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When you’re cash strapped, it can be tempting to splurge on things that make you feel good or relieve your stress.

However, this can lead to more financial problems in the long run. Here are some of the worst things to spend on when you’re cash strapped and how can you spend money wisely instead.

Eating out or ordering takeout. While it may seem convenient and satisfying, eating out or ordering takeout can be very expensive and unhealthy. You can save a lot of money by cooking your own meals at home, using ingredients that are in season, on sale, or in bulk. You can also plan your meals ahead of time, freeze leftovers, and pack your lunch to work or school.
– Impulse buying or retail therapy. Shopping for things that you don’t need or want can be a waste of money and space. You may end up with clutter, debt, and regret. Instead of buying things on impulse, try to follow a budget, track your spending, and set aside some money for savings or emergencies. You can also find other ways to cope with your emotions, such as exercising, meditating, or talking to someone.
Paying for subscriptions or memberships that you don’t use. Many people sign up for subscriptions or memberships that they think they will use, but end up forgetting about them or not using them enough. These can include streaming services, magazines, gym memberships, or online courses. You can save money by canceling the ones that you don’t use or need, or switching to cheaper or free alternatives. For example, you can watch free videos online, borrow books from the library, work out at home or outdoors, or learn new skills from free websites.
Buying lottery tickets or gambling. While it may seem like a fun way to try your luck, buying lottery tickets or gambling can be a risky and addictive habit. You are more likely to lose money than win anything, and you may end up in a cycle of chasing losses and spending more than you can afford. Instead of gambling, you can invest your money in something that has a higher chance of return, such as a savings account, a certificate of deposit, or a mutual fund.
Paying high interest rates or fees. If you have debt, such as credit cards, loans, or bills, you may be paying high interest rates or fees that add up over time. This can make it harder for you to pay off your debt and get out of the cash strapped situation. You can save money by paying off your debt as soon as possible, negotiating lower interest rates or fees with your creditors, consolidating your debt into one payment with a lower interest rate, or seeking help from a reputable credit counselor or debt relief program.

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