HowToLiveWorse

CHAPTER 05 · 46 SOURCE ENTRIES

Cutting Financial Waste

不要浪费钱

[← 回总目录](../README.md) 这一节只算钱：能省下多少，每年收益差多少，一笔钱长期平均下来能拿回多少。这些不换算成寿命或时间。涉及投资的条目只讲怎么算账，只用核实过的历史数据，都不构成投资建议。 本节条目按主题分成下面几块，括号里是条号。 **日常开销**：关掉自动续费（第 1 条），重算手机和宽带套餐（第 4 条），拒绝电子产品延保（第 11 条），选集采中选药（第 12 条），喝烧开的自来水（第 14 条），健身房按次付费（第 21 条），大额购买设冷静期（第 23 条），不为划线价囤货（第 24 条）。 **冲动消费和孩子花钱**：不买彩票（第 5 条），不给主播打赏（第

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05-001
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

Turn off all automatic renewals and switch to manual renewal upon expiry

关掉所有自动续费，改为到期手动续

What you’ll save is exactly the money spent on subscriptions you no longer use but are still being charged for each month. It takes less than 20 minutes to go through the automatic payment lists in Alipay, WeChat Pay, Apple, and Android. By regulation, merchants must provide a clear notice before charging you, along with an easy-to-find and readily accessible option to cancel at any time.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Turn off all automatic renewals and switch to manual renewal upon expiry” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-002
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Conduct the annual tax reconciliation from March to June; be sure to include all eligible special deductions

每年三月到六月做一次个税汇算，专项附加扣除该填的填

The following groups of people typically receive a tax refund after completing this process: those who only worked for a few months throughout the year, those who changed jobs mid-year, or anyone who failed to claim deductions for child education, mortgage payments, rent, or elderly dependents. It takes only a few minutes to finish on a mobile device. If your total annual income falls below 120,000 yuan, or if the amount of tax you owe is under 400 yuan, you may skip this step.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Conduct the annual tax reconciliation from March to June; be sure to include all eligible special deductions” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-003
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Housing provident fund isn’t just for buying a home: it can be used for renting, home renovations, and paying property taxes, effective from September 20, 2026 under new regulations

公积金不只用来买房：租房、装修、物业费都能提，2026 年 9 月 20 日起按新条例办

The housing provident fund isn’t limited to home purchases. The new regulations list nine eligible scenarios for withdrawals, including renting, renovating a personal residence, and paying property taxes. Once you submit an application, the housing provident fund authority must respond within three days whether your request is approved or not.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Housing provident fund isn’t just for buying a home: it can be used for renting, home renovations, and paying property taxes, effective from September 20, 2026 under new regulations” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-004
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Recalculate your mobile and broadband plans annually: downgrade unused services, and file a complaint if the carrier refuses to comply

每年重算一次手机和宽带套餐，用不上的降档，运营商不给转就投诉

Older plans you’re currently on often cost dozens of yuan more per month than newer plans now on sale. Those extra monthly fees add up to hundreds of yuan wasted each year. By regulation, carriers have no valid reason to reject your request to switch plans, delay processing it, or impose special pricing tiers solely for customers making such changes. If they refuse without justification, you can file a formal complaint.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Recalculate your mobile and broadband plans annually: downgrade unused services, and file a complaint if the carrier refuses to comply” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-005
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Not buying lottery tickets

不买彩票

According to regulations, at least 50% of sales revenue from lottery games must be paid out as prizes; for the Double Color Ball game, this figure is 51%. In other words, for every 1 yuan you spend, you can expect to receive back only 0.51 yuan on average over time — meaning you lose 49% of your money. In 2024, China sold 623.486 billion yuan worth of lottery tickets; of that amount, 161.031 billion yuan went directly into public welfare funds and was never distributed as prizes.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Not buying lottery tickets” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-006
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Walk away the moment you see “high returns,” “guaranteed returns,” or “sure profits”

看到「高收益」「保本」「稳赚」直接走开

Regulatory authorities themselves state that any product offering a return rate above 6% should raise red flags, those above 8% are highly risky, and anything above 10% means you should expect to lose all your principal. Legitimate financial products are no longer allowed to guarantee returns or principal safety. Any losses incurred from participating in illegal fundraising efforts must be borne by the individual investor; there is no one to compensate you if things go wrong.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Walk away the moment you see “high returns,” “guaranteed returns,” or “sure profits”” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-007
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

