"It's A Scam": Frugal People Are Calling Out The So-Called Money Saving Habits That Secretly Drain Your Bank Account
1.
Trying to save money in 2025 sometimes feels like trying to run up the down escalator: you're trying as hard as you can, but you're stuck in the same place. However, some of your so-called money-saving habits could be making the struggle worse than it needs to be. Recently, people on Reddit called out the things that people think are big money savers that drain their funds instead, and I miiiight be guilty of a few. Here's what they had to say:
2."Driving across town to save three cents a gallon on gas."
—will_write_for_tacos
"My dad left a gas station to drive across town to get three cents off. The second station had raised prices, so he drove back. The original station had raised prices in the 1.5 hours it had taken to drive across town and back. So two cross-town trips to pay 15 cents extra."
—Aguy_incognito
3."If you're an arts and crafts person, seeing something you want and thinking, 'I can just make it myself and it'll cost me a lot less.' That is the devil whispering sweet lies directly into the tender ear of your hubris. If you don't already have nearly all of the necessary supplies on hand, it will cost you more to make it yourself."
—kardiasteria
"I sew, and today I saw something on Instagram and was like 'why buy it for $100 when I can spend $2000 to make it myself' 😵💫. Too real, lol. If nothing else, seeing the price of fabric made me appreciate why clothes that aren't made in a sweatshop are more expensive."
—Shot_Satisfaction727
4."Avoiding doing maintenance on things. Sure, it's cheaper today, and it'll probably all be fine tomorrow, but sooner or later it's gonna bite ya."
—New_Line4049
"Schedule your maintenance or it will be scheduled for you."
—scarfknitter
5."Renting a storage unit."
—El_Grande_Americano
"Over the course of 20ish years, my wife spent $13,000 to store $200 worth of stuff that she threw away when she decided to stop renting the unit."
—ClownfishSoup
6."Buying stuff just because it's on sale. Were you going to buy it at full price? No? Then it's not savings, it's an expenditure."
—zeptillian
"I worked with someone like this. He would go buy shit that was on sale because he might need it in the future. Like a bunch of tools and shit.
He would frequent estate sales and pawn shops, too. Buy piles of junk and then claim at the end of it how much money he saved. I'm like, no, you actually spent $500 instead of saving $250."
—Samsquanchiz
7."My in-laws would drive all over town chasing grocery sales. Milk is cheaper here, chicken is on sale here, bread is buy one get one at this store, etc. Even if you don't make additional impulse buys at each store, who the fuck wants to waste that much time, energy, gas and mental bandwidth on groceries? It was like a weird obsession and was exhausting just hearing about. Like… pick a fucking store and be done with it. Change it weekly if you want to. But for fucks sake, going to five different stores to meal plan is bonkers."
—BabyNOwhatIsYouDoin
"I am guilty of this myself, but I guess it depends on how dense an area you live in. The three grocery stores I regularly go to are all within a half-mile radius of my apartment, and I just walk to them. There are another two that are only a mile away that I make it out to sometimes, too. Doesn't really take me more than an hour to go to two of them, and it's a pleasant morning stroll on the weekends."
—the_sexy_muffin
8."Buying the cheaper and smaller packages of food at the grocery store. The price for the amount of food is often a lot higher. It's better to buy the larger-sized ones, and then maybe freeze some of it."
—Confidentium
"I've noticed companies sneaking the price per unit up on the larger sizes recently. You can't always rely on this anymore. Always check the price per unit."
—Whiteums
"Except if you're only buying what you can reasonably use before expiration. My spouse bought a large bottle of barbecue sauce when we use it maybe once a year. Now we've wasted fridge space, and more is going in the trash. Yellow mustard is something I like to have for when I want it, but I only really need a small jar. So it can be better to buy a smaller size, especially if space is at a premium."
—GlassBandicoot
9."The 'buy one get one half off or with discount' type of deals. Anything that incentivizes you to buy more by tacking it on as a bonus if you get it. If you're buying in bulk or such intentionally, then it's a good deal. But if you just came in for one box of let's say cookies for $5, and it had one of these deals. So you buy a second box too because it's discounted and says if you buy two, it will cost $8, as opposed to $10. So you get it thinking you're saving money."
