🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 135 (from laksa125)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa135.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/","crawl_time":1776294495,"first_indexed_time":1738860913,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,aarp!www,\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ s443","src_root_hash":"2223325636571181335","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"11 Ways You’re Wasting Money — And How To Stop It","meta_descriptions":["A checklist for you to review routine expenses you may not realize are wasting a frightening amount of money and great tricks to save you a bundle."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Getty Images\nBank fees\n, unused \nstreaming subscriptions\n and extended warranties are just a few of the unnecessary costs that can pile up and take a big bite out of your wallet.\nIf you aren’t watching your spending, it can be easy to blow your \nbudget\n, especially if you’re retired and living on a fixed income.\nGet back on track by eliminating these 11 common money wasters.  \n1. Ghost subscriptions\nSubscriptions are easy to get online — and easy to forget. More than 4 out of 5 Americans have at least one paid subscription they don’t use, according to a \n2024 survey\n by financial technology company Self.\nSome \nautomatic payments\n, such as for \nmonthly utility bills\n, are convenient and can help you avoid late fees. Others can turn into money leaks if you’re not watchful. For example, a subscription to Ancestry.com starts at $25 a month and a cloud storage subscription to Dropbox starts at $12 a month, but if you’re not actively researching your family tree or storing documents on a cloud, canceling these subscriptions before they auto-renew can help you save.\n2. Streaming services\nU.S. adults with streaming subscriptions spend on average more than $200 a year for services they don't use, a 2025 \nCNET survey\n found. Tess Zigo, a certified financial planner based in Palm Harbor, Florida, recommends thinking critically about your media subscriptions. “Netflix, as an example, has drastically increased prices, like most providers,” she says. “Go through and determine how many streaming services you need. We currently have five and are trying to trim these down to one or two that we really value.”\n3. Water leaks\nIn addition to keeping you up at night, a drip-drip-drip from a leaky faucet, toilet or showerhead can drive up your water bill. A single faucet that leaks at a rate of one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year — the equivalent of over 180 showers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.\n4. Bank fees\nThe average monthly fee for an interest-bearing checking account is $15.45, or around $185 a year, according to Bankrate.com. But these fees are avoidable.\nIf your bank doesn’t offer an interest-bearing checking account with no fee, consider opening an account at a credit union. (Credit unions typically have fewer fees than commercial banks.) Or, if you’re willing to give up the brick-and-mortar bank experience, many online-only banks offer no-fee checking accounts.\nMost Popular\n5. Mutual fund fees\nA \nmutual fund\n company, like any business, has expenses, including paying its executives, managers, accountants and other employees. As a result, some charge customers hefty fees.\nBeen a while since you shopped around? Today, the average stock mutual fund charges about 0.4 percent of the fund’s assets a year, according to the Investment Company Institute, a trade group. That’s well below the average mutual fund fee a few decades ago.\n6. Food delivery\nOrdering in has never been easier thanks to \nfood delivery apps\n such as Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash. Americans spend nearly $1,600 a year on food delivery services, according to one survey.\nThere are a couple simple ways to save when ordering in. Call the restaurant to see if they’ll deliver to you directly — it’s often cheaper than ordering through a delivery app. Also, see if your credit card entitles you to waived fees for certain delivery apps.\n7. Heat fiends and cooling devils\nYou certainly don’t want your home to be sweltering all \nsummer\n or frigid all \nwinter\n. But do you really need the house set at 72 degrees when you’re at work? The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.\nGet a programmable thermostat and you can have the house cooled or heated to the temperature you prefer when you get home. These devices start at as little as $25 for a basic model. There are also \nsmart thermostats\n that let you control your home’s heating and cooling system remotely from your phone.\n8. Energy vampires\nA number of devices, from computers to printers to televisions to coffee makers, quietly consume electricity when you’re not using them. According to one study, such “energy vampires” can consume up to nearly one-fourth of an average household’s electricity use.\nOf course, you’re not going to turn off your refrigerator to reduce energy, but there are plenty of devices you can power down when they’re not in use to lower your electric bill.\nOne easy and effective tactic: Instead of plugging electronics directly into wall outlets, use power strips to provide juice to smaller devices, like laptops and phone chargers, and turn off the power strips before you leave the house.\n9. Books\nBrace yourself, bibliophiles: A new adult paperback will set you back about $16 to $20, according to Publishers Weekly. A recent hardcover costs about $30.\nGenerally, you can borrow thousands of free books, \ne-books and audiobooks\n through your local public library. (Just make sure to return them on time to avoid late fees.) In addition, Gutenberg.org, a nonprofit and the original purveyor of online books, offers free access to more than 75,000 e-books that are in the public domain.\n10. Extended warranties\nMany products come with a standard warranty, where the manufacturer guarantees it will fix or replace the item for free if it breaks or is damaged during a specified period. But if you just purchased a new mobile phone, \nrefrigerator\n or \ncar\n, chances are the seller offered you an \nextended warranty\n for a fee.\nExtended warranties, though, often go unused. They also frequently have a number of exclusions where repairs aren’t covered.\n“Extended warranties are now a big business. Companies bake in the profits. So it’s not in their interest to live up to all their marketing,” warns Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com. “If you’ve ever struggled to get an insurance company to fulfill its policy, this is no different.”\nTip: Instead of purchasing an extended warranty, see if there are any protections if you pay with your credit card. Many credit card companies will reimburse you or replace the product if it’s damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Visa and American Express offer this type of protection. If you have a Mastercard, the length of time varies from 45 to 90 days, depending on the card.\n11. Unnecessary groceries\nWe’ve all been there: We stock up at the \nsupermarket\n on groceries we plan to eat, but the food sits untouched in our refrigerator until it spoils and we have no choice but to toss it. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone — the average family of four tosses approximately $3,000 worth of uneaten food into the garbage. At a time when grocery prices are on the rise, reducing how much food you waste can be a big \nmoney saver\n.\nA few ways to \nlimit food waste\n: Store dry goods like rice and flour in airtight containers so they stay fresh longer; freeze certain foods before they expire; and don’t purchase foods in bulk if you’re an empty nester and can’t finish a 12-pack of potato chips before they expire. \nMaya Dollarhide is a freelance writer whose work has been published by \nMarketWatch\n, \nYahoo Finance\n, \nInvestopedia\n and other national publications.\nDonna Fuscaldo is a contributing writer and editor focusing on personal finance and health. She has spent over two decades writing and covering news for several national publications including \nThe\n \nWall Street Journal\n,\n \nForbes\n,\n \nInvestopedia\n and \nHerMoney\n.","attrs_markdown":"Javascript is not enabled.\n\nJavascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/#aarp-u-end-of-header)\n\n[Watch AARP Live: Identity Fraud: What You Need to Know, April15 at 7:30 PM ET\/6:30 PM CT.](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/states\/aarplive\/?CMP=OTH-IMM-ALERT_FRD-RFD_TV)\n\n[![AARP Logo Header White 139x36](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/content\/dam\/aarp\/graphics\/aarp_logos\/120x30-aarp-header-logo-red.svg)](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/?intcmp=GLOBAL-HDR-BTN-CLK-LOGO-UXDIA \"Homepage\")\n\n- [Join](https:\/\/join.aarp.org\/joinnav)\n- [Renew](https:\/\/join.aarp.org\/rfrenew)\n\n- - [Membership & Benefits](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/all-offers-a-z\/ \"Membership and Benefits\")\n- - [Members Edition](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/members-edition\/ \"members edition\")\n\n[AARP 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Topics\",\"dropDownValue\":\"everywhere\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Entertainment\",\"dropDownValue\":\"entertainment\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Health\",\"dropDownValue\":\"health\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Money\",\"dropDownValue\":\"money\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Policy & Research\",\"dropDownValue\":\"research\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Travel\",\"dropDownValue\":\"travel\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Work\",\"dropDownValue\":\"work\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Member Benefits\",\"dropDownValue\":\"member benefits\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Caregiving\",\"dropDownValue\":\"caregiving\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Games\",\"dropDownValue\":\"games\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Rewards\",\"dropDownValue\":\"rewards\"},{\"dropDownLabel\":\"Videos\",\"dropDownValue\":\"videos\"}\n\nSearch\n\nPopular Searches\n\n[Games](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/)\n\n[Car rental](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/carrental\/?intcmp=DSO-HDR-BENEFITS-EWHERE)\n\n[AARP daily Crossword 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Rewards %{points}%](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/rewards\/)\n\n- right\\_container\n- Health\n- Money\n- Work & Jobs\n- Advocacy\n- Social Security\n- Medicare\n- Caregiving\n- Games\n- Travel\n- More...\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Health](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/ \"link to health page\")\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"link to close menu\")\n\n[Healthy Living](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/healthy-living\/ \"link to healthy living topic page\")\n\n[Conditions & Treatments](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/ \"Link to conditions and treatment page\")\n\n[Drugs & Supplements](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/drugs-supplements\/ \"link to drugs and supplements page\")\n\n[Health Care & Coverage](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/healthcare\/ \"link to health insurance page\")\n\n[Health Benefits](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/health\/ \"AARP Health & Wellness Benefits\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/hearing-resource-center\/ \"Advice on Tinnitus and Hearing Loss\")\n\nAARP Hearing Center\n\n[Advice on Tinnitus and Hearing Loss](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/hearing-resource-center\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![gloved hand holding a vaccine vial with a syringe in the background]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/vaccines-after-50\/ \"What to Know About Vaccines\")\n\nYour Health\n\n[What to Know About Vaccines](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/vaccines-after-50\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![An illustration of a brain palette on a pink background]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/brain-health\/ \"Tools and Explainers on Brain Health\")\n\nBrain Health Resources\n\n[Tools and Explainers on Brain Health](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/brain-health\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![illustration of a woman doing a leg unge in her living room]()](https:\/\/secure.aarp.org\/applications\/user\/programOptIn?promo=RWDFIT&ref=https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/rewards\/earn\/fitness\/30daychallenge\/ \"30-Day Couch-to-Fit Challenge\")\n\nFitness\n\n[30-Day Couch-to-Fit Challenge](https:\/\/secure.aarp.org\/applications\/user\/programOptIn?promo=RWDFIT&ref=https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/rewards\/earn\/fitness\/30daychallenge\/)\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Money](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/ \"Link to money channel page\")\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"link to close menu\")\n\n[Scams & Fraud](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/scams-fraud\/ \"link to scams and fraud landing page\")\n\n[Personal Finance](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/ \"link to personal finance page\")\n\n[Taxes](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/taxes\/ \"Link to taxes landing page\")\n\n[Retirement](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/retirement\/ \"Link to retirement landing page\")\n\n[Money Benefits](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/finance\/ \"AARP Money Benefits\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/scams-fraud\/tracking-map\/ \"View and Report Scams in Your Area\")\n\nScams & Fraud\n\n[View and Report Scams in Your Area](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/scams-fraud\/tracking-map\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![top view montage of brightly colored donation coin collection containers that all read, \"Please Give Generously\"]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/charitable-giving-quiz\/ \"Take the Charitable Giving Quiz\")\n\nGiving Back\n\n[Take the Charitable Giving Quiz](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/charitable-giving-quiz\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/retirement\/retirement-calculator\/ \"AARP Retirement Calculator\")\n\nRetirement\n\n[AARP Retirement Calculator](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/retirement\/retirement-calculator\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]() MEMBERS ONLY](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/ways-to-save-at-the-supermarket\/ \"25 Ways to Save at the Grocery Store\")\n\nYour Money\n\n[25 Ways to Save at the Grocery Store](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/ways-to-save-at-the-supermarket\/)\n\nMEMBERS ONLY\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Work & Jobs](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/ \"Link to work and jobs channel page\")\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"link to close menu\")\n\n[Job Search](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/job-search\/ \"link to job search landing page\")\n\n[Careers](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/careers\/ \"link to the careers landing page\")\n\n[Small Business](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/small-business\/ \"link to small business landing page\")\n\n[Employers](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/employers\/ \"Link to the employers landing page\")\n\n[Age Discrimination](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/age-discrimination\/ \"Link to the age discrimination landing page\")\n\n[Member Benefits](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/finance\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/job-search\/indeed-career-services\/ \"Job Search Help from AARP and Indeed\")\n\nFlexible Work\n\n[Job Search Help from AARP and Indeed](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/job-search\/indeed-career-services\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/skills-builder\/ \"Online Courses to Boost Your Career\")\n\nAARP Skills Builder\n\n[Online Courses to Boost Your Career](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/skills-builder\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/job-search\/retiree-part-time-jobs\/ \"Part-Time Jobs (No Degree Required!)