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Being annoyed by everyday expenses is something everyone can relate to, from the high cost of day care to hidden charges on services we thought were free.
Being a savvy consumer isn’t easy, especially when surprise fees and unexpected costs are lurking around every corner.
Let’s take an in-depth look at 13 of the most common budget busters that drive consumers crazy and explore some solutions that can help us become wiser with our spending habits.
#1. Day Care
Whether you’re scraping by on a tight budget or have plenty of disposable income, the reality is that paying for child care can be a significant financial burden.
With many costing as much as a monthly mortgage, it’s no wonder many people dread this bill.
#2. Convenience Fees
Convenience fees: The phrase alone elicits groans and grimaces from the masses.
Let’s face it: nobody enjoys spending money, especially when it feels like we’re being nickel-and-dimed for performing everyday transactions.
Whether booking a flight, buying tickets to a concert, or paying bills online, convenience fees are sneaky, frustrating, and downright obnoxious.
It’s no wonder why many of us feel cheated when we notice these added charges on our credit card statements.
#3. Car Repairs
It’s no secret that fixing a car can be pricey, and it always seems like the repairs come at the worst possible time.
The hassle of finding a reliable mechanic, figuring out what’s wrong with the car, and the cost of parts and labor can leave even the most financially stable person cringing at the thought of spending money on car repairs.
#4. In Game Purchases
In-game purchases have become a hot topic in the gaming community, and for good reason.
Many players feel cheated when they dish out their hard-earned cash to advance in a game.
It’s the worst feeling when you’ve invested time and effort into a game, only to discover that more levels or power-ups are only available if you fork over your money.
#5. Subscriptions
A subscription used to mean signing up for a magazine.
But now, everything is a subscription, from vitamins to streaming services, cell phones, and more.
We are slowly moving towards not owning anything and renting everything.
#6. Airbnb Fees
Airbnb is a popular option for travelers because it offers a more affordable and personalized experience than traditional hotels.
However, one aspect of the platform that many individuals do not enjoy is the mandatory fees associated with booking.
These fees include service, cleaning, and additional charges that can add up quickly.
And recently, these fees have skyrocketed, making it cheaper to stay at a hotel than a short-term rental.
#7. HOA Fees
When it comes to homeownership, there’s no escaping the dreaded HOA fees.
You spend countless hours searching for the perfect home, only to discover that you’ll also be required to shell out money for things like community maintenance and amenities.
What’s worse is that some HOAs are super restrictive and won’t let you paint your front door a particular color or decorate the outside of your house for the holidays.
#8. Taxes
Taxes have always been a contentious issue that people have had trouble accepting.
There are countless memes and jokes about it.
Many say they would happily pay taxes if they knew where their money was going or saw the changes made by taxes.
But the way the system is now, they feel like their money gets siphoned off and goes into the pockets of lobbyists or insiders.
#9. Feminine Hygiene Products
From tampons to pads, panty liners to menstrual cups, the constant need to restock and spend money on these products can be frustrating.
This is especially true given the ever-rising cost of these items.
#10. Cable TV
It’s not a surprise this expense has landed on this list.
People are furious with their cable bill.
It feels like the prices go up every month for the same service, or in some cases, less.
#11. Insurance Premiums
It’s understandable why people dislike insurance premiums.
You pay every month, and when you have an accident or claim, you have to fight to get money to cover the repairs.
And sadly, some insurance companies fight tooth and nail to deny claims.
If that isn’t bad enough, you also have increasing rates, even if you never made a claim.
#12. Student Loans
No one likes student loans.
And the hefty monthly payments that you need to make to repay these loans can seriously compromise your ability to save and reach your goals.
There has to be a better way than giving out tens of thousands in loans to people who may not earn enough to justify the cost.
#13. Shipping
Shipping charges can usually be the ultimate buzzkill when online shopping.
Just when you’ve found the perfect product at the ideal price, shipping and handling costs can take you straight out of the mood.
Nobody enjoys spending more money than they intended, especially on something as mundane as getting their item from point A to point B.
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I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.