Can you remember the last time you bought fast food at a drive-through and that nice teenager overcharged you for two adult meals whereas you ordered two kiddies meals? You were certainly not too happy.

I guess it's human to make mistakes like that. Nobody is perfect, hence the importance of double checking your bills, receipts, insurance premiums and salary advice before they end up costing you a lot of money.

I have noticed how many people just let any charge go through their account and never pick up the phone to find out from the service provider what the charge is for - somehow they think it's normal. Well, it's not and you need to know what you are paying for. Here are a few everyday scenarios where it always pays to pay attention:

lShopping receipts:

Between fumbling for your loyalty shopper cards to get points and reaching for your favourite magazine, it is easy to get distracted in the grocery checkout lane. However, before you exit those automatic glass doors, stop and read your receipt carefully. You may have been charged twice for one product.

Also, if a price doesn't look right, take it to the customer service counter and get your cash back. Even if it is just a few bucks, it is your few bucks, right? You worked for it remember?

lSettled debts:

I hear so many people who have settled that old credit card debt years ago - at least you think you did. Suddenly, you receive a telephone call saying you still owe some ridiculous amount of money. Here is the thing - after you pay back your agreed amount, keep proof of payment filed away forever so that if you ever get a duplicate R15000 statement down the road, you can confidently point out the company's mistake. If you don't keep your records, they will make you look like a liar.

lRestaurant tabs:

After you've eaten your fill at a pizza or fish place, do not blindly throw your debit card on the table to pay. Waiters are very busy people, so make sure you check your tab before making a payment and make sure you don't pay for the burger or calamari you didn't order.

Always read your receipt first before making a payment.

lInsurance policies:

As your home value increases, so should your insurance coverage. As your car decreases in value each year, so should your insurance premium reduce accordingly, not increase. So call them every year to ensure that you're covered for the current value of your car and not for the initial amount you bought it for.

lBank statements and ID:

Bad guys don't tell you before stealing your identity and money.

Be vigilant and regularly check with the department of home affairs and make sure you are not "married" to someone you don't know.

When it comes to banking, make a habit of getting your free annual credit report to check if all is right and that no unauthorised queries are made in your name.

lExtended warranty:

Tell me, what are the chances that you will need to replace your brand-new TV/video player soon? Zero! Retailers know this and that is why extended warranties are "money for jam" for them.

The appliance has already got its one or two year warranty, why buy an extended warranty? So, if you see one of these charges crop up in your bill, kindly and quickly ask for it to be removed immediately.

Thedream@winniekunene.co.za