All the money you spend on those little treaties definitely adds up…into one big, scary sum! We break down the bad habits that are keeping you from being rich, and show you how to overcome them. Now is the time to give your money habits a makeover!
Coffee Think life isn’t worth living without your daily fix of caffeine? With the average cup costing between $3-5, that’s a fair bit of moolah, especially when you consider that there are roughly 260 week days in a year!
Ditch the habit by…Make it yourself at home or at work. If you can’t face the thought of bland, cheapo instant coffee, go for a quality blend from the supermarket (a $10 jar will still last you far longer than $10 worth of café coffee!).
Bottled water
At least you’re picking the healthy option, but you’re getting it from the wrong place! If you really can’t stand your local tap water (or it’s not safe) and you don’t have access to a filter – buy one! Ditch it by… Bottled water is pricey – normally between $2-3. Investing in a water filter system will save you loads in the long run. A $100 filter jug is a far more sensible option (not just for the cost, but also the environment!).
Manicures We all love gorgie hands, but do you need to spend $45-60 every few weeks on them? While manicures are fantastic, they also take up a huge chunk of money. And, when you’re old and grey, would you rather have actual assets, or bask in the glory of how fab you’re nails once were? Hmm…
Ditch it by…DIY manicures! All you need are some very affordable tools (nail file, base coat, pretty varnish, top coat and moisturiser) and you’re set. Click here for a great guide to DIY manicures (and other at home spa treaties!).
Magazines Are you waving goodbye to at least $7 a week on glossy magazines? It’s time to give it up, and say hello to at least an extra $28 a month!
Ditch it by… Go online in 09! Get your mag fix online with nzgirl and Flossie.com. We’re free!
Alcohol Oh, we’re probably all a little guilty of this one! You start drinking and begin to have the time of your life; next thing you’ve whipped the credit card out and you’re buying the entire bar a round… Ditch it by… Only ever taking an allocated and sensible amount of cash out with you (just enough for a few drinks and a taxi there and back). Don’t take your card with you – not having an extra drink will probably save you from further embarrassment, and that way you won’t spend over your budget.
Energy drinks Mid afternoon slump? It can be all too easy to skip over to the diary and pick up your fav energy drink for an instant and refreshing pick-me-up; but don’t do it! Not only are energy drinks filled with sugar and caffeine (which aren’t all that great for your body), they are a black hole when it comes to money. With the average bottle and can costing between $2-3, the prices can really add up.
Ditch the habit by… Did you know that tiredness is often a sign of dehydration? Maybe all you need is another glass of water. If that doesn’t work, try a refreshing herbal tea. At around $3 for a box of at least 20 sachets, it’s well worth the investment!
Spending money that’s not yours Always in overdraft, taking out a loan or whipping out that credit card? Of course if you’re always spending money that isn’t your own, than you’ll never get rich!
Ditch it by…Paying off your debt as soon as possible, and then spending on a cash only basis. Workout a budget and stick to it - click here for a great online budgetting calculator.
Coffee
Manicures
Alcohol
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