10 Things Americans Waste Money On

[theguru]

We don’t think much about them. But we need to, because there are so many places in our daily routine where money can be wasted without us knowing it. It’s ridiculous enough to make a list over–so we did. Here are 10 things we waste money on in America today:

 

1. Credit card interest

The only thing stupider than buying something you can’t afford is buying something you can’t afford at (insert huge credit card interest rate here). You don’t get jack for that extra money you fork over.

 

2. Deal websites

Hey, remember that time we bought a laser-hair removal deal for 78% off from that startup place all the way across town and used it for the full amount and within the specified time limit? Neither do we.

 

3. Appetizers

Restaurants already have lunch and dinner portions so big you need a box to bring home the leftovers. Why pay an extra six bucks to get something that will take up more room in your stomach before the main meal is even brought out?

 

10 Things Americans Waste Money On - daveramsey.com

[theguru]

4 though 10 are all good too and I am certainly guilty of some of these.

 

How about you?

[B-Ball-fan]

4 though 10 are all good too and I am certainly guilty of some of these.

 

How about you?

 

1. Never

2. Never

3. Never

4. Never

5. Never

6. Never

7. Never

8. Never

9. Never

10. Never

[Jim Schue]

As self-righteous as Ramsey is, along with his suggestions that people never, ever have any fun, I figured the list would look like this:

 

Gambling

Booze

Drugs

Sports

TV

Internet

Car

Clothes

Food

Movies

Any form of entertainment that keeps us sane enough to avoid going on shooting sprees

[MBWC41]

As self-righteous as Ramsey is, along with his suggestions that people never, ever have any fun, I figured the list would look like this:

 

Gambling

Booze

Drugs

Sports

TV

Internet

Car

Clothes

Food

Movies

Any form of entertainment that keeps us sane enough to avoid going on shooting sprees

 

:lol2:

 

I agree.

 

I've read a few of his books and I've learned a few things from them. I find some of his teachings to be too much for the average person to follow.

 

I could be a millionaire and retire in my 40's if I bought a tent and lived off the land. It's not worth it to me.

[Guest Birdflu]

I am not guilty of any of those things. He is also against credit cards, in general, even if you pay them off and do not pay any interest. He says you will buy things you wouldn't normally buy. I do not agree. I have a credit card for which I receive points. I get money back with these points. Therefore the things I buy actually cost me less. And I don't buy things I wouldn't normally buy,

[rockmom]

I have credit cards now after almost 25 years without them. After my experience buying a newer car (which I didn't hacmve cash for) and the interest rate I was charged because my score was so low, I got a card to help build up my score. And it has worked. But I don't buy stuff I normally wouldn't and I only carry a small balance at any given time to show responsible usage.

 

I'm guilty of the coffee one. I make my own coffee at home, but my hour and a half commute leaves me empty by the time I get to work. I have been thinking of buying a coffee maker for my office though.

 

Other than those 2, I don't do any of the others.

[GaViking]

Credit cards are a great thing if you pay your bill off early or on time (for example - 6 months same as cash). We just made a purchase and were very happy with each of our credit scores. I've heard it's bad to close down too much of your credit even if you don't use it, and if you do decide to close a credit card make sure you tell the company this is being closed at the customer's request. It can have a negative effect on your credit score.

[sweet16]

I am guilty of #9

 

hardly ever get appetizers unless there is a big group of people to share them with.

[Jim Schue]

I am guilty of #9

 

hardly ever get appetizers unless there is a big group of people to share them with.

 

I guess I don't understand what Ramsey's problem is with a to-go box. Seems like a win-win — getting two meals out of a night out. If you get an appy, more goes into the to-go box.

[sweet16]

I guess I don't understand what Ramsey's problem is with a to-go box. Seems like a win-win — getting two meals out of a night out. If you get an appy, more goes into the to-go box.

 

I agree. I love a to go box. It is tomorrow's lunch.

[sportsfan41]

I had the ultimate nachos at bdubs with my buddy 45 minutes ago. I now have something to eat tomorrow after noon because I didn't eat my entire wrap. That's the only one of those things I'm "guilty of". Unless you want to say my student loan interest or auto loan interest are frivolous spending as well, I felt them to be more of an unwanted necessity though.

[Jim Schue]

I agree. I love a to go box. It is tomorrow's lunch.

 

Exactly. And his logic is flawed, anyway. You're already overpaying if you eat out — what difference does it make if you spend $5-7 more on an appetizer?

[Randy Parker]

Guilty of number nine, but we deny ourselves in so many other areas that I don't care.

 

Have never in my life paid interest on a credit card.

 

I don't agree with Dave on everything, but we have followed his self-righteous principles for a while now. If things continue as planned we will be completely out of debt next summer. The thought of being 36-years-old without any payments is quite appealing. Hopefully it works out like we are hoping.

[Clyde]

1. Never

2. Never

3. Never

4. Never

5. Never

6. Never

7. Never

8. Never

9. Never

10. Never

 

This.

 

I travel a lot so 5/3 ATMs are not aways available. I get around the ATM fees by using my Discover card for purchases I make during the week and getting cash back in return. No ATM fees.

 

Note: This only works if you pay your balance every month.