Many people have busy lives. They’re working long hours, chauffeuring kids to activities and trying to cross things off their to-do list. As a result, some people are willing to spend more on things that save time and make their lives easier. The problem is unless you’re paying close attention to your bank and credit card statements, you may not realize the negative toll these “little” luxuries are having on your budget. If you’re not saving as much money as you’d like, consider giving up some of the following conveniences.
Using a ride-sharing app
Catching an Uber or Lyft is one of the easiest ways to get around town, but it’s not as cheap as it once was. Since 2019, the average cost of a rideshare trip has increased by 45% to around $20. Taking 5 round-trip rides a week can easily cost you $200. The best way to save money is to give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and either walk, bike, or take public transportation.
Buying a cup of coffee
If you’ve ever felt like you can’t function without coffee, you’re not alone. Coffee is the second most popular drink in the country only trailing behind bottled water. According to NextAdvisor, grabbing two drinks a day from Starbucks will cost you $2,007.50 per year. Meanwhile, making your own coffee at home using a regular coffee pot only costs $45.90 per year. That’s over $1,900 you could be saving by making the switch.
Ordering food through delivery apps
With food delivery apps like Grubhub and DoorDash, you can get anything you crave delivered to your doorstep. But convenience comes at a cost. From the very beginning, you’re going to pay more than necessary. Typically, the prices in the app are higher than the restaurants in-store menu. Then you have to factor in the delivery fee, service fee, small order fee if your meal is under $10, taxes and don’t forget the tip. You’ll save a pretty penny just cooking or placing your order directly through the restaurant and going to pick it up.
Drop off laundry services
When it comes to the most hated chores, doing laundry is on a lot of people’s lists. Sorting, separating, washing, drying, and folding your clothes can take up a large amount of time, especially if you have to lug your garments to a laundromat. Taking advantage of drop off laundry services can be a huge help, but the cost can really add up if you’re doing loads for multiple people. Many places charge $1 to $3 per pound and have a minimum amount you must spend. Some also charge extra for bulky items like pillows, coats, comforters and sleeping bags. Repeating this process weekly will put a dent in your wallet.
Getting your groceries delivered
Grocery delivery apps let you get fresh groceries without leaving home. The problem is most charge a delivery fee and require you to meet a minimum order. If you only need a few things, you may find yourself throwing random items in your cart just to reach the minimum. A better alternative is to order your groceries through your local supermarket and schedule free curbside pickup. This way, someone still does the shopping for you, but you avoid the additional fees.
Hiring a handyman for minor repairs
Keeping your home in tip top shape requires regular maintenance. When something breaks, you may be tempted to call in a professional, but you can save a lot of money by rolling up your sleeves and doing the repairs yourself. Before you tackle any project, watch a few tutorials on YouTube first. Most homeowners can handle minor repairs like fixing a leaky faucet, clogged garbage disposal, or a running toilet on their own.