Avoid making minimum payments or taking installment plans or consumer loans

不用信用卡最低还款，不为消费开分期或消费贷；非借不可，先把利息换成年化利率再比

Making minimum payments is not a discount — it is essentially a daily‑interest loan that works out to roughly 18% per year. Once you use this option, the interest‑free period ends immediately, and the unpaid portion of the balance accrues interest from that point onward. Always look at the annual percentage rate when comparing offers; regulators now require issuers to display this figure prominently, rather than just the daily rate. The minimum rate is exactly 0.7 times the maximum rate.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Avoid making minimum payments or taking installment plans or consumer loans” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-008
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Don’t give streamers tips, don’t make in‑game purchases, and don’t make impulsive buys

不给主播打赏、不给游戏充值、不冲动下单

On average, each gamer in China spends roughly 480 yuan per year on games, and that money is almost impossible to get back. Laws only require refunds for purchases made by minors without parental consent; adults have no such protection. The easiest way to stay on budget is to take preventive steps: disable automatic payments, set spending limits, and unlink payment options.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Don’t give streamers tips, don’t make in‑game purchases, and don’t make impulsive buys” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-009
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

When kids make in-app purchases or send gifts, parents can demand refunds for large sums spent by kids over eight if they never gave consent

孩子用手机充值打赏，八岁以上的大额支出未经家长追认可以主张退

Money spent by children over eight years old can be legally invalidated and refunded if the amount far exceeds what one would reasonably expect for their age and level of maturity, and if parents neither approved nor acknowledged the transaction. For kids under eight, any spending is automatically considered invalid, as they lack legal capacity to make such decisions. Even silence from parents is interpreted by law as a refusal to acknowledge the expense.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “When kids make in-app purchases or send gifts, parents can demand refunds for large sums spent by kids over eight if they never gave consent” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-010
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Teaching kids one key phrase: anyone who asks them to use a parent’s phone to enter verification codes is a scammer

教孩子记一句话：任何人让你拿家长的手机去操作、去报验证码，都是骗子

Each of these six scams works differently, but they all end the same way: the scammer gets the child to use a parent’s phone to transfer money or read out verification codes. That’s why this single phrase is enough: anyone who asks your child to use a parent’s phone or read out verification codes is a scammer. Add this follow-up line too: “If you’re scammed, tell me right away and I won’t scold you.” Only if the child feels safe enough to speak up immediately is there any chance of recovering the stolen funds.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Teaching kids one key phrase: anyone who asks them to use a parent’s phone to enter verification codes is a scammer” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-011
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Skipping extended warranties for electronics

拒绝电子产品的延长保修（延保）

Extended warranties typically cost 10% to 50% of the item’s original price. The profit margin on these warranties is roughly ten times higher than that of regular merchandise. In 2003, Best Buy in the U.S. earned over half of its total profits from extended warranties, even though they accounted for only 3% to 4% of its overall revenue. That price gap is exactly the extra money you end up paying.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Skipping extended warranties for electronics” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-012
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Prefer generic drugs that have passed consistency evaluation and those selected in centralized procurement

优先选通过一致性评价的仿制药和集采中选药

The second batch of centrally procured drugs saw an average price drop of 53%, with some drugs becoming 93% cheaper. As of April 2026, 11 procurement rounds have been completed, covering 490 different drugs. Asking for generic drugs from this program ensures you get the same ingredients at a much lower price.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Prefer generic drugs that have passed consistency evaluation and those selected in centralized procurement” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-013
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Once you set up family medical expense sharing in the yibao app, funds from your individual medical insurance account can be used to pay for your spouse, parents, and children’s medical care and medication.

