Stop wasting money - 5 big wasters

Lottery Tickets
Going to win the lottery? If you doin't play you can't win. That's the pitch. So let's say you spend just $5 a weeki on the Super Mega Power Ball because you want to be a multi-millionaire. Well, I got news for you - the states love lotteries because of all those winners. NOT!!! They raise millions every week based on all the losers. The chances of winning the lottery is right up there with "Rapture" happening at 6PM on Saturday May 21.

So save that $5 a week, $22.50 a month or $260 a year.

Informercial Impulse Buys
Those gadgets are soooo tempting. That sealant will seal anything. They should have used it on the levees in New Orleans during Katrina. Let's face it - most of the things depicted on Informercials are never used (or at most used once or twice). Older people seem especially suspect to Infomercials. Learn to say NO. Change the channel. That $10-20 a month could be a nice meal out every month.

Brand Name Groceries
Sure Kellogs corm flakes tase better than the generic brand (or do they?). Truthfully, I have never been able to tell the difference. Does Del Monte can cream corn tase better than the generic brand? Not that I can tell.

OK, maybe you are picky about your food - how about paper products, cleansers, etc - you don't eat them.

You can find many generic substitutes for products you use every day. Often they are 10-20% cheaper than the name brand. So where acceptable substitute generics for name brand products. and save.

Unused Gym Memberships
Have trouble finding time to getting to to the gym. The bill will still come in every month. Maybe it is time to cancel that membership, use the money to buy some weights, etc that are there in the rec room at home when you find 5-10 minutes to exercise. Just a thought - It could save you $300-400 a year.

Bundled Cable, Internet and Phone Services
 You know a good deal when you see it. That cable/internet/phone bundle at $100 is a steal. Or, is it. You rarely use the phone services because you have a great cell phone service. So maybe that phone service is a waste of money?

And all those cable channels - most of which you never watch - maybe you are overpaying for what you need. A basic service may cost less than the bundled price.

And that superfast internet service. Do you use the internet at home that often? Maybe a cheap dial up plan is more suitable based on you use habits.

So how good a deal is that bundled cable/internet/phone service?