Creeper Expense Monster Revisited

In a previous article, I listed five notorious expenses that creep up consistently, often falling under our radar of priorities. I have compiled another 5 of the most annoying creeping expenses that once you take notice, may bring a few hundred dollars back into your spending budget per month.

1. Household supplies: Paper products, cleaning supplies, and pet products are easily grabbed when you stop into the grocery store. Since these products are not generally items that go on sale at hometown markets, you should find a favorite dollar store or join a co-op group that sells these products in larger quantities. Watch pricing tricks though, I have found that big chains will actually price the larger sized products as high as or higher than the smaller packages. I think they don’t expect us busy bulk buyers to look.

2. Credit card interest and fees: We often forget how many times we sign up for an introductory rate. When that expires there is little to no warning, your rate increases quietly, hoping you didn’t notice. Contact your credit card company and ask them to lower the rate and waive any fees that you may pay annually. They want you as a customer if you pay on time, make them earn it.

3. Bank Fees: Another increasingly competitive market, banks are trying to increase revenue in small incremental fees so they can offer great specials that draw in new customers. The free services we have become accustomed to, are starting to cost us. Fees for checking accounts offend my very nature as they are allowed to work with my money while it sits in the account, now we should pay you to use it? Seek out free checking and watch out for minimum balance fees. Most banks have personal banking representatives ready to answer questions and sign you up for all kinds of programs. Ask your questions and if you are going to sign up for something, ask them how much it is going to cost.

4. Personal Care Products: Shampoo, makeup, razors, all have a very wide range in pricing. I am not suggesting skimping on quality. Use the internet to read reviews on products and search out the most reasonable that still suits your needs. Also avoid making these purchases on impulse or at stores that focus on impulse sales.

5. Online Purchases: This is a very easy area to spend money without thinking. Make sure you search for shipping deals if you are committed to the purchase. If not, put off that purchase for at least a week when possible. You may find it is not quite as important by then.

These are just a few areas where expenses can creep up at small enough rates that it may only feel like a minor annoyance. But every leak you can plug up in your budget, keeps that cash coffer fuller, longer.