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Rethinking your spending once in a while can help make sound financial decisions. One way to budget is by cutting down on needless purchases. It’s time to eliminate these fifteen seemingly small non-essential costs that add to your expenses.

1. Cable and Satellite TV

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It is absurd to pay for these things when we live in the age of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. So, ditch the expensive cable and get a $5 monthly subscription instead.

2. Bottled Water

Bottled Water
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Imagine buying water when you can access clean tap or filtered water. It is just one extra step to take your reusable water bottle filled from home, but it will save you the cost that adds up. Not to mention, throwing away all that plastic isn’t the best for the environment.

3. Coffee Conundrum

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If you’re chugging three or more mugs of coffee a day, think of what this little beverage can cost you. While you can’t save thousands by skipping your morning coffee, ditching the $5-a-day latte for homemade caffeine drinks might leave you with some cash.

4. Poop Bags

Image of hipster guy pet owner, holding cute black pug and dog poop bag, standing over white background
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Dog owners know the pain of buying a pack of these designated bags. However, why spend $5 on a box when you can reuse old shopping bags or wrappers instead? More sustainable, less wasteful.

5. Bulk Groceries

Bulk Groceries
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Buying in bulk isn’t always a financially sound decision. Instead, frequently buying as per your need will save you much more. You think only in terms of immediate utility and don’t stock up on things you anticipate using but never do.

6. Laundry Pods

Laundry Pods
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Don’t let the size of these little things make you forget how big of a waste they are. If you were to add items up, they are more expensive than liquid detergent and don’t wash as many loads.

7. Clearance Items

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It is tempting to buy that cute shirt just because it’s half the cost, and you “might” wear it someday. But buying more cheap stuff that will only sit there unused is wasteful. A year down the lane, you would be throwing it away because the low cost didn’t offer quality, nor did you end up using it as much as you unanticipated.

8. Clumsy Contraptions

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You just found an online ad for that one eccentric onion chopper you think you can’t go on without, but all it takes is one use for it to fall apart. Instead of giving in to your impulse, why not buy a standardized gadget that can perform the same function with even more benefits?

9. Soda Sadness

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Sugary drinks are expensive and unhealthy. Unless you like paying to gain weight, cutting down on soda and juices can help your budget and body. If hydration is your excuse, water will do the job just fine.

10. Snack Saga

Doritos
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Most snacks don’t have any nutritional value, and if you’re getting brand-named items, the cost is horrendous. Maybe switch to healthy snacks or something you can cook at home to cut costs and pounds.

11. Gasoline Galore

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Some minutes of research can save you quite a bit of money. Using apps such as GasBuddy can show which gas stations are cheaper. Alternatively, consider using public transport or carpooling with a friend.

12. Credit Card Interest

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Consider negotiating with your bank for a lower interest rate, making monthly payments in full, or opening a low-interest credit card. Knowing all your options can help you get out of credit card debt.

13. Cell Phone Data

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You’re billed for your cell phone services every month and left wondering where you even spent that much when you haven’t called anyone in months. See what offers other providers have or if there is a lower-cost plan that aligns with your actual usage.

14. Late Fees

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Paying late fees is an avoidable error. Scheduling reminders and automating your bill statements can help. If you don’t already pay your bills online, now is the time to consider doing so.

15. Gift Cards

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Gift cards are tempting to collect but often sit around unused and, eventually, unredeemable. Now’s the time to donate these cards to charity or sell them to websites so they don’t get wasted.

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