Vacation Queen
@saggurl88
12 Years25,000+ Posts
Comments: 22238 · Posts: 25616 · Topics: 84
These 16 money wasters are why so many Americans can’t save for retirement
5. Opportunities lost. We do it every day by failing to grab the employer match on our 401(k) plan, not investing in a tax-free Roth IRA, failing to fund a flexible spending account to pay medical costs with pretax dollars, and withholding too much from our paycheck, so we’re essentially making an interest-free loan to the IRS.
6. Transportation. You don’t “need” an SUV or $ 40,000-plus pickup truck to get from A to B. My four kids grew up riding in our 1972 Duster. Now they, too, all have trucks or SUVs.
7. Credit cards. When people say they live paycheck to paycheck, does that include purchases put on credit cards that aren’t paid off that month? In that case, they’re spending more than their paycheck—and what they buy will cost them the purchase price, plus a hefty interest rate.
8. Lottery. The lowest-income groups spend the most on lottery tickets, wasting hundreds of dollars a year—about the same as that $ 400 emergency fund they don’t have. Not to worry: 60% of millennials think winning the lottery is part of a wise retirement strategy.
6. Transportation. You don’t “need” an SUV or $ 40,000-plus pickup truck to get from A to B. My four kids grew up riding in our 1972 Duster. Now they, too, all have trucks or SUVs.
7. Credit cards. When people say they live paycheck to paycheck, does that include purchases put on credit cards that aren’t paid off that month? In that case, they’re spending more than their paycheck—and what they buy will cost them the purchase price, plus a hefty interest rate.
8. Lottery. The lowest-income groups spend the most on lottery tickets, wasting hundreds of dollars a year—about the same as that $ 400 emergency fund they don’t have. Not to worry: 60% of millennials think winning the lottery is part of a wise retirement strategy.
9. Clothing. My new condo has two bedrooms and three walk-in closets, two of them larger than the bathroom in my old 1929 house. The average adult spends $ 161 a month on clothing. We are obsessed with keeping up with the latest fashions and ensuring nobody sees us in the same clothes twice.
10. Shoes. Surveys suggest the average American woman owns more than 25 pairs of shoes, which they admit they don’t need. So why buy so many pairs? It seems shopping and wearing trendy stuff makes us feel good.
11. Tchotchkes and stuff. Clean out a house after many years—which my wife and I just did—and you often hear the words, “Where did we get that?” Though relatively inexpensive per item, tchotchkes and similar stuff cost money—and it all adds up.
12. Failing to look ahead. Henry Ford said, “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it.” I still marvel that people spend so little time thinking about retirement. After working 30 to 40 years, they reach retirement with no plan and are shocked they can’t live on Social Security alone. Planning for retirement early in your career is essential for financial security—and it isn’t that hard.
10. Shoes. Surveys suggest the average American woman owns more than 25 pairs of shoes, which they admit they don’t need. So why buy so many pairs? It seems shopping and wearing trendy stuff makes us feel good.
11. Tchotchkes and stuff. Clean out a house after many years—which my wife and I just did—and you often hear the words, “Where did we get that?” Though relatively inexpensive per item, tchotchkes and similar stuff cost money—and it all adds up.
12. Failing to look ahead. Henry Ford said, “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it.” I still marvel that people spend so little time thinking about retirement. After working 30 to 40 years, they reach retirement with no plan and are shocked they can’t live on Social Security alone. Planning for retirement early in your career is essential for financial security—and it isn’t that hard.
13. No backup plan. I like to think ahead about “what ifs” and how I’ll deal with them. In my head, I have backups for the backups. I recently took out a large mortgage to buy a condo. Now I’m thinking, “What if I can’t sell the house to cover the mortgage? What if I must do some upgrades to sell the house?” I temporarily stopped reinvesting my tax-free bond interest, so I can build up more cash—just in case.
14. Holidays. Somehow, every December, financial caution goes out the window and we pay for it the following year. But my pet peeve are those inflatable characters on lawns that cost hundreds of dollars. Talk about blowing money.
15. Toys. One study shows that U.S. parents spend $ 6,500 on toys during a child’s upbringing. The spending is even higher for millennials, who favor “smart” toys—toys that do the thinking for the child. There’s something wrong with this picture. Hey, I’ll challenge anyone to a contest dropping clothespins into a milk bottle.
16. Haircuts. The average haircut reportedly costs $ 28.30 in a barber shop. Many men pay a lot more. Nowadays, nearly a third prefer a “salon.” I pay $ 12 at my local barber. But I’m still annoyed: My hair is disappearing, but the price is inching up.
14. Holidays. Somehow, every December, financial caution goes out the window and we pay for it the following year. But my pet peeve are those inflatable characters on lawns that cost hundreds of dollars. Talk about blowing money.
15. Toys. One study shows that U.S. parents spend $ 6,500 on toys during a child’s upbringing. The spending is even higher for millennials, who favor “smart” toys—toys that do the thinking for the child. There’s something wrong with this picture. Hey, I’ll challenge anyone to a contest dropping clothespins into a milk bottle.
16. Haircuts. The average haircut reportedly costs $ 28.30 in a barber shop. Many men pay a lot more. Nowadays, nearly a third prefer a “salon.” I pay $ 12 at my local barber. But I’m still annoyed: My hair is disappearing, but the price is inching up.
Add 17. Not checking on lower car insurance ratea
Posted by MissKrabs
where i am they opened the first starbuck. what should i try? or never to do that? lol
Starbucks is just the brand. I don't even like their coffee, it tastes burned to me. I go get $ 1 large cups of coffee from Mcdonalds 😆
Posted by Silverado
I'm guilty of numbers 4 and 6.
I have about 5 on the list. Luckily my expensive ass SUV will be paid off in about 2 years but I do keep my cars for a long time, so I save in the long run. This car should last me 15-20 years. But I shop for new clothes and shoes every time I go on vacation. It's unnecessary.
Posted by UnusualVaginalDischarge
Why is the writer hating on hairstylists? If he doesn’t want a service from a human being then maybe he should shave his head bald and stop complaining
I dye my hair at home. Too many hairstylists have messed up my hair because I'm mixed race, so I never get it done. It's easier for me to cut and dye it at home.
Posted by MissKrabsPosted by saggurl88Posted by MissKrabs
where i am they opened the first starbuck. what should i try? or never to do that? lol
Starbucks is just the brand. I don't even like their coffee, it tastes burned to me. I go get $ 1 large cups of coffee from Mcdonalds 😆
no idea. so no pumpkin latte or whatever i read here is in? 🙂))
i buy happy meal to get a toy 😆click to expand
That's only around the holidays.
If you're serious. I'd try anything with caramel or vanilla. Sometimes the mochas can be bad if they don't mix them good.
Guilty of 5 & 10
:/
Posted by SilveradoPosted by saggurl88Posted by Silverado
I'm guilty of numbers 4 and 6.
I have about 5 on the list. Luckily my expensive ass SUV will be paid off in about 2 years but I do keep my cars for a long time, so I save in the long run. This car should last me 15-20 years. But I shop for new clothes and shoes every time I go on vacation. It's unnecessary.
For a lady, I understand better. I HAVE to leave for lunch everyday because the Sagittarius in me commands it.
I've tightened down on everything else.click to expand
I've started tightening down just cause in my area I spend anywhere from $ 10-18 on lunch and It's way over budget for me. Plus if I decide to pick up dinner too. I buy and keep food at home but of course it's the healthy stuff and I'm too tired to cook it once I'm there.
I'm trying to cut out my spending all together on lunch. It's hard though cause it's so convenient to go out.
Posted by saggurl88
4. Restaurants. Eating out, or buying $ 4 designer coffee, is expensive and—wait for it—it’s also a luxury. Skip that daily $ 4 coffee and after 30 years you’ll have more than $ 121,000, assuming a 0.5% monthly return.
$ 4 coffee sounds like a steal. Its like $ 6-7 dollars at the places I go.
This is why I bought an expensive espresso machine and keep the fridge stocked with all the extras. I still will buy coffee out an about, but not as much anymore.
