I made a few financial errors recently related to online sales and insufficient research. I also caught a few financial errors related to scammers on my credit cards and elsewhere. Some friends and family members have told me about errors they've made or encountered too. As I think about these financial errors, I want to remind myself of some financial strategies.
Limit online purchases
Unless I do the research and read the fine print, I want to limit my online purchases. Too often the purchases I've made online have arrived only to disappoint me. What I think I'm purchasing doesn't add up to what arrives at my door. Some errors that have occurred include damaged goods, goods that are different than what I purchased, and other problems. As much as possible I want to identify a few good trustworthy stores and online sites to do business with rather than many places who I can't always trust.
Shop second hand
As much as possible I want to shop for second hand or gently used items. This saves money and also reduces our collective footprint on the planet.
Keep it simple
Less things, more time. At this point in my life, time is the most precious commodity.
Reuse and recycle
So many objets that I already have can be used in multiple ways.
Little to no plastics
I'm trying to buy almost no plastics.
Avoid third party sites
When it comes to most purchases, third party sites often cost more and offer less service. There was a time when you could get a good hotel room via third party sites, but it seems that's becoming less and less true. Now it seems that you're better off booking directly via the hotel itself. I've even had trouble recently reserving restaurants via third party sites. So I'll deal directly with businesses more than using third party sites.
Check banking and credit cards statements weekly
I've caught quite a few bogus charges on my credit cards statements and some suspicious activity on my banking accounts too. I've reported these problems readily and the companies resolved the errors. There are too many cheaters out there so you have to be aware.
Bogus emails and texts
Just like week I received a billing email. It was supposed from a company I worked with long ago so I thought it was legitimate. When I called them about the bill, the person on the other hand wanted lots of personal information. I knew that was strange and didn't give the info. It was clearly a scam using a name very similar to the company I did business with. You can't be too careful with email and texts requests for money. Don't give away your private info.
Make your own food
Now with such great info on the Internet, you can easily make just about any food. Making your own food saves money and it's healthier too. Of course sometimes it's wonderful to buy something special. For example yesterday someone brought a sensational cheese cake to our house from the bakery Tatte--light and delicious!
Long term financial planning
It's always good to have a simple budget that leads your spending and saving, and as a wise friend always advices, live a bit beneath your means so you have a few dollars for a rainy day.
Onward.
