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StitcherWhen we spend on something, are we really getting our money’s worth, or are we just paying for something we could’ve done without? This episode breaks down 13 sneaky ways you’re probably wasting money, what those habits reveal about our intentions, and how we can make better spending decisions moving forward.
I am not basic but my things can be basic!
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Not Everything Needs to Be the Best Option
Jen and Jill talk about how almost everything today comes with an opportunity to upgrade, personalize, or make life a little easier—ordering takeout, choosing the “best” (and most expensive) option, turning celebrations into big productions, or replacing things instead of fixing them.
It’s often easier to pay for that extra convenience. But they point out it’s worth pausing and asking whether that extra cost is actually worth it or if we’re just paying for an identity, avoiding a small inconvenience, or even adding to the demand that keeps prices rising.
Don’t Forget About The Stuff that You Already Spent On
There are probably a few things quietly sneaking into your spending that you don’t even notice like apps you forgot were only supposed to be free trials, or items you buy just because you’re already at the store and think you might as well grab them. Jen and Jill stress the power of planning ahead and setting reminders on your calendar so these charges don’t slip by.
Beyond that, many spending habits aren’t really about the price of something, it’s about how we use it. Jen and Jill highlight how money gets wasted when we underuse what we’ve already paid for, turn spending into emotional resets, or upgrade things that still work just fine. Often, the real issue isn’t necessity but rather boredom, habit, or chasing a quick dopamine hit.
Something you still think you’re wasting money on?
For Jill it’s going out to eat but for the reason that sometimes she goes past the budget. Meanwhile, Jen’s is her phone plan because they haven’t officially transferred to mint mobile.
Bill of The Week
Thanks Lisa for sharing your bill about using gift cards and only spending $2.50 for food and drinks
Thanks so Much for Listening!
Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews of our book Buy What You Love Without Going Broke and we especially loved this one from:
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I listen to the Frugal Friends Podcast pretty religiously, but I was excited for this book to come out. Sometimes I find financial advice either to be super personal or super impersonal and I love that this book is a perfect balance of both. The advice is applicable and relevant and attainable. Thanks for this book!
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