Save More Money by Spending Less on Shopping, Auto and Medical Costs

As it does, life gets busy and we may turn into survival mode so that saving money takes a back seat before we know it. For me, my survival instincts with a hectic schedule have, in the past, resulted in my becoming less aware of my budget and saving goals, more willing to delegate tasks to others for a "small price tag," and splurge a bit in the spending area—all motivated by the desire to check one more thing off my growing to-do list. Now, don't get me wrong. There are times when we are fully justified in delegating a task to a professional, such as car repairs or complex tailoring. Me attempting to repair my alternator, for instance, would certainly be a waste of money and time spent more wisely on something else. I am not a mechanic.

The same is the case for perhaps taking in a suit for a better fit. I am far from a professional tailor, so the money spent to purchase the suit originally would most definitely be wasted should I attempt to tailor it down the road. The reality is that the suit would more likely than not be ruined. However, this is not to say that I cannot watch my spending in these areas along with others. It is about taking the time to think about how best to spend our money and to avoid extra costs when there are other alternatives. Here are some areas to consider to help you save money and waste less, both quickly and conveniently.

Your Car

1. Oil Changes & Repairs--Where to Go? If you are like many, you may have already wasted some money when you purchased your car due to poor negotiating skills. Even if you did get a terrific deal, the last thing anyone wants to do is waste even more money on repairs and maintenance. Oil changes are one of the most important and regular cost of car maintenance and keeping up on your oil changes can save money in gas expenses. However, don't be tricked into thinking you must get your oil changes performed at a dealership. Unless oil changes were included with your car package, it is often more economical to find a smaller, local mechanic to change your oil and perform other repairs as needed. The oil quality is the same whether you are at a dealership or a smaller shop.
2. Oil Changes & Repairs—Special Offers. Further, look for discounts and coupons in your local paper or online. Why spend $29 for an oil change when you could have only spent $21, or even less. It all adds up. Finally, don't be duped into agreeing to every "suggestion" they may offer. I fell into this trap a couple years ago and ended up spending close to $50 on "suggestions" when all I really wanted (and probably needed) was a simple oil change.
3. New Tires v. Used Tires. Quality tires on your vehicle are definitely important for safety reasons, along with improving gas efficiency. What you may not need, though, is a complete set of new tires. There is no existing "car rule" against upgrading to better quality tires with a used set. Find someone you trust to help you select quality used tires and get them properly mounted and balanced.
4. Flat Tires. Do you have a flat tire? Well, you may be surprised to learn that you may not actually need to replace the entire tire. If the flat was caused by a nail or similar object, be sure to ask if the tire could be patched up instead. This may save you quite a bit as compared to purchasing a new tire.
5. Cleaning & Detailing. Unless you are trying to sell your vehicle, getting it detailed is most likely a waste of money. Spend some time cleaning it yourself. Get a vacuum, shampoo cleaner and other necessary cleaning supplies. With a little effort, you can have your car looking like it just left the dealership's detailing center without the heavy expense. If it is the rare occasion detailing is justified, be sure to at least check into special offers, coupons and discounts. Chances are high that a dealership is not the most affordable option in this case.

Shopping Trips

Without a List....Big "No No"

This is dangerous territory! Never shop without a list. I repeat—never shop without a list. If you dare, you are at great risk of overspending or forgetting something you need. Both contribute to spending more than you either have or needed to spend in the first place. Let's look at the two scenarios.

How many times have you told yourself you needed to "stop in" a certain store for a "few items," only to end up browsing the store for a good hour and leaving with a lot more than a few items. Like many, you may have purchased items you didn't even know you needed before you entered the store. First, you probably ended up with the items not because you needed them but more because you wanted then as soon as you laid eyes on them. It is usually not difficult to convince ourselves why we need something if the want is strong enough.

Another result of shopping without a list is forgetting something we originally went to the store to purchase. I have done this myself and ended up spending more on an item than I should have, just because I forgot to get it. Does this sound familiar? You need bananas, bread, milk and cheese. You "stop in" to your local grocery store where you know the items are priced the lowest, but you go without a list because it's "only a few items." (Quoting myself!) But, while shopping, you are also trying to explain to your kids why you are not going to purchase the cookies you passed on the way to the cheese. Next thing you know, you are home and realize you forgot to get milk. You need milk for morning cereal, but are now way too tired to return to the store for only milk. So, you decide to "get it in the morning before breakfast," running to the gas station down the street and paying double the price you would have paid in the store had you remembered. These emergency trips add up fast and are a sure-fire way to throw away your money when it could have remained in your wallet.

Medical Expenses

1. Prescription Refills. The cost of medications is growing, but there are some ways to cut the related costs. One related cost is getting a refill on a prescription when needed. I used to think that the only way to get my doctor to prescribe a refill was to schedule another appointment. This is not always the case. Recently, I called my doctor's nurse line and requested they call in a refill. I was trying to avoid paying my $30 doctor's visit co-pay and, with ease, I did. The nurse checked with the doctor and called in the prescription, never requiring me to come back and see the doctor. Now, there are times when it is necessary and wise to check in with your doctor but, as I experienced, it may not be. Always ask before assuming. It may save you some money.
2. Medication Quantity. Many insurance companies today are providing a home-delivery option or a larger quantity supply (e.g. 90 days). Selecting one of these options may save you quite a bit of money by eliminating monthly co-pays or taking advantage of a small discount for ordering through the insurance company's home-delivery program.

Now, these are just a few ideas to begin taking a closer look at how you may be wasting your money. When we become too busy, it is tempting to become lenient in our spending and stop actively thinking of ways to save money. But, we must not do this. It makes no sense to spend hours working, only to throw it away because we are too busy. Stop, slow down and take a look at how you may be able to save some of that hard earned money.