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Americans spend millions of dollars at gas stations every year, and it’s not all on gas. You can find a gas station almost anywhere; many are open 24/7. They are super convenient for grabbing things at the last minute, and most sell everything from coffee and food to basic essentials and even knickknacks.
However, many items sold at gas stations are overpriced and not always of the best quality. They are easy to spot if you know them, but they do a good job of enticing you into thinking you need them. Never Buy From a Gas Station unless it’s an absolute emergency. Snacks, drinks, and even basic household items often come with a hefty markup compared to grocery stores or bulk retailers. Avoiding impulse purchases at gas stations is a simple yet effective way to cut unnecessary spending and stick to a budget.
With that in mind, here are 15 things you should never buy from a gas station unless you’re in desperate need and can’t purchase it anywhere else.
Electronics
You can find all kinds of cute and colorful things like headphones, earbuds, chargers, and cables at gas stations. But they are usually high in price and low in quality.
Magazines
Like grocery stores, gas stations put things like magazines, drinks, and candy near cash registers to catch your eye as you check out and leave. It’s an easy way to cash in on impulse buys.
Sunglasses
You can usually find a selection of cute, trendy sunglasses at gas stations. But, while they might look great, they probably lack protection properties. Sunglasses should protect against UV rays to safeguard your eyes from damage, especially when driving.
Perishable Foods
Gas stations don’t have the same quality control measures, turnover speeds, and sometimes even storage spaces as grocery stores. So, the nutritional values, freshness, and possibly even safety of perishable goods may be questionable.
Fresh Fruits and Veggies
You should avoid fresh fruits and veggies; for the same reasons, you should avoid perishable foods. You’ll also find a more limited selection than in a grocery store or farmer’s market.
Dairy and Meat
Again, avoid buying dairy and meat from a gas station for quality control, turnaround speed, and storage space. Grocery stores are equipped for these foods, whereas gas stations are meant for quick refueling, not dietary and grocery needs.
Wraps and Sandwiches
A 2016 HuffPost investigation found that many gas stations didn’t properly store food. Wraps and sandwiches should be stored at 39 degrees or colder; otherwise, viruses and bacteria can grow. So, before you grab that convenient wrap or sandwich, check the cooler thermostat to ensure it’s reading at an appropriate temperature.
Hot Dogs
Gas station hot dogs are quick, convenient, and probably full of added bacteria. Hot dogs and other foods should be stored between 135 and 140 degrees to stop bacteria growth. Gas station hot food storage rarely meets that standard.
Bottled or Canned Drinks
Quality is not an issue when buying bottled or canned drinks from a gas station. But expect the drinks to be marked up. So you’ll pay much more than you would if you purchased from a grocery store.
Soda Fountain Drinks
Did you know 7-Eleven claims that it sells 45 million gallons of soda a year? But before you fill up that Big Gulp, remember that there’s moisture collecting inside the machine, making soda dispensers the perfect environment for mold to grow.
Lottery Tickets
I get it. The thought of winning big on a lottery ticket is enticing. But you have a higher chance of getting struck by lightning than you do of a lottery ticket win. All you’re doing is increasing the gas station’s profits.
Prepaid Cell Phones
You can usually find an excellent selection of prepaid cell phones at gas stations. But they often cost more than they’re worth. Many also come bundled with service plans that have limited coverage and high data costs.
OTC Medications
It’s ok to grab some allergy meds or headache pills if it’s an emergency and you can’t get to another store quickly. However, OTC medications at gas stations may be stored incorrectly, could even be out of date, and are usually overpriced.
Beauty Products
Many gas stations sell a selection of skincare and beauty products. However, the choice will be limited, and the items will be overpriced and possibly outdated. Buy your beauty products at a specialty store or pharmacy instead.
Souvenirs
You’ll find everything from keychains to t-shirts and hats stamped with the name of the local city or state in a gas station. But you’ll pay much more than the souvenirs are worth, and they are often cheaply made and of poor quality.
15 Smart Tips for Living Well on a Strict Budget
In today’s economy, strict budgeting has become a reality for many, sometimes involuntarily. With fast fashion and rapidly changing trends, temptations are on the rise. Mastering a budgeting mindset can empower a person to manage their finances responsibly. It’s a step towards achieving self-fulfillment while leaving room for some fun.
The 41 Biggest Wastes of Money
If you’re looking for ways to earn more money to put toward your goals, start by examining your spending habits. By tracking your spending and seeing where every dollar goes, you’ll likely find several instances of spending money you don’t have to. It could be little things that add up or recurring monthly expenses that are an utter waste of money.
Once you eliminate your bad spending habits, that money can go toward your emergency fund, paying off debt, or other essential things. Here are the 41 biggest wastes of money to look out for.
- Read More: The 41 Biggest Wastes of Money