\")\n\nFlexible Work\n\n[Part-Time Jobs (No Degree Required!)](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/job-search\/retiree-part-time-jobs\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![a person on a laptop screen with various icons around it]()](https:\/\/virtualevents.aarp.org\/workjobs-hub\/en\/home?utm_medium=dotorg&utm_source=aarp&utm_campaign=workjobs-turnkey-webinar-hubpage-2024&utm_content=evergreen-top-nav&cmp=OTH-IMM-WORKJOBS-WEBINAR-HOUSE_TOPNAV \"Tips to Enhance Your Job Search\")\n\nON-DEMAND WEBINARS\n\n[Tips to Enhance Your Job Search](https:\/\/virtualevents.aarp.org\/workjobs-hub\/en\/home?utm_medium=dotorg&utm_source=aarp&utm_campaign=workjobs-turnkey-webinar-hubpage-2024&utm_content=evergreen-top-nav&cmp=OTH-IMM-WORKJOBS-WEBINAR-HOUSE_TOPNAV)\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Advocacy](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/advocacy\/ \"Link to advocacy channel page\")\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"link to close menu\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/medicare\/more-medicare-drug-price-negotiations-2025\/ \"Saving You RX Dollars\")\n\nDrug Prices\n\n[Saving You RX Dollars](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/medicare\/more-medicare-drug-price-negotiations-2025\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/advocacy\/call-on-congress-protect-social-security-2025\/ \"Fighting to Protect Social Security\")\n\nSocial Security\n\n[Fighting to Protect Social Security](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/advocacy\/call-on-congress-protect-social-security-2025\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/advocacy\/safeguard-medicaid-2025\/ \"Advocating for Strong Programs\")\n\nMedicare & Medicaid\n\n[Advocating for Strong Programs](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/advocacy\/safeguard-medicaid-2025\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/advocacy\/100-reasons-support-family-caregivers-2025\/ \"Supporting Family Caregivers\")\n\nCaregiving\n\n[Supporting Family Caregivers](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/advocacy\/100-reasons-support-family-caregivers-2025\/)\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Social Security](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/social-security\/)\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"link to close menu\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/virtualevents.aarp.org\/socialsecurity-hub\/en\/home \"Navigating important Social Security decisions? We Can Help.\")\n\nWebinars\n\n[Navigating important Social Security decisions? We Can Help.](https:\/\/virtualevents.aarp.org\/socialsecurity-hub\/en\/home)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![ask a a r p on a red background]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/ask-aarp\/ \"Ask AARP: AI-powered Tool to Get the Most Out of Social Security\")\n\nTool\n\n[Ask AARP: AI-powered Tool to Get the Most Out of Social Security](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/ask-aarp\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/social-security\/retirement\/basics\/ \"10 Things You Need to Know About Social Security\")\n\nBasics\n\n[10 Things You Need to Know About Social Security](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/social-security\/retirement\/basics\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/social-security\/benefits-calculator\/ \"Social Security Benefits Calculator: Maximize Your Benefits\")\n\nTools\n\n[Social Security Benefits Calculator: Maximize Your Benefits](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/social-security\/benefits-calculator\/)\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Medicare](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/medicare\/)\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"link to close menu\")\n\n[Approaching Medicare](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/medicare\/approaching-medicare\/ \"Link to approaching medicare pathway overview\")\n\n[Enrolling in Medicare](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/medicare\/enrolling-medicare\/ \"link to parts of enrolling in medicare pathway overview\")\n\n[Managing Costs & Coverage](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/medicare\/managing-costs-coverage\/ \"link to managing medicare costs pathway overview\")\n\n[Getting Help](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/medicare\/getting-help\/ \"link to getting help with medicare series\")\n\n[Latest News](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/medicare\/latest-news\/ \"link to the latest medicare news\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![Ask A A R P. A I powered help from trusted A A R P sources. Illustration of a man using a laptop]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/ask-aarp\/ \"Ask AARP: AI-powered Tool to Get the Most Out of Medicare \")\n\nTool\n\n[Ask AARP: AI-powered Tool to Get the Most Out of Medicare](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/ask-aarp\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![illustration of a clipboard with a checklist and medical cross on it]()](https:\/\/navigator.aarp.org\/en_gb\/courses\/course\/17 \"Take This Course to Feel Prepared About Enrolling in Medicare \")\n\nAARP Navigator\n\n[Take This Course to Feel Prepared About Enrolling in Medicare](https:\/\/navigator.aarp.org\/en_gb\/courses\/course\/17)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![a red and white illustration showing a woman in a monitor flanked by a word bubble and a calendar]()](https:\/\/virtualevents.aarp.org\/medicare-hub\/en\/home?cmp=OTH-CSN-LEARN-MULTI-MEDICARE \"Get Answers to Medicare Questions With Our On-demand Webinars \")\n\nOn-Demand Webinars\n\n[Get Answers to Medicare Questions With Our On-demand Webinars](https:\/\/virtualevents.aarp.org\/medicare-hub\/en\/home?cmp=OTH-CSN-LEARN-MULTI-MEDICARE)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![Medical stethoscope and US flag on a pink background signifying advocacy]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/advocacy\/#medicare \"Learn How AARP is Fighting for Better Medicare\")\n\nAdvocacy\n\n[Learn How AARP is Fighting for Better Medicare](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/advocacy\/#medicare)\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Caregiving](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/ \"Link to caregiving channel page\")\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"Link to close menu\")\n\n[Basics](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/basics\/ \"Link to basics laning page\")\n\n[Care at Home](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/home-care\/ \"Link to care at home landing page\")\n\n[Medical](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/medical\/ \"Link to medical landing page\")\n\n[Financial & Legal](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/financial-legal\/ \"Link to the finance and legal landing page\")\n\n[Life Balance](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/life-balance\/ \"Link to life balance landing page\")\n\n[Local](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/local\/ \"Link to the local landing page\")\n\n[Member Benefits](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/caregiving\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![person stands at a door marked with a first aid cross there are a series of many doors and the person is wondering which is the best choice]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/financial-legal\/understanding-long-term-care-insurance\/ \"Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance\")\n\nLONG-TERM CARE\n\n[Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/financial-legal\/understanding-long-term-care-insurance\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![illustration of a map with an icon of a person helping another person with a cane navigate towards caregiving]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/care-connect\/resources\/ \"Assistance and Services in Your Area\")\n\nState Guides\n\n[Assistance and Services in Your Area](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/care-connect\/resources\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/prepare-to-care-planning-guide\/ \"How to Develop a Caregiving Plan\")\n\nPrepare to Care Guides\n\n[How to Develop a Caregiving Plan](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/prepare-to-care-planning-guide\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![Close up of a hospice nurse holding the hands of one of her patients]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/grief-loss-end-of-life\/ \"How to Cope With Grief, Loss\")\n\nEnd of Life\n\n[How to Cope With Grief, Loss](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/grief-loss-end-of-life\/)\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Games](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/)\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"Link to close menu\")\n\n[All](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/all-games\/ \"Link to the AARP All Games landing page\")\n\n[Recently Played](https:\/\/games.aarp.org\/category\/recently-played \"Link to AARP recently played games\")\n\n[Word & Trivia](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/word\/ \"Link to AARP Games Word and Trivia category landing page\")\n\n[Rewards](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/rewards-games\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Rewards category landing age\")\n\n[Atari® & Retro](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/atari-games\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Atari and Retro category landing page\")\n\n[Mahjongg](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/mahjongg\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Mahjongg category landing page\")\n\n[Members Only](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/members\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Members Only category landing page\")\n\n[Staying Sharp](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/staying-sharp\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Staying Sharp category landing page\")\n\n[Solitare](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/solitaire\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Solitare category landing page\")\n\n[New Games](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/new\/ \"Link to new games webpage\")\n\n[Strategy](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/strategy\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Strategy category landing page\")\n\n[Arcade](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/arcade\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Arcade category landing page\")\n\n[Puzzles](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/puzzles\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Puzzle category landing page\")\n\n[Card](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/card\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Card category landing page\")\n\n[Juegos](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/juegos-espanol\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Juegos category landing page\")\n\n[Daily](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/daily-games\/ \"Link to the AARP Games Daily category landing page\")\n\n[Game Shows](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/game-shows\/ \"Learn more about the game show\")\n\n[Multiplayer](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/multiplayer-games\/ \"Learn more about the multiplayer games\")\n\n[More About Games](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/more-on-games\/ \"Learn more about A A R P games\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![AARP Right Again Trivia and AARP Rewards]()](https:\/\/games.aarp.org\/games\/right-again-trivia \"Right Again! Trivia\")\n\n[Right Again! Trivia](https:\/\/games.aarp.org\/games\/right-again-trivia)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![AARP Right Again Trivia Sports and AARP Rewards]()](https:\/\/games.aarp.org\/games\/right-again-trivia-sports \"Right Again! Trivia – Sports\")\n\n[Right Again! Trivia – Sports](https:\/\/games.aarp.org\/games\/right-again-trivia-sports)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![Atari, Centipede, Pong, Breakout, Missile