I am obsessed with saving money tips. It’s a game I like to play, in which I win most often. It’s me against the world. I love it. But saving money isn’t ALWAYS saving money.
You see, in order to save the most amount of money you need to do your research. You’ll want to compare prices, figure things out down to the penny, and shop around.
But is all of that costing you more money without your realizing it?
Money Saving Tricks: How You Think You’re Saving Money But Really Aren’t
The other day I was at the store. I needed to buy WD-40. Okay, so I’m completely clueless when it comes to WD-40. I know it’s a greaser that people use to…uhm…grease stuff. But, I’ve never used it personally. I need to have some on hand so I was looking at my two options.
The big can was $6.49 and prominently displayed of course. It has a special fancy straw and everything. Most people would grab this and go. I myself, put it into my cart, but just as I was turning the corner, in a more hidden location, I saw a smaller can of WD-40. It was $3.49 and of course comparing the oz, it was not as good of a deal as the larger can. So, I walked away with a proud sense of accomplishment, knowing I had just saved myself a few cents by buying the larger can.
Half way down the aisle, it dawned on me.
Was I REALLY saving more money by buying the larger can? Okay, yes, it’s a better deal, saves me a few cents than the smaller bottle, but here’s the thing….How often would I really USE this can? I’ve gotten by my whole life thus far without using it. And I hope I’m not picking on any particular brand, it’s just that I’ve not seen a need for it. So, if I buy that bigger can and save a few cents, I’m not REALLY saving money. I’m actually spending MORE.
Let’s say I use the can once in the next few years. Either can would last me a few years. So, it really makes more sense to buy the smaller can. This would, in reality, save me $3!
My point is that you have to be careful in saving money. I heard one time someone who doesn’t flush their toilet very often. Their motto is “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.” Okay, so I get it, and I’m totally trying to have a straight face as I type this now. LOL. They want to save money on their water bill, but if they do that, doesn’t their toilet get dirty super quick. And what do they clean their toilets with? Usually some sort of cleaner. So, if they’re using MORE cleaner, more often, it’s not saving them money and it’s wasting MORE of their TIME. More cleaning.
Here’s my point. When you hear new saving money ideas that you really like or that you see in the store, be careful. It’s not always going to save you money. It isn’t a mind game to make you feel better about yourself. You can feel better all the way to the homeless shelter. It won’t change what’s in your checking account.
The biggest tip I can give you is to really think things through. They may seem really simple, and they may really BE simple, but sometimes, you’ll save a lot more money by changing a few small things you do.
