Sneaky expenses that can wreck your budget

When it comes to money, do your finances ever feel like a leaky faucet — the dollars and cents run out faster than they come in? Even when you feel like you’re doing everything right, there can be ‘invisible expenses’ that derail your money goals and sabotage your progress toward financial freedom.

 As you take a closer look, you’ll likely notice it’s not the big purchases that can throw your budget off track, but the small, everyday expenses that quietly pile up. Whether it’s a fancy coffee drink every day or a subscription service you hardly use, these expenses can fly under the radar but make a surprising dent in your finances over time.

3 areas to watch for sneaky expenses

We've uncovered three common causes of "expense creep," which can add up to more than $300 a month, and shared easy ways to help you reverse the trend.

1. The $2,106 cup of coffee or dining out

Small daily habits often have the biggest impact over time. Spending $5 or more on fancy coffee drinks once a week may not seem like a big deal, but doing it every day can add up. It's estimated that women in the U.S. spend around $2,327 annually on coffee and men an estimated $1,934. But even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you may dine out frequently instead of packing your lunch. While a $10 deli sandwich or salad may not seem pricey at first, if you’re buying lunch three times a week, suddenly there’s $150 coming out of your paycheck each month to cover lunch expenses. That is money that could be going toward your savings, debt repayment or other financial goals.

2. Food delivery and convenience fees

Americans spend over $1,566 on food delivery service every year and around $35.42 per order. When using delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, your meal can cost significantly more than if you ordered directly from the restaurant. Even before additional fees, many businesses charge higher food prices when using a delivery service to help cover the cost the apps charge them. Then add in delivery, tip and other fees, and your meal could cost several dollars more. 

3. Unused monthly services

If you signed up for a gym membership in an effort to reach your health and fitness goals, but haven’t gotten there as much as you should, you’re not alone. 67% of people who sign up for a gym membership never actually use it. Unfortunately, if you opted for an automatic credit card payment, you’re likely still paying every month — costing you nearly $780 a year on average. Instead, you could look for a gym that offers a "pay-as-you-go" option or explore free fitness apps or online videos to help keep those costs in check. 

Other monthly services, like streaming platforms, photo editing software, phone apps or other subscription services can quickly drain funds from your budget. Perhaps you purchased a free trial and forgot to cancel before it turned into a paid plan, or you didn’t realize a service renews automatically at the start of the year. Without a regular review of your budget, these amounts can quickly add up.

Other everyday costs you might be overlooking

Even the most budget-conscious people can miss the sneaky expenses that slip through the cracks. Everyday money wasters might seem small, but they can add up quickly if you’re not paying attention. Here are other hidden costs to keep in mind: 

• Buy now, pay later interest and fees: Buy now, pay later services like Afterpay and  Klarna let you split purchases into smaller payments over time. However, if you miss payments or carry balances, late fees and interest can kick in, making a purchase even more expensive over time. Plus, late or missed payments may get reported to credit bureaus, which can affect your credit score. Only use this option for essential purchases if you know you can repay on time and set reminders for payment due dates. 
• Home energy waste: Leaving lights on when you’re not at home, heating/cooling empty rooms and using outdated appliances can all raise your utility bills. Using smart home tech, like programmable thermostats, is a helpful way to automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule and habits. Smart plugs can be used to put certain lights on timers. Many apps also allow you to adjust temps from your phone, get energy reports and optimize your settings to help boost savings. 
• ATM and banking fees: Using out-of-network ATMs, overdrafting your account or having bank accounts with hidden maintenance fees can chip away at your balance without you realizing it. These fees could add up to hundreds of dollars a year if you’re not paying attention. Choose a bank or credit union with no-fee accounts and use only in-network ATMs. Set up low balance alerts to avoid overdrafts and review your statements regularly to catch any surprise charges. 

Want more ways to save?

If you’re looking to tighten up your budget and put more money back in your pocket, try these 14 tips to help keep your budget on track.

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