12 Money-Saving Tips That Just Aren’t Worth the Hype

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Saving money is a focus for many today, especially as prices rise and wages stay relatively the same.

But while there are many helpful financial tips out there, there’s an equal amount of noise that might be detrimental to your life.

Let’s look at 15 money-saving tips that aren’t worth the hype.

#1. Cutting Out Any Joy in Life to Save Money

upset man at computer
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Too many people will go out of their way to save money to the degree that they only spend on the bare necessities.

Often, this leaves them feeling miserable and stressed out as they emphasize not spending anything on themselves.

If you’re budgeting to the degree that you’ve cut out all joy in your life, it’s time to reevaluate your spending habits.

#2. Spending Money on Available Deals

Sales time. Confused caucasian guy choosing shirt at shop, free space
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Just because there’s a deal nearby doesn’t mean you have to buy it.

However, some will become so focused on sales that they spend money on things they wouldn’t just because it’s a good deal, counteracting the benefits of leveraging discounts to their advantage.

Always ask, is this a good deal, or am I just spending money I wouldn’t otherwise be spending on products I don’t need?

#3. Not Thinking About Time in Relationship to Money

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Some deals can be good, but they’re not worth driving an hour away.

 It’s also essential to think of how time relates to your money.

There’s no point in spending all day trying to save a few dollars.

Only exert time and energy on deals that are worth it.

#4. Trying to Low-Ball People on Deals

Car Sales
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Nothing is worse than meeting someone to buy something you found online and then lowballing them.

It not only wastes your time but theirs, too.

While haggling is a part of selling things online, you should try to spend less than you agreed to.

#5. Buying Products That Are Too Cheap

worn out sneakers
Photo Credit: eric1513 via Deposit Photos.

Good deals are only good deals if the product is good.

Take, for example, things like cheap shoes falling apart after a month or kitchenware crumbling after a single use.

If you have to spend money to replace super cheap items consistently, you’re not being financially savvy.

#6. Trying to Live Your Life on Off-Peak Hours

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Peak hours can raise your electric bill as you consume more energy during the most expensive parts of the day.

However, some people think it’s worth restructuring their lives to try to do things when they should be working or otherwise getting other tasks done.

While getting things done during off-peak hours might help you save some, you shouldn’t sweat it if you can’t make it happen all the time.

#7. Buying Too Much Into DIY Culture

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DIY culture can be great, but it isn’t always.

For example, you can fix your coffee table, but there’s no guarantee that you can repair your electrical system or your car.

If you dive too deep into DIY culture, you can end up causing irreparable damage that costs you even more time and money than if you were to spend money on the repairs in the first place.

#8. Turning Grocery Shopping Into a Part-Time Job for the Deals

Woman purchasing grocery
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Extreme couponing has certainly become a thing, and it can be crazy.

Many don’t see the value in driving around for hours, constantly clipping coupons, and spending tens of hours a week to get the latest deals.

Spending a bit more to maintain your sanity might be worth it.

#9. Prioritizing Debt Over Saving (or Vice Versa)

Never gets to the root cause of debt
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Paying down debt and saving are both important.

While you might not have an extensive budget to manage both easily, you should tackle both to prepare ahead.

Putting all your resources into one or the other can quickly become messy.

#10. Chasing Very Minor Interest Rates

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Putting your cash in a high-yield savings account can be an excellent idea.

However, some people will take advantage of any interest rate, no matter how small.

If it won’t give you more than a couple of dollars over a year, your money is not being put to good use.

#11. Buying Perishables in Bulk

apples
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Buying in bulk can be a good idea when purchasing something that will last throughout the year and save you money.

Are you buying perishables in bulk?

That will typically leave you with something you’re unable to consume that you’ll waste the bulk of.

#12. Spending Money at Local or Online Auctions

Woman with laptop
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Local and online auctions can be a great way to find a deal for things you need.

But like shopping all sales, many people don’t buy things they need.

Don’t fall into the trap of getting addicted to these auctions and spending money unnecessarily.

How To Save Money When You’re Broke

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When you have no money, the idea of saving sounds impossible. In fact, for many people, the idea never crosses their mind because they are only focused on getting money to survive.

But there are steps you can take to actually save money even when you are broke. Doing so will help you change your financial life faster than you thought possible.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHEN YOU’RE BROKE

Save Money On Groceries

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It’s no secret that grocery shopping is a significant expense every month. While most of us know a few ways to reduce this bill, there are many other simple things we can do.

Learn the easy tricks to spend less on groceries and pocket some savings.

LEARN HOW TO SPEND LESS MONEY ON GROCERIES

SLASH YOUR MONTHLY BILLS

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With inflation rising, your monthly bills are likely getting out of control. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take. Use this guide to help you save up to $7,000 a year on your monthly bills.

SLASH YOUR MONTHLY BILLS AND SAVE

15 GAS HACKS FOR FREE GAS

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You’ve probably wished you could get free gasoline, but thought that was impossible. But the reality is, it isn’t impossible.

There are many free gas hacks you can use to save money on fuel ups. Here are 15 ways to lower the cost of gasoline, and in effect, get free gas.

15 FREE GAS HACKS YOU NEED TO TRY

How To Start Over Financially At 50

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It can be difficult to start over financially at any age. But when you are 50, there is added pressure.

Not only do you have a limited number of working years left, but you also see how well others in your peer group are doing.

If you are starting over at 50, don’t give up hope. Here is how to drastically improve your finances.

HOW TO START OVER FINANCIALLY AT 50

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