A lot of upcharges and extras in life sound good, but end up just being a waste of money. Here are some top unjustified expenses to watch out for.

1. Eating out and takeout: the sneaky snack attack

We all love a good meal out, but those $10 lunches and $30 dinners add up faster than you can say “extra guac.” Instead of making restaurants your second home, try cooking at home more often. Plan your meals, prep your lunches, and get creative in the kitchen. Not only will your bank account thank you, but you’ll also become the next culinary superstar among your friends.

2. Subscription services: silent wallet ninjas

Streaming platforms, fitness apps, monthly boxes of who-knows-what—subscriptions are the ninjas of expenses, silently slicing away at your funds. Take a moment to list all your subscriptions. Are you really using that premium dog yoga channel? If not, it’s time to bid it farewell. Consider sharing services with friends or family; after all, sharing is caring (and cost-effective).

3. Impulse shopping: the ‘but it’s on sale!’ syndrome

We’ve all been there—seeing a 50% off sign and suddenly needing an electric pasta maker. Before you whip out your card, pause. Do you need it, or is it just the thrill of the deal? Implement the 24-hour rule: wait a day before making a purchase. Often, the urge will pass, and you’ll realize your old pasta pot works just fine.

4. Unused gym memberships: the fitness mirage

Ah, the gym—where intentions are pure, but attendance is… sporadic. If your gym card is gathering dust, it’s time to rethink. Explore outdoor activities, home workouts, or community classes that don’t require a monthly tithe. Your body and budget will both feel the burn—in a good way.

5. Premium brands and designer labels: the fancy facade

While quality matters, sometimes we’re just paying for the name. Many generic products match their branded counterparts in quality but not in price. Be discerning: invest in items where quality truly counts and opt for generics where it doesn’t. Your style won’t suffer, but your savings will soar.