We all like to think we do what we can to get money savvy. We like to think our choices are the right choices. But, if we looked at our spending habits, we’d likely see we waste more money than we realize.
Sometimes, these holes in our financial nets are large. But, for the most part, our small change is where the most significant losses come into play. The trouble being, of course, that many of us just don’t realize small change matters. In truth, though, there are a whole host of ways your can make the most of spare change. As such, it’s possible we should be more careful about losing a dollar or two here and there. But, where are you losing your spare change, and what can you do about it?
An expensive place to shop
We all have our favorite places to shop. And, as we become more money conscious, these picks often have to do with affordability. But, we all go to an expensive but practical shop now and then. You may have had a long day and popped to the petrol station store. Or, perhaps you went to the expensive supermarket because you couldn’t be bothered to go further. You know the same brands cost about $1.50 more, but it’s just small change, right? Only that $1.50 will add to $3 if you make the same mistake twice. And, that’s not even counting the added costs on your other items. They’re small extras, but they add up. With that in mind, it’s always worth going that bit further for a cheaper store.
Spending to work
It might be that your boss asks you to post something, and you never get round to claiming for those stamps. It was just small change anyway, right? But, you might not be so keen to overlook it if you considered it effectively means you’ve worked unpaid for half an hour. Or, perhaps you felt you had no choice but to buy some new uniform because your boss wasn’t willing to pay. It’s not much, is it? But, again, this equates to working for free. As can be seen from a source like this or a little bit of research, the law is on your side here, too. So, think twice before telling your boss not to worry. They should pay you to work, not the other way around.
Miscalculations on receipts
Shop staff are human, and errors happen. They might scan something twice without realizing. Or, perhaps the till didn’t deduct an offer. These things happen, and many of us brush them under the carpet. There’s a long queue at customer services, and the money isn’t worth the wait. But, if we added the amount we lose on ‘small’ errors like these, we’d be rich. Hence why you should always check your receipt before leaving, and join that queue if you spot a mistake. Your bank balance and your savings account are sure to thank you for it.