在医保 App 上办一次家庭共济绑定，职工医保个人账户的钱就能给配偶、父母、子女看病买药

After completing this setup, any money in your individual yibao account can be used to cover medical expenses and medication costs for your spouse, parents, and children. Without this setup, those funds remain locked in your account for your own use only.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Once you set up family medical expense sharing in the yibao app, funds from your individual medical insurance account can be used to pay for your spouse, parents, and children’s medical care and medication.” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-014
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

Drinking boiled tap water instead of buying bottled water year-round

喝烧开的自来水，不常年订饮水机用的桶装水、买瓶装水

In Beijing, the first-tier water price works out to 0.005 yuan per liter. Bottled water, calculated at 1 yuan for every 500 milliliters, costs 2 yuan per liter — that’s a 400-fold difference. Tap water must meet mandatory national standards, so simply boiling it before drinking is sufficient. However, if the water source is contaminated or the water becomes foul-smelling and cloudy, a few extra minutes of boiling won’t fix the problem; you should stop drinking it and report the issue to authorities.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Drinking boiled tap water instead of buying bottled water year-round” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-015
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Infrequent stock trading

不频繁交易股票，行情暴涨暴跌的时候更要少动手

Among investors who trade most frequently, the average annual return is only 11.4%, while the overall market average for the same period is 17.9%. This gap of over 6 percentage points is almost entirely caused by the transaction fees incurred with each trade. If these fees are excluded, the returns of frequent and infrequent traders end up being quite similar.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Infrequent stock trading” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-016
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Don’t borrow money to invest, avoid leverage, and never buy assets you don’t understand

不借钱投资、不加杠杆、不买自己看不懂的

When you use borrowed money to buy stocks, any drop below a set threshold leaves you unable to add more funds, so your positions get automatically sold off. The paper losses instantly become real losses, leaving you no chance to wait for the price to rebound. Regulatory rules state that people who have held an account for less than six months or whose average daily assets over the past 20 trading days are under 500,000 RMB cannot open margin trading accounts. This threshold alone makes it clear this tool isn’t meant for ordinary investors.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Don’t borrow money to invest, avoid leverage, and never buy assets you don’t understand” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-017
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Using broad-market index funds instead of actively managed funds as a long-term core holding (the portion of money you keep invested for years)

用宽基指数基金替代主动管理基金作为长期底仓（长期拿着不动的那部分钱）

The collection of stocks held by actively managed funds already closely mirrors the overall market. Yet the extra management fees they charge are deducted straight from your actual returns. When we repeatedly re-randomize fund performance data to test how much luck plays a role, very few funds manage to generate enough outperformance to offset those fees.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Using broad-market index funds instead of actively managed funds as a long-term core holding (the portion of money you keep invested for years)” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-018
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

When picking similar funds, go for those with lower fees

同类基金优先选费率低的

For every 1 percentage point increase in a fund’s annual fee, the amount you end up with after 20 years drops by roughly 18%, and after 30 years by about 26%. Among funds in the same category, picking one with lower fees is the only thing you can be certain of in advance.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “When picking similar funds, go for those with lower fees” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-019
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Don’t put all your money into one stock, one platform, or one property

别把钱押在一只股票、一个平台、一套房上

As long as multiple assets don’t all rise or fall in perfect unison, spreading your money across them keeps your average expected returns the same, while reducing the ups and downs of your account balance. Conversely, if you invest all your funds in just one stock, platform, or property, any trouble with it directly impacts your entire portfolio.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Don’t put all your money into one stock, one platform, or one property” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-020
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Individuals who pay income tax can open a personal pension account and deduct up to 12,000 yuan per year before tax; it is not worthwhile for non-taxpayers to do so.

交个税且税率到 10% 及以上的人开个人养老金账户，每年最多 12000 元能在税前扣掉；不交个税或税率只有 3% 的人开了不划算

For every yuan you deposit, the tax you save equals your marginal tax rate minus 3%. If you contribute the full 12,000 yuan in a year, a taxpayer at a 10% rate saves 840 yuan, at 20% saves 2,040 yuan, and at 30% saves 3,240 yuan. Those who do not pay income tax gain nothing; they must also pay an additional 3% tax when withdrawing funds, resulting in a net loss. The money stays locked until retirement.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Individuals who pay income tax can open a personal pension account and deduct up to 12,000 yuan per year before tax; it is not worthwhile for non-taxpayers to do so.” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-021
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Paying for gym visits individually or on short-term plans is only worthwhile if you have a consistent attendance record spanning over a year

健身房按次付费或短周期付费，除非有一年以上的稳定记录

According to three years of data from U.S. gyms, members who signed contracts with monthly fees exceeding $70 attended the gym just 4.3 times per month on average, which works out to over $17 per visit. Meanwhile, a 10‑visit pass costs only $10 per visit. Collectively, these members paid roughly $600 more over their membership period. Unless you’ve already been going to the gym regularly for at least a year, buying individual passes or short‑term plans is far more economical.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Paying for gym visits individually or on short-term plans is only worthwhile if you have a consistent attendance record spanning over a year” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-022
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Sign a written contract before paying a deposit; if a business faces risks, it must stop taking payments, and you have the right to get back any unused balance if it shuts down.

