Ten ways to save money on the 'gotta haves'

A Kiplinger.com article by Joan Goldwasser suggests 10 things that we overpay for on a daily or weekly basis. They include afternoon snacks, bottled water, coffee shop coffee, CDs, movie tickets, fresh flowers, pre-cut fruits and veggies, credit card late fees, ATM fees and fax and mail services.

Goldwasser says that, for an afternoon snack, we should switch out the protein bars for fresh fruit. Even if you don't buy them singly, a protein bar, which is healthier than its chocolate alternative, has the same amount of sugar in it as a candy bar and costs a lot more. She's right, of course but, speaking for myself, when I want something sweet, a bunch of grapes isn't really going to do it for me. You have to acquire the mindset that a) you really want to save that money and b) you really, really want to eat healthier.