10 Ways Americans Waste Money.

[Stuart G]

From MSN.com...save money..


http://money.msn.com/saving-money/article.aspx?post=2c4...
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This post comes from Stacy Johnson at partner site Money Talks News.
According to a new report from the Census Bureau, in 2010 the average American household income was $49,445. Adjusted for inflation, that's about where it was 15 years ago. Even more depressing: The 2010 poverty rate in the U.S. is more than 15% -- the highest since 1993 -- which translates into 46 million souls.

Suffice it to say that for many Americans money is in short supply, which makes it all the more important to preserve the cash that comes our way.Last week, Money Talks News guest columnist Len Penzo explained how he wastes more than $1,700 a year. In the video below, I cover a sampling of ways Americans waste money. Check it out, then read on for more.

1.Buying new. Getting something in the original packaging often means paying twice the price. This mistake is most costly when it comes to cars, but it applies to many things: furniture, clothing, textbooks, etc. So whenever practical, skip the stores and showrooms and choose thrift stores, yard sales, eBay and Craigslist.
Accepting initial offers. Many sellers of goods are willing to negotiate because they want your money as much as you want the product. In "Confessions of a serial haggler," I explained how I've gotten discounts on cable service, hotels, doctor bills, and more. It never hurts to ask.
2. Buying brand names. People are finally wising up to this one; generics have been gaining market share since 2006. While prescription drugs have the biggest price tags vs. generics, the dollars add up at the grocery store too. In many cases, the only difference between generic and brand name is price. Can you really tell the difference between name-brand and generic when it comes to water, cleaning supplies, or spices?
3. Buying a bigger home than you need. In 2001, Americans spent about 12% of their income on "residential and transportation energy," but this year they're projected to spend almost 20%. Living in a big house with unused rooms or bigger rooms than you need is like driving a stretch limo: You're buying energy for unused space. A bigger house means more furniture, higher maintenance, higher taxes, and more time spent taking care of it. When home prices were rising, there was some logic to leveraging potential profits by buying the biggest. Now, that extra space is nothing but a cash drain

rest of list at article..........

[Rob H.]

1. I think the URL may be incomplete

Just in case, this one works. :hi:


Edited to add: I'm guilty of #1 wrt to vehicles, but when I buy a car I keep it a long time so I'd rather start out with a new one. (My current vehicle will be 21 years old in December and I've had it from new.)

[kentauros]

2. I suppose not buying new on furniture works fine

if you have a pick-up! How many thrift stores have delivery vehicles? I really don't mind buying new. Plus, you get the warranty in case it's a lemon ;)

[Divameow77]

3. I wouldn't want to buy anything

upholstered as I am too afraid of bedbugs :scared:

[kentauros]

4. You could probably have it fumigated.

But you might as well buy new if you're going to that much trouble. Unless it's an antique or sufficiently retro :)