Top Ways to
Waste Money
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How We Throw Money Away
As food prices soar and pain at the pump grows to an unbearable level, it's a perfect time to look at the money wasters in our life. So for the third time, we asked our readers what they think are the top ways to waste money.
Click through our gallery and see if you agree with this list that we pulled from our message board. Are there worse ways you waste your money?
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
First Up: Paper TowelsHottest Recent Features:
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Paper Towels
AOL User Tkquarles Says:
"I hate to buy paper towels. Anything you can do with a paper towel, you can do with a dishcloth or some kind of reusable cloth. It doesn't cost as much to wash the dishcloth as the paper towels cost. I would feel the same way about toilet paper, but ... eeewwww!"
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: Tanning SalonsHottest Recent Features:
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Stockbyte
Tanning Salons
AOL User Shar614 Says:
"I agree on tanning salons [being a waste of money] ... Why not just be what you are? All that tanning will just lead to skin cancer and then you will have an even bigger expense for treatment."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: Space ExplorationHottest Recent Features:
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Government-Funded
Space ExplorationAOL User L0vnme Says:
"I think it is a HUGE waste of millions and even billions of dollars worth of tax money. I see no direct benefit to the U.S. people by getting pictures of Mars. I say cut that spending from our goverment and use it to fund health care, feed the poor, [do] cancer research. There is not a cure for cancer in space! Let the people who want to know [about space] privately fund it."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: Movie RentalsHottest Recent Features:
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Movie Rentals
AOL User Kldwr Says:
"Before you PAY to rent a movie, check first with your local or county library, they have 1000's of movies you can take out for FREE. You are paying for this through your taxes so why not get the benefit."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: RazorsHottest Recent Features:
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Disposable Razors
AOL User Thetaterbug7 Says:
"I'm sorry, but I think it is crazy to spend $10.00 on a razor with blades you throw away and have to spend $10.00 on more blades each month. You can buy a pack of razors for a $1.00 and the whole thing goes in the garbage and save $9.00 or ... spend a little more and buy a good electric razor and save the landfill. Why spend $160.00 a year on blades? You can spend $60.00 one time and buy a good electric razor and have it for 3-4 years and save $580.00."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: Pet ClothesHottest Recent Features:
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Pet Clothing
AOL User Misterb154 Says:
"The prices of pet clothing & accessories are ridiculous. A thread and needle can add a few bells or bows to a collar. A grandmother or friend could knit or crochet a sweater or sew a blanket. A store-bought [pet] sweater could run you $25, or a decorated collar $9 versus a plain one for $4."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: Convenience StoresHottest Recent Features:
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Convenience Stores
AOL User TBlasi5847 Says:
"The reason I refer to convenience stores as "vampires" is because they suck money out of you a little every day. By the end of the month you can't imagine the large amount of money you gave them ... Everything except the newspaper is overpriced in these stores. Even worse is the fact that what they sell is not good for you -- donuts, cupcakes, beef jerky, cigarettes, lottery tickets etc."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: Nail SalonsHottest Recent Features:
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Nail Salons
AOL User HOTTY2801 Says:
"Routinely spending $60 for a mani and pedi [is a waste of money]."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: Eating Lunch OutHottest Recent Features:
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Getty Images
Eating Out on Lunch Break
AOL User BloNdAtHrt78 Says:
"Packing your lunch is not only a healthier choice, but also saves you a good amount of money that could be spent elsewhere. If you're eating out every day, spending about $7 a day, you could save around $700 a year, just by packing your lunch two times per week."
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Next: Not Turning Off LightsHottest Recent Features:
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Not Shutting Lights Off
AOL User KabeerL Says:
"Not shutting the lights off behind you is one of the biggest money wasters in the U.S. Do all offices buildings work 24 hours? Why can't the cleaning staff turn the lights on and off? Why do buildings need to be air-conditioned at night, especially when there is no one there! Energy saved is energy produced. An average household can save at least 10%-12% off their monthly electricity bills. Offices can save much more!"
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Next: Caring for LawnsHottest Recent Features:
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Caring for Lawns
AOL User Sharmoore Says:
"Stop wasting money and resources on feeding, watering and cutting a lawn. Plant trees, bushes and most importantly, vegetable gardens. A lawn is ridiculous. You make it grow so you can cut it down. I've never understood lawn people."
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Next: Unused InsuranceHottest Recent Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Insurance You Don't Use
AOL User Alitad05 Says:
"Insurance that you pay month after month, year after year, and and never use it is a big waste. You should get a discount for not using it!"
