Money Saving Tips #4
Water, water everywhere. This week save money while getting healthier and drink water. We spend so much money unnecessarily on things we can so easily live without. Just can’t get through the morning without that caffeine jolt? Then you need to kick that habit. I am amazed how many high school students arrive each morning with that latte in hand. What are we doing to our kid? Overcoming our addictions are often ways we can not only improve our health but save lots and lots of money. Begin this week…
1. Drink water: You know water is a much healthier choice of a drink than juices, sodas, tea or coffee, all of which cost money as well. Get in to the habit of drinking water between meals and then for at least one meal a day. You will still want to make sure you and your family are drinking milk but think water.
2. Order Water: When you go out to eat ask for water, especially if you are having fast food. There is a huge markup in soda products. If you are celebrating and going to a nice restaurant you may want to order a specialty drink like an Italian soda but why order a regular soda, ever? You can purchase an entire six pack for the cost of one soda at a restaurant. We have a friend who lost his job recently. He and his wife still go out to eat occasionally by splitting a foot long sub sandwich, cost $5.00 and ordering water. They spend $2.50 each on dinner, just as cheap as eating at home.
3. Recycle water bottles: We have all purchased individual bottles of water. They are great for traveling, to take along to a sports event or just to have in the car. Don’t throw away the bottles. Take them home. Wash them with hot soapy water, they will melt in the dishwasher, and refill them. Keep them in the refrigerator were they will be ready to go. You can also fill them half full during the summer and freeze them. Then when you fill them with water you will have nice cold water for a few hours. I have also filled them with juice or milk when traveling and that is much cheaper than purchasing individual juices or boxed milk. There have been some reports that reusing these bottles is dangerous. After much research I can find no real evidence of that and the report I did find was reported as an internet hoax and urban legend.
Every time your reach for a drink other than water mentally calculate the cost. You will be amazed how much you are spending.
I have been doing this…only ordering water and have saved approximately $15 in the past couple weeks. The surprising thing was that I didn’t realize how many drinks I was buying!
I, too have stopped drinking sodas and most other bottled drinks. It saves a ton of money and you feel a lot healthier and satisfied after your meals. I am a college student and often eat on campus. When I do I just get water from the drinking fountain instead of buying a $2 bottle of juice or soda.
My new granddaughter has a large extended family and last year we all started collecting
empty soda cans and water bottles to recycle. All the money we collect we pool for the grandkids college fund. It adds up fast.