Command Asteroids]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/atari-games\/ \"Atari® Video Games\")\n\n[Atari® Video Games](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/games\/category\/atari-games\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![Throwback Thursday Crossword and AARP Rewards]()](https:\/\/games.aarp.org\/games\/throwback-thursday-crossword \"Throwback Thursday Crossword\")\n\n[Throwback Thursday Crossword](https:\/\/games.aarp.org\/games\/throwback-thursday-crossword)\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Travel](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/ \"Link to travel channel page\")\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"Link to close menu\")\n\n[Travel Tips](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/travel-tips\/ \"Link to travel tips page\")\n\n[Vacation Ideas](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/vacation-ideas\/ \"Link to vacation ideas landing page\")\n\n[Destinations](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/destinations\/ \"Link to destinations landing page\")\n\n[Travel Benefits](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/travel\/ \"AARP Travel Benefits\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/vacation-ideas\/scenic-spring-road-trips\/ \"Scenic Spring Road Trips\")\n\nSpRing TRAVEL\n\n[Scenic Spring Road Trips](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/vacation-ideas\/scenic-spring-road-trips\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/travel-tips\/fast-free-in-flight-wifi\/ \"Fast, Free Wi-Fi on Airlines\")\n\nIN-FLIGHT WI-FI\n\n[Fast, Free Wi-Fi on Airlines](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/travel-tips\/fast-free-in-flight-wifi\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]() MEMBERS ONLY](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/destinations\/taste-of-america\/ \"Chefs Dish on Local Food Scene\")\n\nTASTE OF AMERICA\n\n[Chefs Dish on Local Food Scene](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/destinations\/taste-of-america\/)\n\nMEMBERS ONLY\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/travel-tips\/cheap-flights-tips\/ \"11 Tips to Beat Airfare Hikes\")\n\nCHEAP FLIGHT TIPS\n\n[11 Tips to Beat Airfare Hikes](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/travel-tips\/cheap-flights-tips\/)\n\n- Entertainment & Style\n- Family & Relationships\n- Personal Tech\n- AARP Smart Picks\n- Home & Living\n- Auto\n- Staying Sharp\n- Podcasts\n- Videos\n- Events\n- AARP Near You\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Entertainment & Style](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/ \"Link to entertainment channel page\")\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"link to close menu\")\n\n[Movies](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/movies-for-grownups\/ \"Link to movies laning page\")\n\n[TV](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/television\/ \"Link to television landing page\")\n\n[Music](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/music\/ \"Link to the music landing page\")\n\n[Celebrities](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/celebrities\/ \"Link to the celebrity landing page\")\n\n[Beauty & Style](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/beauty-style\/ \"Link to beauty and style landing page\")\n\n[Books](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/books\/ \"Link to books landing page\")\n\n[Member Benefits](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/entertainment\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]() MEMBERS ONLY](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/beauty-style\/secrets-of-online-beauty-shoppers\/ \"The Secrets of Online Beauty Shoppers\")\n\nBeauty & Style\n\n[The Secrets of Online Beauty Shoppers](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/beauty-style\/secrets-of-online-beauty-shoppers\/)\n\nMEMBERS ONLY\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/movies-for-grownups\/movie-preview-2026\/ \"2026 Movie Preview\")\n\nMovies for Grownups\n\n[2026 Movie Preview](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/movies-for-grownups\/movie-preview-2026\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]() MEMBERS ONLY](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/music\/essential-songs-for-gen-x\/ \"Essential Songs for Gen Xers\")\n\nMUSIC\n\n[Essential Songs for Gen Xers](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/music\/essential-songs-for-gen-x\/)\n\nMEMBERS ONLY\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Family & Relationships](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/family-relationships\/ \"Link to family and relationships landing page\")\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"link to close menu\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![graphic of a man and a woman with a cherry in their mouths]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/members-edition\/in-the-mood\/ \"Your Questions Answered\")\n\nSex & Dating\n\n[Your Questions Answered](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/members-edition\/in-the-mood\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/grandparents\/ \"Everything You Need to Know\")\n\nGrandparenting\n\n[Everything You Need to Know](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/caregiving\/grandparents\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]() MEMBERS ONLY](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/family-relationships\/great-ways-to-bond-with-your-dog\/ \"Great Ways to Bond With Your Dog\")\n\nPets\n\n[Great Ways to Bond With Your Dog](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/family-relationships\/great-ways-to-bond-with-your-dog\/)\n\nMEMBERS ONLY\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Personal Tech](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/personal-technology\/ \"link to personal tech landing page\")\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"link to close menu\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![a tablet displaying smart home controls in a living room]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/personal-technology\/caregiving-smart-home-technology\/ \"Caregiver’s Guide to Smart Home Tech\")\n\nHome Technology\n\n[Caregiver’s Guide to Smart Home Tech](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/personal-technology\/caregiving-smart-home-technology\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/social-connections\/ \"Creating Social Connections\")\n\nGet Happier\n\n[Creating Social Connections](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/social-connections\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![a hand is touching computer signals on a blue background]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/personal-technology\/artificial-intelligence\/ \"Weighing the Perils and Positives\")\n\nPOSSIBILITIES OF AI\n\n[Weighing the Perils and Positives](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/personal-technology\/artificial-intelligence\/)\n\n[Back](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[AARP Smart Picks](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/product-reviews\/)\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/ \"link to close menu\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/healthy-living\/best-mattress\/ \"The Best Mattresses of 2026: Expert Testing\")\n\nSleep\n\n[The Best Mattresses of 2026: Expert Testing](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/healthy-living\/best-mattress\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/family-relationships\/best-dating-sites-for-seniors\/ \"The Top Dating Sites for Seniors Compared\")\n\nRelationships\n\n[The Top Dating Sites for Seniors Compared](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/family-relationships\/best-dating-sites-for-seniors\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![]()](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/best-blood-pressure-monitors\/ \"Best Blood Pressure Monitors 2026\")\n\nHome Health\n\n[Best Blood 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Image](https:\/\/aarp.widen.net\/content\/6nm8hq5adf\/jpeg\/80133_glennharvey_2025_02_06_aarp_final2.jpg?crop=true&anchor=0,1&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=ucxnmh&w=2048&h=1177) Money Tariffs Could Raise Prices on These Products Watch out for higher prices for avocados, smartphones and more, economists warn](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/products-more-expensive-tariffs\/)\n- [![Article Image](https:\/\/aarp.widen.net\/content\/70odrm8zgm\/jpeg\/GettyImages-2215779140.jpg?crop=true&anchor=7,888&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=k2e9ec&w=1852&h=1064) Money 11 Ways You’re Wasting Money Small steps to cut unnecessary expenses can add up to big savings](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n\n[Money](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/)\n\n# 11 Ways You’re Wasting Money — and How to Stop\n## Small steps to cut unnecessary expenses can add up to big savings\n***\nBy\n\nMaya Dollarhide and Donna Fuscaldo,\n\nUpdated  June 26, 2025\n\nAARP\n\n16\n\nComments\n\n[En español](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/espanol\/dinero\/presupuesto-y-ahorro\/info-2021\/evita-el-desperdicio.html)\n\nPublished  October 07, 2021\n\n\/ Updated  June 26, 2025\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg)\n\n![line of one dollar bills going into black hole in white surface on a red background](https:\/\/aarp.widen.net\/content\/70odrm8zgm\/jpeg\/GettyImages-2215779140.jpg?crop=true&anchor=7,888&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=k2e9ec&w=1852&h=1064)\n\nGetty Images\n\n- [Facebook](http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/)\n- [Twitter](http:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/&related=CreateTheGood&text=)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/&title=)\n\n[Bank fees](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-avoid-bank-fees\/ \"void bank fees\"), unused [streaming subscriptions](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/television\/save-money-streaming-services\/ \"streaming services\") and extended warranties are just a few of the unnecessary costs that can pile up and take a big bite out of your wallet.\n\nIf you aren’t watching your spending, it can be easy to blow your [budget](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/start-a-budget-after-50\/ \"start a budget\"), especially if you’re retired and living on a fixed income.\n\n[work-and-jobs\/careers\/volunteering-old,taxonomy:giving-back,taxonomy:home-and-family]()\n\n[Donate to Grant Life-Changing Wishes You can be the bridge to hope and joy. With your gift, Wish of a Lifetime® from AARP (an affiliated charity) can grant more wishes, sparking hope and joy to last a lifetime.](https:\/\/wol.aarp.org\/site\/Donation\/grant-wish-change-life-library)\n\nMembers only\n\nGet back on track by eliminating these 11 common money wasters. \n\n### 1\\. Ghost subscriptions\nSubscriptions are easy to get online — and easy to forget. More than 4 out of 5 Americans have at least one paid subscription they don’t use, according to a [2024 survey](https:\/\/www.self.inc\/info\/cost-of-unused-paid-subscriptions\/ \"see the survey\") by financial technology company Self.\n\nSome [automatic payments](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/autopay-bills-avoid-late-fees\/ \"avoid fees with autopay\"), such as for [monthly utility bills](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/ways-to-save-on-monthly-bills\/ \"save on utilities\"), are convenient and can help you avoid late fees. Others can turn into money leaks if you’re not watchful. For example, a subscription to Ancestry.com starts at \\$25 a month and a cloud storage subscription to Dropbox starts at \\$12 a month, but if you’re not actively researching your family tree or storing documents on a cloud, canceling these subscriptions before they auto-renew can help you save.\n\n### 2\\. Streaming services\nU.S. adults with streaming subscriptions spend on average more than \\$200 a year for services they don't use, a 2025 [CNET survey](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/subscription-survey-2025\/ \"see the survey\") found. Tess Zigo, a certified financial planner based in Palm Harbor, Florida, recommends thinking critically about your media subscriptions. “Netflix, as an example, has drastically increased prices, like most providers,” she says. “Go through and determine how many streaming services you need. We currently have five and are trying to trim these down to one or two that we really value.”\n\n### 3\\. Water leaks\nIn addition to keeping you up at night, a drip-drip-drip from a leaky faucet, toilet or showerhead can drive up your water bill. A single faucet that leaks at a rate of one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year — the equivalent of over 180 showers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.\n\n### 4\\. Bank fees\nThe average monthly fee for an interest-bearing checking account is \\$15.45, or around \\$185 a year, according to Bankrate.com. But these fees are avoidable.\n\nIf your bank doesn’t offer an interest-bearing checking account with no fee, consider opening an account at a credit union. (Credit unions typically have fewer fees than commercial banks.) Or, if you’re willing to give up the brick-and-mortar bank experience, many online-only banks offer no-fee checking accounts.\n\n### Most Popular\nHealth\n\n#### [Cicada COVID Strain Raises New Questions](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/cicada-covid-variant-ba32\/?src=psn)\n[Plus, experts emphasize the importance of a spring booster for older adults](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/cicada-covid-variant-ba32\/?src=psn)\n\nMembers Only\n\nFamily Relationships\n\n#### [I Have No Interest in Sex. Can I Still Date?](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/family-relationships\/in-the-mood-dating-no-sex\/?src=psn)\n[It’s absolutely possible to have a sex-free relationship, say our experts](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/family-relationships\/in-the-mood-dating-no-sex\/?src=psn)\n\nMembers Only\n\nHome Living\n\n#### [National Burrito Day Freebies and Deals](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/national-burrito-day-deals-2026\/?src=psn)\n[Celebrate the unofficial holiday with 10 tasty burrito bargains](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/national-burrito-day-deals-2026\/?src=psn)\n\nMembers Only\n\nHealth\n\n#### [USDA Retracts Lead Alert for Walmart Dino Nuggets](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/walmart-chicken-nugget-alert-april-2026\/?src=psn)\n[Follow-up testing found no elevated lead, and the original result was ruled a lab error](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/walmart-chicken-nugget-alert-april-2026\/?src=psn)\n\nMembers Only\n\nARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT\n\n### 5\\. Mutual fund fees\nA [mutual fund](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-low-cost-funds-fueled-nest-eggs\/ \"low cost funds fuel nest eggs\") company, like any business, has expenses, including paying its executives, managers, accountants and other employees. As a result, some charge customers hefty fees.