交预付款要签书面合同；商家出风险要停收，跑路前你有权要回未消费的余额

Any business that accepts a prepayment from you must sign a written contract with you that clearly outlines how refunds will be handled. If a business runs into serious operational problems, it must stop collecting prepayments. Even if it plans to close or relocate, it must give you advance notice. At that point, you can either demand that it continue providing services or request a refund for any unused balance. Violating these rules results in fines for the business.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Sign a written contract before paying a deposit; if a business faces risks, it must stop taking payments, and you have the right to get back any unused balance if it shuts down.” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-023
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

Implementing a 24-hour cooling-off period for non-essential big-ticket purchases; making full use of the seven-day no-questions-asked return policy for online shopping

大额非必需购买设 24 小时冷静期，网购善用七日无理由退货

What you save is exactly the money spent on items you no longer want the very next day. For online purchases, you can return them for any reason within seven days of delivery. There are a few categories excluded from this policy: custom-made items, perishable goods, digital products that have been opened, and newspapers and periodicals.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Implementing a 24-hour cooling-off period for non-essential big-ticket purchases; making full use of the seven-day no-questions-asked return policy for online shopping” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-024
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

Don’t fall for “strikethrough prices” or impulse buying during sales

不为「划线价」和大促囤货

When judging whether something is cheap or expensive, people rely on the first price they see; later adjustments rarely make up for that initial impression. Thus, a claim like “original price 999, now 499” makes us systematically overestimate how much we’re saving. By regulation, the baseline for a discount should be the lowest price at which the item actually sold in the seven days preceding the promotion; the crossed‑out price isn’t necessarily a real transaction price.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Don’t fall for “strikethrough prices” or impulse buying during sales” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-025
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

It’s better to choose a non‑return insurance plan and treat any “refunds” or dividends as non‑guaranteed benefits

保险优先买消费型，把「返还」「分红」当作不保证的部分

The insurance company makes no promises about any dividends or refunds you might receive. Policy documents must explicitly state in bold text that “future policy dividends are non‑guaranteed benefits.” The extra premiums paid for return features essentially act as a savings account managed by the insurer; there’s no guarantee on returns, and withdrawals are difficult.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “It’s better to choose a non‑return insurance plan and treat any “refunds” or dividends as non‑guaranteed benefits” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-026
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Get sufficient third‑party liability coverage: the mandatory insurance limits are uniform nationwide and relatively low, so any excess must be paid out of your own pocket

三者险买够：交强险限额全国统一且不高，超出的部分从你自己家里出

When you’re at fault, the mandatory insurance pays out only up to three specific limits: 180,000 yuan for death or disability, 18,000 yuan for medical expenses, and 2,000 yuan for property damage. These amounts cannot be combined or transferred between categories. Compensation for injuries often exceeds these caps, and any shortfall must be paid by you personally; therefore, it’s essential to purchase enough commercial third‑party coverage.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Get sufficient third‑party liability coverage: the mandatory insurance limits are uniform nationwide and relatively low, so any excess must be paid out of your own pocket” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-027
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

Set aside an emergency fund equal to 3–6 months of living expenses in a readily accessible account

先存出 3 到 6 个月生活费的应急金，放在随时能取的地方

Keep 3 to 6 months’ worth of living expenses in an account you can withdraw from at any time. This way, if you lose your job or fall ill, you won’t have to borrow money at an 18% annual interest rate, nor will you need to sell your investments at a loss. Deposits in banks are protected by deposit insurance, which covers up to 500,000 RMB per bank in China.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Set aside an emergency fund equal to 3–6 months of living expenses in a readily accessible account” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-028
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

Run a quick comparison before paying off your mortgage — don’t rely on gut feeling

