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See Again
© Getty Images
0 / 39 Fotos
ATM fees - These charges can quickly add up, and all for simply using an ATM that doesn't belong to your bank! Be kind to your bank account.
© Shutterstock
1 / 39 Fotos
Greeting cards - The emotions driving the purchase of these cards, and the ability to avoid actually having to say it yourself, bump the price far past what’s acceptable for a card.
© Shutterstock
2 / 39 Fotos
Coffee
- Many people don’t view coffee as an addiction, but it similarly drains your money and leaves you with the shakes. Instead of splurging on coffee, invest in a coffee machine and travel mug.
© Shutterstock
3 / 39 Fotos
Rush shipping - Shipping costs are a huge add-on that most people forget to factor in when they order something online. For things that you order regularly, consider auto-ship.
© Shutterstock
4 / 39 Fotos
Buying the cheapest option - Though it seems counterintuitive, sometimes cheap things can cost you more in the long run, like constantly replacing your earphones.
© Shutterstock
5 / 39 Fotos
Spending to save - The biggest scam is believing that you're saving money by hopping on a "free shipping for one day only" or "buy one, get one half off" sort of deal for something you didn't need.
© Shutterstock
6 / 39 Fotos
Baby clothes - There’s so little material, and it's going to be stained or too small very soon, yet you’re forking over the same amount as for your own clothes.
© Shutterstock
7 / 39 Fotos
Bottled water - These days there is no excuse for you to not have a refillable water bottle.
© Shutterstock
8 / 39 Fotos
Work lunches - Bringing your own lunch could save you hundreds every month, and you'd probably be much healthier.
© Shutterstock
9 / 39 Fotos
Cable TV - It’s time to stop paying for shows you don’t want, especially in the era of instant streaming.
© Shutterstock
10 / 39 Fotos
Streaming subscriptions - On the other hand, having too many subscriptions is also money down the drain. Think about which you use the most, and cut the fat.
© Shutterstock
11 / 39 Fotos
Weight loss schemes - Whether it’s laxatives disguised as tea or belts meant to give you abs, somewhere deep down you know the only real solution is exercising and eating well.
© Shutterstock
12 / 39 Fotos
Unused gym memberships - Speaking of exercising, if you have an unused gym membership, all you're losing is money, with the added side of guilt.
© Shutterstock
13 / 39 Fotos
Bad health habits
- Cigarettes, too many happy hour drinks, extra fries with your burger, or sugary snacks—you already know you shouldn't.
© Shutterstock
14 / 39 Fotos
Specific cleaning products for different areas - Though some materials like wood require different products, you don't need specific cleaners for specific areas. What's more, it’s easy to make DIY and cheap all-purpose cleaners.
© Shutterstock
15 / 39 Fotos
Vanity and cosmetics - When The Cut asked women in New York City to confess “the dumbest thing they spend their money on,” a top response was "vanity maintenance," meaning haircuts, manicures, waxing, etc.
© Shutterstock
16 / 39 Fotos
Anything with autopay services - Having your card charged automatically has its benefits, but you don't see those extra charges or questionable fees, and you might even forget that you're still paying for something you don't use!
© Shutterstock
17 / 39 Fotos
Mattresses - The overpricing of mattresses is now common knowledge, as they dangle a good night's rest over the debatable price tag, but doing your research can save you hundreds.
© Shutterstock
18 / 39 Fotos
International phone charges - Buying a one-off international plan before you travel can save you the exorbitant roaming charges.
© Shutterstock
19 / 39 Fotos
Textbooks that professors didn’t use - They’re "required texts" that are not at all cheap, and students are not happy.
© Shutterstock
20 / 39 Fotos
Fast fashion - You’re paying a high price for a trend that will pass, made with cheap material that won’t last. Do yourself a favor and skip the fast fashion.
© Shutterstock
21 / 39 Fotos
Buying name brand products - In most cases, the ingredients are essentially identical, but the no name brands are usually significantly cheaper.
© Shutterstock
22 / 39 Fotos
Emotional spending - Whether it’s "retail therapy" or impulse-purchases, make a rule for yourself to wait until the emotions pass, before you pass over your credit card.
© Shutterstock
23 / 39 Fotos
Car insurance - No one likes shopping for car insurance, so we usually hesitate to change after finding one. But comparing insurance costs every two years can help you avoid rising premiums.
© Shutterstock
24 / 39 Fotos
Commercialized spiritual accessories - Crystals you’re not really sure of, sage that makes you cough, visits to psychics who tell you to buy more things… don’t succumb to any kind of commercialized spiritual schemes.
© Shutterstock
25 / 39 Fotos
Credit card costs - Annual fees, late fees, statement fees, and interest charges are a prime way banks make money off of you, so ask questions, add an automatic deposit, or switch institutions.
© Shutterstock
26 / 39 Fotos
Hotels - As extra fees, taxes, and other surcharges are added to the already expensive room rate, a hotel stay can cost hundreds if you're not looking on discount websites.
© Shutterstock
27 / 39 Fotos
Groceries - Shopping when you're hungry, falling for misleading deals, and following expiration dates strictly all add to the food waste problem.
© Shutterstock
28 / 39 Fotos
Pre-cut or pre-sliced anything - Slice the cheese, cut the fruit, and separate the garlic cloves yourself. You can do it.
© Shutterstock
29 / 39 Fotos
External storage - Paying a hefty price to hold onto things you don't need will always be a waste of money.
© Shutterstock
30 / 39 Fotos
Phantom electricity - Phantom energy, or "vampire power," is electricity drawn from outlets when equipment is off but still plugged in.
© Shutterstock
31 / 39 Fotos
Extended warranties - The ultimate cash grab for retailers, extended warranties are usually a complete waste of money for consumers.
© Shutterstock
32 / 39 Fotos
Not keeping your tires inflated - Some tires with too little air can actually worsen a car’s gas mileage, which is money many people don't even know they're losing.
© Shutterstock
33 / 39 Fotos
Fast food - Stop stifling that little voice that reminds you that you have food at home, and save on those sneaky unwanted calories too.
© Shutterstock
34 / 39 Fotos
Timeshares - These "prepaid vacation investments" are extremely difficult to get out of, and for many people they are a waste of money.
© Shutterstock
35 / 39 Fotos
Internet
- After reeling you in with a promotion, your monthly costs start increasing, there are annual fees, etc. The cost of Internet is all in the provider.
© Shutterstock
36 / 39 Fotos
Lottery tickets and gambling - You're more likely to be struck by lightning than to win the lottery, so you'd have better luck putting that money in savings.
© Shutterstock
37 / 39 Fotos
Collection hobbies
- What happened to all those CDs and DVDs everyone was so proud of? See also: The lie of 'expired' food
© Shutterstock
38 / 39 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 39 Fotos
ATM fees - These charges can quickly add up, and all for simply using an ATM that doesn't belong to your bank! Be kind to your bank account.
© Shutterstock
1 / 39 Fotos
Greeting cards - The emotions driving the purchase of these cards, and the ability to avoid actually having to say it yourself, bump the price far past what’s acceptable for a card.
© Shutterstock
2 / 39 Fotos
Coffee
- Many people don’t view coffee as an addiction, but it similarly drains your money and leaves you with the shakes. Instead of splurging on coffee, invest in a coffee machine and travel mug.
© Shutterstock
3 / 39 Fotos
Rush shipping - Shipping costs are a huge add-on that most people forget to factor in when they order something online. For things that you order regularly, consider auto-ship.
© Shutterstock
4 / 39 Fotos
Buying the cheapest option - Though it seems counterintuitive, sometimes cheap things can cost you more in the long run, like constantly replacing your earphones.
© Shutterstock
5 / 39 Fotos
Spending to save - The biggest scam is believing that you're saving money by hopping on a "free shipping for one day only" or "buy one, get one half off" sort of deal for something you didn't need.
© Shutterstock
6 / 39 Fotos
Baby clothes - There’s so little material, and it's going to be stained or too small very soon, yet you’re forking over the same amount as for your own clothes.
© Shutterstock
7 / 39 Fotos
Bottled water - These days there is no excuse for you to not have a refillable water bottle.
© Shutterstock
8 / 39 Fotos
Work lunches - Bringing your own lunch could save you hundreds every month, and you'd probably be much healthier.
© Shutterstock
9 / 39 Fotos
Cable TV - It’s time to stop paying for shows you don’t want, especially in the era of instant streaming.
© Shutterstock
10 / 39 Fotos
Streaming subscriptions - On the other hand, having too many subscriptions is also money down the drain. Think about which you use the most, and cut the fat.
© Shutterstock
11 / 39 Fotos
Weight loss schemes - Whether it’s laxatives disguised as tea or belts meant to give you abs, somewhere deep down you know the only real solution is exercising and eating well.
© Shutterstock
12 / 39 Fotos
Unused gym memberships - Speaking of exercising, if you have an unused gym membership, all you're losing is money, with the added side of guilt.
© Shutterstock
13 / 39 Fotos
Bad health habits
- Cigarettes, too many happy hour drinks, extra fries with your burger, or sugary snacks—you already know you shouldn't.
© Shutterstock
14 / 39 Fotos
Specific cleaning products for different areas - Though some materials like wood require different products, you don't need specific cleaners for specific areas. What's more, it’s easy to make DIY and cheap all-purpose cleaners.
© Shutterstock
15 / 39 Fotos
Vanity and cosmetics - When The Cut asked women in New York City to confess “the dumbest thing they spend their money on,” a top response was "vanity maintenance," meaning haircuts, manicures, waxing, etc.
© Shutterstock
16 / 39 Fotos
Anything with autopay services - Having your card charged automatically has its benefits, but you don't see those extra charges or questionable fees, and you might even forget that you're still paying for something you don't use!
© Shutterstock
17 / 39 Fotos
Mattresses - The overpricing of mattresses is now common knowledge, as they dangle a good night's rest over the debatable price tag, but doing your research can save you hundreds.
© Shutterstock
18 / 39 Fotos
International phone charges - Buying a one-off international plan before you travel can save you the exorbitant roaming charges.
© Shutterstock
19 / 39 Fotos
Textbooks that professors didn’t use - They’re "required texts" that are not at all cheap, and students are not happy.
© Shutterstock
20 / 39 Fotos
Fast fashion - You’re paying a high price for a trend that will pass, made with cheap material that won’t last. Do yourself a favor and skip the fast fashion.
© Shutterstock
21 / 39 Fotos
Buying name brand products - In most cases, the ingredients are essentially identical, but the no name brands are usually significantly cheaper.
© Shutterstock
22 / 39 Fotos
Emotional spending - Whether it’s "retail therapy" or impulse-purchases, make a rule for yourself to wait until the emotions pass, before you pass over your credit card.
© Shutterstock
23 / 39 Fotos
Car insurance - No one likes shopping for car insurance, so we usually hesitate to change after finding one. But comparing insurance costs every two years can help you avoid rising premiums.
© Shutterstock
24 / 39 Fotos
Commercialized spiritual accessories - Crystals you’re not really sure of, sage that makes you cough, visits to psychics who tell you to buy more things… don’t succumb to any kind of commercialized spiritual schemes.
© Shutterstock
25 / 39 Fotos
Credit card costs - Annual fees, late fees, statement fees, and interest charges are a prime way banks make money off of you, so ask questions, add an automatic deposit, or switch institutions.
© Shutterstock
26 / 39 Fotos
Hotels - As extra fees, taxes, and other surcharges are added to the already expensive room rate, a hotel stay can cost hundreds if you're not looking on discount websites.
© Shutterstock
27 / 39 Fotos
Groceries - Shopping when you're hungry, falling for misleading deals, and following expiration dates strictly all add to the food waste problem.
© Shutterstock
28 / 39 Fotos
Pre-cut or pre-sliced anything - Slice the cheese, cut the fruit, and separate the garlic cloves yourself. You can do it.
© Shutterstock
29 / 39 Fotos
External storage - Paying a hefty price to hold onto things you don't need will always be a waste of money.
© Shutterstock
30 / 39 Fotos
Phantom electricity - Phantom energy, or "vampire power," is electricity drawn from outlets when equipment is off but still plugged in.
© Shutterstock
31 / 39 Fotos
Extended warranties - The ultimate cash grab for retailers, extended warranties are usually a complete waste of money for consumers.
© Shutterstock
32 / 39 Fotos
Not keeping your tires inflated - Some tires with too little air can actually worsen a car’s gas mileage, which is money many people don't even know they're losing.
© Shutterstock
33 / 39 Fotos
Fast food - Stop stifling that little voice that reminds you that you have food at home, and save on those sneaky unwanted calories too.
© Shutterstock
34 / 39 Fotos
Timeshares - These "prepaid vacation investments" are extremely difficult to get out of, and for many people they are a waste of money.
© Shutterstock
35 / 39 Fotos
Internet
- After reeling you in with a promotion, your monthly costs start increasing, there are annual fees, etc. The cost of Internet is all in the provider.
© Shutterstock
36 / 39 Fotos
Lottery tickets and gambling - You're more likely to be struck by lightning than to win the lottery, so you'd have better luck putting that money in savings.
© Shutterstock
37 / 39 Fotos
Collection hobbies
- What happened to all those CDs and DVDs everyone was so proud of? See also: The lie of 'expired' food
© Shutterstock
38 / 39 Fotos
Watch out for these silly things we spend too much money on
Here's how to save thousands
© Getty Images
Keeping track of your finances is no easy thing, especially when you live in a society where it often feels like everyone's trying to get your money. We all know that awful moment when the credit card bill arrives and you honestly can't remember spending that much money.
Overspending happens in so many ways, both big and small, and it often catches us by surprise. But with a little added attention, you can actually save yourself thousands of dollars. Click through to see the stupidest things we spend our money on.
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