\n\nBeen a while since you shopped around? Today, the average stock mutual fund charges about 0.4 percent of the fund’s assets a year, according to the Investment Company Institute, a trade group. That’s well below the average mutual fund fee a few decades ago.\n\n[Health & Wellness]()\n\n[AARP® Personalized Nutrition: Recipe Analyzer Measure any meal’s nutritional value](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/health\/personalized-nutrition-recipe-analyzer\/)\n\nMembers only\n### 6\\. Food delivery\nOrdering in has never been easier thanks to [food delivery apps](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/healthy-living\/food-safety-tips-for-food-delivery-apps\/ \"tips for food delivery apps\") such as Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash. Americans spend nearly \\$1,600 a year on food delivery services, according to one survey.\n\nThere are a couple simple ways to save when ordering in. Call the restaurant to see if they’ll deliver to you directly — it’s often cheaper than ordering through a delivery app. Also, see if your credit card entitles you to waived fees for certain delivery apps.\n\n### 7\\. Heat fiends and cooling devils\nYou certainly don’t want your home to be sweltering all [summer](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/cut-costs-summer-electric-bills\/ \"save on summer bills\") or frigid all [winter](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/lower-heating-bills\/ \"lower heating bills\"). But do you really need the house set at 72 degrees when you’re at work? The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.\n\nGet a programmable thermostat and you can have the house cooled or heated to the temperature you prefer when you get home. These devices start at as little as \\$25 for a basic model. There are also [smart thermostats](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-family\/personal-technology\/info-2024\/smart-home-daily-life-easier.html \"smart tech for daily life\") that let you control your home’s heating and cooling system remotely from your phone.\n\n### 8\\. Energy vampires\nA number of devices, from computers to printers to televisions to coffee makers, quietly consume electricity when you’re not using them. According to one study, such “energy vampires” can consume up to nearly one-fourth of an average household’s electricity use.\n\nOf course, you’re not going to turn off your refrigerator to reduce energy, but there are plenty of devices you can power down when they’re not in use to lower your electric bill.\n\nOne easy and effective tactic: Instead of plugging electronics directly into wall outlets, use power strips to provide juice to smaller devices, like laptops and phone chargers, and turn off the power strips before you leave the house.\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg)\n\n![newsletter-naw-tablet](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/content\/dam\/experience-fragments\/uxdia-folder-structure\/en\/next-action-widgets\/newsletter_naw\/Newsletter_NAW\/master\/_jcr_content\/root\/responsivegrid\/container\/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.jpeg\/content\/dam\/aarp\/QA_bucket\/widgetimages\/newsletter_NAW_tablet.jpg)\n\nAARP NEWSLETTERS\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg)\n\n![Mujer leyendo tableta](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/content\/dam\/experience-fragments\/uxdia-folder-structure\/en\/next-action-widgets\/newsletter_naw\/Newsletter_NAW\/master\/_jcr_content\/root\/responsivegrid\/container\/container\/container\/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.png\/content\/dam\/aarp\/QA_bucket\/widgetimages\/newsletter_NAW_desktop.png)\n\nGet The Daily for news that matters\n\n**The latest in health, money, entertainment, jobs, and travel each weekday\\!**\n\n[See All Newsletters](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/newsletters\/)\n\n[Privacy Hub](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/about-aarp\/privacy-policy\/ \"privacy policy link\")\n\nARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT\n\n### 9\\. Books\nBrace yourself, bibliophiles: A new adult paperback will set you back about \\$16 to \\$20, according to Publishers Weekly. A recent hardcover costs about \\$30.\n\nGenerally, you can borrow thousands of free books, [e-books and audiobooks](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/books\/ways-to-get-free-e-books-and-audiobooks\/ \"save on books\") through your local public library. (Just make sure to return them on time to avoid late fees.) In addition, Gutenberg.org, a nonprofit and the original purveyor of online books, offers free access to more than 75,000 e-books that are in the public domain.\n\n### 10\\. Extended warranties\nMany products come with a standard warranty, where the manufacturer guarantees it will fix or replace the item for free if it breaks or is damaged during a specified period. But if you just purchased a new mobile phone, [refrigerator](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/replacing-appliances-when-they-break\/ \"replace appliances\") or [car](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/tariffs-raise-car-prices-how-to-save\/ \"save on car prices\"), chances are the seller offered you an [extended warranty](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/extended-warranties-guide\/ \"guide to extended warranties\") for a fee.\n\nExtended warranties, though, often go unused. They also frequently have a number of exclusions where repairs aren’t covered.\n\n“Extended warranties are now a big business. Companies bake in the profits. So it’s not in their interest to live up to all their marketing,” warns Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com. “If you’ve ever struggled to get an insurance company to fulfill its policy, this is no different.”\n\nTip: Instead of purchasing an extended warranty, see if there are any protections if you pay with your credit card. Many credit card companies will reimburse you or replace the product if it’s damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Visa and American Express offer this type of protection. If you have a Mastercard, the length of time varies from 45 to 90 days, depending on the card.\n\n### 11\\. Unnecessary groceries\nWe’ve all been there: We stock up at the [supermarket](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/supermarket-secrets\/ \"supermarket secrets\") on groceries we plan to eat, but the food sits untouched in our refrigerator until it spoils and we have no choice but to toss it. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone — the average family of four tosses approximately \\$3,000 worth of uneaten food into the garbage. At a time when grocery prices are on the rise, reducing how much food you waste can be a big [money saver](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/smart-guide-to-grocery-shopping\/ \"guide to grocery shopping\").\n\nA few ways to [limit food waste](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/reduce-food-waste-at-home\/ \"reduce food waste\"): Store dry goods like rice and flour in airtight containers so they stay fresh longer; freeze certain foods before they expire; and don’t purchase foods in bulk if you’re an empty nester and can’t finish a 12-pack of potato chips before they expire. \n\n[%{postComment}%](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\/#comments_widget_id)\n\n*Maya Dollarhide is a freelance writer whose work has been published by* MarketWatch*,* Yahoo Finance*,* Investopedia *and other national publications.    Donna Fuscaldo is a contributing writer and editor focusing on personal finance and health. She has spent over two decades writing and covering news for several national publications including* TheWall Street Journal**,**Forbes**,**Investopedia *and* HerMoney*.*\n\nUnlock Access to AARP Members Edition\n\n[Join AARP to Continue](https:\/\/appsec.aarp.org\/mem\/join?campaignID=UBJFMOA23&intcmp=MEM-ONLY-ACCESS)\n\nAlready a Member? 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Can I Still Date?](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/family-relationships\/in-the-mood-dating-no-sex\/?src=psn)\n[It’s absolutely possible to have a sex-free relationship, say our experts](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/family-relationships\/in-the-mood-dating-no-sex\/?src=psn)\n\nMembers Only\n\nHome Living\n\n#### [National Burrito Day Freebies and Deals](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/national-burrito-day-deals-2026\/?src=psn)\n[Celebrate the unofficial holiday with 10 tasty burrito bargains](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/national-burrito-day-deals-2026\/?src=psn)\n\nMembers Only\n\nHealth\n\n#### [USDA Retracts Lead Alert for Walmart Dino Nuggets](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/walmart-chicken-nugget-alert-april-2026\/?src=psn)\n[Follow-up testing found no elevated lead, and the original result was ruled a lab error](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/conditions-treatments\/walmart-chicken-nugget-alert-april-2026\/?src=psn)\n\nMembers 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Newsletters](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/newsletters\/)\n\n[Privacy Hub](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/about-aarp\/privacy-policy\/ \"privacy policy link\")\n\n### Recommended for You\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![an illustration of people sitting in various rows on an airplane](https:\/\/aarp.widen.net\/content\/jstztngama\/png\/84233AARP_AirplaneSurvival_MainFinal-1.png?anchor=0%2C1&color=ffffffff&u=ucxnmh) Members only](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/travel-tips\/travel-hacks-for-long-flights\/?src=psn \"Recommended for You\")\n\nTravel\n\n#### [Simple Travel Hacks to Make Long Flights Easier](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/travel-tips\/travel-hacks-for-long-flights\/?src=psn)\n[Expert tips for reducing stiffness, staying hydrated and resting better in the air](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/travel\/travel-tips\/travel-hacks-for-long-flights\/?src=psn)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![search bar over US 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refund](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/taxes\/1040-tax-calculator\/?src=psn)\n\nARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT\n\n## Conversation\nFollow this conversation to be notified when new comments are postedfollow\n\nLog in\n\n\\|\n\nRegister\n\n![Jump to log in or sign Up](https:\/\/cdn.viafoura.net\/assets\/defaultavatar.913f94a2fa72a280b0374131f1c9b175.png)\n\nAll Comments16\n\nNEWEST\n\n**0**\n\n### All Comments\n1. #### Comment by pa3514.\n   pa\n   \n   pa3514\n   \n   March 14, 2026\n   \n   Beware of extended warranties for major appliances, as they all respond differently. I purchased an extended warranty for a refrigerator. Repair person had to be called three times and never was able to correct the problem. Upon calling them a fourth time I was told that unless the technician deems the article irreparable that a replacement would not be given. To this day I have had this appliance that does not work properly. Big waste of money!.\n   \n   reply\n   \n   0\n   \n   share\n   \n   report\n   \n   0\n   \n   0 older replies\n   \n   show older replies\n2. #### Comment by RN362636.\n   RN\n   \n   RN362636\n   \n   October 24, 2025\n   \n   I recall when Discover card would double a warranty when you used the card to make the purchase...no more. I also remember when banks would give you free checks , safe deposit boxes and paper statements too. They were perks for banking with them. Now they charge for everything imaginable.\n   \n   reply\n   \n   3\n   \n   share\n   \n   report\n   \n   0\n   \n   0 older replies\n   \n   show older replies\n3. #### Comment by 22LouAnn.\n   22\n   \n   22LouAnn\n   \n   October 11, 2025\n   \n   Hey! AARP!! NOT SPELLING MY FIRST NAME CORRECTLY - DESPITE MY UNCOUNTABLE REQUESTS FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS - is how I'm wasting my money. Subscribing only to have uncountable requests ignored and to be DISRESPECTED for decades.\n   \n   reply\n   \n   1 reply\n   \n   0\n   \n   share\n   \n   report\n   \n   0\n   \n   0 older replies\n   \n   show older replies\n   \n   - #### Reply by roachme.\n     ro\n     \n     roachme\n     \n     October 11, 2025\n     \n     Reply to 22LouAnn\n     \n     You can fix it yourself in your account profile online. Log in, My Account, Account Details, and under Name, Edit.edited\n     \n     reply\n     \n     4\n     \n     share\n     \n     report\n4. #### Comment by DLK549.\n   DL\n   \n   DLK549\n   \n   July 23, 2025\n   \n   I used to agree about extended warranties, however, in the past year I have used extended warranties three time when major appliances went kablooey after the manufacturer’s warranty expired. We buy on a case by case basis, but, so far, we’ve saved a lot\\!\n   \n   reply\n   \n   4 replies\n   \n   2\n   \n   share\n   \n   report\n   \n   2\n   \n   2 older replies\n   \n   show older replies\n   \n   - #### Reply by TimB412626.\n     Ti\n     \n     TimB412626\n     \n     November 8, 2025\n     \n     Reply to RN362636\n     \n     I'm with you there. In 2001 I purchased a vehicle that I still own. When it was time for its first for an alignment I purchased the lifetime alignment from Discount Tire. I've had 23 or 24 years of alignments without any out-of-pocket expenses. Did the same thing with the truck I purchased in 2005. I still own the truck and I've had about 19 or 20 years of free alignments. In 2007 I purchased a vehicle that required four wheel alignment. Four wheel alignments are more expensive than front end alignments. I ended up with 17 years of free alignments before I ended up selling the vehicle. As you said, they don't expect us to hang on to a good vehicle. Money in the bank, cha-ching\n     \n     Read more\n     \n     reply\n     \n     1 reply\n     \n     1\n     \n     share\n     \n     report\n   - #### Reply by RN362636.