Everyday things can seem like such minor expenses that we don’t even think about them. But they can add up quickly and hit your budget in lots of ways. Here are some surprising items and habits that can really cost you:

1. Coffee shop visits

If one of your everyday things is a coffee drink, the costs can add up quickly. 

  • Costly caffeination: Spending $5 on coffee every weekday will cost you $1,300 every year! Brewing coffee at home can massively reduce this amount.

2. Impulse buying

Unplanned purchases, whether in-store or online, can take a hefty toll on your finances.

  • Surprising spending: The average American spends about $5,400 a year on impulse buys. Being mindful and making lists can help you curb this habit and keep more money in your pocket.

3. Unused subscriptions

Subscriptions to streaming services, magazines, apps, and more keep charging you monthly fees, even if you’re not using them. (And a lot of people tend to forget about them without unsubscribing.)

  • Scrutinize subscriptions: Americans spend an average of $237.33 a month on subscription services, and many are not even being used. Regularly reviewing and canceling unused subscriptions can save a significant amount.

4. Energy vampires

Electronics and appliances that are plugged in but not actively in use still consume energy, known as “phantom” or “vampire” energy. (And yes, it’s as scary as it sounds!)

  • Demonic drain: Phantom energy can account for up to 10% of your electricity bill. Unplugging devices when you’re not using them (and using power strips to turn off multiple things at once can help minimize this cost.)

5. Eating out

Frequent dining at restaurants or ordering takeout can quickly become one of your largest discretionary expenses.

  • Expensive eating: The average American household spends around $3,000 a year on dining out. Cooking at home is usually far less expensive and a lot healthier.

6. ATM fees

Using out-of-network ATMs for cash withdrawals can mean fees that really add up over time.

  • Ferocious fees: ATM fees can range from $2 to $5 per transaction.  Avoiding out-of-network ATMs or using fee-free ATMs can save you a lot—hundreds of dollars annually, in fact.

7. Bottled water

Buying bottled water instead of using tap water or a reusable water bottle can one of the most surprisingly expensive everyday things.

  • High-cost hydration: Bottled water costs about 300 times more per gallon than tap water. Investing in a good reusable bottle and a home water filter can reduce this expense in a big way.

8. Extended warranties

Retailers will often hard-sell you on extended warranties for electronics and appliances, but they may not be worth the cost.

  • Costly coverage: A lot of extended warranties cost more than the average repair cost of the product. Consumer Reports suggests that most people do not benefit from extended warranties, so you can save money by skipping them.

9. Neglecting car maintenance

Skipping regular car maintenance can lead to lower fuel efficiency and expensive repairs down the road.

  • Car care: Simple maintenance tasks like regular oil changes, tire rotations, and air filter replacements can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs and even improve your gas mileage. You can even do some of these yourself!

10. Gym memberships

Gym memberships can be expensive—especially if you’re not using them regularly.

  • Fiscal fitness: The average gym membership costs $58 a month, but a lot of people don’t use their memberships nearly enough to justify the cost. Exploring at-home workout options or pay-per-visit gyms can be more cost-effective—and going for a walk or run outside is totally free!