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Believe it or not, even if you consider yourself pretty sharp, falling victim to scams can still happen.
It’s unfortunate, but people all over the world get taken for a ride by sneaky businesses and scams every single day.
We’re going to dive into 12 everyday things that often turn out to be rip-offs.
We’re talking about everything from those pesky airline fees to those unfair phone contracts, nothing seems to be off-limits for these crafty con artists.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
We’ll arm you with the knowledge of what to look out for, how much money you can save by staying vigilant, and who can come to your aid if things don’t go your way.
This eye-opening read could really make a difference, so make sure you don’t pass it up!
1. Funeral Costs
It’s a sad time for those who have lost someone, and unfortunately, it can be made even worse by some unscrupulous funeral homes.
Some try to push expensive add-ons during a vulnerable moment, so make sure you stay alert and question any extra charges.
Even if you’re not in the market for a funeral quite yet, it’s still worth knowing the different costs involved and being aware of your rights.
That way you won’t be taken advantage of when the time comes.
2. Extended Warranty
Many retailers offer an extended warranty when you buy a product, but often do not cover everything and are usually offered on items that will last way beyond the expiration date..
Research the standard manufacturer’s warranty before signing up for any additional coverage.
You might find that their guarantee is enough and save yourself some money in the process.
3. The Unaffordable Health Care Dilemma
The insurance system is made extremely difficult to navigate. The profit-maximization approach of the insurance industry makes healthcare unaffordable.
As someone states, emergency rooms fill up, and rates are increased further to subsidize those who can’t afford the treatment. Plus, seeing an affordable family doctor without insurance is virtually impossible. What do you think? Did the internet get this right, or do you have something to add to this list?
4. Homeopathy: The Placebo Effect or Filler Tablets?
Homeopathy is surprisingly popular for a remedy that is just a placebo. Someone calls the homeopathy medication “filler tablets.”
However, a second user responds by saying that continuing with homeopathy is no harm if the placebo effect is working. However, one shouldn’t forsake medical treatment when relying on homeopathy.
5. MLM: Multi-Level Menace
Multi-level marketing schemes are popular scams that can even get the best of us. One person shares how they were contacted by someone on LinkedIn who wanted to discuss a side hustle opportunity.
After questioning it, the MLM representative asked questions about distrusting the information via Google. Unfortunately, many MLM schemes are centered around preying on vulnerable individuals.
6. The Lottery: State-Sponsored Gambling for the Poor
The lottery has been around for long enough to pass as the norm.
However, as someone aptly describes, it’s just state-sponsored gambling for low-income people. The irony is that folks who can least afford it spend the most on it.
7. Bottled Water
Bottled water is ridiculously overpriced, sometimes up to 500 times more than from the tap!
Plus, research has found that most bottled water contains contaminants and pollutants.
To avoid getting taken for a ride, opt for water filtration systems or refillable bottles instead.
8 Donating to the Rich and Famous: A Cautionary Tale
Donations are an excellent way of giving back to society. However, you must always be mindful of to who you donate money.
As one user mentions, you better avoid expecting influential figures with private jets to use the donation money well.
9. College Tuition: Paying to Make Money
Getting a college education is a point of contention for many. While some degrees are beneficial, many are not.
Plus, as one person points out, it is absurd that you have to spend an insane amount of money on college tuition before you can even make money.
10. The Mystery of the Unchanged Property Rates
Inflation is inevitable, but some price increases sometimes make no sense.
For example, as someone points out, it is ridiculous that rent increases due to “market value” when the property rates stay the same!
11. Lavish Nuptials for One Day
Imagine getting married to your significant other is the only way to validate your relationship. What’s worse is the social expectation to throw a lavish wedding.
Numerous people express their discontent with expensive weddings. It makes little sense to celebrate marriage in such a luxurious way for just one day and for the entertainment of others.
12. Life in the Rat Race
All work, no play – this is the motto of today’s world. Many forum members highlight how it has been normalized to waste most of life working.
You start from the age of 18 and stop when you are 65. And before you know it, all of your life has gone by without you having time for yourself.
13. Dating Apps
Dating apps are becoming increasingly popular for connecting singles, but they can also be a playground for scammers.
It’s important to look out for any red flags in conversations or profiles that may indicate someone is not being honest.
Be sure to ask many questions, read reviews before signing up with any dating service, and never give out personal information!
14. Diamonds: The Price of Love and a Limb
Numerous folks complain about the ridiculous cost of diamonds and, ultimately, engagement rings. A ring must cost an arm and a leg, or it needs to be better.
The diamond ring tradition is young, yet it has become a prevalent cultural norm. But hey, at least the diamond industry is booming!
61 Fun Money Facts
Did you know there are places you can pay for things using a special local currency? Do you know why some coins have ridges on the sides? Discover over 60 fun money facts that you didn’t know.
61 FUN MONEY FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW
How To Get Free Food With No Money
If you are short on cash, not eating doesn’t have to be a reality.
There are options out there that allow you to get free food, even if you don’t have any cash. Here is what you need to do.
How To Get Free Food With No Money
21 Tricks Advertisers Use to Get You to Spend Money
When it comes to spending, we all like to think that we are in control. The truth is, advertisers know exactly how to get us to spend more than we intended. By understanding their tactics, you can be better prepared to resist them and keep your hard-earned dollars in your wallet.
21 TRICKS ADVERTISERS USE TO GET YOU TO SPEND MONEY
Best Places To Hide Money At Home
Did you know there are many places around your house you can hide cash?
Many of these places, no one will ever think to look, making them excelling hiding spots.
THE BEST PLACES TO HIDE MONEY AROUND YOUR HOUSE
Steps To Building Wealth
We all want to have enough money that our finances are no longer a stress in our lives.
But with so much financial advice out there, building wealth seems impossible. Not any more. Here are the simple steps you need to take.
STEPS TO BUILD WEALTH AND BECOME RICH
This thread inspired this post.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.