\n     RN\n     \n     RN362636\n     \n     November 17, 2025\n     \n     Reply to TimB412626\n     \n     I also recall many years ago that my mother bought a car battery with a lifetime warranty. I bet she got 4 or 5 free ones over the years. Those were the days....\n     \n     reply\n     \n     1\n     \n     share\n     \n     report\n5. #### Comment by j643476m.\n   j6\n   \n   j643476m\n   \n   July 18, 2025\n   \n   Extended warranties: Cpnsumer Reports advises that these are usually not worth the money, especially for low dollar purchases. Like at box stores like Walmart, when they want to sell you a \\$2 to \\$5 warranty on a product that maybe cost \\$25. That \\$5 is 20% added onto the cost of the product. Usually not worth it because the product will generally last as long as the warranty period. Make sure not to buy junky items and this will be the case.\n   \n   reply\n   \n   3\n   \n   share\n   \n   report\n   \n   0\n   \n   0 older replies\n   \n   show older replies\n\nLoad more comments\n\nPowered by\n\n{ \"articlePagePath\" :\"\/content\/aarpe\/en\/home\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-stop-wasting-money\", \"aarpId\" : \"e47d929ed92e239c54e444f43fd4bd98\" \"customContainerId\" : \"\" \"limit\" : \"5\" \"paginationLimit\" : \"5\" \"replyLimit\" : \"2\" \"paginationReplyLimit\" : \"5\" \"sort\" : \"\" \"featuredTabActiveThreshold\" : \"5\" }\n\nBenefits Recommended For You\n\n[See All](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/all-offers-a-z\/ \"See All\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![woman in yellow apron preparing vegetables looking at a tablet on counter](https:\/\/aarp.widen.net\/content\/xrheg6elaq\/jpeg\/1140x641-person-in-apron-preparing-meal-using-tablet.jpeg?position=c&color=ffffffff&quality=99&u=qgu0ow) Members only Health & Wellness AARP® Personalized Nutrition: Recipe Analyzer Measure any meal’s nutritional value](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/health\/personalized-nutrition-recipe-analyzer\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![guestroom hotel with bed, desk, window, neutral colors](https:\/\/aarp.widen.net\/content\/hbfiqusayi\/jpeg\/1140x641-quality-inn-guestroom-hotel-bed.jpeg?position=c&color=ffffffff&quality=99&u=qgu0ow) Members only Travel Quality Inn® 10% off the best available rate](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/hotels\/quality\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![](https:\/\/aarp.widen.net\/content\/vm2zkf3f7j\/jpeg\/DBR_AARPTheaterStock_06122025.jpg?anchor=0%2C0&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=w1npqh) Members only Entertainment AARP Theater Free plays, concerts, musicals, dance performances and more](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/membership\/benefits\/entertainment\/aarp-theater\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![Shell gas station at dusk](https:\/\/aarp.widen.net\/content\/wejrijbs2k\/jpeg\/DBR_ShellFuelRewardsCourtesy_02272025.jpg?anchor=0%2C0&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=w1npqh) Members only Gas & Auto Services Shell Activation bonus for new Fuel Rewards® members and savings on fuel. 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[Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/aarp\/)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/aarp)\n\n**0**","attrs_readable_markdown":"![](https:\/\/cdn.aarp.net\/etc\/uxdia\/images\/uxdia-spinner.svg)\n\n![line of one dollar bills going into black hole in white surface on a red background](https:\/\/aarp.widen.net\/content\/70odrm8zgm\/jpeg\/GettyImages-2215779140.jpg?crop=true&anchor=7,888&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=k2e9ec&w=1852&h=1064)\n\nGetty Images\n\n[Bank fees](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-to-avoid-bank-fees\/ \"void bank fees\"), unused [streaming subscriptions](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/television\/save-money-streaming-services\/ \"streaming services\") and extended warranties are just a few of the unnecessary costs that can pile up and take a big bite out of your wallet.\n\nIf you aren’t watching your spending, it can be easy to blow your [budget](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/start-a-budget-after-50\/ \"start a budget\"), especially if you’re retired and living on a fixed income.\n\nGet back on track by eliminating these 11 common money wasters. \n\n### 1\\. Ghost subscriptions\nSubscriptions are easy to get online — and easy to forget. More than 4 out of 5 Americans have at least one paid subscription they don’t use, according to a [2024 survey](https:\/\/www.self.inc\/info\/cost-of-unused-paid-subscriptions\/ \"see the survey\") by financial technology company Self.\n\nSome [automatic payments](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/autopay-bills-avoid-late-fees\/ \"avoid fees with autopay\"), such as for [monthly utility bills](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/ways-to-save-on-monthly-bills\/ \"save on utilities\"), are convenient and can help you avoid late fees. Others can turn into money leaks if you’re not watchful. For example, a subscription to Ancestry.com starts at \\$25 a month and a cloud storage subscription to Dropbox starts at \\$12 a month, but if you’re not actively researching your family tree or storing documents on a cloud, canceling these subscriptions before they auto-renew can help you save.\n\n### 2\\. Streaming services\nU.S. adults with streaming subscriptions spend on average more than \\$200 a year for services they don't use, a 2025 [CNET survey](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/subscription-survey-2025\/ \"see the survey\") found. Tess Zigo, a certified financial planner based in Palm Harbor, Florida, recommends thinking critically about your media subscriptions. “Netflix, as an example, has drastically increased prices, like most providers,” she says. “Go through and determine how many streaming services you need. We currently have five and are trying to trim these down to one or two that we really value.”\n\n### 3\\. Water leaks\nIn addition to keeping you up at night, a drip-drip-drip from a leaky faucet, toilet or showerhead can drive up your water bill. A single faucet that leaks at a rate of one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year — the equivalent of over 180 showers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.\n\n### 4\\. Bank fees\nThe average monthly fee for an interest-bearing checking account is \\$15.45, or around \\$185 a year, according to Bankrate.com. But these fees are avoidable.\n\nIf your bank doesn’t offer an interest-bearing checking account with no fee, consider opening an account at a credit union. (Credit unions typically have fewer fees than commercial banks.) Or, if you’re willing to give up the brick-and-mortar bank experience, many online-only banks offer no-fee checking accounts.\n\nMost Popular\n\n### 5\\. Mutual fund fees\nA [mutual fund](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/how-low-cost-funds-fueled-nest-eggs\/ \"low cost funds fuel nest eggs\") company, like any business, has expenses, including paying its executives, managers, accountants and other employees. As a result, some charge customers hefty fees.\n\nBeen a while since you shopped around? Today, the average stock mutual fund charges about 0.4 percent of the fund’s assets a year, according to the Investment Company Institute, a trade group. That’s well below the average mutual fund fee a few decades ago.\n\n### 6\\. Food delivery\nOrdering in has never been easier thanks to [food delivery apps](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/healthy-living\/food-safety-tips-for-food-delivery-apps\/ \"tips for food delivery apps\") such as Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash. Americans spend nearly \\$1,600 a year on food delivery services, according to one survey.\n\nThere are a couple simple ways to save when ordering in. Call the restaurant to see if they’ll deliver to you directly — it’s often cheaper than ordering through a delivery app. Also, see if your credit card entitles you to waived fees for certain delivery apps.\n\n### 7\\. Heat fiends and cooling devils\nYou certainly don’t want your home to be sweltering all [summer](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/cut-costs-summer-electric-bills\/ \"save on summer bills\") or frigid all [winter](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/lower-heating-bills\/ \"lower heating bills\"). But do you really need the house set at 72 degrees when you’re at work? The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.\n\nGet a programmable thermostat and you can have the house cooled or heated to the temperature you prefer when you get home. These devices start at as little as \\$25 for a basic model. There are also [smart thermostats](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-family\/personal-technology\/info-2024\/smart-home-daily-life-easier.html \"smart tech for daily life\") that let you control your home’s heating and cooling system remotely from your phone.\n\n### 8\\. Energy vampires\nA number of devices, from computers to printers to televisions to coffee makers, quietly consume electricity when you’re not using them. According to one study, such “energy vampires” can consume up to nearly one-fourth of an average household’s electricity use.\n\nOf course, you’re not going to turn off your refrigerator to reduce energy, but there are plenty of devices you can power down when they’re not in use to lower your electric bill.\n\nOne easy and effective tactic: Instead of plugging electronics directly into wall outlets, use power strips to provide juice to smaller devices, like laptops and phone chargers, and turn off the power strips before you leave the house.\n\n### 9\\. Books\nBrace yourself, bibliophiles: A new adult paperback will set you back about \\$16 to \\$20, according to Publishers Weekly. A recent hardcover costs about \\$30.\n\nGenerally, you can borrow thousands of free books, [e-books and audiobooks](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/entertainment\/books\/ways-to-get-free-e-books-and-audiobooks\/ \"save on books\") through your local public library. (Just make sure to return them on time to avoid late fees.) In addition, Gutenberg.org, a nonprofit and the original purveyor of online books, offers free access to more than 75,000 e-books that are in the public domain.\n\n### 10\\. Extended warranties\nMany products come with a standard warranty, where the manufacturer guarantees it will fix or replace the item for free if it breaks or is damaged during a specified period. But if you just purchased a new mobile phone, [refrigerator](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/replacing-appliances-when-they-break\/ \"replace appliances\") or [car](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/tariffs-raise-car-prices-how-to-save\/ \"save on car prices\"), chances are the seller offered you an [extended warranty](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/extended-warranties-guide\/ \"guide to extended warranties\") for a fee.\n\nExtended warranties, though, often go unused. They also frequently have a number of exclusions where repairs aren’t covered.\n\n“Extended warranties are now a big business. Companies bake in the profits. So it’s not in their interest to live up to all their marketing,” warns Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com. “If you’ve ever struggled to get an insurance company to fulfill its policy, this is no different.”\n\nTip: Instead of purchasing an extended warranty, see if there are any protections if you pay with your credit card. Many credit card companies will reimburse you or replace the product if it’s damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Visa and American Express offer this type of protection. If you have a Mastercard, the length of time varies from 45 to 90 days, depending on the card.\n\n### 11\\. Unnecessary groceries\nWe’ve all been there: We stock up at the [supermarket](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/money\/personal-finance\/supermarket-secrets\/ \"supermarket secrets\") on groceries we plan to eat, but the food sits untouched in our refrigerator until it spoils and we have no choice but to toss it. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone — the average family of four tosses approximately \\$3,000 worth of uneaten food into the garbage. At a time when grocery prices are on the rise, reducing how much food you waste can be a big [money saver](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/smart-guide-to-grocery-shopping\/ \"guide to grocery shopping\").\n\nA few ways to [limit food waste](https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/reduce-food-waste-at-home\/ \"reduce food waste\"): Store dry goods like rice and flour in airtight containers so they stay fresh longer; freeze certain foods before they expire; and don’t purchase foods in bulk if you’re an empty nester and can’t finish a 12-pack of potato chips before they expire. \n\n*Maya Dollarhide is a freelance writer whose work has been published by* MarketWatch*,* Yahoo Finance*,* Investopedia *and other national publications.Donna Fuscaldo is a contributing writer and editor focusing on personal finance and health. She has spent over two decades writing and covering news for several national publications including*TheWall Street Journal**,**Forbes**,**Investopedia *and* HerMoney*.*","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money/
Last Crawled	2026-04-15 23:08:15 (4 days ago)
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Meta Title	11 Ways You’re Wasting Money — And How To Stop It
Meta Description	A checklist for you to review routine expenses you may not realize are wasting a frightening amount of money and great tricks to save you a bundle.
