I’ve spent this spring and summer in physical therapy for a knee injury. It’s a bummer, but it has provided a chance to do some people watching as I go about my exercises in the rehab gym. While most of the people there are working hard and following the instructions of the therapists, more than a few are not. Some give only minimal effort to the exercises, while I overhear others being lectured for not doing the exercises at home. (A physical therapist can tell when you’re not doing your homework!)
What does this have to do with money, you ask? Here you go: Physical therapy isn’t cheap. Even with good insurance, you’re likely paying a copay or working toward satisfying a high deductible. If you’re not putting in the effort to heal your injury, you’re wasting money. You might as well not even bother enrolling in therapy and just let nature take its course.
Seeing this got me thinking about all the other ways people waste money by not putting in the effort to get the most out of an item or experience. Sure, something like deodorant doesn’t require much effort in order to get your money out of the product. If you use it as directed, you pretty much get your money’s worth. Huzzah. But there are other things that require extra effort, attention, and participation from us in order to maximize the money we spend. If we aren’t willing to put in the effort or attention, we might as well not even bother spending the money because it’s wasted.
Simply throwing money at something doesn’t mean that you’re gaining any benefit from it.
Physical therapy is but one example. Here are some others:
Subscriptions
You can throw money at Netflix or any other app, but if you aren’t using it regularly, you’re wasting money. Use the subscription and if it has features to help you get more from it, use those, too. For example, most streaming sties offer recommendations based on things you’ve previously enjoyed. Check them out to see if there’s something you’re overlooking. If you’re subscribing to software, make sure you’re using the features you’re paying for. If you’re not using it beyond the bare minimum, a free version or free product will probably suffice. Health and wellness apps require you to do the work to get the benefits. If you’re not working out, tracking your food intake, or whatever else the app is supposed to help you with, stop subscribing. Simply having an app and paying the fee isn’t getting you anywhere.
Nice Meals
Yeah, fast food doesn’t require much effort to get your money’s worth. However, if you’re going to splurge for a nice meal, you need to put in some effort. Put down your phone and pay attention to the food and your dining companions. Slow down your consumption so you savor the meal. Look around and enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant. If a band is playing, really listen to a few songs. Sure, you can go into the swanky restaurant and hoover the food down as you would in McDonalds, but you aren’t getting your money’s worth if you do.
Concerts & Other Live Events/Experiences
If you pay for a concert or some other sort of experience, be present and enjoy it. Don’t spend the entire time recording the event on your phone or, worse, scrolling social media to see what others are saying about the event. You’ll have better memories if you just enjoy the event. Otherwise, all of your memories will be of fighting with the recording and checking to make sure everything is in frame. Or your memories will be tainted with the thoughts of all those others on social media. Take a picture of you and your friends to commemorate the event and then enjoy it. Give it your full attention and participation.
Vacations/Retreats/Camps
I went on a cruise a couple of years ago and was surprised at the number of people who seemed to spend the entire week in the same deck chair, scrolling their phone. Sure, relaxation on vacation is great and you may need some downtime. But if you’re paying a boatload of money for a vacation, sitting in a deck chair (or your hotel room) all week isn’t recouping your investment. You can do that at home. Go sightseeing or participate in activities. Spend time with your traveling companions and engage with them. Also, if food is included (as on a cruise or all-inclusive resort), try some of the offerings. Don’t just spend the week eating chicken nuggets and fries that you could get at home. You’re paying for gourmet food, so try some of it. If you’re going to a retreat or camp of some sort, be sure to put your phone away (if they don’t take it, first) and participate in the activities.
Therapy
Mental therapy requires the same effort as physical therapy. If you’re not willing to do the homework prescribed by your therapist, or practice any coping exercises she gives you, you’re simply throwing money away. You have to put in effort beyond sitting on the couch once a week in order to get anything out of the experience.
Gym Memberships
Just belonging to a gym won’t get you fit. You have to put in the effort to improve and progress. If you aren’t wiling to do that, why are you a member? If it’s for the social aspect, there are plenty of free places to socialize. While using your membership, make sure to try out some of the offerings beyond the treadmill, if applicable. Try some classes or activities that you’re unfamiliar with. If they’re included, it’s a shame not to at least try them.
Extra Features
When you buy something with features beyond the basics, make sure you’re using them. Did you pay for the fridge with the in-door coffee maker? Use it. Did you buy a DVD with bonus features? Watch them. Did you buy the full-featured smart phone? Use that souped up camera and power to its fullest. If you aren’t going to use the extra features on something, save money and purchase the basic version.
Classes/Webinars
If you’re going to pay for any sort of education, be it college, extension courses, music/language lessons, or webinars, make sure you do the work. Pay attention when class is in session and do any homework/practice required. You’re wasting money if you don’t take in the material and do what’s necessary to advance your skills or knowledge.
We waste a lot of money when we don’t put in the effort to fully utilize, benefit from, or experience something. Before you pay for anything, ask yourself if you will really use it to its max, or if you’re willing to put in the effort to get the maximum benefit. If not, save the money and do something else.
What else do you find requires some effort on your part to get your money’s worth? Let us know in the comments below.
Read More:
- 10 Expensive Habits That Keep You From Saving Money
- 10 Money Saving Efforts That Actually Lead To Increased Spending
- 4 Ways to Practice Soft Saving Responsibly
- 12 Ways to Make Memories Without Spending a Fortune
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