Beat the inflation - 8 things you're really wasting money on

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Inflation and rising costs of living, together with little or no increases in real income, may have hit some Singaporeans hard.

So if you find yourself spending more and more on everyday necessities, take a step back and examine what you've been buying.

Is that brand name detergent, or club sandwich at your favourite coffee outlet really necessary?

Marketing gimmicks, or just plain old habits, may have blinded you to what's really worth your money and what's not.

Below are eight items you've been wasting money on >>>

1. Bottled water

Drinking enough water and hydrating yourself is very important, but that doesn't mean you need to spend a few dollars every day on bottled water.

Boiled water, or even tap water, from your home works just as well in meeting your dietary needs.

2. Brand name cleaning supplies

The 'superior' brand may probably be just as good as the one on the supermarket shelf.

Regardless of how promoters market their cleaning products, they may perform just as well as the next.

So the next time you're tempted to splurge on a brand name cleaning agent, check with your friends or family that the cheaper alternative can do the job just as well.

3. First-class flights

If you've cash to spare, go for it.

But if you're watching the numbers in your bank account, flying economy class, or even on budget airlines, can get you from Point A to Point B just as quickly.

4. DVDs

It's only worth buying DVDs if you know you're an absolute fan of the movie and will watch it over and over again.

If not, don't be fooled by the glossy wrappings and the beautifully created covers of new movie DVDs, you may dump it in your DVD drawer after just watching it once.

5. Eating out

This is one of the simplest methods of keeping daily expenses low.

A meal packed at home is much cheaper, and more nutritious, than meals eaten at food outlets.

6. Premium petrol

With skyrocketing COE prices, do you really want to spluge even more on 'premium' petrol.

While such petrol does have its advantages, it many not necessarily be called for.

Double check your car manual to see whether you need to it's required - if not, you're probably wasting money.

7. Meals which you can make yourself

Like eating out, don't spend money on food which you can make at home e.g. sandwiches.

Take a few minutes at home to prepare your own lunch, instead of buying it from the nearest eatery.

8. Detergents with specific purposes

'For darks only' or 'For whites only' doesn't really matter as long as it's washing detergent.

Be wary of such marketing tactics, and just get one detergent - the one that cleans best.