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Boilerpipe Text	Getty Images Bank fees , unused streaming subscriptions and extended warranties are just a few of the unnecessary costs that can pile up and take a big bite out of your wallet. If you aren’t watching your spending, it can be easy to blow your budget , especially if you’re retired and living on a fixed income. Get back on track by eliminating these 11 common money wasters. 1. Ghost subscriptions Subscriptions are easy to get online — and easy to forget. More than 4 out of 5 Americans have at least one paid subscription they don’t use, according to a 2024 survey by financial technology company Self. Some automatic payments , such as for monthly utility bills , are convenient and can help you avoid late fees. Others can turn into money leaks if you’re not watchful. For example, a subscription to Ancestry.com starts at $25 a month and a cloud storage subscription to Dropbox starts at $12 a month, but if you’re not actively researching your family tree or storing documents on a cloud, canceling these subscriptions before they auto-renew can help you save. 2. Streaming services U.S. adults with streaming subscriptions spend on average more than $200 a year for services they don't use, a 2025 CNET survey found. Tess Zigo, a certified financial planner based in Palm Harbor, Florida, recommends thinking critically about your media subscriptions. “Netflix, as an example, has drastically increased prices, like most providers,” she says. “Go through and determine how many streaming services you need. We currently have five and are trying to trim these down to one or two that we really value.” 3. Water leaks In addition to keeping you up at night, a drip-drip-drip from a leaky faucet, toilet or showerhead can drive up your water bill. A single faucet that leaks at a rate of one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year — the equivalent of over 180 showers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 4. Bank fees The average monthly fee for an interest-bearing checking account is $15.45, or around $185 a year, according to Bankrate.com. But these fees are avoidable. If your bank doesn’t offer an interest-bearing checking account with no fee, consider opening an account at a credit union. (Credit unions typically have fewer fees than commercial banks.) Or, if you’re willing to give up the brick-and-mortar bank experience, many online-only banks offer no-fee checking accounts. Most Popular 5. Mutual fund fees A mutual fund company, like any business, has expenses, including paying its executives, managers, accountants and other employees. As a result, some charge customers hefty fees. Been a while since you shopped around? Today, the average stock mutual fund charges about 0.4 percent of the fund’s assets a year, according to the Investment Company Institute, a trade group. That’s well below the average mutual fund fee a few decades ago. 6. Food delivery Ordering in has never been easier thanks to food delivery apps such as Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash. Americans spend nearly $1,600 a year on food delivery services, according to one survey. There are a couple simple ways to save when ordering in. Call the restaurant to see if they’ll deliver to you directly — it’s often cheaper than ordering through a delivery app. Also, see if your credit card entitles you to waived fees for certain delivery apps. 7. Heat fiends and cooling devils You certainly don’t want your home to be sweltering all summer or frigid all winter . But do you really need the house set at 72 degrees when you’re at work? The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day. Get a programmable thermostat and you can have the house cooled or heated to the temperature you prefer when you get home. These devices start at as little as $25 for a basic model. There are also smart thermostats that let you control your home’s heating and cooling system remotely from your phone. 8. Energy vampires A number of devices, from computers to printers to televisions to coffee makers, quietly consume electricity when you’re not using them. According to one study, such “energy vampires” can consume up to nearly one-fourth of an average household’s electricity use. Of course, you’re not going to turn off your refrigerator to reduce energy, but there are plenty of devices you can power down when they’re not in use to lower your electric bill. One easy and effective tactic: Instead of plugging electronics directly into wall outlets, use power strips to provide juice to smaller devices, like laptops and phone chargers, and turn off the power strips before you leave the house. 9. Books Brace yourself, bibliophiles: A new adult paperback will set you back about $16 to $20, according to Publishers Weekly. A recent hardcover costs about $30. Generally, you can borrow thousands of free books, e-books and audiobooks through your local public library. (Just make sure to return them on time to avoid late fees.) In addition, Gutenberg.org, a nonprofit and the original purveyor of online books, offers free access to more than 75,000 e-books that are in the public domain. 10. Extended warranties Many products come with a standard warranty, where the manufacturer guarantees it will fix or replace the item for free if it breaks or is damaged during a specified period. But if you just purchased a new mobile phone, refrigerator or car , chances are the seller offered you an extended warranty for a fee. Extended warranties, though, often go unused. They also frequently have a number of exclusions where repairs aren’t covered. “Extended warranties are now a big business. Companies bake in the profits. So it’s not in their interest to live up to all their marketing,” warns Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com. “If you’ve ever struggled to get an insurance company to fulfill its policy, this is no different.” Tip: Instead of purchasing an extended warranty, see if there are any protections if you pay with your credit card. Many credit card companies will reimburse you or replace the product if it’s damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Visa and American Express offer this type of protection. If you have a Mastercard, the length of time varies from 45 to 90 days, depending on the card. 11. Unnecessary groceries We’ve all been there: We stock up at the supermarket on groceries we plan to eat, but the food sits untouched in our refrigerator until it spoils and we have no choice but to toss it. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone — the average family of four tosses approximately $3,000 worth of uneaten food into the garbage. At a time when grocery prices are on the rise, reducing how much food you waste can be a big money saver . A few ways to limit food waste : Store dry goods like rice and flour in airtight containers so they stay fresh longer; freeze certain foods before they expire; and don’t purchase foods in bulk if you’re an empty nester and can’t finish a 12-pack of potato chips before they expire. Maya Dollarhide is a freelance writer whose work has been published by MarketWatch , Yahoo Finance , Investopedia and other national publications. Donna Fuscaldo is a contributing writer and editor focusing on personal finance and health. She has spent over two decades writing and covering news for several national publications including The Wall Street Journal , Forbes , Investopedia and HerMoney .
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[Skip to content](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money/#aarp-u-end-of-header) [Watch AARP Live: Identity Fraud: What You Need to Know, April15 at 7:30 PM ET/6:30 PM CT.](https://www.aarp.org/states/aarplive/?CMP=OTH-IMM-ALERT_FRD-RFD_TV) [![AARP Logo Header White 139x36](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarp/graphics/aarp_logos/120x30-aarp-header-logo-red.svg)](https://www.aarp.org/?intcmp=GLOBAL-HDR-BTN-CLK-LOGO-UXDIA "Homepage") - [Join](https://join.aarp.org/joinnav) - [Renew](https://join.aarp.org/rfrenew) - - [Membership & Benefits](https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/all-offers-a-z/ "Membership and Benefits") - - [Members Edition](https://www.aarp.org/membership/members-edition/ "members edition") [AARP Rewards](https://www.aarp.org/rewards/) [Help](https://help.aarp.org/s/?intcmp=HelpDefaultTest12) [Register](https://secure.aarp.org/applications/user/register?promo=MBPHDR) [Login](https://secure.aarp.org/applications/user/login "Login to AARP") [Login](https://secure.aarp.org/applications/user/login "Login to AARP") Content starts here CLOSE × Search Money All Topics Entertainment Health Money Policy & Research Travel Work Member Benefits Caregiving Games Rewards Videos {"dropDownLabel":"All Topics","dropDownValue":"everywhere"},{"dropDownLabel":"Entertainment","dropDownValue":"entertainment"},{"dropDownLabel":"Health","dropDownValue":"health"},{"dropDownLabel":"Money","dropDownValue":"money"},{"dropDownLabel":"Policy & Research","dropDownValue":"research"},{"dropDownLabel":"Travel","dropDownValue":"travel"},{"dropDownLabel":"Work","dropDownValue":"work"},{"dropDownLabel":"Member Benefits","dropDownValue":"member benefits"},{"dropDownLabel":"Caregiving","dropDownValue":"caregiving"},{"dropDownLabel":"Games","dropDownValue":"games"},{"dropDownLabel":"Rewards","dropDownValue":"rewards"},{"dropDownLabel":"Videos","dropDownValue":"videos"} Search Popular Searches [Games](https://www.aarp.org/games/) [Car rental](https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/carrental/?intcmp=DSO-HDR-BENEFITS-EWHERE) [AARP daily Crossword Puzzle](https://games.aarp.org/games/daily-crossword) [Hotels with AARP discounts](https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/hotels/?intcmp=DSO-HDR-BENEFITS-EWHERE) [Life Insurance](https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/insurance/life/?intcmp=DSO-HDR-BENEFITS-EWHERE) [AARP Dental Insurance Plans](https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/insurance/delta-dental/) [Travel](https://www.aarp.org/travel/) Suggested Links [Help](https://help.aarp.org/s/) [Show me my account info](https://help.aarp.org/s/article/show-me-my-account-info) [Change my Address](https://help.aarp.org/s/article/i-want-to-change-my-address) [How do I contact AARP?](https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp) [Where is my membership card?](https://help.aarp.org/s/article/where-is-my-membership-card) [How do I get a digital card?](https://help.aarp.org/s/article/how-do-i-access-my-aarp-digital-card-via-aarp-now-app) ![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![Red Membership Card ](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/experience-fragments/uxdia-folder-structure/en/features/membership/header-search-membership-promo/default/anonymous/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/container_copy/container/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.png/content/dam/aarp/uxdia/icons/membership-card-with-shadow.png) AARP Membership — \$15 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. 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[![Article Image](https://aarp.widen.net/content/n6krzdnntz/png/77388_ILLO01.png?crop=true&anchor=0,0&color=ffffffff&u=4xtngc&w=1140&h=655) Personal Finance 8 Retailers That Offer Senior Discounts Supermarkets aren’t the only stores that offer savings to older shoppers](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/surprising-stores-with-senior-discounts/) - [![Article Image](https://aarp.widen.net/content/xygbos2fmt/png/1140-GettyImages-136652346.png?crop=true&anchor=0,0&color=ffffffff&u=k2e9ec&w=1140&h=655) Money Trim Your Budget with a Money Diet If you need to curb your spending habits, consider trimming your wallet’s waistline](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-go-on-money-diet/) - [![Article Image](https://aarp.widen.net/content/wjmbfynv2k/jpeg/44029_99Ways_ILLO01-p2w.jpg?crop=true&anchor=0,0&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=lywnjt&w=1140&h=655) 99 Great Ways to Save 2025 Edition Stretch your dollars — and cut costs on groceries, travel, entertainment and more](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/99-great-ways-to-save-2025/) - [![Article Image](https://aarp.widen.net/content/6nm8hq5adf/jpeg/80133_glennharvey_2025_02_06_aarp_final2.jpg?crop=true&anchor=0,1&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=ucxnmh&w=2048&h=1177) Money Tariffs Could Raise Prices on These Products Watch out for higher prices for avocados, smartphones and more, economists warn](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/products-more-expensive-tariffs/) - [![Article Image](https://aarp.widen.net/content/70odrm8zgm/jpeg/GettyImages-2215779140.jpg?crop=true&anchor=7,888&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=k2e9ec&w=1852&h=1064) Money 11 Ways You’re Wasting Money Small steps to cut unnecessary expenses can add up to big savings](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money/) [Money](https://www.aarp.org/money/) # 11 Ways You’re Wasting Money — and How to Stop ## Small steps to cut unnecessary expenses can add up to big savings * By Maya Dollarhide and Donna Fuscaldo, Updated June 26, 2025 AARP 16 Comments [En español](https://www.aarp.org/espanol/dinero/presupuesto-y-ahorro/info-2021/evita-el-desperdicio.html) Published October 07, 2021 / Updated June 26, 2025 ![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![line of one dollar bills going into black hole in white surface on a red background](https://aarp.widen.net/content/70odrm8zgm/jpeg/GettyImages-2215779140.jpg?crop=true&anchor=7,888&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=k2e9ec&w=1852&h=1064) Getty Images - [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money/) - [Twitter](http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money/&related=CreateTheGood&text=) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money/&title=) [Bank fees](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-avoid-bank-fees/ "void bank fees"), unused [streaming subscriptions](https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/television/save-money-streaming-services/ "streaming services") and extended warranties are just a few of the unnecessary costs that can pile up and take a big bite out of your wallet. If you aren’t watching your spending, it can be easy to blow your [budget](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/start-a-budget-after-50/ "start a budget"), especially if you’re retired and living on a fixed income. [work-and-jobs/careers/volunteering-old,taxonomy:giving-back,taxonomy:home-and-family]() [Donate to Grant Life-Changing Wishes You can be the bridge to hope and joy. With your gift, Wish of a Lifetime® from AARP (an affiliated charity) can grant more wishes, sparking hope and joy to last a lifetime.](https://wol.aarp.org/site/Donation/grant-wish-change-life-library) Members only Get back on track by eliminating these 11 common money wasters. ### 1\. Ghost subscriptions Subscriptions are easy to get