They «eat» your salary: 7 unexpected expenses 0 19

Small shops nearby

Yes, they are very convenient — to stop by after work or buy something urgently. But the markup in such stores is often higher than average, and we rarely notice it because we are used to these places and have known them for many years.

Coffee on the way to work

Try to calculate how much you spend on morning coffee at the office or at a nearby café. Often, it is more than it seems: one coffee with a colleague in the morning, another after a break, plus pastries or sweets. In the end, one snack can cost as much as a full lunch. The solution is simple — bring food and drinks from home.

Gym membership that you don’t use

The gym is a great way to maintain health, but if you pay and visit rarely, it’s just a waste of money. Be honest: set aside an amount for fitness, and if you feel like working out — do it at home or buy a new membership only when necessary.

Cable television

Many pay for packages with hundreds of channels that they hardly watch. It’s often more convenient to search for interesting content online, where it is available on demand and often cheaper.

Strategic food stockpiles

Research shows that we throw away up to one-fifth of the food bought "for stock." That’s one-fifth of the food budget! Frequent spontaneous purchases and stockpiling "just in case" lead to food spoilage. Buy wisely, plan your menu, and avoid excess.

Packaging and slicing

Bread, sausages, and cheeses in vacuum packaging cost more than by weight. Slicing by the seller is often free, and preparing at home takes little time and saves money. Consider whether it’s worth overpaying for packaging.

Online subscriptions

Paid apps and services seem like small expenses, but together they add up to a noticeable amount over a month or a year. A common trap is "the first month free," after which many forget to cancel the subscription. Check what you are paying for and keep only the necessary services. Family plans or sharing with friends can help reduce costs.