5 things you probably shouldn't be paying for

We’re all looking for ways to save money, and some good news for consumers - according to a new article out this month, there are some services you can skip all together or get for free.

Consumers Checkbook shows us 5 things you probably shouldn't be paying for.

If the flooding from last month's rain has you considering water-proofing about your basement, Kevin Brasler from Chicago Checkbook says think again.

“Most basement water-proofing problems can be resolved simply by cleaning out your gutters, by extending your downspouts,” Brasler said.

Brasler says try those simple solutions before you hire a company.

Another service you should reconsider - Checkbook says - is air duct cleaning.

“It seems like oh, you want to keep your air ducts clean, it'll help keep dust down in your home,” Brasler said.

But Brasler says go ahead and skip it.

“It may actually create more problems in your home in terms of dust and allergens. It actually stirs it up instead of solving some problem,” Brasler said.

And you might want to take a good, hard look at your Amazon Prime account.

“There are some reasons you might want it. You might take advantage of its free movies and videos and original content,” Brasler said.

But if you're only in it for the free shipping, Brasler says, Amazon now ships any order over $25 bucks - for free.

“Do think about whether that's worth the $99 dollars a year,” Brasler said.

Brasler also says take a second look at warranties - be it a new car warranty, extended warranty or a home warranty.

“They're not good deals, because what you get out of them is on average, far less than what you put in,” Brasler said.

And last - if you're renting a car, Checkbook says opt out of the company's insurance plan.

“If you already have a car, and it's insured, and you have collision and comprehensive, you're going to be covered when you rent that car,” Brasler said.

Checkbook has 45 more things you shouldn't be paying for - you can see their complete list HERE.