"Instead, you just spent $3 more than you had to on a second box you didn't even come in for.
And it repeats throughout the whole store. It's everywhere, especially in food. The flashy colored tickets, the bold letters, emphasis on how much you save, all to bait people to buy more things than they actually need.
Though it depends on what your actual goals and needs are. It might genuinely save you some and be good, but you could also be getting ripped off."
—Rubysage3
10."Meal kits like Hello Fresh. They cost as much as your grocery bill, but you only get dinner, and you still have to go to the grocery store to get other things."
—CulturalAtmosphere85
"We only use them when they give us 50% off and for the convenience. Sure, it's just dinner covered, but you're paying for not having to think about it."
—Traceofbass
11."Fast food. Yeah, it's fast and it's food, but at what cost?"
—tushadume
"Same as a regular fuckin sit down restaurant these days, by my experience."
—Lady_Irish
12."The dollar store. You're paying way more per item, but I understand their utility is to help get by when you can't afford a full item or to buy in bulk. If you're not paycheck to paycheck, though, it doesn't make sense to shop there."
—Hour-Newt-8391
"I go for things that are the same quality: Bobby pins, hair ties, brooms, sponges... These things all measure up functionally and are way cheaper than, say, Walmart."
—hijinxxx_
13."Took me a while to realize that using the dishwasher saves me more money than washing dishes by hand."
—NumberCapital7000
"Dishwashers are very efficient. They use far, far less water, and since you use less water, you need less energy to heat up the water needed."
—MrLeureduthe
14."Carrying a balance on a credit card to build credit. You don't need to carry a balance to build credit."
—semi-anon-in-Oly
"Many years ago, I got my first credit card. I used to pay it off religiously. I'll never forget having a conversation on the deck with my father when he told me the only way to build credit is to carry a balance.
It sent me down a dangerous spiral and was some of the worst financial and life advice I ever received. I have been chasing that 'advice' and burden half of my adult life. I paid off one of my cards yesterday, and it has never felt better."
—SisterCity212
15."Buying really cheap stuff. I'm not saying you have to buy top of the line, but at least get something semi-quality so you don't have to constantly replace it."
—SillySub2001
"You can only afford the cheap stuff, then it breaks, and you can only afford to replace it with more cheap stuff. It's a vicious cycle that not many people can break out of."
—TheNerdFromThatPlace
16."Buy now, pay later for anything that isn't an appreciating asset or generating cash flow. Like a burrito, refrigerator, phone, wedding, etc. I interned at a BNPL firm, and I'm telling you all from firsthand experience, it's a scam."
—Double-Discount9217
"This just isn't true either. You are always screwing yourself.
BNPL companies make money in two ways. One: off interest payments on missed payments. Some people will convince themselves they are smart shoppers that won't fall for that, and pay it off in time, so free convenience.
The second is that the retailer pays on average a 6% margin on the sale to the BNPL company. Why would the retailer do that? Why would they offer it as an option and pay this company if it literally costs them profit? Because time and time again it has been demonstrated that those 'smart shoppers' buy way more shit they don't need when the checkout number is smaller because of the pay later option.
If you have a buy now, pay later account with any service, they have almost assuredly gotten you to overspend."
—dalmathus
17.And finally, "Voting for Trump."
—ThePepperPopper
Is there anything you would add to the list? Tell us about it in the comments or via the anonymous form below:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Insider
28 minutes ago
- Business Insider
My father's death showed me how hard it is for men to open up. I started a men's walking group to help us connect.
Jonathan Jacobs, 35, moved to Los Angeles from New York during the pandemic. He wanted more local friends in the sprawling city. He started a men's walking group to build his community and help other men meet each other. This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Jonathan Jacobs, a marketer, writer, and community organizer who founded the LA chapter of Men Walking, Men Talking. The following has been edited for length and clarity. I moved from New York City to Los Angeles in the middle of the pandemic — not exactly the best time to make friends. It took me a year to make lasting connections with people, and four years to slowly build my social circle through my running club, professional industry, and friends of friends. Still, I wanted a greater sense of local community, especially with other men. In the summer of 2020, right before I moved to LA, my father passed away. On his deathbed, I learned he was an alcoholic — a secret he'd kept from me for 31 years. Because he was in a coma for two weeks before he died, I was never able to confront him about it. The experience made me realize how few, if any, intimate relationships he must have had. It also made me passionate about creating spaces where men could be more open with each other. Through my work, I met Mark Greene, who founded Men Walking, Men Talking, an NYC-based men's walking group. He suggested I lead my own. So, in 2025, I started the LA chapter. Craving connection In January, I posted a short description on an LA-based Reddit page describing how I envisioned the group. The rules were simple: what was said in the group would be private, and we wouldn't talk about politics or religion so as not to isolate anyone. I added my email. About 60 men said they were interested. Seven of usshowed up that first time. It was a bit awkward at first. I grappled with the idea of icebreakers to get through that initial silence. But I wanted men to explore why it was hard to be the first one to speak up. Slowly, we started to chat, letting our craving for connection lead the way. As we've done more of our bi-monthly Sunday walks, the group has grown. Over 100 men have reached out to me, with up to 17 showing up at one time. Due to the demand, we've also started experimenting with "pop-up walks" in the middle of the week. We're a mix of married and divorced men, single fathers and childfree husbands, in our 20s through our 60s. Half of the group is made up of men who keep coming back. Men need low-stakes ways to hang out Research shows that men prefer activities where they're side-by-side rather than facing each other. At the same time, some activities can make it harder to have meaningful conversations because the focus is on playing a game or watching a movie. Walking invited men to talk to each other, while also making the gathering as low-stakes and accessible as possible. This is especially crucial in LA: you can spend the night sitting in traffic and searching for parking, all for a hangout they're not sure will be fun. For men who are already on the fence about showing up, a long commute pretty much guarantees they won't come. Men who come to the walks repeatedly tell me that the low barrier to entry — no need to sign up or pay a fee to join — makes it easier for them to commit. For men who have trouble putting themselves out there to begin with, it gives them peace of mind that they don't have to stay the whole time or show up every week to feel like part of the group. One man recently showed up and was walking by himself. I came over to him and started breaking him open — he had some bad friendship experiences in the past and was trepidatious about making new connections. I'm glad he could come to the walk, even if it may have made him nervous at first. Leaning on each other in small, important ways Throughout my dad's life, really negative manifestations of masculinity, like not asking for help, affected our relationship. What's nice about the group is how quickly such a simple activity can morph into a meaningful bond, especially amid so many stories of male loneliness in the US. I still remember our second walk ever, right after my girlfriend had a health scare. Opening up to other men wasn't just cathartic; I also learned some had gone through similar situations. I've seen men break off after our hour-long walk to continue walking or to grab a beer somewhere. Sometimes, if only one other man shows up that day, he and I will just walk together, two strangers opening up to each other. I still talk to men who are interested but wary about attending their first walk; they're not sure if they'd fit in. More than anything, I wish every man who feels that way would know he's not alone. There's a group who'd love to talk to him. He just has to show up.
Bloomberg
31 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Berro: Fed Can Wait and See Given Current Data
Fixed Income Portfolio Manager for J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Kelsey Berro, discusses job data and it's impact on the Fed with Bloomberg's Matt Miller on "Bloomberg Brief." (Source: Bloomberg)
Health Line
32 minutes ago
- Health Line
Does Medicare Cover Cancer Treatment?
Key takeaways Original Medicare covers cancer treatment, with Part A covering hospitalization and Part B covering outpatient treatment. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) also offers the same coverage. Medicare Part B pays 80% of the costs for approved cancer treatments after you meet your annual deductible of $257. If you need surgery, Part B will pay for you to consult with a surgical oncologist and get a second opinion from another surgical oncologist. If those two doctors disagree, Part B will also pay for you to seek a third opinion. Part A will cover the costs of the surgery if it is an inpatient procedure. Medicare Part B pays 80% of your care provider's bills for prescribed, approved cancer treatments. You're responsible for 20% of the billed amount until you hit your annual deductible. However, some doctor's visits and procedures must meet unique criteria to be approved by Medicare. For example, if you need surgery, Part B will pay for you to consult with a surgical oncologist and to get a second opinion from another surgical oncologist. If those two doctors disagree, Part B will also pay for you to seek a third opinion. If you're enrolled in Medicare, it covers cancer treatment regardless of your age. Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs that are part of your cancer treatment. This article will answer basic questions about how to find out how much you'll owe for cancer treatment if you have Medicare. If you receive a serious cancer diagnosis, you may want to call the Medicare Health Line at 800-633-4227. This line is available 24/7 and can give you specific answers about anticipating your costs. What does Medicare cover for cancer treatment? Medicare is a federal program in the United States that is governed by several laws. The policies are the 'parts' of Medicare, and they cover different aspects of cancer treatment. Part A Part A covers cancer treatments that you receive as part of an inpatient hospital stay, such as surgery to remove cancerous masses. It also covers skilled nursing facility care, home healthcare (like physical therapy), blood transfusions, costs related to participation in certain cancer-focused clinical studies, and surgically implanted breast prostheses after a mastectomy. Part B Part B covers medically necessary outpatient care, including most types of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation. It should also cover doctors' visits, diagnostic testing, outpatient surgery, durable medical equipment, mental health services, and certain preventive care screenings. Part C (Medicare Advantage) Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are private health insurance plans that offer the same benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Some plans may offer additional benefits. Part D Part D covers prescription drugs. Your plan may cover some oral chemotherapy drugs, anti-nausea medications, pain medications, and other medications your doctor prescribes as part of your cancer treatment. Different plans have different restrictions on which drugs they'll cover. How much does Medicare pay for cancer treatments? Before you visit any doctor for your cancer treatment, call their office and ask whether they ' accept assignment.' Doctors who accept assignment take the amount that Medicare pays, as well as your copayment, and consider that a 'full payment' for the services you receive. Doctors who have opted out of Medicare may bill more for your treatment than Medicare will cover, leaving you responsible for the remaining costs along with your copay. Here's what you need to know about Medicare costs. Part A Most people don't have to pay for Part A as long as they have worked and paid taxes in the United States for 10 years or longer. Those who must pay for Part A spend either $285 or $518 per month, depending on their work history. There's a deductible of $1,676, and once you've reached the deductible, Part A covers hospital and postsurgery rehab for 2 months. Beyond that, daily costs apply, and after 100 days, you must cover all expenses. For skilled nursing facility care, your extra daily costs start on day 21. Part B Monthly premiums for Part B start at $185 and increase depending on your income bracket. Once you meet the Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025, Medicare will pay for 80% of any covered treatment or service. Part C Medicare Part C plans are provided by private insurance companies, and the premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance will vary depending on your specific plan. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the average monthly premium for Part C plans is $17 in 2025. Part D Part D plans also come from private insurance companies. The national base beneficiary premium is $36.78 in 2025. In addition, the amount you pay out of pocket for prescriptions depends on the drug tier classified within the plan's formulary. The higher the tier, the more expensive the drug will be, even after coverage kicks in. How much will I pay out of pocket for my cancer treatment? The amount you'll pay out of pocket after your Medicare coverage kicks in depends on your plan as well as the type of cancer you have, how aggressive it is, and the treatment type your doctors prescribe. According to a 2021 research review, adults in the United States might pay anywhere from $180 to $2,600 per month for cancer care. And they might spend another $288 per month on cancer medications. If you enroll in Original Medicare, you can also sign up for a Medigap plan, which is another kind of insurance policy that can help cover your share of the cost after Original Medicare covers its share. But you'll have to pay a premium for Medigap, and that cost will vary depending on which of the 10 available plans you choose. According to a 2025 study, people with cancer who sign up for Part C plans have lower out-of-pocket costs than those who have Original Medicare without Medigap, saving a median of $668 and as much as $9,884 at the 95th percentile. However, people enrolled in Original Medicare who had high expenses for their cancer treatment still saved as much as $9,634 in some cases. Frequently asked questions Can Medicare refuse cancer treatment? Generally, Medicare should cover most treatments that are medically necessary. But if your treatment is denied, you can file an appeal. Is cancer insurance worth it with Medicare? Cancer insurance is a private health insurance plan specifically for cancer treatment. It's an additional, non-Medicare policy you can purchase to help you pay for cancer treatment costs. But whether it's worth buying depends on the added cost and the specific coverage of your plan. If you're at a higher risk of developing certain cancers that are associated with high treatment costs, you may want to consider it.