提前还房贷之前先做一道比较题，不要凭感觉

Paying off your mortgage is essentially the same as earning a guaranteed return equal to your mortgage rate. So the only question you need to ask is: can you reliably earn a higher after‑tax return than that rate? If the answer is yes, it makes sense to keep the money invested. If not, or if you’re unsure, paying off the loan is the better choice. With an equal principal‑and‑interest repayment plan, most of the early payments go toward interest; the earlier you pay, the more you save. Most bank apps have a “pre‑payment calculator” that gives you the exact numbers.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Run a quick comparison before paying off your mortgage — don’t rely on gut feeling” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-029
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

When shopping online, follow platform rules and laws — not influencers or “positive reviews”

网购认平台规则和法条，不认主播和「好评」

If a seller cheats you, they must pay three times the amount you paid — with a minimum compensation of 500 yuan. Platforms that know sellers are breaking the law but do nothing must share in the liability. The maximum deposit allowed is 20% of the contract value; if you break the contract, that deposit is forfeited, but if the seller does, they must return double the amount. Organizing fake orders or fake positive reviews in livestreams is illegal, and algorithmic price discrimination based on personal data is strictly prohibited.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “When shopping online, follow platform rules and laws — not influencers or “positive reviews”” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-030
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

If something goes wrong after buying from a livestream, first ask the platform for the seller’s and influencer’s details — they’re required to provide them.

直播间买的东西出了问题，先向平台要卖家和带货人的信息，平台必须给

One of the biggest hurdles when problems arise from purchases made during livestreams is figuring out exactly who to hold responsible. In such cases, you can demand that the platform disclose the identity of the livestream operator and any associated influencers, along with their business records. The platform is legally obligated to comply with this request.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “If something goes wrong after buying from a livestream, first ask the platform for the seller’s and influencer’s details — they’re required to provide them.” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-031
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

If you buy unsafe food, you can demand ten times the purchase price as compensation; if the amount is under 1,000 yuan, you’re still entitled to 1,000 yuan.

买到不安全的食品，除了退钱还能要十倍价款，增加赔偿不足一千元的按一千元算

If you buy expired or spoiled food, the food itself, its packaging, and the receipt serve as evidence — so don’t toss them out. You’re entitled to compensation equal to ten times the purchase price or three times your actual loss; if that amount is less than 1,000 yuan, you still get 1,000 yuan. You may choose either the seller or the manufacturer to compensate you; the party you approach must pay first and cannot shift the responsibility to the other side.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “If you buy unsafe food, you can demand ten times the purchase price as compensation; if the amount is under 1,000 yuan, you’re still entitled to 1,000 yuan.” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-032
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Check national inspection reports, 3C certification, and energy labels before buying big-ticket items

买大件前先查国家抽检通报、3C 认证和能效标识

In 2024, national inspections covered 25,250 batches of products, with 14.3% found to be non-compliant. The situation is worse on e-commerce platforms: out of 7,297 inspected batches, 23.5% failed to meet standards, compared to 15.1% of products sold in physical stores. Before purchasing any big-ticket item, take a few minutes to check the latest inspection reports and verify that the 3C certificate is genuine. Any product required to carry an energy label must have one.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Check national inspection reports, 3C certification, and energy labels before buying big-ticket items” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-033
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Bracelets, jade, luxury watches, and collectibles should be judged by “how much you spend” rather than “how much you save”

手串、玉石、名表、潮玩按「花掉的钱」算账，不按「存下的钱」算

A portion of the purchase price for such items is already consumption tax: watches priced at 10,000 yuan or more incur a 20% tax; gold, platinum, and diamond jewelry faces a 5% tax; other precious stones and jade incur a 10% tax, plus standard VAT. This tax cannot be reclaimed when you resell the item. If you truly love these items, treat them as a personal expense rather than an investment.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Bracelets, jade, luxury watches, and collectibles should be judged by “how much you spend” rather than “how much you save”” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-034
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

For jewelry and gemstones, only test reports bearing the CMA mark are acceptable; you must also verify the issuing agency on the regulator’s official website.

