Hidden Expenses

Have you ever gotten to the end of the month and wondered where all your money went? Even if you have a budget, you may have not included “hidden expenses” that we end up paying, but didn’t budget for. Some of these expenses are things like:

· Movie theater snacks

· Drinks and fries with a meal

· Pet treats

· Bank fees

· Furnace air filters, light bulbs, pest control, and other home maintenance

· Workplace potlucks, team potlucks, classroom snacks

· Field trip money, book fairs, school pictures

· Healthcare co-pays

· Personal care items

· Flowers and potting soil

· Car wash

These expenses are unique to each household. Make sure to track all your expenses, take an inventory, and try to figure out how much you spend on “hidden expenses” over the next few weeks. Walk around your home and make a list of those items you purchase, or what generates a bill because of these items and when. Then revise your budget to include these items and/or make a change. For example, bring movie snacks, use your in network ATM, increase your grocery budget every other month for cleaning supplies, or wash your car at home.

A small change in behavior can lead to a lot more pocket change and make for a healthier budget!!