June 21, 2026

Greetings!

Convenience is great until you realize how much you are paying for it.

Many of the small purchases we make to save time doesn't seem so expensive in the moment, but over weeks, months, and years those convenience costs quickly (and quietly) add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The good news here is that you don't have to give up convenience completely. A few simple changes can help keep more money in your pocket.


Let's get thrifty!
Kris

Please add kris@gophercentral.com to your address book or visit here.

Check Per Unit Price
Before buying pre-cut fruit, snack packs, single serve drinks, or individually wrapped items compare the price per ounce or per item listed on the shelf tag. You may find you are paying double, or some times even triple, for just a little extra convenience.


Create a 'Fast Meal' Shelf
After a long day, the thought of cooking from scratch can be enough to send us straight to the drive-thru or food delivery app.

Instead create a dedicated 'fast meal' shelf in your pantry, refrigerator, or freezer stocked with quick, affordable meals that you will actually enjoy. Keep items like pasta, jarred sauce, canned soup, frozen veggies, rice packets, frozen pizza, and other family favorites on hand.

When you are tired, busy, or just short on time having these options ready to go can help you avoid a $30-$50 takeout order.

The goal here isn't gourmet cooking, it's making the thrifty choice just as convenient as the expensive one.


Watch Out for Auto-Renewals
Subscriptions are one of the most convenient ways to spend money without ever noticing.

Set a calendar reminder before renewal dates so you can decide whether you still want to move forward and continue to pay, or cancel the subscriptions. You may discover you are paying for something you hardly ever use anymore.

---

Missed An Issue? Visit our archives loaded with past and new issues.