珠宝玉石只认带 CMA 标志的检测报告，并到发证部门官网核一下这家机构

Certificates can be forged, so what truly matters is confirming the agency that issued it. Any testing organization allowed to issue reports must hold proper credentials, and its reports must display the CMA mark. The regulatory authority publishes a list of certified agencies on its website, making it easy for consumers to confirm whether a given provider is on that list. In actual enforcement cases, some “national inspection certificates” accompanying goods were found to have been fabricated by unrelated parties.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “For jewelry and gemstones, only test reports bearing the CMA mark are acceptable; you must also verify the issuing agency on the regulator’s official website.” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-035
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Random sales such as blind boxes and gacha games are treated as “money that won’t come back”

盲盒、抽卡这类随机销售，按「这笔钱不会回来」算

Sellers must display the draw rules, probabilities, and quantities of limited‑edition items in a highly visible manner. They are prohibited from manipulating results behind the scenes or offering empty boxes. While the guidelines encourage setting minimum guarantees and limits on spending and number of draws, they are not mandatory. For blind boxes purchased online, if the seller has clearly explained the terms and you have confirmed them, you cannot exercise the seven‑day right to return after opening the box.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Random sales such as blind boxes and gacha games are treated as “money that won’t come back”” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-036
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

If you care about what’s in your food, buy pre-packaged products: loose goods at retail counters aren’t legally required to list ingredients

在意食品里加了什么，就买预包装的：散装柜台法律上不要求标配料表

The law only mandates ingredient lists for pre-packaged foods; loose goods have no such requirement. For loose products, retailers only need to display the product name, production date, shelf life, and manufacturer details. So, the absence of any mention of additives does not mean they were not added — it simply means the law does not require them to be listed. If you care about what’s in your food, opt for pre-packaged versions where both the full ingredient list and additive details are clearly printed.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “If you care about what’s in your food, buy pre-packaged products: loose goods at retail counters aren’t legally required to list ingredients” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-037
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Stocks that have lost value should also be sold according to pre‑set rules — don’t try to even out costs by buying more

亏了的股票也要按事先定好的规则卖掉，不靠往下补仓摊平成本翻身

Human nature drives us to sell winners and hold losers. In seven years of data from 10,000 U.S. accounts, stocks that rose were sold about 50% more often than those that fell. The same investors also tended to add to positions in losing stocks. Yet over the following year those unloved losers underperformed the sold winners by an average of 3.4 percentage points.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Stocks that have lost value should also be sold according to pre‑set rules — don’t try to even out costs by buying more” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-038
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Planning to invest in overseas assets such as U.S. stocks? Use QDII funds or the Hong Kong Stock Connect program — don’t open accounts with foreign brokers, and don’t use your annual foreign exchange quota for buying foreign stocks.

想买美股这类海外资产，走 QDII 基金或港股通，别去境外券商开户，也别拿每年的换汇额度去买

Starting May 2026, foreign brokers such as Tiger Brokers, Futu, and LongBridge are no longer allowed to accept new accounts from mainland investors. Existing account holders may only sell their holdings and withdraw funds within two years; no further purchases are permitted. Using your annual foreign exchange quota to buy overseas stocks is also prohibited; violators lose eligibility for that quota for the current year and the following two years. The only legal ways to invest in foreign assets remain QDII funds and the Hong Kong Stock Connect program.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Planning to invest in overseas assets such as U.S. stocks? Use QDII funds or the Hong Kong Stock Connect program — don’t open accounts with foreign brokers, and don’t use your annual foreign exchange quota for buying foreign stocks.” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-039
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

Only buy insurance for losses your savings can’t cover; use an emergency fund for losses you can afford

只给自己扛不住的损失买保险，扛得住的损失用应急金兜着

The premiums you pay won’t all be returned to you; a portion goes toward the insurer’s operating costs and profit. Therefore, insurance is worthwhile only for rare events that would otherwise overwhelm your finances — such as serious illness, a car accident causing injury to others, or the death of a primary breadwinner. For smaller losses that your savings can handle, an emergency fund is the better choice.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Only buy insurance for losses your savings can’t cover; use an emergency fund for losses you can afford” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-040
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

If someone at home depends on your income, buy term life insurance for the breadwinner first — not for your kids.