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Next: Death Row InmatesHottest Recent Features:
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Death Row Inmates
AOL User Leatherneck1679 Says:
"My biggest issue with wasting money is on convicted murderers [who are] on death row for years, sucking the money out of taxes for horrific crimes that they committed. And we the taxpayers keep on paying each year for thousands of these scum bags! Now, let me tell you how I really feel ... "
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Next: Duplicate SpendingHottest Recent Features:
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Duplicate Spending
Due to DisorganizationAOL User waterboils Says:
"[The biggest waste of money is] whenever I buy something, only to find out in a few days or weeks that I already had whatever it was I just bought. My complete failure to have any real organization system in my life is so bad, I don't even know half of the stuff I have. I recently gathered all the audio/video cables from the 20 different places I stored them and realized I own enough of them to open a Radio Shack."
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Next: Clothes DryersHottest Recent Features:
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Clothes Dryers
AOL User MRSpoodledoodle Says:
"Hang your clothes to dry or use a dryer only for socks, underwear and other small items you would feel odd hanging outside. You can also put a drying rack in the basement. Dryers use lots of electricity and gas, plus ruin your clothes over the long term. Dryer 'lint' is your clothing falling apart!"
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: New CarsHottest Recent Features:
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Buying a New Vehicle
AOL User Spnglmoon Says:
"You lose a huge chunk of value just driving it off the lot! Buy a 1- to 3-year-old vehicle and you get the same warranties at a much cheaper price!"
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: Designer Hand BagsHottest Recent Features:
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Designer Handbags
AOL User TroyandGina Says:
"When I find a nice second-hand bag at the Goodwill or Salvation Army I'm [darn] proud, when I see someone with a designer bag, I think it's shameful that someone would be stupid enough to pay that much."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: Children's PartiesHottest Recent Features:
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Children's Birthday Parties
AOL User MRSpoodledoodle Says:
"What happened to everyone coming over for cake and ice cream? Why must we spend hundreds of dollars on 'Build a Bear' (Because we don't have enough plush toys??) and other nonsense like inflatable jumping rentals! To heck with what the 'Joneses' say. They will be bankrupt if the main breadwinner ever loses his or her job."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: Huge HousesHottest Recent Features:
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Huge Houses
AOL User spo0202 Says:
"So many people think that if you have a big house you seem more important. No, you don't. You should buy a house that is the right size for your family. If you have a spouse and three kids you should get a four-bedroom house, not an eight-bedroom house."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: War in IraqHottest Recent Features:
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The War in Iraq
AOL User Sedonacrownjewel Says:
"This war [is] is the biggest waste ever."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
Next: SwimwearHottest Recent Features:
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Swimwear
AOL User Balanceartist Says:
"I think that swimsuits and swim wear are terribly wasteful. I recently visited and enjoyed a nude beach in central Florida's east coast- after the initial worry of showing my body I stripped down and enjoyed the beautiful beach and surf 'au naturel.' ...I think this whole clothed thing to the beach and pool is ridiculous. Everyone should be able to enjoy the beach in the BUFF!"
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Next: Alcoholic DrinksHottest Recent Features:
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Alcoholic Drinks at Restaurants
AOL User Yayagirl559 Says:
"It is ridiculous some of the prices [the restaurants] charge. And go ahead and order a margarita, that's where the moneymakers are for the restaurants. Buy two and you could have gone and bought the ingredients to make your own and have a few friends join you at home!"
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
More: Last Edition's Wasteful WaysHottest Recent Features:
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Over-Packaged Items
AOL User Elo324 Says:
"Examples that really bug me are individually-wrapped things, such as cheese. I buy sliced cheese and am perfectly capable of using one slice at a time without extra pieces of plastic to help me figure out how many slices I am using. Quite a few things come in boxes that seem to be almost twice the size of the item ... It also seems like the smaller the item, the greater the chance it will get more packaging to make it look like you are getting more for your money."
Next: Organic ProduceHottest Recent Features:
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AFP/Getty Images
Organic Produce
AOL User PMompattyG Says:
"I've tried buying more organic produce lately only to have it spoil in a couple of days. Berries especially seem to go bad really quickly. And I often buy what my kids are really eating a bunch of, only to have them decide this week they aren't interested in apples or oranges or whatever. By the time I find them in the crisper they are green and fuzzy or brown and oozy."
Next: Disposable DiapersHottest Recent Features:
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MCT
Disposable Diapers
AOL User Cynthia2V Says:
"Without a doubt, disposable diapers are a big waste of money, not to say adding to the landfill problem."
Next: Using 'Super' GasHottest Recent Features:
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AP
Using 'Super' in Your Tank
AOL User AMBROOK ECHO Says:
"Why waste money on higher priced gas? It has no effect on the efficiency of your engine."
Next: Energy DrinksHottest Recent Features:
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Energy Drinks
AOL User farenc Says:
"Rockstar, Red Bull, Monster ... and so many more. Maybe if people would get off the Internet, stop text messaging incessantly, and go to bed at a decent time of the night, they wouldn't need energy drinks every day to keep them going, which then end up keeping them awake late into the night yet again and causing a vicious cycle. Not to mention the high levels of caffeine are addictive, so people get completely hooked. I know many people who drink 2-3 energy drinks a day at $2-3 each. That's $4-9 a day."
