20 Tricky Things That Waste Your Money

0
20 Tricky Things That Waste Your Money

We are tricked into wasting thousands of dollars every year-for subscriptions, apps, groceries, even greeting cards. Enough is enough!

This post is not just a list of budgeting tips. It is a call to action. Let’s get your money back where it belongs—in your wallet.

1. Subscription Streaming

We’ve all jumped on the bandwagon to save money on cable, but now we’re paying Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Disney+and twelve others. The problem? We forget what we signed up for—and what we’re actually watching.

Traveling Saves Money: Cancel everything. Wait and see what exactly you miss. Then, re-register—one at a time—only when needed.

2. Storage of Technology You Don’t Use

From iCloud to Dropbox, those monthly costs add up—especially when we don’t even know what we’re storing.

Traveling Saves Money: Delete files, photos, and applications that you no longer use. Then, downgrade or cancel your paid storage plans.

3. Online Shopping

One tap shopping simple-but it’s dangerous. Have you ever received a package and forgotten what was inside? Likewise.

Ways to Save Money:

  • Delete your credit card information saved on your Amazon account.

  • Set a timer: Wait 1 hour for small purchases, 24 hours for large ones.

  • If you still want it tomorrow, go ahead. Chances are—it won’t.

4. Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails

Those tempting sales emails that say “70% off”? They consume time, attention, and money.

Traveling Saves Money: Make Black Friday your annual “Unsubscribe Day”. Or better yet—do it every month. Your inbox (and wallet) will thank you.

5. Gift Cards

In addition to 25% of gift cards are unused-that’s real money sitting in the closet.

Traveling Saves Money: Have a “Gift Card Day.” Use them all on fun, purposeful trips. No overkill, just free fun.

6. Daily Grinding

$6 coffee each day adds up $1,500/year— that’s a holiday.

Traveling Saves Money: Buy a $90 coffee maker. Break at home. Use nice cups to feel good. Put the muffin in your fridge if you have to.

7. Saving on the Grocery Bill

The average family spends 30% of their frozen meals-that means hundreds down.

Traveling Saves Money: Before grocery shopping, check your refrigerator. Plan meals for what will perish. It only takes 5 minutes. Download my FREE MEAL PLANNER HERE.

8. Bulk Shop

Buying in bulk it can be save money—if you have a purpose.

Money saving strategy:

  • Only buy in bulk if you use it always.

  • Keep a list of the things you regularly go through.

  • Have a designated “bulk overflow” shelf or drawer.

9. Go Normal

Some brand names are worth it. Others? Total garbage.

Traveling Saves Money: Skip the product name of:

10. The Takeout Trap!

No plan = no dinner = $73 McDonald’s order for the family.

Traveling Saves Money: Spend 10 minutes a week meal planning. Use online tools or AI to help you organize based on what’s in your fridge. Your wallet (and waistline) will thank you.

11. Cleaning Materials

Stainless steel cleaner. Granite cleaner. Shower spray. These often remain unused—and many expires within 3 months.

Traveling Saves Money: Use a multipurpose cleaner, vinegar, or baking soda. They work, and they’re cheap. Or you can make your own homemade cleaners. Find all the recipes here.

12. Phantom Energy

Your game consoles, computers, and TVs are running on or off. It is called phantom energy draw.

Traveling Saves Money: Use the power bar with the switch. It closes at night. Save up to $30/month.

13. Credit Card Debt

Carrying a balance? You’re not alone—but it costs a lot of time.

Example: $3,000 balance with minimum payments that can take 20 years payment and expenses $4,500+ in interest.

Money Saving Goal: Prioritize paying off debt quickly. The faster you act, the more you save.

14. Membership

If you don’t go, it’s not an incentive – it’s a waste of money.

Traveling Saves Money: Cancel and opt for a free workout at home or in the park.

15. Storage

Get rid of the storage locker! If you don’t want it in your house, why pay to store it somewhere else?

Traveling Saves Money: Declutter instead. Don’t pay to store things you’ll never use.

16. Rethink Greeting Cards

$8 for a card that goes in the trash? I do not think so!

Traveling Saves Money: Write a handwritten note or gift a printed photo. It’s personal—and it’s free.

17. Avoid Themed Gifts and Party Mess

Holiday-themed teddy bears, Valentine’s Day decor, birthday party favors—these aren’t the essentials.

Traveling Saves Money: Give practical and meaningful gifts that last. Celebrate without overspending on throwaways.

18. Name-Brand Children’s Clothing

Children grow like weeds—and expensive clothes often go unworn.

Traveling Saves Money: Buy second hand. Check out thrift stores, online markets, or barter with friends.

19. Check Your Application Usage

In-app purchases and game upgrades seem harmless—until you realize you’re spending $70/month.

Traveling Saves Money: Check your app store registration and usage. Cancel what you don’t use.

20. Turn off Automatic Updates

Those monthly expenses are easy to forget—but they add up.

Traveling Saves Money: Turn off auto-refresh for all apps and subscriptions. You will be forced to check each one again before it is updated.

21. Crazy!

That’s really the theme here: Explore how easy it is to spend money without thinking. Then, get your energy back.

Start Here:

Get your FREE programming eBook here:

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel and Get Inspired! sub_confirmation=1

🧺 EDITING SOLUTIONS AND EDITING ITEMS WE DEAL WITH:

✨ DECLUTTER AND CLEANS LIKE A PRO – My top picks
Popular Cleaning Tools: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Popular Planning Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Favorites Sorting Kitchen: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON:

📲 Let’s meet people! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: