How does being lazy cost you money?

Bargainloverbec

I wasted money today because I couldn't be bothered to go to the post box and post my friend's birthday card - now I'll have to post it 1st class tomorrow if I want it to arrive on time, instead of using a 2nd class stamp.

It got me thinking of all the ways that I cost myself money because I'm either disorganised or lazy (or too busy browsing the OS forum to get off the sofa and do something!).

Things like:

• DH having to buy sandwiches for lunch because I didn't make him any the night before
• Getting a takeaway for dinner because I forgot to defrost the meat / didn't put anything in the slowcooker / didn't do a meal plan
• Buying cards and presents that I would have made.... if I'd got round to it
• Using the car because I'm running late and haven't got time to walk

Part of the problem is that after running around after a toddler and a baby all day I'm too tired to do much in the evenings! But having redone our budget again last night there is definitely NO slack to allow for me having a CBA day.

My new motto that I have to keep telling myself it 'Don't let laziness cost you money!'

Is anyone else out there who suffers from their bottom being stuck to the sofa when they should really be domestic goddessing? Please tell me it's not just me!

DawnW

No, its not just you - I am often guilty of that as well

mancitychick

DawnW wrote: »

No, its not just you - I am often guilty of that as well

Me too!

flutterbyuk25

I'm the same, especially re lunches. At times I'm excellent and take lunch everyday but my job means I can literally be anywhere working (office/up mountain/on a boat/dangling off a rock/middle of field etc) so it can be hard to know what to take! i try not to eat bread so sandwiches aren't the best answer. I find it's easier in summer when I can take a salad, but in winter salad in a cold wet muddy field doesn't hit the spot!!

x

jackyann

Totally agree! Since we can't all be perfect, give yourself an occasional "lazy treat" - so you have more energy most of the time!
And flutterby, know exactly what you mean and I suggest a wide-mouth vacuum flask, to put a chunky veg soup / stew in. I often use up left-overs this way and it can be very comforting!

flutterbyuk25

jackyann wrote: »

And flutterby, know exactly what you mean and I suggest a wide-mouth vacuum flask, to put a chunky veg soup / stew in. I often use up left-overs this way and it can be very comforting!

I invested in one of those flasks, but despite it being made for microwave use it's too tall to fit in my microwave or the 2 works ones! And if I heat the food before work it's not quite hot for lunch, and that just puts me off.

jackyann

Getting a bit pernickety here, but I have recently been in a situation - during the cold weather - with no microwave available. I used a small titanium flask and heated it thoroughly, leaving boiling water in it for 10 mins or so whilst I had breakfast and heated the soup. That meant the soup was going into a warmed through flask and it made all the difference!

Jumper09

I do the same thing. Takeaways are my big one, I waste a huge amount of money this way which I have decided I'd rather use for something nice and *lasting* for me and my family. I am better than I was but still waste a lot by buying about twice as much food as we need for each takeaway meal. Think I think 'I'm messing up anyway, so it doesn't matter'...which of course is rubbish!

nonnatus

I am MUCH too lazy about money . I read of people on here who do a round trip covering several different supermarkets at night to get all the best reductions and think "I wonder if they're for real? I'd rather be sat at home watching Corrie!"

I have a 10p off per litre of petrol from Mr T in my purse but will get petrol this morning from Morrisons rather than make a long trip around town to Mr T in rush hour. That will cost me a couple of squid.

And my worst crime of extreme laziness is that every schoolday I give both kids £2.50 each for lunches at school, rather than pack them a lunch. And that sees £25 a week flying out of my purse . So just those three things have cost me £40 minimum this week alone. I. Am. A. Disgrace! :cool:

miss_independent

With me I don't know if it's a laziness thing or a naughtiness thing lol but if I am in town or on a high street near lunch time, even if I am free to go home, I will choose to have lunch or coffee out. I always feel like I don't have as nice food at home or that I want something hot NOW and not in 15 minutes or so or that my coffee isn't as nice at home etc etc. However, maybe I'm being lazy by not buying food to make nicer food at home for lunch? Eg panini rolls are only 45p in Aldi, I've got tuna and cheese etc at home so why pay £3.95 (or more) for a panini out? Maybe it would make more sense for me to buy a coffee machine so I can make my own nice coffees at home instead of using instant? For what you pay
for a slice of cake in a cafe you can often make a whole one at home.

I do love sitting in coffee shops though :-)

166million

Great thread!

It hasn't happened to me yet, but not going to the gym can waste money if you pay by direct debit. £2.50 a time

In fact, you have given me an idea. I am going to 'fine' myself £2.50 every time I don't/ can't go to the gym. I am on holiday this Friday and Monday which are days I would normally be going so I have transferred £5 into my ISA!

Also not having minor things fixed on the car, or having it serviced, could cost you money in the end :eek: