17 Ways You're Wasting Money Without Even Knowing It

If your bank account has a balance that seems way lower than you thought was in there, be prepared for this rude awakening. Even if you think you’ve got a handle on your spending, you might be slowly draining your funds without even realizing it. Here are some ways you’re messing with your money that you’re probably overlooking.

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Forgetting to cancel free trials

You may have tried a new streaming service, or said yes to that caller from the bank that advised you to insure your credit card and fast-forward years and you're still paying those fees, wasting money.

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Paying pesky bank fees

Accounts and card fees, overdrafts and ATM charges (especially one that's not your bank) are monthly money-spending annoyances that can easily be changed. Do your research, read the fine print, and switch banks if you're not happy with what you find.

For more, check out our top 20 tips for exchanging money, including how to avoid fees for international transactions.

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Only using credit/debit cards

It's convenient but frequently hitting the ATM and charging things will cost you. If you have to spend money, try carrying cash so you save more, and spend less.

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Forgetting to pay bills on time

Late charges on your Visa or hydro bill will hit your bank account hard. Is there anything worse than having to spend more money than you actually need to? Automate payments if you can never remember.

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Grocery shopping when you’re hungry

Nooooo, a huge no-no. If your tummy is rumbly in the slightest, unexpected treats and things that didn't make your list will find their way into your cart. Trust us: grocery shop when full, and you'll end up spending less money.

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Making more than one trip to the grocery store per week

A good way to stick to a grocery budget is to do a weekly (or bi-weekly) big shop to get all the stuff you need rather than make the trip whenever you run out of one or a handful of things. Chances are, you'll end up buying more than you planned to. When you spend more money than you intend to, time and time again, it adds up.

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Buying brand name products

Check the ingredients list on store and generic brands — whether it's food, household products, and over-the-counter and prescription medicine. You'll find they're almost identical and all you're paying for is the brand. A really easy way to save money is to avoid buying brand name when possible.

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Opting for pre-sliced or individually packed products

Packaged pre-cut meats and cheese will cost you more than choosing the amount you need from the deli. And why pay extra money for wrappers you're just going to toss?

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Getting your baking products at the grocery store

You can easily find flour, sugar, chocolate, nuts and candies in bulk for a lot cheaper. Rather than picking up baking products on your next grocery store run, save money by heading to the closest bulk food store near you.

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Getting your car fixed at the dealership

While warranty stuff should obviously stay with the dealership their stiff rates and by-the-book approach will be pricey. For routine maintenance work, find a shop or mechanic recommended by a friend or family member who, ideally, also uses them.

For more, check out 20 ways to cut your car costs.

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Neglecting your tires

Not a euphemism. By not keeping them properly inflated and rotated, you're actually worsening your car's gas mileage. Don't you want to save money on gas?

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Not programming your thermostat

Reduce the heating or cooling before you go to sleep each night. It's a small step that saves you energy and money. Experts recommend using a programmable thermostat to shut off before you leave home each day, and turn back on just before you come home.

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Making in-game purchases

This can be a hard habit to break, especially if you're thisclose to finishing a board on Candy Crush. But those $2.19 purchases here and there add up and you'll be hanging your head in shame when you see your bank statement. Just one more little thing to stop wasting money on.

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Living in a drafty space

If your heating and cooling bill is atrocious, it may be due to inadequate insulation. If you can invest in airtight windows or replacing doors, it will save you in the long run.

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Paying full price for clothes

With the discounts stores often have, you should never pay the actual retail price. Check online if you're not feeling the in-store price tag. Or just wait. That top will go on sale any day now and you can save money then.

For more, check out 10 things you should always buy on sale.

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Not keeping a reusable water bottle/coffee cup on hand

No sense in buying individual cups or bottles when you can just refill them at a discount or for free.

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Being disorganized

Whether you've had to replace lost chargers and cables, forgotten where you left your keys and needed a locksmith to get into your house or car, bills are buried under one of countless piles so you forget to pay them on time, clutter has cost you a chunk of change at some point. Clean up your act, save some money.

For more money-saving advice, check out 20 ways to save $1000 a month.