10 little expenses that add up fast

Professor · #1 10-16-2007, 03:21 PM

10 little expenses that add up fast

Do you wonder where your money goes, especially if you're not a big spender? It's surprisingly easy to blow thousands, a few dollars at a time.

By Bankrate.com

It's easy to fritter away money on little daily expenses. If you fall into these money traps, learn to avoid them and pocket the savings.

Coffee: According to the National Coffee Association, the average price for a cup of brewed coffee is $1.38. There are roughly 260 weekdays per year, so buying one coffee every weekday morning costs almost $360 per year.

Cigarettes: The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids reports that the average price for a pack of cigarettes in the United States is $4.54. Pack-a-day smokers fork out $1,650 a year. Weekend smoker? Buying a pack once a week adds up, too: $236.

Alcohol: Drink prices vary based on the location. But assuming an average of $5 per beer including tip, buying two beers per day adds up to $3,650 per year. Figure twice that for two mixed drinks a day at the local bar. That's not chump change.

Bottled water from convenience stores: A 20-ounce bottle of Aquafina bottled water costs about $1. One bottle of water per day costs $365 per year. It costs the environment plenty, too.

Manicures: The Day Spa Magazine Price Survey of 2004 found that the average cost of a manicure is $20.53. A weekly manicure sets you back about $1,068 per year.

Car washes: The average cost for a basic auto detailing package is $58, according to Costhelper.com. The tab for getting your car detailed every two months: $348 per year.

Weekday lunches out: $9 will generally cover a decent lunch most workdays. If you buy, rather than pack, a lunch five days a week for one year, you shell out about $2,340 a year.

Vending-machines snacks: The average vending machine snack costs $1. Buy a pack of cookies every afternoon at work and pay $260 per year.

Animate · #2 10-16-2007, 04:53 PM

I used to have the vending machine jones at work until I just had to stop since it was costing me so much per week. I also am not a fan of cooking so I probably grab fast food 3 times a week most of the time. I literally have to make myself cook.

I don't mess with any of the other things so I guess I'm good there.

RBL · #3 10-16-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Animate

I used to have the vending machine jones at work until I just had to stop since it was costing me so much per week. I also am not a fan of cooking so I probably grab fast food 3 times a week most of the time. I literally have to make myself cook.

I don't mess with any of the other things so I guess I'm good there.

yeah I feel you on that.. by the time I get home the last thing I want to do is cook...

If I can just kick this jones for Chick Fil A i might be alright

Drolefille · #4 10-16-2007, 06:29 PM

But, but, that's only 8!

Animate · #5 10-16-2007, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBL

If I can just kick this jones for Chick Fil A i might be alright

If you manage to do that enroll me in the same program.

txdiva · #6 10-16-2007, 11:43 PM

I'm guilty when it comes to the bottled water. I used to buy 2-3 bottles a day before I go to work. I didn't know it could add up like that!

TonyB06 · #7 10-17-2007, 09:10 AM

How can I be exempt from 7 of the 8 categories and still feel guilty? (the weekday lunch thing.)

....who gets their car detailed every two months?

RBL · #8 10-17-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyB06

....who gets their car detailed every two months?

you know you do bruh...lol

AlphaFrog · #9 10-17-2007, 09:38 AM

Where in the world do you get coffee for $1.38??? I don't even think the gas stations sell it that cheap anymore.

TonyB06 · #10 10-17-2007, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBL

you know you do bruh...lol

See, this is the problem with bruhs who are ballers. They forget that everybody has not come up yet like they have, and assume everybody is on their status level.

RBL, I'm on my way. Not there yet, so hold my spot, dude.

RBL · #11 10-17-2007, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyB06

See, this is the problem with bruhs who are ballers. They forget that everybody has not come up yet like they have, and assume everybody is on their status level.

RBL, I'm on my way. Not there yet, so hold my spot, dude.

Baller + RBL does not compute..lol

I'm still trying to get on TonyB level... one day I promise...

delph998 · #12 11-18-2007, 08:51 AM

Let's not forget GAS! I have a Nissan Altima and had to pay $51 to fill up this week. I was sick about that. I remember when it cost $25 the most to fill up.

SoEnchanting · #13 11-19-2007, 12:07 PM

*cussing myself out as I head down to the Starbucks on the first floor* But it's so hard when it's right here!

Professor · #14 11-19-2007, 12:15 PM

to all the sisters on the board, take note, men of alpha are ballers but many of them are cheap and trying to hold on to a dollar - don't let brothers rbl and tony fool you - - - lol - now can one of you brothers help me pay my chapter dues?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyB06

See, this is the problem with bruhs who are ballers. They forget that everybody has not come up yet like they have, and assume everybody is on their status level.

RBL, I'm on my way. Not there yet, so hold my spot, dude.

TonyB06 · #15 11-19-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor

to all the sisters on the board, take note, men of alpha are ballers but many of them are cheap and trying to hold on to a dollar - don't let brothers rbl and tony fool you - - - lol - now can one of you brothers help me pay my chapter dues?

See, this is a prime example. We all know Bruh Professor is high up in the North Carolina NAACP, basically running it --- and by extention chapters all up and down the east coast. I know he's pulling, what $350K, $400K per annum? --- and is on here trying to get a hook up.

for shame, bruh. for shame. lol