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Plug That Leak

If you haven’t guessed by now, I get really excited about all positive things financial: getting a good deal; budgeting and planning; never carrying a balance on my one-and-only credit card; saving; investing, especially long-term; paying off debt; and helping others achieve financial independence. I even like balancing my checkbook. Yes, believe it or not, I find joy in that mundane task. I know, it sounds like something your grandpa used to do. Well, you should try it. You just might find a small crack leaking a little bit (or a lot) of cash every month.

Modern technology is great (when it works like it’s supposed to, right?). You can do a lot of “set it and forget it” types of activities, including paying bills. No more late fees! While that is helpful, it can also create a potential hole in your budget where your hard-earned money can slip through.

That gym membership? You might be able to discontinue that–besides, the weather perfect right now for outside walking, jogging, biking, and hiking. Are there any other memberships that you are not using? Did you buy any miracle hair regrowth shampoo online (that probably doesn’t work anyway) that automatically charges you for monthly replenishments? Do you really need Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney, CBS On Demand, HBO, Starz, AND Peacock? Are you really reading that Book of the Month book or getting your money’s worth from Audible? You catch my drift.

Man, I’m really dating myself. Between using an idiom from the 20th century and balancing my checkbook on a regular basis, you probably think I’m old enough to be somebody’s grandmother. I’ve got news for you–I am five somebodies’ grandmother, and sometimes, grandma knows what she’s talking about.

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