家里有人靠你的收入过日子，先给挣钱的人买定期寿险，别先给孩子买

Term life insurance covers you only for a set number of years. If you pass away during that period, your family receives a payout. This coverage is meant to protect dependents who rely on your earnings — for instance, if your mortgage is still unpaid or your children are still young. If no one depends on you financially, this insurance isn’t necessary. Since kids don’t earn income, laws also limit how much death benefit can be paid for them.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “If someone at home depends on your income, buy term life insurance for the breadwinner first — not for your kids.” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-041
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Regretting a personal insurance policy signed for over a year? You can cancel it during the cooling-off period and get most of your premium back.

签了一年以上的人身险又后悔，在犹豫期内退掉，保费基本全退

All personal insurance policies with a term longer than one year include a cooling-off period. For policies bought through banks, this period starts 15 days after you receive the policy document, and cancelling during this time incurs a maximum administrative fee of 10 yuan. After this window closes, you’ll only receive the portion of your premium that the policy allows you to reclaim, which is usually far less than what you originally paid. Insurers often make follow-up calls to check if you fully understand the terms — be honest if you’re still unclear.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Regretting a personal insurance policy signed for over a year? You can cancel it during the cooling-off period and get most of your premium back.” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-042
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Before signing at the bank counter, check whether it’s a deposit or insurance

在银行柜台签字前，先看清手里的是存款还是保险

Banks may sell insurance on behalf of insurers, but they must not present it as a deposit. The contract cover must clearly state “Insurance Contract” and the insurer’s name in large print; terms like “deposit” or “savings” are strictly prohibited. If the insurer’s name appears on the cover, the money is not a deposit, and cancelling after the cooling-off period will result in losses. In principle, people aged 65 and older can only purchase insurance with guaranteed returns when buying at banks.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Before signing at the bank counter, check whether it’s a deposit or insurance” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-043
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

To cancel your insurance policy, contact the insurer directly — don’t use “policy cancellation agents.” If you feel misled, call 12378 for free assistance.

想退保就自己找保险公司办，别找「代理退保」，觉得被误导了打 12378 投诉

Online ads promising “full policy refunds with no fees if unsuccessful” usually come from illegal cancellation agents. They typically take 30–50% of any refund amount and demand your ID, bank details, and verification codes. Once the policy is cancelled, coverage ends. If you feel misled, first contact the insurer’s customer service; if that fails, call 12378 — this service is completely free.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “To cancel your insurance policy, contact the insurer directly — don’t use “policy cancellation agents.” If you feel misled, call 12378 for free assistance.” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-044
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Writing a specific beneficiary on the policy lets family claim the payout: 5 years for life insurance, 2 years for other policies

保单上把受益人写成具体的人，出了事记得去领钱：寿险 5 年、其他保险 2 年内要主张

If no beneficiary is listed, or if the named beneficiary passes away first, the payout is treated as part of the deceased’s estate and must first cover any debts owed by the deceased. If “Spouse: [Name]” is listed as beneficiary but the couple later divorces, the policy is effectively treated as having no beneficiary at the time of a claim. Family members must be aware of the policy’s existence: for life insurance, claims must be filed within 5 years of learning of the insured’s death; for other policies, the deadline is 2 years. In total, 100,000 people are affected by such situations, and another 100,000 face related complications.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Writing a specific beneficiary on the policy lets family claim the payout: 5 years for life insurance, 2 years for other policies” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-045
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Do not treat cryptocurrency as a protected investment in Mainland China

别拿钱买比特币、泰达币这类虚拟货币，别人拉你一起投也不跟：交易不受法律保护，亏了打官司也要不回来

Mainland Chinese notices state that virtual currencies are not legal tender and prohibit related financial activities. Some civil transactions may be treated as invalid, leaving losses with the parties.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Do not treat cryptocurrency as a protected investment in Mainland China” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
05-046
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

For self-employed pension contributions, compare the minimum tier and payback period before enrolling

没单位的人自己交职工养老保险，按最低档交、先把年限交够最划算；别当成一交就赚，按最低档也要领约 10 年才回本

The source's model finds that the minimum contribution tier reaches its estimated break-even point after roughly ten years of benefits; paying more can take longer to recoup.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “For self-employed pension contributions, compare the minimum tier and payback period before enrolling” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off

Source snapshot: a994b6a0c90598b0fe15cb837343f438dbf7b95d. Every original stays available in Chinese alongside the English edition.