online — and easy to forget. More than 4 out of 5 Americans have at least one paid subscription they don’t use, according to a [2024 survey](https://www.self.inc/info/cost-of-unused-paid-subscriptions/ "see the survey") by financial technology company Self. Some [automatic payments](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/autopay-bills-avoid-late-fees/ "avoid fees with autopay"), such as for [monthly utility bills](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/ways-to-save-on-monthly-bills/ "save on utilities"), are convenient and can help you avoid late fees. Others can turn into money leaks if you’re not watchful. For example, a subscription to Ancestry.com starts at \$25 a month and a cloud storage subscription to Dropbox starts at \$12 a month, but if you’re not actively researching your family tree or storing documents on a cloud, canceling these subscriptions before they auto-renew can help you save. ### 2\. Streaming services U.S. adults with streaming subscriptions spend on average more than \$200 a year for services they don't use, a 2025 [CNET survey](https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/subscription-survey-2025/ "see the survey") found. Tess Zigo, a certified financial planner based in Palm Harbor, Florida, recommends thinking critically about your media subscriptions. “Netflix, as an example, has drastically increased prices, like most providers,” she says. “Go through and determine how many streaming services you need. We currently have five and are trying to trim these down to one or two that we really value.” ### 3\. Water leaks In addition to keeping you up at night, a drip-drip-drip from a leaky faucet, toilet or showerhead can drive up your water bill. A single faucet that leaks at a rate of one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year — the equivalent of over 180 showers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ### 4\. Bank fees The average monthly fee for an interest-bearing checking account is \$15.45, or around \$185 a year, according to Bankrate.com. But these fees are avoidable. If your bank doesn’t offer an interest-bearing checking account with no fee, consider opening an account at a credit union. (Credit unions typically have fewer fees than commercial banks.) Or, if you’re willing to give up the brick-and-mortar bank experience, many online-only banks offer no-fee checking accounts. ### Most Popular Health #### [Cicada COVID Strain Raises New Questions](https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/cicada-covid-variant-ba32/?src=psn) [Plus, experts emphasize the importance of a spring booster for older adults](https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/cicada-covid-variant-ba32/?src=psn) Members Only Family Relationships #### [I Have No Interest in Sex. Can I Still Date?](https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/in-the-mood-dating-no-sex/?src=psn) [It’s absolutely possible to have a sex-free relationship, say our experts](https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/in-the-mood-dating-no-sex/?src=psn) Members Only Home Living #### [National Burrito Day Freebies and Deals](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/national-burrito-day-deals-2026/?src=psn) [Celebrate the unofficial holiday with 10 tasty burrito bargains](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/national-burrito-day-deals-2026/?src=psn) Members Only Health #### [USDA Retracts Lead Alert for Walmart Dino Nuggets](https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/walmart-chicken-nugget-alert-april-2026/?src=psn) [Follow-up testing found no elevated lead, and the original result was ruled a lab error](https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/walmart-chicken-nugget-alert-april-2026/?src=psn) Members Only ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT ### 5\. Mutual fund fees A [mutual fund](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-low-cost-funds-fueled-nest-eggs/ "low cost funds fuel nest eggs") company, like any business, has expenses, including paying its executives, managers, accountants and other employees. As a result, some charge customers hefty fees. Been a while since you shopped around? Today, the average stock mutual fund charges about 0.4 percent of the fund’s assets a year, according to the Investment Company Institute, a trade group. That’s well below the average mutual fund fee a few decades ago. [Health & Wellness]() [AARP® Personalized Nutrition: Recipe Analyzer Measure any meal’s nutritional value](https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/health/personalized-nutrition-recipe-analyzer/) Members only ### 6\. Food delivery Ordering in has never been easier thanks to [food delivery apps](https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/food-safety-tips-for-food-delivery-apps/ "tips for food delivery apps") such as Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash. Americans spend nearly \$1,600 a year on food delivery services, according to one survey. There are a couple simple ways to save when ordering in. Call the restaurant to see if they’ll deliver to you directly — it’s often cheaper than ordering through a delivery app. Also, see if your credit card entitles you to waived fees for certain delivery apps. ### 7\. Heat fiends and cooling devils You certainly don’t want your home to be sweltering all [summer](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/cut-costs-summer-electric-bills/ "save on summer bills") or frigid all [winter](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/lower-heating-bills/ "lower heating bills"). But do you really need the house set at 72 degrees when you’re at work? The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day. Get a programmable thermostat and you can have the house cooled or heated to the temperature you prefer when you get home. These devices start at as little as \$25 for a basic model. There are also [smart thermostats](https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2024/smart-home-daily-life-easier.html "smart tech for daily life") that let you control your home’s heating and cooling system remotely from your phone. ### 8\. Energy vampires A number of devices, from computers to printers to televisions to coffee makers, quietly consume electricity when you’re not using them. According to one study, such “energy vampires” can consume up to nearly one-fourth of an average household’s electricity use. Of course, you’re not going to turn off your refrigerator to reduce energy, but there are plenty of devices you can power down when they’re not in use to lower your electric bill. One easy and effective tactic: Instead of plugging electronics directly into wall outlets, use power strips to provide juice to smaller devices, like laptops and phone chargers, and turn off the power strips before you leave the house. ![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![newsletter-naw-tablet](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/experience-fragments/uxdia-folder-structure/en/next-action-widgets/newsletter_naw/Newsletter_NAW/master/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/container/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/QA_bucket/widgetimages/newsletter_NAW_tablet.jpg) AARP NEWSLETTERS ![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![Mujer leyendo tableta](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/experience-fragments/uxdia-folder-structure/en/next-action-widgets/newsletter_naw/Newsletter_NAW/master/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/container/container/container/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.png/content/dam/aarp/QA_bucket/widgetimages/newsletter_NAW_desktop.png) Get The Daily for news that matters The latest in health, money, entertainment, jobs, and travel each weekday\!** [See All Newsletters](https://www.aarp.org/newsletters/) [Privacy Hub](https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/privacy-policy/ "privacy policy link") ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT ### 9\. Books Brace yourself, bibliophiles: A new adult paperback will set you back about \$16 to \$20, according to Publishers Weekly. A recent hardcover costs about \$30. Generally, you can borrow thousands of free books, [e-books and audiobooks](https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/ways-to-get-free-e-books-and-audiobooks/ "save on books") through your local public library. (Just make sure to return them on time to avoid late fees.) In addition, Gutenberg.org, a nonprofit and the original purveyor of online books, offers free access to more than 75,000 e-books that are in the public domain. ### 10\. Extended warranties Many products come with a standard warranty, where the manufacturer guarantees it will fix or replace the item for free if it breaks or is damaged during a specified period. But if you just purchased a new mobile phone, [refrigerator](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/replacing-appliances-when-they-break/ "replace appliances") or [car](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/tariffs-raise-car-prices-how-to-save/ "save on car prices"), chances are the seller offered you an [extended warranty](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/extended-warranties-guide/ "guide to extended warranties") for a fee. Extended warranties, though, often go unused. They also frequently have a number of exclusions where repairs aren’t covered. “Extended warranties are now a big business. Companies bake in the profits. So it’s not in their interest to live up to all their marketing,” warns Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com. “If you’ve ever struggled to get an insurance company to fulfill its policy, this is no different.” Tip: Instead of purchasing an extended warranty, see if there are any protections if you pay with your credit card. Many credit card companies will reimburse you or replace the product if it’s damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Visa and American Express offer this type of protection. If you have a Mastercard, the length of time varies from 45 to 90 days, depending on the card. ### 11\. Unnecessary groceries We’ve all been there: We stock up at the [supermarket](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/supermarket-secrets/ "supermarket secrets") on groceries we plan to eat, but the food sits untouched in our refrigerator until it spoils and we have no choice but to toss it. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone — the average family of four tosses approximately \$3,000 worth of uneaten food into the garbage. At a time when grocery prices are on the rise, reducing how much food you waste can be a big [money saver](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/smart-guide-to-grocery-shopping/ "guide to grocery shopping"). A few ways to [limit food waste](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/reduce-food-waste-at-home/ "reduce food waste"): Store dry goods like rice and flour in airtight containers so they stay fresh longer; freeze certain foods before they expire; and don’t purchase foods in bulk if you’re an empty nester and can’t finish a 12-pack of potato chips before they expire. [%{postComment}%](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money/#comments_widget_id) Maya Dollarhide is a freelance writer whose work has been published by MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Investopedia and other national publications. Donna Fuscaldo is a contributing writer and editor focusing on personal finance and health. She has spent over two decades writing and covering news for several national publications including TheWall Street Journal,Forbes,Investopedia and HerMoney. 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Can I Still Date?](https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/in-the-mood-dating-no-sex/?src=psn) [It’s absolutely possible to have a sex-free relationship, say our experts](https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/in-the-mood-dating-no-sex/?src=psn) Members Only Home Living #### [National Burrito Day Freebies and Deals](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/national-burrito-day-deals-2026/?src=psn) [Celebrate the unofficial holiday with 10 tasty burrito bargains](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/national-burrito-day-deals-2026/?src=psn) Members Only Health #### [USDA Retracts Lead Alert for Walmart Dino Nuggets](https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/walmart-chicken-nugget-alert-april-2026/?src=psn) [Follow-up testing found no elevated lead, and the original result was ruled a lab error](https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/walmart-chicken-nugget-alert-april-2026/?src=psn) Members Only ![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![newsletter-naw-tablet](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/experience-fragments/uxdia-folder-structure/en/next-action-widgets/newsletter_naw/Newsletter_NAW/master/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/container/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/QA_bucket/widgetimages/newsletter_NAW_tablet.jpg) AARP NEWSLETTERS ![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![Mujer leyendo tableta](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/experience-fragments/uxdia-folder-structure/en/next-action-widgets/newsletter_naw/Newsletter_NAW/master/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/container/container/container/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.png/content/dam/aarp/QA_bucket/widgetimages/newsletter_NAW_desktop.png) Get The Daily for news that matters The latest in health, money, entertainment, jobs, and travel each weekday\! 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I purchased an extended warranty for a refrigerator. Repair person had to be called three times and never was able to correct the problem. Upon calling them a fourth time I was told that unless the technician deems the article irreparable that a replacement would not be given. To this day I have had this appliance that does not work properly. Big waste of money!. reply 0 share report 0 0 older replies show older replies 2. #### Comment by RN362636. RN RN362636 October 24, 2025 I recall when Discover card would double a warranty when you used the card to make the purchase...no more. I also remember when banks would give you free checks , safe deposit boxes and paper statements too. They were perks for banking with them. Now they charge for everything imaginable. reply 3 share report 0 0 older replies show older replies 3. #### Comment by 22LouAnn. 