Where are you wasting your money?

The latest economic news shows that the U.S. is continuing to loose jobs. The unemployment rate rose to 9.6% and there is no real relief in sight. Sure the government says they are working hard to create or save jobs, but in reality the only thing they are really doing is spending more money (that we really don’t have).

I know in our family, we have been very blessed and our jobs are relatively safe; or at least as safe as can be expected. Even though we aren’t in any real danger of losing our jobs, we still are cautious when it comes to spending our money. We are currently in the process of finding a car for our daughter. She is a senior in high school this year and her being able to drive herself and her brother around will make things a lot easier on her parents.

It would be easy to go down to the local car dealership – there are about 50 within 15 miles of our house – and get a car payment. However, we have committed to never having another car payment so we are looking for a reliable, used car. She would like it to have a CD player and be cute. I am looking for reliable at a really good price. Hopefully, we both get what we want.

In addition to looking for a deal on a car, we also try to watch where the rest of our money is going. MSN Money has an article listing six products that are very common purchases for a lot of people that are also way overpriced. Here is the list:

1. Movie popcorn - Not only is the price of movie popcorn ridiculous, movie ticket prices are ridiculous. We don’t go to the movies very often and the price of the ticket is the main reason. I can’t tell you the last time I bought popcorn at the theater.
2. Greeting cards - Here is one, that I am ok with. Birthdays and anniversaries only come once a year, so dropping $6 for a card for my wife is an easy one. Are they overpriced, yes, but the people that come up with the perfect way to say “I love you” need to get paid also.
3. College textbooks – Fortunately, I was able to buy most of my books during college used, but even then the price seemed to be ridiculous. Unfortunately, you have to have the book so the college definitely has a supply and demand gold mine staring them in the face. The only real way of lowering the cost of textbooks is buying used and then reselling to a friend. You will get more for the used book if you can sell directly to someone that needs the books instead of selling it back to the bookstore.
4. Bottled water – You would think the reports indicating that 45% of bottled water comes from the tap would have impacted the sales of bottled water. At work, we have a water cooler where I refill my water bottle.
5. Printer ink – Another supply and demand nightmare. You have to have the ink, and you have few options on where to get it. You can try refilling yourself, but the reports I have read, indicate that about a third of the time, you are pleased with the results. The rest of the time, you end up frustrated with the results.
6. Brand-name fashion – $350 for a pair of jeans? Are you kidding me? Obviously, if you are spending $350 for a pair of jeans, you are also buying movie popcorn.

photo credit: .scarlet.