem bright and attractive when you’re buying them, in reality, they can hardly be used in everyday life.
Before making another purchase for your cosmetic bag, ask yourself, “Will I be using this item at least twice a week?” As surprising as it might sound, buying expensive and well-thought-out cosmetic items can help save your budget. While the habit of grabbing whatever you see, even if it’s cheap, drains your wallet.
2. Expensive toys for pets
Unfortunately, the following law also applies to our cute pets. In most cases, the more expensive the toy is, the less interest it causes in your pet.
Your cat will likely ignore a strange ball construction and get frightened at a radio-controlled mouse, but will get excited at a crumpled sheet of paper or a normal bottle cap. Your dog will gladly gnaw on any new toy, but will take care of the old stuffed rabbit they’ve been used to sleeping with since puppyhood.
If you want to make your pet really happy, simply pay more attention to them.
3. Sporting equipment
Are you determined to work out on a regular basis? Don’t rush to buy super-fashionable sports equipment for cardio. Practice shows that, in most cases, it will just gather dust on the balcony or in the bedroom, and become a new way to torture yourself. If you want to test your enthusiasm, sign up for a gym for one month.
Are you someone who doesn’t want to leave home to work out? That’s not an issue — get yourself an elastic strap for Pilates or dumbbells: they hardly take up any space. As for cardio exercise, fitness followers have developed many routines that don’t require any equipment, and where fat is burned no less actively.
4. Ill-conceived interior elements
When you find yourself in a hardware store, you are always tempted to buy that cute shelf, an armchair, or those cute curtains. Take a deep breath and stop yourself from doing it. When you return home, it’s likely that you’ll suddenly realize that there is no space for that shelf, that those curtains don’t match the walls and don’t let light in, while the armchair doesn’t fit in the necessary corner.
Before buying a new interior item, get a measuring tape and measure the place the new item is supposed to be placed in. Then think about why you need this thing, what functions it will perform, and if it will make your life more comfortable. If not, why waste money on an item that will just end up in your country house?
5. Purchases during vacation
“I probably had a sunstroke” — that’s what we think when unpacking our suitcases. An umbrella in a toxic green color, an outlandish hat with torn feathers, a bunch of trinkets that are already falling apart — there are so many unnecessary things that we bring back from vacation. It’s hard to believe that they will ever “pay off” the money spent on them.
Are you the one who can’t imagine a trip without shopping? Read recommendations on what things are worth buying in the country you are heading to and make a list of the things you really want to purchase. Even if a leather wallet costs almost as much as a dinner in a restaurant with 3 Michelin stars, it will serve you for many years. While an impulsively bought jar of curry in hopes of future culinary achievements will ingloriously die in Vain
