Many people have either bad or expensive habits they want to give up. It seems obvious, but giving up expensive habits can save you money. And giving up bad habits can possibly save your life, but that’s another article.
What are some expensive habits you’d like to give up? Here is a list of habits to forgo in order to save money.
* Smoking. This habit is both expensive and unhealthy but millions of people do it every day. Some estimates indicate a carton of cigarettes costs nearly $60 and a single pack costs approximately $6. Depending upon how much you smoke, this could be an expensive habit indeed. Imagine if someone smoked two cartons a month, which would add up to over $1,400 a year! Think of what you could do with that much extra income.
* Tanning. Sun tanning can be harmful to your health, but if you’re using a tanning bed it can also be expensive. You could easily pay between $8 and $22 per visit. You might be able to save money in the long run by purchasing your own ($900-$3,000 each) but tanning can lead to developing melanoma. You’ll then need medical treatment which isn’t exactly cheap.
* Drug abuse. Most people who abuse drugs never thought they would get hooked. They thought they could enjoy a “little high” and be able to stop whenever they wanted. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Those developing a habit often empty their family’s bank accounts and end up in rehab to recover.
* Starbucks coffee. With the average cost of a cup of Starbuck’s coffee being nearly $3, you could easily spend $15 a week, $60 a month, or $720 a year. If you drink more than one cup a day, you could spend considerably more. Drinking too much coffee can also affect your digestion, dental health, and make it difficult to rest.
* Eating out. Everyone likes to eat out on occasion. However, a regular diet of fast food or dining out can quickly add up. Experts have shown that eating out, particularly fast food, can increase your chances of developing heart issues, raise cholesterol, and more. Add to the cost and health problems, the cost of medical treatment makes the cost of eating out even higher.
* Credit cards. Some people use their credit cards to pay for everything from groceries to their automobile or mortgage payments. When you realize you have to pay back those charges with interest, often more than conventional loans, the price tag continues to go up. If you must use your credit card, be sure to pay off the balance at the end of each month rather than carrying forward a balance.
Obviously there are other expensive habits anyone could have. These, however, are common habits you might expect. Seeing this list shows how giving up expensive habits can save you lots. And not just money – giving them up could actually save your life.