22 22LouAnn October 11, 2025 Hey! AARP!! NOT SPELLING MY FIRST NAME CORRECTLY - DESPITE MY UNCOUNTABLE REQUESTS FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS - is how I'm wasting my money. Subscribing only to have uncountable requests ignored and to be DISRESPECTED for decades. reply 1 reply 0 share report 0 0 older replies show older replies - #### Reply by roachme. ro roachme October 11, 2025 Reply to 22LouAnn You can fix it yourself in your account profile online. Log in, My Account, Account Details, and under Name, Edit.edited reply 4 share report 4. #### Comment by DLK549. DL DLK549 July 23, 2025 I used to agree about extended warranties, however, in the past year I have used extended warranties three time when major appliances went kablooey after the manufacturer’s warranty expired. We buy on a case by case basis, but, so far, we’ve saved a lot\! reply 4 replies 2 share report 2 2 older replies show older replies - #### Reply by TimB412626. Ti TimB412626 November 8, 2025 Reply to RN362636 I'm with you there. In 2001 I purchased a vehicle that I still own. When it was time for its first for an alignment I purchased the lifetime alignment from Discount Tire. I've had 23 or 24 years of alignments without any out-of-pocket expenses. Did the same thing with the truck I purchased in 2005. I still own the truck and I've had about 19 or 20 years of free alignments. In 2007 I purchased a vehicle that required four wheel alignment. Four wheel alignments are more expensive than front end alignments. I ended up with 17 years of free alignments before I ended up selling the vehicle. As you said, they don't expect us to hang on to a good vehicle. Money in the bank, cha-ching Read more reply 1 reply 1 share report - #### Reply by RN362636. RN RN362636 November 17, 2025 Reply to TimB412626 I also recall many years ago that my mother bought a car battery with a lifetime warranty. I bet she got 4 or 5 free ones over the years. Those were the days.... reply 1 share report 5. #### Comment by j643476m. j6 j643476m July 18, 2025 Extended warranties: Cpnsumer Reports advises that these are usually not worth the money, especially for low dollar purchases. Like at box stores like Walmart, when they want to sell you a \$2 to \$5 warranty on a product that maybe cost \$25. That \$5 is 20% added onto the cost of the product. Usually not worth it because the product will generally last as long as the warranty period. Make sure not to buy junky items and this will be the case. reply 3 share report 0 0 older replies show older replies Load more comments Powered by { "articlePagePath" :"/content/aarpe/en/home/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money", "aarpId" : "e47d929ed92e239c54e444f43fd4bd98" "customContainerId" : "" "limit" : "5" "paginationLimit" : "5" "replyLimit" : "2" "paginationReplyLimit" : "5" "sort" : "" "featuredTabActiveThreshold" : "5" } Benefits Recommended For You [See All](https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/all-offers-a-z/ "See All") [![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![woman in yellow apron preparing vegetables looking at a tablet on counter](https://aarp.widen.net/content/xrheg6elaq/jpeg/1140x641-person-in-apron-preparing-meal-using-tablet.jpeg?position=c&color=ffffffff&quality=99&u=qgu0ow) Members only Health & Wellness AARP® Personalized Nutrition: Recipe Analyzer Measure any meal’s nutritional value](https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/health/personalized-nutrition-recipe-analyzer/) [![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![guestroom hotel with bed, desk, window, neutral colors](https://aarp.widen.net/content/hbfiqusayi/jpeg/1140x641-quality-inn-guestroom-hotel-bed.jpeg?position=c&color=ffffffff&quality=99&u=qgu0ow) Members only Travel Quality Inn® 10% off the best available rate](https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/hotels/quality/) [![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![](https://aarp.widen.net/content/vm2zkf3f7j/jpeg/DBR_AARPTheaterStock_06122025.jpg?anchor=0%2C0&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=w1npqh) Members only Entertainment AARP Theater Free plays, concerts, musicals, dance performances and more](https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/entertainment/aarp-theater/) [![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![Shell gas station at dusk](https://aarp.widen.net/content/wejrijbs2k/jpeg/DBR_ShellFuelRewardsCourtesy_02272025.jpg?anchor=0%2C0&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=w1npqh) Members only Gas & Auto Services Shell Activation bonus for new Fuel Rewards® members and savings on fuel. 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Readable Markdown	![](https://cdn.aarp.net/etc/uxdia/images/uxdia-spinner.svg) ![line of one dollar bills going into black hole in white surface on a red background](https://aarp.widen.net/content/70odrm8zgm/jpeg/GettyImages-2215779140.jpg?crop=true&anchor=7,888&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=k2e9ec&w=1852&h=1064) Getty Images [Bank fees](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-avoid-bank-fees/ "void bank fees"), unused [streaming subscriptions](https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/television/save-money-streaming-services/ "streaming services") and extended warranties are just a few of the unnecessary costs that can pile up and take a big bite out of your wallet. If you aren’t watching your spending, it can be easy to blow your [budget](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/start-a-budget-after-50/ "start a budget"), especially if you’re retired and living on a fixed income. Get back on track by eliminating these 11 common money wasters. ### 1\. Ghost subscriptions Subscriptions are easy to get online — and easy to forget. More than 4 out of 5 Americans have at least one paid subscription they don’t use, according to a [2024 survey](https://www.self.inc/info/cost-of-unused-paid-subscriptions/ "see the survey") by financial technology company Self. Some [automatic payments](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/autopay-bills-avoid-late-fees/ "avoid fees with autopay"), such as for [monthly utility bills](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/ways-to-save-on-monthly-bills/ "save on utilities"), are convenient and can help you avoid late fees. Others can turn into money leaks if you’re not watchful. For example, a subscription to Ancestry.com starts at \$25 a month and a cloud storage subscription to Dropbox starts at \$12 a month, but if you’re not actively researching your family tree or storing documents on a cloud, canceling these subscriptions before they auto-renew can help you save. ### 2\. Streaming services U.S. adults with streaming subscriptions spend on average more than \$200 a year for services they don't use, a 2025 [CNET survey](https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/subscription-survey-2025/ "see the survey") found. Tess Zigo, a certified financial planner based in Palm Harbor, Florida, recommends thinking critically about your media subscriptions. “Netflix, as an example, has drastically increased prices, like most providers,” she says. “Go through and determine how many streaming services you need. We currently have five and are trying to trim these down to one or two that we really value.” ### 3\. Water leaks In addition to keeping you up at night, a drip-drip-drip from a leaky faucet, toilet or showerhead can drive up your water bill. A single faucet that leaks at a rate of one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year — the equivalent of over 180 showers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ### 4\. Bank fees The average monthly fee for an interest-bearing checking account is \$15.45, or around \$185 a year, according to Bankrate.com. But these fees are avoidable. If your bank doesn’t offer an interest-bearing checking account with no fee, consider opening an account at a credit union. (Credit unions typically have fewer fees than commercial banks.) Or, if you’re willing to give up the brick-and-mortar bank experience, many online-only banks offer no-fee checking accounts. Most Popular ### 5\. Mutual fund fees A [mutual fund](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-low-cost-funds-fueled-nest-eggs/ "low cost funds fuel nest eggs") company, like any business, has expenses, including paying its executives, managers, accountants and other employees. As a result, some charge customers hefty fees. Been a while since you shopped around? Today, the average stock mutual fund charges about 0.4 percent of the fund’s assets a year, according to the Investment Company Institute, a trade group. That’s well below the average mutual fund fee a few decades ago. ### 6\. Food delivery Ordering in has never been easier thanks to [food delivery apps](https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/food-safety-tips-for-food-delivery-apps/ "tips for food delivery apps") such as Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash. Americans spend nearly \$1,600 a year on food delivery services, according to one survey. There are a couple simple ways to save when ordering in. Call the restaurant to see if they’ll deliver to you directly — it’s often cheaper than ordering through a delivery app. Also, see if your credit card entitles you to waived fees for certain delivery apps. ### 7\. Heat fiends and cooling devils You certainly don’t want your home to be sweltering all [summer](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/cut-costs-summer-electric-bills/ "save on summer bills") or frigid all [winter](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/lower-heating-bills/ "lower heating bills"). But do you really need the house set at 72 degrees when you’re at work? The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day. Get a programmable thermostat and you can have the house cooled or heated to the temperature you prefer when you get home. These devices start at as little as \$25 for a basic model. There are also [smart thermostats](https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2024/smart-home-daily-life-easier.html "smart tech for daily life") that let you control your home’s heating and cooling system remotely from your phone. ### 8\. Energy vampires A number of devices, from computers to printers to televisions to coffee makers, quietly consume electricity when you’re not using them. According to one study, such “energy vampires” can consume up to nearly one-fourth of an average household’s electricity use. Of course, you’re not going to turn off your refrigerator to reduce energy, but there are plenty of devices you can power down when they’re not in use to lower your electric bill. One easy and effective tactic: Instead of plugging electronics directly into wall outlets, use power strips to provide juice to smaller devices, like laptops and phone chargers, and turn off the power strips before you leave the house. ### 9\. Books Brace yourself, bibliophiles: A new adult paperback will set you back about \$16 to \$20, according to Publishers Weekly. A recent hardcover costs about \$30. Generally, you can borrow thousands of free books, [e-books and audiobooks](https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/ways-to-get-free-e-books-and-audiobooks/ "save on books") through your local public library. (Just make sure to return them on time to avoid late fees.) In addition, Gutenberg.org, a nonprofit and the original purveyor of online books, offers free access to more than 75,000 e-books that are in the public domain. ### 10\. Extended warranties Many products come with a standard warranty, where the manufacturer guarantees it will fix or replace the item for free if it breaks or is damaged during a specified period. But if you just purchased a new mobile phone, [refrigerator](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/replacing-appliances-when-they-break/ "replace appliances") or [car](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/tariffs-raise-car-prices-how-to-save/ "save on car prices"), chances are the seller offered you an [extended warranty](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/extended-warranties-guide/ "guide to extended warranties") for a fee. Extended warranties, though, often go unused. They also frequently have a number of exclusions where repairs aren’t covered. “Extended warranties are now a big business. Companies bake in the profits. So it’s not in their interest to live up to all their marketing,” warns Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com. “If you’ve ever struggled to get an insurance company to fulfill its policy, this is no different.” Tip: Instead of purchasing an extended warranty, see if there are any protections if you pay with your credit card. Many credit card companies will reimburse you or replace the product if it’s damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Visa and American Express offer this type of protection. If you have a Mastercard, the length of time varies from 45 to 90 days, depending on the card. ### 11\. Unnecessary groceries We’ve all been there: We stock up at the [supermarket](https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/supermarket-secrets/ "supermarket secrets") on groceries we plan to eat, but the food sits untouched in our refrigerator until it spoils and we have no choice but to toss it. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone — the average family of four tosses approximately \$3,000 worth of uneaten food into the garbage. At a time when grocery prices are on the rise, reducing how much food you waste can be a big [money saver](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/smart-guide-to-grocery-shopping/ "guide to grocery shopping"). A few ways to [limit food waste](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/reduce-food-waste-at-home/ "reduce food waste"): Store dry goods like rice and flour in airtight containers so they stay fresh longer; freeze certain foods before they expire; and don’t purchase foods in bulk if you’re an empty nester and can’t finish a 12-pack of potato chips before they expire. Maya Dollarhide is a freelance writer whose work has been published by MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Investopedia and other national publications.Donna Fuscaldo is a contributing writer and editor focusing on personal finance and health. She has spent over two decades writing and covering news for several national publications includingTheWall Street Journal,Forbes,Investopedia and HerMoney.
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