10 THINGS PEOPLE WASTE MONEY ON EACH MONTH By Cassie Shaurette
1. Starbucks
According to Huffington Post, Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, equivalent to 146 billion cups of coffee per year, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world. Coffee represents 75 percent of all the caffeine consumed in the United States. The average price of a venti fresh brewed coffee is $2.25, a venti latte is $3.95, a venti mocha is $4.65 and a venti frappuccino is $4.75. “I drink Starbucks everyday because it tastes good, and it keeps me awake in class," Lucy Jacobson, senior, said.
2. Unnecessary clothes
Edward Bernay, nephew to Sigmund Freud, revolutionised advertising, instead of ads just consisting of images and product information, they appealed to consumers subconscious minds. So rather than shopping for the soap that was needed to wash clothes, people began unconsciously buying the lifestyles portrayed in advertisements. Image, and therefore clothes, are a big part of most ads, so most people have been getting the message that being on trend is a means to achieving ones dreams. “I go clothes shopping a lot because I always feel like I have nothing to wear," Lindsey Scozzafave, junior, said.
3. Extended warranties
“Insurance companies [and extended warranties] only make money if the company collects more money than it pays out," said Professor Bruce Clark of Northeastern University's D'AmoreMcKim School of Business. Companies that offer insurance and extended warranties have teams of actuaries who calculate the odds that a consumer will file a claim. And the odds aren't in the consumers favor. “I have a two year warranty for my phone, so if anything breaks, I can get a new one for free," Megan Manning, junior, said.
4. 3D movies
On average, a 3D movie will cost around $5 extra per ticket. With the regular ticket costing an average of $8, that's a total of $13, not including any snacks. Many customers are also dissatisfied with 3D movies because the 3D effects were weak, and the motion even made them feel sick. “I love 3D movies because I like to sit in the really comfy chairs that recline,” Violet Kryshak, junior, said.
5. Fast Food
Fast food often contributes little or no nutritional value to the diet, but instead provides excess calories and fat. It’s also harmful to ones health, causing various diseases, such as obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. According to Gallup, “Young adults 18 to 29 eat fast food most often, with 57 percent saying they do so at least weekly.” “I love how fast food can be quick and easy when I’m on the go,” Alyssa Boyer, freshman, said.
6. Soda
Soda contains very high amounts of caffeine, which is an addictive substance, and sugar, which adds empty calories to ones diet. Even diet soda, which is lower in calories, has too many downsides for a beverage that gives no nutritional benefits. Some diet soda may even increase ones risk for developing certain types of cancers. Fortyeight percent of surveyed Americans nearly half said that they drink soda on a daily basis. “I normally drink soda in the morning because it’s very refreshing, and a good way to wake up,” Daniel Adix, sophomore, said.
7. Gym memberships
According to Statistic Brain, “as many as twothirds of gym memberships are never used." Even club owners who are more likely to be optimistic about their membership say 25 percent of members go inactive after six months, and half give up on the gym by a year. Unless there is training being done that involves specialized equipment, it is better to hit the pavement rather than the gym. “I had a membership at the YMCA for about three years, and I only went about five times,” Skylar Pak, sophomore, said.
8. Speedy shipping
When customers buy something online, they want to have it and hold it as soon as possible, the faster the item can get to them, the better. Paying extra for faster shipping is not always practical and companies know it, that is why it’s offered. When people pay for faster shipping it often arrives only a few days sooner than it otherwise would have, so it’s generally not worth it. “If I need something, or I get really excited about having it, I always pay for faster shipping,” Becca Chavin, sophomore, said.
9. Bottled water
Brita and Pur both sell different types of filters that will make tap water taste as clean and pure as bottled water. Plus, it's ecofriendly, unlike the plastic water bottles that need to be thrown away after each use. According to Ban the Bottle, “Americans used about 50 billion plastic water bottles last year. However, the U.S.’s recycling rate for plastic is only 23 percent, meaning that 38 billion water bottles – more than $1 billion worth of plastic – are wasted each year.” “I take bottled water with me to school everyday, when I could just refill a water bottle, but it’s easier for me to just grab a filled water bottle on the way out the door,” Lexi Lipkowitz, sophomore, said.
10. Buying iTunes music
The average iTunes song costs $1.29, which really adds up when buying songs in bulk. With many free music streaming sites, such as Pandora and Spotify, it seems illogical to buy music from iTunes. According to The Wall Street Journal, music sales at Apple’s iTunes Store have fallen 1314 percent worldwide since the start of the year. “I buy music on iTunes all the time," Mason Salb, freshman, said.
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