Next: Plastic CupsHottest Recent Features:
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Plastic Cups
AOL User GOLDLAVA99 Says:
"Just use a glass. Why pay for a cup everytime you drink at home? And adding to our land fills??"
Next: Junk FoodHottest Recent Features:
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AP
Junk Food
AOL User Saw0629 Says:
"I have spent a lot of money on candy, ice cream and cookies. Stuff like that costs a fortune! Not to mention what has happened to my waistline."
Next: Disposable WipesHottest Recent Features:
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MCT
Disposable Cleaning Supplies
AOL User Kattheclosetstar Says:
"Disposable scrubbers, dusters and wipes are the most wasteful items in the store. Swiffer anything, throwaway toilet scrubbers and pop-up wipes are waste in its purest form. Reusable scrubbers, brushes, mops and rags are far more economical and environmentally friendly."
AOL User Fluriach Adds:
"You are buying your trash and it's expensive!"
Next: Courting Lady LuckHottest Recent Features:
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AP
Playing the Lottery
AOL User Dbublitz16 Says:
"I cringe when I see elderly people who are cashing their (Social Security) checks then buying their lotto tickets ... I work in a grocery store ... (and see) lonely housewives spending over $50 a day on scratchers and lotto numbers so they can talk to the gals at the service desk about their day/lives/husbands ... I can't see spending hundreds of dollars a month or a week, just to get thrilled over winning $25-50 ..."
Next: WeddingsHottest Recent Features:
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The Wedding Industry
AOL User DustinB23 Says:
"They are making huge money on things like veils. I made my daughter's veil excactly like the veil at the bridal shop that was going to cost us $200. It cost me $7 for some tulle and a couple of combs, and the one I made was actually better made and more finished looking. It took me 45 minutes to do it ... Also (there is) huge money in weddings in general and they only last a few hours ... Keep in mind it is a party that is over in a few hours and you are left with a huge bill to pay."
Next: Convenience Store DrinksHottest Recent Features:
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Convenience Store Drinks
AOL User Eglehawk3 Says:
"Buying bottled drinks at the convenience store is the biggest waste of money and adds up fast, if you do it daily!"
Next: UnderwearHottest Recent Features:
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Getty Images
Underwear
AOL User Scottx001 Says:
"No need. Go natural."
Next: Strip ClubsHottest Recent Features:
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AP
Strip Clubs
AOL User HarmoniiMusic Says:
"(It costs) 16 bucks to get in, 'X' dollars for each performer and then 35 bucks for a lap dance. If you treat a friend, for no special occassion, it's definately a waste of money. Plus they tried charging $4 for a bottle water."
Next: Four-Year SchoolsHottest Recent Features:
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Four-Year Universities
AOL User Phorgan80 Says:
"Why not go to a local two-year college for the first two years? Most two-year colleges have 2+2 programs with most universities. Save yourself 17-20 thousand dollars."
Next: Designer SkincareHottest Recent Features:
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Designer Skincare
AOL User Kashgolf Says:
"The best way to take care of your skin is vitamins, water, sleep, genetics and sunblock. Spending hundreds of dollars on skincare is a waste."
Next: Extended WarrantiesHottest Recent Features:
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Extended Warranties
AOL User Knnz83 Says:
"It's a waste of money to purchase an extended warranty for small inexpensive items such as radios, DVD players, vacuums, etc. The manufacturer's warranty is sufficient. Retailers and dealers will always offer extended warranties -- but they are not always necessary."
Next: Brand NamesHottest Recent Features:
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Brand Names
AOL User Sapkovski Says:
"We constantly purchase brand names, and I don't mean clothing. Food and medications, just to mention a few. Food brands add marketing and advertising costs ... Is Bayer or Advil so much better than "I-don't-know-this-brand" aspirin and ibuprofen. Sometimes it is, but very rarely. Marketing and advertising don't make products taste or work better they just add to the final price of a product."
Next: Luxury HotelsHottest Recent Features:
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Luxury Hotels
AOL User DeeFarina Says:
"Unless you are going to spend 24 hours in your room, why would anyone want to spend $200-$300 a night to sleep?"
Next: Gas GuzzlersHottest Recent Features:
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Getty Images
Driving a Gas Guzzler
AOL User rehsif120 Says:
"Buying an SUV or other large vehicle is the biggest waste of money and it will get even worse as oil prices inevitably will keep rising."
Post: Share Biggest Wastes of $$
More: Wall Street Crisis & YouHottest Recent Features:
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More on AOL:
The Wall Street Crisis & You
Click through our next gallery to see our list of eight ways your finances will be affected by the current financial meltdown on Wall Street.
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