Recently cut back on all the monthly subscriptions. Roomie has HBO and stars so I cut those out and he cut out his netflix and hulu cause I pay for those. Works out.
Posted by LethalFantasia
I honestly stopped playing by life's "rules" and have never been more fulfilled in life tbh
I have a retirement plans, That's my only saving grace with this article lol Makes me feel better about my spending habits 😆
Posted by SilveradoPosted by saggurl88Posted by SilveradoPosted by saggurl88Posted by Silverado
I'm guilty of numbers 4 and 6.
I have about 5 on the list. Luckily my expensive ass SUV will be paid off in about 2 years but I do keep my cars for a long time, so I save in the long run. This car should last me 15-20 years. But I shop for new clothes and shoes every time I go on vacation. It's unnecessary.
For a lady, I understand better. I HAVE to leave for lunch everyday because the Sagittarius in me commands it.
I've tightened down on everything else.
I've started tightening down just cause in my area I spend anywhere from $ 10-18 on lunch and It's way over budget for me. Plus if I decide to pick up dinner too. I buy and keep food at home but of course it's the healthy stuff and I'm too tired to cook it once I'm there.
I'm trying to cut out my spending all together on lunch. It's hard though cause it's so convenient to go out.
When I finally decide to put a ring on it, I'll make it a point to meal prep and curb the lunch spending.
Where I go now, everybody knows me by name and the girls really love it when I show up! 😁click to expand
Lmao @ that last line- Well if you must 😄
Posted by saggurl88
9. Clothing. My new condo has two bedrooms and three walk-in closets, two of them larger than the bathroom in my old 1929 house. The average adult spends $ 161 a month on clothing. We are obsessed with keeping up with the latest fashions and ensuring nobody sees us in the same clothes twice.
10. Shoes. Surveys suggest the average American woman owns more than 25 pairs of shoes, which they admit they don’t need. So why buy so many pairs? It seems shopping and wearing trendy stuff makes us feel good.
I have 5 pairs of work Chelsea boots that are leather and I get resoled each year. Prolly saved a lot that way.
Started buying more expensive clothes in the last few years that are better quality. Things are lasting way longer which is good. Idk about $ 160 per month. Maybe that amount every other month.
Posted by MissKrabs
where i am they opened the first starbuck. what should i try? or never to do that? lol
I'm not a fan of starbucks but in a pinch I'll grab an iced caramel macchiato, upside down.
Posted by NoName282
It’s impossible to save for retirement in the Bay Area or even rent ....
I didn't know you were in the bay area! I am too.
I have all my deductions taken out of my paycheck. $ 20 is like $ 5 nowadays so my before my check even hits my bank account money goes into my Roth IRA and 401k. It's just easier for me. You think you can't live without it but somehow you find a way. With each raise that I get I up my stake in my contributions.
Posted by LethalFantasiaPosted by saggurl88Posted by LethalFantasia
I honestly stopped playing by life's "rules" and have never been more fulfilled in life tbh
I have a retirement plans, That's my only saving grace with this article lol Makes me feel better about my spending habits 😆
Lol you'll be fine!! I know it!! ❤️ xclick to expand
We all will be, if not then we will be working until we die! 😆
Anyways good read.
I spent around $ 300 on a propane firepit and have easily saved that much in the last few months by pregaming at home. Now everyone comes over, we make drinks, chill by the fire and get the cross fade on before lyfting to our destination. Then end up spending under $ 20 on drinks instead of closer to $ 80. But still are just as smadded by the end of the night. Win win.
I spent around $ 300 on a propane firepit and have easily saved that much in the last few months by pregaming at home. Now everyone comes over, we make drinks, chill by the fire and get the cross fade on before lyfting to our destination. Then end up spending under $ 20 on drinks instead of closer to $ 80. But still are just as smadded by the end of the night. Win win.
Junk foods
Opioids
Opioids
Posted by UnusualVaginalDischarge
Why is the writer hating on hairstylists? If he doesn’t want a service from a human being then maybe he should shave his head bald and stop complaining
Agree 100%
And I’m lucky to get out of there under $ 200 😂 Worth every penny. My girl is a treasure
This was awesome thank you!
Thanks for reminders on tattoos .... I'm about to make a vent thread lol
Thanks for reminders on tattoos .... I'm about to make a vent thread lol
Also don’t get a divorce if you’re the breadwinner. Bitch will steal the retirement savings. Just hope she dies a lot sooner than you.
I cannot wrap my head around nr two. You are not living in germany. You can travel to jungle, paradise coasts, mountains for skiing, cheaply without leaving the country.
Btw, I have 2 offtopic question. Did ypu ever travel to Hermany, what do ypu think of the people and the country? Are walking closets for ahoea and large fridges normal or do only high earners have them?
Ahh you changed your pic one as soon as I get use to the old one 😄
Join the Conversation. Explore Yourself. Connect with Others.
Discover insights, swap stories, and find people. dxpnet is where experiences turn into understanding.
Create Your Free Account →Related Topics
The episodes are here. 2 day Premiere with episode 1 today and episode 2 tomorrow night.
This is kinda more of a podcast than show as only 1 person is on video.
Editing has been a bitch. Im still only like half way through the season lol so there could
Ok, I’m seeing two men at the same time (without sex and all)
Just talk and dating blah blah
The first one is the gemini (yeah the same fking man) lol
He is kind of evil, like he is really aggressive and always do things in his way, it’s so rare for h
what does that make of me?
@_@
a lot of people notice this trend as of late
i wonder why
@_@
@Lethal_Fantasia brought to my attention that I’ve said something insulting to a member here...I want to explain and what ya heck...apologize.
At the thread where a woman was in love with a man who told her he doesn’t love her and does r see her in his fu
Asking for a friend 🤪
Even though most won't admit it.. (Feel free to add to the list)
1. @_Dazed
2. @LadyNetpune
3. @ItsSupes2
4. @Black-Mamba
5. @nikkistar
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I don't blame them. They are getting paid shit.
"Uber and Lyft drivers are struggling as they work for billion-dollar companies," Sanders said in a tweet. "These drivers are not 'independent contractors'—they are employees who deserve rights and benefits
I will just write my nagging thoughts here.
So i got a kitten, black cat, over the weekend. She was standing at attention, it seemed, waiting for me to come to her.
She is so affectionate and I was so thrown off guard.
I realized that being single for almost 12 years has left me not used to affec
I want to see my texts from several months ago. Scrolling will give me carpal tunnel syndrome!
Is there any way to have it?
I am using iPhone 8. Thanks
To the User above you.
i think i noticed this first-hand with people i've encountered in my life
i will reveal detailed anecdotes after some posts but i will say in this first post my general observations.
i'll start with their tendencies:
(1) they tend to abuse their popula
@virgoOPPP - "His dick was too big."
@Dreamyboy - The anus is the dirtiest and most disgusting part of the human body."
@nikkistar - "Leo moon best moon"
@AfternoonDelights22 - "I've got to get out of here. This is just way too much drama for me to han
Share your juicy rumors!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdMIUYqochI
Are disabled and it wont let me enable them. I dont see any contact or support tab here.
Can people “steal” your energy, and I’m not talking about stealing it like shut it down, no
I’m asking about (steal) your energy and make it their own!
Do you ever felt like someone stole your energy and use it, something weird like this I just thoug
1. Tattoos. They’re an admitted obsession of mine. What will they look like when you’re my age? From what I’ve heard, a good tattoo artist charges $ 200 an hour.
2. Vacations. Hey, everyone needs a break. But you don’t need to go into tuition-level debt to have a good time. Your kids will survive if they never visit the Magic Kingdom.
3. College. Picking a college involves many factors. Affordability is one that’s often overlooked. If the cost of the school you choose will land you in debt, you’d better have a plan for paying it off. Don’t mortgage your future, just so you can have a prestigious decal on your car window.
4. Restaurants. Eating out, or buying $ 4 designer coffee, is expensive and—wait for it—it’s also a luxury. Skip that daily $ 4 coffee and after 30 years you’ll have more than $ 121,000, assuming a 0.5% monthly return.